THE HAGUE & SCHEVENINGEN
The Hague, the majestic ‘Royal City by the Sea,’ is the political heart of the Netherlands and the global centre for Peace and Justice. It seamlessly blends grand, historic architecture with contemporary urban flair.
This region offers a unique contrast: the stately city core with its palaces and parliament, and the lively, vast North Sea coastline of Scheveningen, making it a truly diverse destination.
Most Popular Attractions
The Hague City Core & Royal Sites:
Binnenhof & Ridderzaal: The historic complex housing the Dutch Parliament, one of the oldest parliament buildings still in use in the world.
Peace Palace (Vredespaleis): The iconic neo-Renaissance building, home to the International Court of Justice and a global symbol of peace.
Mauritshuis: A prestigious museum housing Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, including Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Noordeinde Palace: The working palace of King Willem-Alexander, visible from the outside amidst elegant shops.
Escher in The Palace (Escher in Het Paleis): A permanent exhibition of the mesmerizing works of graphic artist M.C. Escher, housed in a former royal winter palace.
Grote Kerk (Great Church of St. James): A historic Gothic church, one of the oldest buildings in The Hague.
Prison Gate Museum (Gevangenpoort): A medieval gate and former prison offering tours on the history of crime and punishment.
Panorama Mesdag: A remarkable cylindrical painting offering a 360-degree view of the Scheveningen seaside in 1881.
Lange Voorhout: A beautiful, stately street in the old city centre, famous for its historic buildings and seasonal art and book markets.
The Passage: The oldest and one of the most beautiful enclosed shopping arcades in the Netherlands.
Scheveningen Coast & Entertainment:
Scheveningen Beach: The vast, popular beach offering sunbathing, water sports, and beach clubs year-round.
De Pier: An iconic landmark extending over the North Sea, featuring restaurants, bars, a bungee jump, and the SkyView Ferris Wheel.
SEA LIFE Scheveningen: A family-friendly aquarium with a diverse range of marine life and an underwater tunnel.
Kurhaus Hotel: A majestic, historic 19th-century hotel dominating the boulevard.
Museum Beelden aan Zee: A unique museum dedicated to international modern and contemporary sculpture, half-hidden in the dunes.
Scheveningen Harbour: A bustling port area known for excellent seafood restaurants and maritime activities.
Scheveningen Lighthouse (De Vuurtoren): A historic red-and-white striped lighthouse dating back to 1875.
AFAS Circustheater: A grand theatre known for hosting major musicals and stage shows.
Muzee Scheveningen: A local museum detailing the history of Scheveningen as a traditional fishing village and seaside resort.
Parks & Modern Attractions:
Madurodam: An interactive miniature park featuring scale models of famous Dutch landmarks, cities, and heritage sites.
Kunstmuseum Den Haag: Home to a vast collection of modern art, including the world’s largest collection of Piet Mondrian.
Haagse Bos (Hague Forest): One of the oldest forests in the Netherlands, a green oasis and home to another royal palace, Huis ten Bosch.
Louwman Museum: A spectacular collection of over 250 historic and classic automobiles.
Clingendael Park: A beautiful estate famous for its tranquil Japanese Garden (open only for a few weeks a year).
Omniversum: A unique dome-screen cinema offering immersive film experiences.
Activities & Experiences
Visit the Mauritshuis: See the masterpieces of Dutch painting, including Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and works by Rembrandt, in a stunning 17th-century mansion.
Explore the Binnenhof: Walk around the world’s oldest continuously used Parliament building. The complex is the center of Dutch politics and features the beautiful Ridderzaal (Knight’s Hall).
Take a Surf Lesson in Scheveningen: Head to the North Sea coast and try your hand at surfing, kite-surfing, or paddleboarding at one of the beach’s many surf schools.
Stroll on the Scheveningen Pier: Walk out over the North Sea, ride the iconic SkyView Ferris Wheel, or try the bungee jump for a thrilling view of the coast and the Kurhaus Hotel.
Discover the Peace Palace: Visit the seat of international law, home to the International Court of Justice. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and role in global justice.
Wander through Madurodam: Explore the Netherlands in miniature at this park featuring replicas of famous Dutch landmarks, cities, and infrastructure at a 1:25 scale.
Get Lost in Escher in Het Paleis: View the imaginative and mind-bending works of M.C. Escher, housed in the former winter palace of Queen Emma.
