Things to do in The Hague

About The Hague

The Hague serves as the seat of the Dutch government and the residence of the Royal Family, despite not being the constitutional capital. It hosts the International Court of Justice at the Peace Palace and maintains a unique urban landscape where political history blends with coastal recreation. Visitors explore iconic Dutch art at the Mauritshuis, witness miniature Dutch architecture at Madurodam, or experience modernist art at the Kunstmuseum The Hague. The city acts as a major international hub for diplomacy and global peace initiatives while preserving significant historical districts.

Good to know

1. 1

   The Hague is the only major city in the Netherlands with a direct beach resort, Scheveningen, connected to the city center by a short tram ride.

2. 2

   The city does not have a formal city wall or historic fortifications, as it grew as a hunting lodge for Counts of Holland rather than a walled medieval fortress.

3. 3

   Despite being the administrative capital, the Dutch constitution designates Amsterdam as the capital of the Netherlands.

4. 4

   The city's 'Binnenhof' complex remains one of the oldest functioning parliamentary buildings in the world still in use.

5. 5

   During the 17th century, The Hague became a center for the 'Haagse School' of painting, a group of artists heavily influenced by the distinct light and grey skies of the Dutch coast.