The seat of the Dutch parliament and the country’s royal residence, The Hague is a stately seaside city — and a fantastic destination for culture aficionados. Less frenetic than lively Amsterdam, The Hague’s wide boulevards, lined with opulent embassies and Baroque mansions, are beautiful for leisurely strolls and cycles. Many of the best places to stay in The Hague are tucked within lavish landmark edifices, perfect for well-heeled travellers eager to soak up the city’s very special character.
On-foot explorers will delight in discovering The Hague’s marvellous architectural heritage. Admire the moated Binnenhof parliament complex, step inside the towering Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk, and marvel at masterpieces in the collections of the Mauritshuis Museum and the Escher in Het Paleis Museum. The Hague is famously home to the International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court, and numerous UN and EU institutions, all of which add to the learned, international feel of the city.
Guided tours of the city centre and various institutions are fascinating, and come highly recommended. Enjoy long lunches at the cafés of the Plein Square, catch a performance at the theatre, or kick start your evenings at a bustling bar in a striking heritage edifice. The city’s leafy parks are superb, as is the seaside Scheveningen district, with its beachfront esplanade and wonderful water sports opportunities. Speak to the team at your pick of the best places to stay in The Hague for their top café, bar and boutique suggestions. There’s plenty to discover across the city!