Safety
Excellent82100
A very safe city.
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About:
A very safe city.
Advantages:
- Low crime rates.
- Very safe to walk at any time.
The Hague (Den Haag)
The elegant seat of the Dutch government and capital of international justice, famous for its art museums, royal palace and Scheveningen beach.
23 days
About The Hague (Den Haag)
About The Hague (Den Haag) - Culture, History & Character
City Description
The Hague is the majestic center of the government of the Netherlands and the world capital of peace and justice. Unlike bustling Amsterdam, The Hague projects an atmosphere of stately elegance, with wide avenues, royal palaces and historic embassies. It is a city where decisions that affect the entire world are made in institutions such as the Peace Palace and the International Criminal Court. However, this seriousness is balanced by a vibrant cultural scene, world-class museums housing masterpieces by Vermeer and Mondrian, and the North Sea breeze in its lively coastal district of Scheveningen. It is a sophisticated, international and surprisingly green city.
Population
Approximately 550,000 (city), 1.1 million (metropolitan area)
Languages
Dutch
Dutch is the official language. English is spoken fluently and universally, given the international character of the city.
History of The Hague (Den Haag)
Explore the fascinating past of The Hague (Den Haag) and discover how it has developed over the centuries.
Historical Journey
Ancient Period
The history of The Hague did not begin as a city, but as a hunting lodge of the Counts of Holland in the 13th century, next to a pond that would become the current 'Hofvijver'.
Development Period
This hunting lodge grew to become the Binnenhof, the complex of buildings that has been the center of political power in the Netherlands for more than 800 years. Although it never officially received city rights, it became the de facto seat of government. Its international status was cemented in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the Hague Peace Conferences, which led to the construction of the iconic Peace Palace.
Modern Period
After World War II, The Hague solidified its global role by becoming the headquarters of the UN International Court of Justice and, later, other international legal institutions. Today, it is a cosmopolitan city, home to the Dutch Royal Family, a vast diplomatic corps and a thriving expatriate community, combining its important global role with a high quality of life.
Historical Timeline
The historical timeline shows the key moments that have defined the development of The Hague (Den Haag) through the centuries.
City Scores
City Scores
Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system
Walkability
Excellent90100
The city center is very compact and perfect for walking. Transportation is needed to go to the beach.
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The city center is very compact and perfect for walking. Transportation is needed to go to the beach.
Advantages:
- You can easily walk from the Binnenhof to the palaces and shopping areas.
- It is a very bicycle-friendly city.
Challenges:
- To go to Scheveningen or some museums, the tram is the best option.
Public Transport
Excellent100100
A first-class public transport system (HTM), with a dense network of trams and buses.
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A first-class public transport system (HTM), with a dense network of trams and buses.
Advantages:
- Trams are the best way to get around, connecting the center to the beach quickly and efficiently.
- Punctual, clean and very easy to use.
Affordability
Fair50100
An expensive destination: lodging and nightlife add up; use public transport and set menus.
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About:
An expensive destination: lodging and nightlife add up; use public transport and set menus.
Advantages:
- Walking along the beach and dunes is free.
- Public transportation is efficient, eliminating the need for expensive taxis.
Challenges:
- Restaurant and hotel prices are high.
- Museum tickets are expensive.
Nightlife
Excellent85100
Lively and sophisticated, focused on the downtown squares and beach bars in summer.
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About:
Lively and sophisticated, focused on the downtown squares and beach bars in summer.
Advantages:
- The Grote Markt and Plein squares are filled with terraces and bars.
- The beach bars ('strandtenten') in Scheveningen have a great atmosphere in summer.
- Good live music scene, with venues like Paard.
Challenges:
- Less intense and alternative than that of Amsterdam or Rotterdam.
Art & Culture
Excellent98100
A world-class cultural offer, especially in art from the Dutch Golden Age and De Stijl.
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A world-class cultural offer, especially in art from the Dutch Golden Age and De Stijl.
Advantages:
- The Mauritshuis, with masterpieces such as 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' by Vermeer and 'The Anatomy Lesson' by Rembrandt.
- The Kunstmuseum Den Haag, with the largest collection of Mondrian works in the world.
- The 'Escher in Het Paleis' museum, dedicated to M.C. Escher.
- The Panorama Mesdag, a unique 19th century cylindrical painting.
Food Scene
Excellent90100
A sophisticated and international gastronomic scene, influenced by its expatriate community.
