The Complete Guide to the Hauge City
View of the Binnenhof hofvijver Pond
The Dutch coast city of Gezellig can be best described as a charming Dutch gem. This Dutch concept is similar to Hygge for Danes. It is “the judicial capital” of the Netherlands, the home of the Dutch government and parliament. Maxima, the Argentinian-born king of the Netherlands, also resides there.
This city is sure to deliver, whether you want to enjoy Dutch Golden Age art, sip fine Malbec in a sky-high bar, or zipline over the North Sea.
The Hague offers much to water-lovers. Scheveningen has a wave for all levels of surfers. Beginners can get lessons at Hart Beach’s surf school and shop.
You can enjoy endless beaches with rolling dunes, and you will also find the breathtaking Panorama Mesdag Museum. This 360-degree panorama shows the dunes and Scheveningen village in their original 1881 form.
Scheveningen hosts an annual European fireworks festival. In previous years, thousands (about 10) would have been seen driving into the North Sea for the Unox-sponsored New Year’s Day.
You can enjoy a variety of bars and restaurants along the beach or take a stroll on De Pier. If you’re feeling adventurous, there is an open-air deck, and bungee can leap over the water.
For art lovers
Mauritshuis
A visit to The Hague’s Mauritshuis Museum is a must. It is located just a stone’s throw from Binnenhof. This museum is the oldest functioning parliament building in the world. Another unique feat in The Hague. One of the Mauritshuis rooms allows you to see right into the office of the Prime Minister.
The Mauritshuis building itself is a masterpiece. It was built by Count Johan Maurits, the governor-general for the former-Dutch colony in Brazil.
Visit Mauritshuis for works by Dutch masters such as Jan Steen, Rembrandt, and Carel Fabritius’ The Goldfinch (star of a 2019 Hollywood film of the same title).
Vermeer’s “The Girl With The Pearl Earring”, a Mauritshuis treasure for more than 100 years, is the museum’s jewel. It was purchased at a market for just two Guilders (less than $1), and it was only later discovered to be a Vermeer when it was cleaned.
One of the most well-known paintings in the world is “The Girl”. Like the Mona Lisa’s Mona Lisa, her ambiguous gaze invites intrigue.
You must reserve tickets in advance through the Mauritshuis website. You can also make an impromptu trip and reserve any remaining slots.
Museum Meermanno (Huis Van Het Boek).
Huis Van Het Boek, the oldest book museum on the globe, is a bibliophile’s paradise. After the death of Baron, the house was made the property of the state and opened to the public in 1852 as a museum.
The museum has one of the world’s finest miniature book collections. It also proudly holds one of Oscar Wilde’s last works, “The Ballad of Reading Gaol”. There is also half of an original letter signed by Oscar Wilde.
You can enjoy this and other valuable pieces of history at the impressive Herenhuis 18th-century building. Timed entry tickets must be ordered online to secure your spot.
The Palaces
The Hague is known for its palaces. The Dutch royal family has three official residences: Paleis Huis ten Bosch, in the Haagse Bos Forest, and Noordeinde.
You are welcome to attend a play in any of the most elegant settings. A few shows are available in English, and others aren’t. Don’t let your lack of Dutch skills stop you from enjoying them.
The Peace Palace
Andrew Carnegie, the philanthropist, funded the statuesque building as the global home for world peace.
In 1907, just before World War One, the first stone was laid. World leaders were asked to contribute decorations and materials to this temple of peace.
The Peace Palace today is a remarkable collection of artefacts and ornaments from all corners: marble from Italy, wood from El Salvador, vases and fountains from China, and a rush from Denmark and Faberge eggs from Tsar Nicholas II of Russia.
The Japanese Room is where the Permanent Court of Arbitration members meet. It has walls covered in silk and golden tapestries made over many years by more than 48,000 Japanese weavers. They are stunning to see.
Guided tours can be booked in advance. Guided tours are offered in and around the palace, including the beautiful gardens and the Great Hall of Justice.