Enjoy a Herring (Haring) Tasting: Visit a local fish stall (viskraam), particularly near the Scheveningen Harbour, to try the Dutch delicacy of raw herring, often served with onions and pickles.
Cycle from City to Sea: Rent a bike and ride the scenic route connecting the historic city center to the Scheveningen beach, passing through the beautiful Scheveningse Bosjes (forest).
Explore the Vibrant Grote Markt: Spend an evening at this lively square in The Hague, surrounded by bars and restaurants, for drinks and dinner with a local, bustling atmosphere.
Visit the Kunstmuseum Den Haag: Explore one of the city’s premier art museums, known for its extensive collection of Mondrian and other modern art, housed in a beautiful Art Deco building.
Local Tips & Transport
Public Transport is Excellent: The Hague’s HTM network of trams and buses is highly efficient and the best way to travel between the city center and Scheveningen.
- Trams: Tram lines (e.g., Tram 1, 9, 11, and 17) directly connect The Hague Central Station (Den Haag CS) and Hollands Spoor (Den Haag HS) to the Scheveningen coast in about 15-20 minutes. Look for the “Strand Express” trams in summer for a faster, non-stop trip.
- Tickets: Visitors can use a disposable day ticket (valid for 1 to 7 days) for the HTM network or use a contactless debit/credit card to check in and out (OVpay). You must always check in when entering and check out when leaving a tram or bus.
Cycling is King: The Hague is very bike-friendly. Renting a bike (via shared services or rental shops) is a fantastic way to explore, as the city has a superb network of dedicated cycle paths. It takes about 20-30 minutes to cycle from the center to the beach.
Walking the City Center: The central area, including the Binnenhof, Mauritshuis, and the main shopping streets, is compact and easily walkable.
From Schiphol Airport (AMS): The easiest way to reach The Hague is by direct Intercity train to Den Haag Centraal or Den Haag Hollands Spoor. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes.
Go Local at the “Zwarte Pad”: While the main Scheveningen Boulevard is bustling, for a more local and relaxed beach vibe, head to the northernmost part, known as the Zwarte Pad (Black Path), which has less-touristy beach clubs.
Gezelligheid is Key: The Dutch concept of gezelligheid (roughly translating to ‘coziness,’ ‘warmth,’ or ‘fun and good times’) is important. Look for bars and cafes with a gezellig atmosphere, especially during the colder months when outdoor heaters and candles are lit.
Dutch Dining Times: Locals typically have a small lunch and a heavier dinner. Dinner is eaten relatively early compared to Southern Europe, often between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Reservations are highly recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.
Embrace the North Sea Fish: Scheveningen is still an active fishing harbor. Sampling local seafood is a must:
- Haring (Raw Herring): Traditionally eaten whole, by holding the tail, but it can also be served cut up on a sandwich (broodje haring).
- Kibbeling (Battered and Fried Cod/White Fish): Always served with a dipping sauce (usually a garlic mayonnaise).
Hidden Gems:
- Paleistuin (Palace Garden): A peaceful public park right next to Noordeinde Palace—perfect for a quiet stroll and a great escape from the busy city streets.
- Passage Den Haag: The oldest still-existing covered shopping gallery in the Netherlands, built in the 19th century, offering beautiful architecture and unique shops.
- Oud Scheveningen (Old Scheveningen): Explore the older, charming village area just behind the main boulevard, with its small fisherman’s houses, narrow streets, and the historic Oude Kerk (Old Church).
- Weather Check: The coastal location means The Hague and Scheveningen can be windy and rainy, even in summer. Always bring layers and be prepared for sudden weather changes—sunshine can quickly turn to a drizzle.
Top Restaurants
Simonis aan de Haven [$20-$35] – An iconic, no-frills, counter-service seafood institution in Scheveningen Harbor, famous for its freshly caught and perfectly fried fish like kibbeling (battered and deep-fried fish pieces) and herring.
Oma Toos [$20-$35] – Located in Scheveningen harbor, this restaurant offers traditional Dutch comfort food, including hearty stamppot (mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables) and other classics in a cozy setting.
Café De Kleine Witte [$15-$25] – One of the oldest family-owned cafés in The Hague (since 1883), this historic bar near the Binnenhof is known for its traditional Dutch atmosphere and well-made gehaktbal (meatball).
