The Hague

The Hague

Plan The Hague with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.

Step out of your hotel in The Hague in the morning and the city feels both grand and green. Trams glide along stately avenues lined with lime trees, the towers of the Binnenhof rise above the still waters of the Hofvijver, and diplomats hurry beneath the old trees of the Lange Voorhout. Barely twenty minutes away by tram, the North Sea rolls onto the wide sands of Scheveningen, where seagulls wheel above the pier and early walkers lean into the wind.

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The Hague at first sight

The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and parliament, and a world city of peace and justice, with international courts housed in the elegant Peace Palace and beyond. Yet it is also a seaside resort, a city of great art and quiet canals, and a lively, multicultural place where markets, parks and dunes sit side by side. Few cities carry such importance so lightly.

Why include The Hague in your itinerary?

  • Golden Age art in a jewel-box museum. The Mauritshuis, a seventeenth-century palace on the Hofvijver, holds some of the most celebrated Dutch paintings in the world, while Escher in The Palace and the Kunstmuseum add optical illusions, modern art and design.
  • City and beach in one stay. Few European cities have a long sandy beach within their limits. In Scheveningen you can ride the Ferris wheel over the sea, walk the boulevard, watch the waves and enjoy fresh fish by the harbour, then be back among the museums by tram.
  • A city of peace and history. See the Peace Palace, the parliament quarter around the Binnenhof and the moving wartime prison memorial in Scheveningen, and discover how this green, dignified city became a centre of international law and Dutch democracy.

Signature experiences in The Hague

The Mauritshuis and Escher in The Palace

On the edge of the Hofvijver, the Mauritshuis is an intimate seventeenth-century palace filled with masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age, from luminous portraits to still lifes and city views. A short walk away on the Lange Voorhout, Escher in The Palace fills a former royal winter palace with impossible staircases, endless patterns and playful optical illusions. We book timed tickets so you can enjoy both without waiting in line.

Scheveningen Beach, the Pier and the Sea

Scheveningen is the seaside of The Hague, a wide sandy beach with a lively boulevard and a pier stretching out into the North Sea. Ride the Ferris wheel at the end of the pier for sweeping views of the coast, the dunes and the city skyline, or feel the spray on a fast speedboat ride from the harbour along the shore. Back on land, harbour stalls serve fresh fried fish and Dutch herring.

Madurodam, the Netherlands in Miniature

Madurodam presents the whole country on a small scale: the canal houses of Amsterdam, the port of Rotterdam, windmills, tulip fields, the great Delta Works and Schiphol airport, all beautifully detailed and many of them interactive. Children and adults alike can open sluice gates, load container ships and watch tiny trains pass. It is a perfect introduction to the Netherlands, and it lies conveniently on the way to the beach.

Heritage Trams and Canal Cruises

Hop aboard a restored heritage tram that links the city's highlights, from the Binnenhof to the Peace Palace and the leafy embassy quarters, getting on and off as you please. The Hague also has quiet historic canals, and a cruise reveals hidden quays, old warehouses and green gardens that few visitors notice. Together they offer a relaxed way to see a city that rewards slow exploring, with commentary on its long history.

The Peace Palace and the Wartime Prison

The Peace Palace, with its red-brick towers and formal gardens, houses the International Court of Justice, and its visitor centre explains the story of international law. In Scheveningen, the former wartime prison where members of the resistance were held is now a moving national memorial, with a preserved cell, messages scratched into walls and a quiet courtyard. Both offer a thoughtful counterpoint to the beach and the museums.

Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in The Hague

The Historic Centre and Hofkwartier

The heart of The Hague surrounds the Binnenhof, the Hofvijver and the Mauritshuis. Nearby, the Hofkwartier is a charming quarter of boutiques, galleries and cafés, and the Lange Voorhout is lined with embassies and grand old houses. It is the most convenient base for first-time visitors, within walking distance of the museums and close to both main railway stations.