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About:
A sophisticated and international gastronomic scene, influenced by its expatriate community.
Advantages:
- Excellent Indonesian food ('Indische') due to historical ties.
- Fresh fish in the port of Scheveningen, especially herring ('haring').
- Great variety of fine dining restaurants from around the world.
Challenges:
- Eating out is expensive.
Shopping
Excellent90100
Excellent, from department stores to luxury boutiques and charming streets.
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About:
Excellent, from department stores to luxury boutiques and charming streets.
Advantages:
- The Grote Marktstraat and Spuistraat area for the big brands.
- Noordeinde and Denneweg streets for luxury boutiques, art galleries and antique shops.
- The historic 'De Passage' galleries.
Weather
Good65100
Often gray, windy and prone to rain. It is its main drawback.
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About:
Often gray, windy and prone to rain. It is its main drawback.
Advantages:
- Summers can be very pleasant at the beach.
Challenges:
- The North Sea wind can make the weather feel colder.
Tourist Friendly
Excellent95100
Very easy and pleasant for visitors, with excellent infrastructure.
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Very easy and pleasant for visitors, with excellent infrastructure.
Advantages:
- English is universal.
- Well organized and easy to navigate city.
- Less crowded than nearby Amsterdam.
Family Friendly
Excellent98100
Exceptional for families. It is safe, has a beach and world-class attractions for children.
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Exceptional for families. It is safe, has a beach and world-class attractions for children.
Advantages:
- Madurodam, Holland's miniature park, is a must-see.
- The beach and pier of Scheveningen.
- Interactive museums like the Museon.
- Many parks and play areas.
LGBTQ+ Friendly
Excellent98100
Extremely open, safe and welcoming, as expected from a big Dutch city.
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Extremely open, safe and welcoming, as expected from a big Dutch city.
Advantages:
- The Netherlands is a pioneer in LGTBQ+ rights.
- Very tolerant and inclusive environment.
- Host of an annual Pride parade.
Local Friendly
Excellent80100
The Dutch are known for being direct and reserved, but they are polite and the city's international atmosphere makes it very accessible.
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About:
The Dutch are known for being direct and reserved, but they are polite and the city's international atmosphere makes it very accessible.
Advantages:
- English is spoken universally.
- A huge expat community makes it easy to integrate.
Challenges:
- The culture is more formal and less spontaneous than in southern Europe.
Natural Beauty
Excellent95100
A unique beauty that combines the elegance of a stately city with the natural rawness of the dunes and the North Sea.
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A unique beauty that combines the elegance of a stately city with the natural rawness of the dunes and the North Sea.
Advantages:
- The beach and dune park of Scheveningen.
- The Haagse Bos urban forest.
- The Hofvijver pond, which reflects the Binnenhof.
Architecture
Excellent95100
An elegant mix of historic government architecture, royal palaces, stately embassies and a modern skyline.
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About:
An elegant mix of historic government architecture, royal palaces, stately embassies and a modern skyline.
Advantages:
- The Binnenhof complex is the historical and political heart.
- The Peace Palace is an icon of Neo-Renaissance architecture.
- Charming neighborhoods like the Archipelbuurt.
- A modern and growing skyline.
Historical Significance
Excellent98100
The center of Dutch power for 800 years and the birthplace of modern international law.
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The center of Dutch power for 800 years and the birthplace of modern international law.
Advantages:
- Seat of the Dutch government, parliament and monarchy.
- Cradle of the Hague Conventions, which laid the foundations of international humanitarian law.
- Headquarters of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
Green Spaces
Excellent95100
One of the greenest cities in the Netherlands, with large urban forests and a dune system.
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One of the greenest cities in the Netherlands, with large urban forests and a dune system.
Advantages:
- The Haagse Bos, an ancient forest that reaches to the heart of the city.
- The Scheveningen dunes are a nature reserve perfect for walking and cycling.
- The elegant Westbroekpark and its rose garden.
Cleanliness
Excellent95100
A very clean and well-organized city, as is characteristic of the Netherlands.
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A very clean and well-organized city, as is characteristic of the Netherlands.
Advantages:
- Impeccable public spaces, parks and transportation.
Startup Scene
Excellent85100
An important startup hub, especially in the fields of cybersecurity, legal technology and social impact.
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An important startup hub, especially in the fields of cybersecurity, legal technology and social impact.
