The Hague

When you think of the Netherlands, chances are your mind jumps straight to Amsterdam: canals, bicycles, and museums galore. But tucked along the North Sea coast lies The Hague—a city that offers all the culture, charm, and history of its more famous neighbour, with the added bonus of a long sandy beach. It’s the perfect place for a long weekend, whether you’re after world-class art, political history, or just a breath of salty sea air.

We went there to see a gig. To be honest it wasn’t a place that was on my radar of places to visit but I was really surprised and glad I went ( and yes it was also a great gig).

Getting there

We flew to Amsterdam and then got a train direct from the airport. The journey took around 40 minutes and we arrived in the centre of town.

The Royal Palace

After checking into our hotel we went for a wander. Our hotel was close to The Royal Palace so that was a good place to start. Unfortunately you can only admire it from the outside. It’s a working Palace for the King and tours are not permitted. However that’s not the only Palace in town.

The Peace Palace

The Hague is also home to the Peace Palace, which houses the International Court of Justice. It’s worth a visit if only to admire the grand architecture. This is a Palace that you can see inside. Guided tours are available and you can purchase tickets up to two weeks in advance.

The Binnenhof

The Binnenhof is a complex of buildings in the centre of town which houses the Dutch Government. Sitting in the middle of a large square is the main building, the Ridderzaal (or Hall of Knights) which dates back to the 13th century and is used today for the state opening of Parliament. The surrounding buildings are used as government buildings and the office of the Prime Minister.

Note: As of November 2025 the Binnenhof is under renovation and access to the square is restricted.

The Mauritshuis Museum and Art Gallery

If you have a passion for art then head to the Mauritshuis Museum and art Gallery. We spent a pleasant afternoon there without the crowds of some of the more famous art galleries. A couple of highlights not to be missed are Vermeer’s Girl with the Pearl Earring and The Goldfinch by Fabritius.

Scheveningen Beach

After a morning of sightseeing, we got onboard Tram 9 and headed toward Scheveningen, The Hague’s seaside resort. The beach is a kilometre long and lined with beach bars. Take a stroll along the beach and if you’re looking for an adrenaline fix then you can do an organised bungee jump from the end of the Scheveningen Pier.

Finally

We liked the more relaxed vibe of The Hague and took in plenty of culture and history over a couple of days without it feeling rushed. A hidden gem on the north coast of Europe that’s worth considering for a weekend break.