Zeeheldenkwartier

West of the centre, the Zeeheldenkwartier is a lively nineteenth-century neighbourhood of handsome terraced houses, independent shops, bakeries and relaxed cafés. It feels creative and local, with a pleasant weekend buzz, yet stays calm and safe. The Peace Palace is on its doorstep and trams run to the beach, making it a good choice for repeat visitors who enjoy neighbourhood life.

Statenkwartier

Between the city and the sea, the Statenkwartier is an elegant residential area of wide streets, art nouveau houses and leafy squares, close to the Kunstmuseum and the dunes. It is peaceful, green and dignified, ideal for families and travellers who want quiet evenings, with both the beach and the historic centre a short tram ride away.

Scheveningen

Scheveningen combines a beach resort and a working fishing harbour. Along the boulevard, hotels look straight out to sea, while the harbour area is quieter, with fish restaurants and moored boats. Staying here means sunrise walks on the sand and evenings by the water, though it can be busy on summer weekends. The city centre is about twenty minutes away by tram.

How long to stay in The Hague and how to pair it

Recommended stay

We recommend three nights in The Hague. One day for the Mauritshuis, Escher in The Palace and the Binnenhof area, one for Scheveningen, the pier and Madurodam, and a third for the Peace Palace, a canal cruise, the wartime prison memorial or a short trip to Delft. With four nights, add Rotterdam, or Keukenhof in spring.

How to pair it

The Hague pairs naturally with Delft, about fifteen minutes away by train, for its canals and blue pottery, and with Rotterdam, around twenty-five minutes by train, for bold modern architecture and the windmills of Kinderdijk nearby. Leiden is a quarter of an hour north, and Amsterdam under an hour. A week can combine Amsterdam, Leiden, The Hague and Delft, with a final day in Rotterdam.

Best time to visit The Hague and the rhythm of the day

Best months

The best time to visit The Hague is from April to September. Spring brings blossom to the parks and tulips at nearby Keukenhof, while June to August is beach season in Scheveningen, with long light evenings and events by the sea. Autumn is quieter and good for museums. Winters are cold and windy on the coast, though the city's art collections still make a fine short break.

The daily rhythm

The Hague runs on a calm, orderly rhythm. Mornings are best for the museums and the Binnenhof area before they fill up. Lunch is light, often a sandwich or soup, and afternoons suit the beach, Madurodam or a heritage tram ride. In summer, evenings stretch long on the Scheveningen boulevard, while dinner in the city is usually early, around six or seven.

On-the-ground logistics in The Hague

Arrival

Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) is about twenty-five minutes from the centre by road, and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) about thirty minutes by direct train to Den Haag Centraal. The city has two main railway stations, Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag HS, both close to the centre. We arrange private transfers from either airport or the station straight to your hotel.

Getting around

The centre of The Hague is walkable, with the Binnenhof, the Mauritshuis and the shopping streets close together. An efficient tram network links the stations, the Peace Palace, Madurodam, Scheveningen and even Delft, and you can tap in with a contactless bank card. Cycling is popular and bike lanes are everywhere. For day trips to Keukenhof or Kinderdijk, a private car with driver arranged by our team is the most comfortable choice.

Local etiquette tip

The Hague is courteous and international, and locals appreciate politeness, punctuality and directness. Keep out of the bicycle lanes and let passengers off the tram before boarding. Modest dress is respectful in churches and at memorial sites. Tipping is optional; rounding up is enough. Halal food is easy to find, especially around the vast Haagse Markt and in neighbourhoods with large Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese communities.