Bar De Vrijheid [$15-$25] – A highly-regarded local pub known for its traditional Dutch bar snacks like bitterballen and a wide selection of local beers, offering a classic brown café experience.
Restaurant Luden [$25-$40] – Located on Het Plein, this classic Dutch-style brasserie is popular with locals, including politicians and businesspeople, offering honest, traditional European dishes in a beautiful, historic setting.
De Dagvisser [$30-$50] – A respected Scheveningen harbor restaurant that prides itself on sourcing fresh seasonal fish daily from the local fish auction, offering classic seafood dishes in an elegant, maritime atmosphere.
Café Vroeger Was Je Anders [$15-$25] – A cozy, historic Dutch pub in the old center dating back to 1878, popular for its traditional pub fare and an authentic local crowd.
Bodega De Posthoorn [$20-$35] – Located in the city center, this historic café is known for serving authentic Dutch erwtensoep (thick split pea soup) during the colder months, a classic comfort food.
Catch by Simonis [$40-$70] – The more upscale, elegant sibling of Simonis aan de Haven, located in the Scheveningen harbor, offering a sophisticated seafood experience with a great view, famous for oysters and lobster.
Bøg [$50-$80] – A contemporary restaurant in the city center with a Scandinavian-inspired menu, focusing on seasonal ingredients and minimalist presentation, highly regarded by locals for its sophisticated style.
Dekxels [$35-$55] – A trendy, lively restaurant located on the narrow Denneweg, offering small, shared international dishes with Asian influences in a stylish boho-meets-industrial setting.
Waterproef [$45-$70] – Located near Scheveningen harbor, this modern spot offers refined French cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences, featuring high-quality seafood and elegant preparations.
Dekladenkast [$30-$50] – A favorite with locals for its creative, seasonal dishes and modern twists on classic European cuisine, often found a bit off the main tourist paths.
’t Ogenblik [$25-$40] – A small, highly-rated spot known for its honest, seasonal menu with a focus on French-Dutch cuisine and an intimate atmosphere, popular with locals for a good, consistent meal.
Restaurant Calla’s [$70-$120] – A Michelin-starred restaurant offering an exceptional dining experience with creative, French-based cuisine using local and seasonal products in a beautiful 19th-century setting.
Suus Scheveningen [$40-$60] – A wonderful spot in Scheveningen for fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere, with brasserie dishes inspired by French cuisine but with a modern, contemporary twist.
Restaurant n [$40-$60] – A popular, modern Spanish tapas restaurant, located in a historic corner building, that focuses on high-quality ingredients and great wines.
Palmette [$30-$50] – A vibrant bistro in the heart of The Hague, offering a creative mix of local and global cuisine in a colorful, artsy setting, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Bar Bowie [$30-$50] – A French-style bistro and wine bar that exudes a cozy, modern atmosphere, known for its small, excellent menu of French-inspired dishes and curated wine list.
Gastropub Van Kinsbergen [$25-$40] – A trendy and spacious gastropub in the cool Zeeheldenkwartier, offering high-quality ‘junk food’ like craft burgers and innovative pub snacks alongside its own brewed beer.
Waroeng Padang Lapek [$15-$25] – Highly recommended by locals for authentic Sumatran Indonesian cuisine, offering flavorful and spicy dishes from the Padang region.
Resto Kembang Djepun [$25-$40] – A popular Indonesian restaurant in The Hague known for its traditional rijsttafel (rice table), a grand feast of small Indonesian dishes.
Little V Den Haag [$20-$35] – A vibrant and highly-rated Vietnamese restaurant known for its authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and a great atmosphere.
Sarban Afghaans Restaurant [$25-$40] – An excellent Afghan restaurant praised for its warm atmosphere and delicious, traditional Afghan cuisine.
Ristorante Giuliano’s [$25-$40] – Considered one of the top Italian restaurants in The Hague, known for its traditional Italian menu and rustic, intimate atmosphere.
Vincenzos [$15-$25] – Regarded as the best spot for authentic Neapolitan pizza in The Hague, with a huge pizza oven and a focus on high-quality, Italian-sourced ingredients.
Bar Bistro De Twee Heeren [$25-$40] – A cozy bistro in the Molenstraat that specializes in French-Belgian cuisine, known for its hearty classics and charming, unpretentious setting.
Café Bleu [$20-$35] – A charming wine bar and restaurant with a distinct French touch, known for its classic cocktails, natural wines, and French bistro dishes like Canard à l’orange.
