The Hague doesn't always get the spotlight it deserves. Amsterdam steals most of the attention, but seasoned travellers know that this city, home to the Dutch royal family and the International Court of Justice, has a character all its own. If you're searching for the best things to do in The Hague, you're in the right place. This guide covers everything from iconic art museums and beachside thrills to quirky attractions that most tourists walk straight past.
1. Stand in Front of Girl with a Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis
This one is non-negotiable. The Mauritshuis is a small but extraordinary museum housed in a 17th-century palace, and it's home to some of the most famous Dutch Golden Age paintings in the world. Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring is smaller than you'd expect, but standing in front of it is genuinely one of those moments. Book your ticket in advance, especially in summer, because this place sells out.
2. Get Your Head Turned Inside Out at Escher in the Palace
If you've ever stared at an M.C. Escher print and wondered how a human brain produced it, Escher in the Palace will answer that question in the most satisfying way possible. The museum sits inside a royal palace and blends original artwork with interactive installations that genuinely mess with your perception. It's fun for adults and kids alike, and it's one of those places you'll talk about long after you leave.
3. Explore the Whole Country in an Afternoon at Madurodam
Yes, it's technically a miniature park. But Madurodam is genuinely impressive, and not just for families. You'll walk past scale models of Amsterdam's canals, Rotterdam's port, and windmills from across the Dutch countryside, all packed into one beautifully maintained outdoor space. It's a surprisingly moving experience too, given the wartime story behind why the park was built in the first place.
4. Ride the Heritage Tram Through the City
One of the best ways to get your bearings on arrival is to hop aboard the Hop-on Hop-off Heritage Tram Tour. These are vintage trams, not modern ones, and they roll through the city's most photogenic streets at a pace that actually lets you look around. Jump off wherever catches your eye and reboard when you're ready. It's relaxed, affordable, and a genuinely enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.
5. Walk the City with Someone Who Actually Knows Its Stories
There's a lot of history packed into The Hague's centre, and most of it isn't obvious from the outside. The Centre The Hague On Foot with Wonderful Storyteller is a two-hour walking tour led by a local guide who knows how to make the past feel alive. You'll leave with a completely different understanding of the city, and probably a few good restaurant recommendations too.
6. Face the Dark Side of Dutch Justice at the Prison Gate Museum
The Prison Gate Museum is one of those places that sounds grim but ends up being fascinating. It's one of the oldest surviving medieval buildings in the Netherlands, and it was used as a prison for centuries. The tour takes you through torture chambers, cells, and courtrooms, giving you a very unfiltered look at how justice worked in earlier centuries. Don't skip it just because it sounds uncomfortable.
7. Hit the Beach at Scheveningen
The Hague is one of the few European capitals with a proper beach just 15 minutes from the city centre, and Scheveningen delivers. The long sandy stretch is packed in summer with beach bars, volleyball nets, and surf schools, but even in the shoulder season it's worth the tram ride out. For something with a bit more adrenaline, book a Scheveningen Beach RIB Speedboat Tour and see the coastline from the water at full speed.
8. Take in the View from The Pier SkyView
While you're out at Scheveningen, walk to the end of the pier and head up to The Pier SkyView. The views stretch along the coast in both directions, and on a clear day you can see for miles. It's a great spot for photos, and there are snacks available if you need a break between sightseeing stops. Go late afternoon if you want the light on your side.
9. Eat Your Way Through the Hofkwartier
The Hofkwartier neighbourhood, tucked behind the Binnenhof, is where locals actually eat. You'll find everything from Indonesian rijsttafel, a Dutch-Indonesian tradition that's deeply embedded in local food culture, to tiny bakeries selling fresh stroopwafels. Don't leave without trying a broodje kroket from a local snack bar. It's a deep-fried beef ragout roll, it costs almost nothing, and it's one of those street food experiences that sticks with you.
10. Cycle the City Like a Local
The Netherlands runs on bikes, and The Hague is no exception. Joining a Highlights Bike Tour is one of the most enjoyable ways to cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed. You'll ride past royal palaces, government buildings, and leafy residential streets that most tourists never find on foot. The guides are relaxed and knowledgeable, and the pace is easy enough for anyone.
11. Day Trip to Leiden's Botanical Garden
Leiden is only 20 minutes by train, and the Hortus Botanicus Leiden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, dating back to 1590. It's a genuinely peaceful place to spend a morning, with greenhouses full of tropical plants, a Japanese garden, and centuries of horticultural history. Combine it with a walk through Leiden's canal streets and you've got a near-perfect day out.
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The Hague rewards curious travellers. It's a city that doesn't try too hard to impress you, but somehow manages to do exactly that. Whether you've got two days or five, you'll find there's always one more thing worth seeing. Start planning, book what you can in advance, and go with an open mind.