Must-do things in The Hague

  • Admire Golden Age masterpieces in the Mauritshuis
  • Lose yourself in the illusions of Escher in The Palace
  • Walk around the Hofvijver for the classic view of the Binnenhof
  • Ride the Ferris wheel on the pier above the North Sea
  • Explore the whole country in miniature at Madurodam
  • Feel the spray on a speedboat ride from Scheveningen harbour
  • Hop on a heritage tram between the city's landmarks
  • See the Peace Palace and its visitor centre
  • Pause at the wartime prison memorial in Scheveningen
  • Cruise the quiet historic canals of the old city

Do’s and don’ts in The Hague

Do

  • Do book museum and attraction tickets for timed entry
  • Do bring a windproof jacket for the beach, even in summer
  • Do tap in and out on trams with a contactless bank card
  • Do try fresh fried fish at Scheveningen harbour
  • Do browse the Haagse Markt for multicultural flavours

Don’t

  • Don't walk or stand in the bicycle lanes
  • Don't swim outside the guarded zones on the beach
  • Don't forget to tap out when leaving the tram
  • Don't treat the wartime prison memorial as a casual photo stop
  • Don't try to cover both city and beach in a rushed half day

The Hague at a glance

Plan The Hague with Haqqi Tours

Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask most about The Hague.

Where should first-time visitors stay in The Hague?

First-time visitors usually stay in the historic centre near the Binnenhof and the Hofkwartier, within walking distance of the museums and close to both stations. For sea air and beach walks, Scheveningen is a lovely alternative, about twenty minutes by tram. Our team can suggest a hotel in either area and arrange your private transfer.

Can The Hague be done as a day trip, or does it need an overnight stay?

The Hague is an easy day trip from Amsterdam, but one day leaves little time for both the museums and the beach. Two or three nights let you enjoy the Mauritshuis, Scheveningen, Madurodam and an evening on the boulevard at a relaxed pace. We arrange private transfers and attraction tickets to fit your schedule.

What is the dress code and etiquette in The Hague?

There is no dress code in The Hague; smart casual clothing is common in the centre, and comfortable shoes and a windproof layer are essential. Dress modestly at churches and memorial sites, and be respectful at the wartime prison. Keep out of bicycle lanes, be punctual and expect polite, direct conversation. Tipping is optional.

Is The Hague tourist friendly?

Yes. The Hague is an international city of embassies and global institutions, and almost everyone speaks excellent English. Trams are easy to use, signs are clear and museums offer English information. Halal food is easy to find around the Haagse Markt and in several multicultural neighbourhoods, and our team can point you to good places.

Is it safe to travel to The Hague now?

The Hague is generally considered a safe city for visitors, with a calm centre and well-used trams. Normal precautions apply: keep valuables close in crowds and on the beach, lock any rented bicycle and swim only in guarded areas. Before departure, check your own government's official travel advice, and keep our WhatsApp line handy throughout your stay.

What are the must-do things in The Hague?

The must-do things in The Hague include the Mauritshuis, Escher in The Palace, the Hofvijver and Binnenhof, Madurodam, the pier and Ferris wheel in Scheveningen, a speedboat ride along the coast, the heritage tram, the Peace Palace and the wartime prison memorial. Our team can book tickets and plan them in the best order.

How many days do you need in The Hague?

Three days is ideal for The Hague: one for the museums and the Binnenhof area, one for Scheveningen and Madurodam, and one for the Peace Palace, a canal cruise or a trip to Delft. Two days covers the highlights at a quicker pace, while four days allow Rotterdam, Leiden or Keukenhof in spring.

What can I book in The Hague with Haqqi Tours?

Day tours and attraction tickets, including Scheveningen Beach RIB Speedboat Tour, The Hague City Canal Cruise and The Hague Hop-On Hop-Off Heritage Tram Tour. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.

How do I get from the airport to my hotel in The Hague?

With a private transfer: a driver at arrivals, flight tracking and a fixed price for the whole vehicle, door to door. Tell the desk the flight number and the hotel.

Is there public transport from the airport to The Hague?

Public options vary by airport and end at a station rather than your hotel; the private transfer starts at the arrivals door and ends at your door.

Which tours are available in The Hague?

Among them: Scheveningen Beach RIB Speedboat Tour, The Hague City Canal Cruise and The Hague Hop-On Hop-Off Heritage Tram Tour. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.

Are the tours private or in a group?

Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.

How do I book?

Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.

Are the prices fixed?

Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.

Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?

It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.

Can I change or cancel a booking in The Hague?

Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.