Basaal [$50-$80] – A Bib Gourmand-recognized restaurant focusing on seasonal European cuisine with a creative edge and an enticing à la carte menu, known for great value at its quality level.
Yuzu & Niko [$60-$90] – A favorite higher-end Japanese restaurant, known for its refined dishes, including excellent sushi and Japanese fine dining selections.
Mama Kelly [$40-$70] – Known as an Instagram hotspot for its stunning, industrial-chic interior (with prominent blue tones in The Hague location), the concept is simple: excellent chicken or lobster.
The Penthouse [$40-$70] – Located high up in the Haagse Toren, this restaurant offers dinner and drinks with a spectacular panoramic view over The Hague and the surrounding area.
MingleMush [$15-$35] – Not a single restaurant, but an indoor food hall located near the central station with numerous stalls offering diverse international street food from around the world.
Caipi Café at the Fish Auction [$20-$40] – A trendy spot in the second harbor of Scheveningen, located at the old sailor’s house near the Fish Auction, offering street food, Indonesian influences, and fresh fish with a party vibe on weekends.
Hart Beach [$20-$35] – A unique beach club in Scheveningen that combines honest, organic food with a surf school, offering a relaxed vibe right on the sand.
Restaurant Zheng [$70-$120] – A unique high-end dining experience that combines fusion cuisine with traditional Chinese rituals, focusing on innovative flavor combinations.
UMAMI by Han Den Haag [$35-$55] – Offers innovative Asian Fusion cuisine in a modern setting, with a focus on shared dining and creative presentations.
Restaurant Flora [$50-$80] – Located on the 6th floor of a building in the Energy Quarter, this restaurant offers dinner with a fantastic view and a modern European menu.
Café Soof [$15-$30] – A hidden gem located in the garden of the historic Nutshuis, offering a serene, quiet spot for breakfast and lunch away from the city bustle.
Lalotta [$25-$40] – A small, authentic Italian restaurant known for its high-quality, traditional pasta dishes and a cozy, local feel, a favorite for non-touristy Italian food.
Zenne [$35-$55] – Known for its modern Middle Eastern cuisine, offering a unique blend of flavors and spices in a stylish setting, highly recommended by locals for its distinctive menu.
Restaurant Oogst [$60-$90] – Known for its French cuisine with local ingredients, many of which they grow themselves, offering a true farm-to-table experience in the city.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Five Points Bar & Drink Society: A high-end cocktail bar centrally located in The Hague, with a New York Five Points neighborhood inspiration, known for its creative, expertly crafted cocktails and intimate atmosphere.
VaVoom! Tiki Room: Found on the lively Grote Markt in The Hague, this bar offers a unique, Hawaiian-themed Tiki experience with colorful, fun-themed cocktails and a laid-back, tropical vibe.
The Gold Bar (Hotel Indigo): Nestled in a former bank vault within Hotel Indigo in The Hague’s city center, this intimate bar offers a sophisticated, Roaring Twenties speakeasy setting perfect for classic and signature cocktails.
Bleyenberg (The Rooftop): Situated on the Grote Markt in The Hague, the rooftop bar of this versatile venue provides one of the city’s first skybar experiences, offering great cocktails and panoramic views.
Milú: Located in the heart of The Hague, this vibrant and modern bar-restaurant boasts an industrial-style décor and a great vibe, serving delicious cocktails that transition smoothly from a relaxed evening to a livelier night.
Franky’s Bar (Villa Coucou): A stylish cocktail bar with French allure, located within Villa Coucou in The Hague, offering creative and elegant cocktails for a classy night out.
Zahara Cocktailbar: A cocktail paradise right at the beach in Scheveningen, known for its extensive menu of over 100 different cocktail recipes and a relaxing seaside atmosphere perfect for enjoying the sea breeze.
Ultramarijn (Voco The Hague): A sophisticated bar located in the voco The Hague hotel, focusing on cocktails with global flavors and a botanical feel, housed in a former bank building.
Yuzu Dining: Located on the Bierkade in The Hague, while primarily a restaurant, it boasts a noteworthy cocktail menu, often featuring DJs on weekends for a seamless transition from dinner to dancing.
BlueBlood (Hilton Hotel): Found in the Hilton Hotel in The Hague, this spectacular bar is the heart of the Nikkei-cuisine restaurant, known for its inventive and surprising cocktails developed in their own ‘cocktail lab’.
