Essentials
The Hague – Den Haag – is home to the Dutch government and Parliament. It is a friendly coastal town with many squares, parks and several canals. The Hague Tourist Board has a useful website (www.denhaag.com).
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Getting there
Easyjet runs a dozen flights a day from the UK to Amsterdam’s Schipol airport. From the airport, the double-decker trains run every 30 minutes or so to Den Haag Centraal, a journey of around 30 minutes.
The Hague is very walkable but the Netherlands cycling experience should not be missed. Everyone seems to cycle and car drivers are very considerate. Bikes can be hired cheaply at Den Haag Centraal train station, among other places – but you will need to pay a deposit of around 100 euros and you need a photographic proof of identity to hire. The lack of brakes (you need to cycle backwards to stop) takes some getting used to but seems to work…
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Accommodation
Info coming soon
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Things to do
Binnenhof (Inner Court) – this complex of buildings houses the Dutch seat of government. The impressive 13th century Ridderzaal (Knights Hall) is worth seeing.
Mauritshuis – this gallery is named after Count Maurits who commissioned the building in the mid 1600s. It is well worth a visit. Among others, it houses Rembrandts and Vermeers – including the famous Girl With A Pearl Earring and View of Delft.
Antiques market – there is an outdoor art and antiques market on Lange Voorhout on Thursdays and Sundays from May to September. We missed the farmers’ market which takes place by the Grote Kerk on Wednesdays but that might be worth a look. We were hugely disappointed by the Haagse Market on Herman Costerstraat – billed as “the biggest multicultural market in Europe” it was a load of tat. There is also a cool outside art exhibition right by the antiques market on Lange Voorhout
Scheveningen beach – the beach is about a 15 minute tram ride from the centre of town and is well worth visiting. The huge beach is sandy and beautifully clean. The beach also hosts the international sand sculpture festival in late May/early June, which is definitely worth a look.
Casino in Scheveningen – this is good fun and open every night of the week. Black jack, roulette and slot machines galore. You must bring photographic proof of identity for admission.
Delft – a half hour tram journey from The Hague is Delft. This town is very picturesque and definitely worth a day’s visit as there are plenty of interesting museums to visit and canals to walk along.
Festivals – The Hague hosts the following:
The International Sand Sculpture Festival, in May and June
The North Sea Jazz Festival, in July (www.northseajazz.nl)
The Dutch International Wine Festival, in October (www.dutchwinefestival.com)
The Holland Dance Festival, in October
If going to The Hague for a long weekend, it is worth bearing in mind that almost all museums, galleries and shops are shut on Mondays.
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Restaurants
There are lots of open air cafes, with chairs and tables in the main squares. The Indonesian restaurants are highly recommended – if you like variety, opt for a rijstafel – around a dozen different dishes to share. Delicious but very hot. We liked Garoeda on Kneuterdijk – very friendly staff and good value. Le Gentilhomme on Noordeinde was also very good value – the covered terrace is packed with locals in summer.
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Bars & Clubs
Info coming soon
Info compiled by Zoe Wales.
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