Advantages:
- Known as 'The Hague Security Delta', the largest security cluster in Europe.
- Proximity to the government and NGOs.
Digital Nomad Friendly
Excellent80100
Excellent infrastructure and quality of life, but the high cost of living is a deciding factor.
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About:
Excellent infrastructure and quality of life, but the high cost of living is a deciding factor.
Advantages:
- Very international and professional environment.
- Exceptional quality of life.
- Good connectivity.
Challenges:
- Very high cost of living and rent.
Overall City Score
Comprehensive assessment of this destination
91/ 100
Weather & Climate
Descubre las mejores épocas para visitar The Hague (Den Haag) y qué esperar durante todo el año.
Monthly Temperatures
January
Max6°
Min1°
February
Max7°
Min1°
March
Max10°
Min3°
April
Max14°
Min5°
May
Max17°
Min9°
June
Max20°
Min12°
July
Max22°
Min14°
August
Max22°
Min14°
September
Max19°
Min11°
October
Max15°
Min8°
November
Max10°
Min4°
December
Max7°
Min2°
Legend
Best Months
Hot Months
Cold Months
Rainy Periods
Weather Summary
Often gray, windy and prone to rain. It is its main drawback.
Weather Tips
Summers can be very pleasant at the beach.
The North Sea wind can make the weather feel colder.
Being on the coast, it is often windy. The weather is very changeable. Always wear layers of clothing.
Overview
Spring
Fresh and pleasant, ideal for watching the parks bloom and for visiting Keukenhof.
More Information
Summer
The best time to enjoy Scheveningen beach. Temperate and lively climate.
More Information
Autumn
Cool and often windy, with beautiful colors in the forests and dunes.
More Information
Winter
Cold, wet and windy. Fewer crowds and a cozy atmosphere in the cafes.
More Information
Presupuesto y Compras
Plan your expenses and discover the best shopping areas
Budget Planning
Daily spending per person
An expensive city, as to be expected in the Netherlands. Prices are comparable to Amsterdam, although some aspects such as food may be slightly more reasonable.
Budget Travel
80-110€
per day
Mid-Range Travel
180-300€
per day
Luxury Travel
€450+
per day
Guía de Compras
Best Areas
Department Stores and High-Street
2 areas
Grote Marktstraat
Clic para ver detalles
Spuistraat
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Luxury, Art and Antiques
2 areas
Noordeinde
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Denneweg
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Independent Boutiques
1 area
Zeeheldenkwartier (Prins Hendrikstraat)
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Points of Interest
Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer
Mauritshuis
An exquisite museum in a 17th-century palace that houses a collection of masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' and Rembrandt's 'The Anatomy Lesson'.
Museum
Binnenhof and Ridderzaal
The heart of Dutch democracy for 800 years. An impressive complex of government buildings around a courtyard, with the Ridderzaal (Knights' Hall) as the centerpiece.
History
Peace Palace (Vredespaleis)
The headquarters of the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. An iconic building financed by Andrew Carnegie, a symbol of world peace and justice.
Architecture
Scheveningen Beach and Pier
The most famous spa in the Netherlands. A long sandy beach with a lively promenade, an iconic pier with a Ferris wheel and many beach bars.
Landmark
Kunstmuseum Den Haag
A stunning Art Deco building that houses the largest collection of works by Piet Mondrian in the world, as well as a vast collection of modern art, fashion and decorative arts.
Museum
Madurodam
A famous miniature park that recreates the most iconic buildings and places in the Netherlands at a scale of 1:25. A fun and interactive experience for all ages.
Museum
Escher in the Palace (Escher in Het Paleis)
A museum dedicated to graphic artist M.C. Escher, located in Queen Emma's former winter palace. It exhibits his famous woodcuts and lithographs with optical illusions.
Museum
Mesdag Overview
A unique artistic experience. It is a gigantic cylindrical painting 120 meters in circumference that places you in the center of Scheveningen beach in the 19th century.
Museum
The Hague Art Gallery
The Hague Art Gallery is one of the most iconic places in The Hague, known for its rich history and architecture.
Landmark
Main Theater of The Hague
The Hague Main Theater is one of the most iconic places in The Hague, known for its rich history and architecture.
Landmark
The Hague Botanical Garden
The Hague Botanical Garden is one of the most iconic places in The Hague, known for its rich history and architecture.