Jamey Bennett: Positioned at De Plaats in The Hague, this venue is described as the city’s international living room, known for its exciting cocktails, Gin & Tonics, and internationally oriented shared-dining menu.
SPARK (Hilton Hotel): The cocktail bar of the Hilton Hotel in The Hague, popular for after-work drinks with signature cocktails and a large waterfront terrace.
The Court: A special cocktail bar in the center of The Hague with an atmosphere blending hedonism and surrealism, offering creatively named cocktails and a terrace boat option.
Bar Bowie: A hotspot in the Zeeheldenkwartier district of The Hague, combining wines, good food, and surprising cocktails in a warm, cozy setting with a sunny terrace.
Palmette: A nice, refreshing hotspot at Plaats in The Hague, featuring flowery décor and creative cocktails with unique ingredients like jasmine tea.
PIP Den Haag: The city’s definitive underground music venue, located on an industrial site in the vibrant Binckhorst area of The Hague, known for its broad programming, often hosting electronic and underground events.
Paard: The biggest and most well-known pop music venue in The Hague, featuring a broad and varied programming of concerts and dance parties, making it a key spot for live music and clubbing.
Millers: Located on the Plein in The Hague, this establishment transforms from a restaurant and eating venue into a stylish dance club in the evening, popular in the city center.
Club Westwood: One of the popular clubs in The Hague known for good parties that last well into the early hours.
Danzig: A central discotheque located in the Lange Houtstraat near the Plein in The Hague city center, often featuring the coolest hits and drinks on weekend nights.
Club Lustig: A club in the center of The Hague offering two different areas, allowing guests to enjoy varied music styles and a fun night out.
Club 1660: A unique and festive spot for a night out, located under the ‘t Goude Hooft inn in The Hague.
Colorado Charlie: A lively beach club on the Zwarte Pad section of Scheveningen beach, known for hosting “dancy” parties and events with good DJs during the summer season.
Crazy Pianos: An iconic, year-round entertainment venue on the Scheveningen boulevard, famous for its fire-engine red pianos and world-class entertainers and pianists, providing a lively party atmosphere.
EVE Scheveningen: A vibrant seaside hotspot in Scheveningen known for shared dining, cocktails, and club vibes, especially during the summer.
Club Rootz: A lively club in The Hague where the venue, also known for its extensive Belgian beer selection, often hosts themed dance parties.
De Zwarte Ruiter: A popular bar on The Hague’s Grote Markt that combines a cozy café-bar ambiance with rock ‘n’ roll culture, often featuring live music and transitioning into a livelier spot at night.
Paardcafé: A smaller venue adjacent to the main Paard venue in The Hague, which frequently offers free entry and hosts DJs playing various hits, attracting a lively crowd.
Colorado Charlie (Zwarte Pad): An essential club for electronic music enthusiasts, situated on the Zwarte Pad in Scheveningen, particularly during the summer.
Magistrat: Known as a key spot for techno parties and electronic music events in The Hague.
Café Achterom: A popular and usually crowded small gay club/dancing bar located in the city center of The Hague, known for its lively pop music.
The Grey Space in the Middle: An alternative venue in The Hague that hosts club nights and events for a more artistic crowd, with a focus on good, often techno/electronic music.
Colorado Charlie’s Zomerbar (Scheveningen): Another mention of the popular Scheveningen beach club, emphasizing its vibrant party atmosphere and events.
Boterwaag: A 17th-century building converted into a Grand Café on the Grote Markt in The Hague that can transform into a dance-friendly venue in the evening.
Zèta: Located on the Grote Markt in The Hague, this venue is part of the cluster of establishments that make the square a popular nightlife destination.
Club Laak: Known as one of the few “real clubs” in The Hague, though it typically hosts parties less frequently, known for being fun, especially for electronic music.
Danzig: One of the most famous clubs in The Hague located centrally in the city center with good parties and music.
Indigo (Beach Club): A vibrant beach tent in Scheveningen that often hosts lively parties and events, combining beach relaxation with club vibes, particularly in the summer.
The Fiddler: While primarily a traditional English-style pub in The Hague, its size and atmosphere make it a lively spot, often serving as a pre-clubbing venue.
O’Casey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant: A classic Irish pub in the heart of The Hague that draws a crowd with its warm atmosphere and transforms into a lively late-night spot, sometimes with music.