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We didn’t plan to visit The Hague. But as we were in Delft, a trip to the Dutch city that houses the national parliament and royal palace was a no-brainer.
This post lists all the details you need for a day trip to The Hague including what to see/do and essential travel information.
WHAT TO SEE/DO IN THE HAGUE
Peace Palace (Vredespalais)
This was our number one place to see on our day trip to The Hague and, despite not being able to enter the palace during our visit, we still found it a worthwhile destination. Built by Andrew Carnegie, the Peace Palace houses the UN’s International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Permanent Court of Arbitration and The Hague Academy of International Law.
The Carnegie Foundation owns and manages the Peace Palace. There is an engaging exhibition outside the main gate, and a tree where you can leave messages. Tram 1 stops outside the palace.
International Criminal Court (Internationaal Strafhof)
The ICJ is not to be confused with the International Criminal Court (ICC) which is also based in The Hague. The ICC’s remit is genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. The ICC is based on Oude Waalsdorperweg street, north of the city centre. It’s possible to attend a hearing at the ICC – see ICC website.
Mauritshuis (Royal Picture Gallery)
If you visited Vermeer’s home town of Delft and couldn’t find any of his works, it’s because many of them are housed in Mauritshuis. This gallery is also home to works by Rembrandt, Peter Paul Rubens, Jan Steen, Judith Leyster, and Anthony van Dyke.
Go for a stroll
Mauritshuis overlooks the Hofvijver lake. A walk around the Hofvijver makes for a pleasant stroll. Beside Mauritshuis lies the Binnenhof, the Dutch national parliament.
Another fine walk is the canal area along Mauritskade. North of Central Station is Koekamp, a wooded area with ponds, trails and deer.
To walk along the fine sand of the North Sea strand, stay on Tram 1 to reach The Hague’s coastal area.
Go Shopping
The Hague has some excellent shopping areas. Grote Marktstraat has international brands while the streets to the west of Hofvijver has smaller but local outlets. Grote Markt off Grote Marktstraat is a great square for wining and dining as is the Plaats area.
THE HAGUE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Getting to The Hague
On the railways The Hague is known as Den Haag. The Hague has two train stations: Centraal Station and Hollands Spoor Station. Both are well connected to the Dutch railway network.
We arrived to The Hague from Delft and found it easier to arrive at Hollands Spoor Station and take Tram 1 to the city centre. You can also take Tram 1 directly from Delft.
We travelled onwards to Amsterdam after our trip to The Hague so departed the city via Centraal Station.
Staying in The Hague
To be honest, The Hague is a much better option to stay in than Amsterdam. It’s less crowded than the capital city, more laid back, and cheaper. Plus, it’s got a beach! Check out these great deals with Hotels.com, Vrbo and booking.com.
DAY TRIP TO THE HAGUE: FINAL THOUGHTS
I was pleasantly surprised by The Hague. Despite the city’s serious business of legal matters, I found it to be relaxed and friendly. In fact, I think it’s the city’s reputation as a global legal crossroad that creates this welcoming atmosphere.
Arrivals Hall 