Landmark
The Hague Castle
The Hague Castle is one of the most iconic places in The Hague, known for its rich history and architecture.
Landmark
University of The Hague
The Hague University is one of the most iconic places in The Hague, known for its rich history and architecture.
Landmark
The Hague Library
The Hague Library is one of the most iconic places in The Hague, known for its rich history and architecture.
Landmark
The Hague City Hall
The Hague Town Hall is one of the most iconic places in The Hague, known for its rich history and architecture.
Landmark
Discover every corner of The Hague (Den Haag)!
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Day Trips
Discover fascinating destinations near The Hague (Den Haag) perfect for day getaways
Delft
Charming towns, ceramics, history, Vermeer.
A charming canal town, famous for its blue and white pottery (Delftware), its connection to the painter Vermeer and its historic atmosphere.
Rotterdam
Modern architecture, design, port environment.
A trip to the capital of modern architecture in Holland. Completely different from The Hague, with its skyscrapers, the Erasmus Bridge and the Cube Houses.
Amsterdam
Less than an hour by train, you can visit the country's capital, with its famous museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh) and its unique atmosphere.
Keukenhof Gardens
Flowers, nature, photography, spring.
If you visit in spring (late March to mid-May), a trip to the world's most famous tulip gardens is a must.
Explore Neighborhoods
Discover the unique character and charm of each city district.
Centrum
The historic and commercial heart, with the Binnenhof and the main shopping streets.
Scheveningen
The lively coastal district, with the beach, the pier and the fish restaurants.
Zeeheldenkwartier
A modern and bohemian neighborhood, full of independent boutiques, delicatessens and cafes.
Archipelbuurt
Stately and quiet, with impressive neo-Renaissance style houses and embassies.
Statenkwartier
An elegant residential neighborhood with beautiful Art Nouveau houses, near the Kunstmuseum.
Seasonal Experiences
Discover the best experiences and activities for each time of year
King's Day (Koningsdag)
April 27
The national holiday of the Netherlands. Although the main celebration is in Amsterdam, The Hague has its own party, 'Koningsnacht' (the night before), with a large music festival in the centre.
New Herring Season (Hollandse Nieuwe)
Early June
The arrival of the first herring of the season is celebrated with festivals, especially in the port of Scheveningen ('Vlaggetjesdag'). It is the best time to try this Dutch delicacy.
Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival
August
Over several weekends, different countries compete in a spectacular fireworks contest on Scheveningen beach.
Traveler Tips
Essential advice and local insights to make your trip memorable and safe
Food & Dining Tips
Eat a 'Haring' like a Dutchman
Look for a fish stall ('viskraam'). Order a 'broodje haring' (on a bun with onion and pickles) or, if you dare, a 'haring' on its own, which is eaten by holding it by the tail and tilting your head back.
Discover the Indonesian 'Rijsttafel'
Due to the colonial history of the Netherlands, Indonesian food is exceptional here. A 'rijsttafel' (rice table) is a feast of dozens of small dishes to share.
Transportation Tips
Take the tram to the beach
The tram is by far the easiest and fastest way to get from the city center to Scheveningen. Lines 1 and 9 are the most direct.
Culture & Etiquette
Respect the bike lanes
They are the domain of cyclists. Never walk or stop in a bike lane (usually red). The cyclists go fast and won't stop.
Health & Hygiene
tap water
It is of exceptional quality and perfectly safe to drink.
Insider Tips
Visit the Hofvijver at night
The pond next to the Binnenhof is beautiful during the day, but at night, when the historic buildings are illuminated and reflected in the water, it is a magical and peaceful place.
Ride a bike through the dunes
Rent a bike and ride the extensive network of cycle paths that criss-cross the dune park between The Hague and Scheveningen. It's a quintessential Dutch experience and gets you away from the crowds.
Before you go
Quick answers to plan your trip with confidence
About 23 days covers the essentials. Add 1–2 days for neighborhoods or day trips.
Mid-range is around 180-300€ per person per day (stay, food, local transport). See the budget section for ranges.
A solid starting area is Centrum. Compare neighborhoods and hotels on this page.
The tram is by far the easiest and fastest way to get from the city center to Scheveningen. Lines 1 and 9 are the most direct.
Family-friendliness rated 98/100. It usually works well for family trips.
Safety rated 82/100. Use normal urban precautions at night.
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