Introduction
The Hague is a city near the the North Sea Coast. In its Gothic-style Binnenhof (or Inner Court) complex is the seat of the Dutch parliament, and 16th-century Noordeinde Palace is the king’s workplace.
The city is also home to the U.N.’s International Court of Justice, headquartered in the Peace Palace, and the International Criminal Court.
Delft is a canal-ringed town known for the manufacturing base of Delftware, hand-painted blue-and-white pottery. In its old town, the medieval Oude Kerk is the burial site of native son and Dutch Master painter Johannes Vermeer.
It a small but really cute town, far from the hustle of the big cities.
Table of Contents
Mapping the day
Getting there
The easiest way to get to The Hague is by train. First arrived in an international Airport such as Amsterdam or Rotterdam and then transfer to the nearest train station. There are over 100 trains between Amsterdam and The Hague per day. The ride takes 40min.
The same goes for Delft. You can get from Amsterdam to Delft in 1h by train.
Moving Around
The easiest way to get around is either by public transportation such as buses or to rent a car.
To get between The Hague and Delft, the train still is the best option. It’s a 15min ride.
When to Visit
Like Amsterdam, The Netherlands and most of Europe. The best time to visit The Hague or Delft is May, June and September. July and August will be the peak season. The rest of the year the weather might not be that great.
But we personally visited it in October and we super enjoyed it.
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in The Hague
- (€): B&B Valkenbos
- (€€): The Collector Hotel
- (€€€): The Heritage – R.Q.C
- Apartment with parking: B-aparthotel Kennedy
Where to Stay in Delft
What to Eat
There isn’t any particular dish in The Hague or Delft that are a must to try for us. Though, we fell in love with Kek – De koffiebar van Delft
Great Vibes, Yummy food, cosy coffee shop.
Things to do in The Hague
Madurodam
Explore a huge miniature park and feel like a giant in a range of 1:25 scale model replicas of famous Dutch landmarks, historical cities and large developments.
Binnenhof
Admire the complex of building in the city center. Home to the meeting place of both houses of the States General of the Netherlands, as well as the Ministry of General Affairs and the office of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
Ridderzaal
Visit the 13th-century inner square of the former castle of the counts of Holland (Binnenhof)
Peace Palace
Hang around the international law administrative building that houses the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague Academy of International Law and the Peace Palace Library
Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk
Step in the Protestant Church of The Hague. Together with the Binnenhof, it is one of the oldest buildings in town. Members of the House of Orange-Nassau have been baptised and married there.
Huys Clingendael
Stroll around the 17th-century manor house and its park. Since 1982, it houses the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael.
Museum De Gevangenpoort
Explore the Gevangenpoort, a former gate and medieval prison on the Buitenhof. Located next to the 18th-century art gallery founded by William V, Prince of Orange in 1774 known as the Prince William V Gallery.
Noordeinde Palace
Visit one of the three official palaces of the Dutch royal family. But since 2013, it has been used as the official workplace of King Willem-Alexander.
De Pier
And if you want to get some fresh sea air. Get to the peer next the Hague to walk along the beach.
Things to do in Delft
Nieuwe Church
Visit the new protestant church of Delft. Located in the main square it is a gothic style landmark standing at 108.75m from the ground.
Oude Church
Pop by the old church as well, the previously main protestant church of Delft. Standing at 75m above ground.
Stadhuis Delft
Admire the city hall, a Renaissance style building on the Markt across from the Nieuwe Kerk. Seat of the city’s government as well as a popular venue for civic wedding ceremonies.
Eastern Gate
Walk around town and pass under the Brick Gothic northern European gate built around 1400.
Old Centre
Enjoy yourself in the old center of delt. Stroll around the canal, admire the beautiful square, shop some souvenir and cheese.
Windmill the Rose
Visit The Rose, last windmill still standing in Delft from the 1679.
Royal Delft
Visit the Royal Delft Museum to discover an old 17th-century earthenware factory and its wonders.
Itinerary
1 Day Itinerary The Hague & Delft
- Take an early train to The Hague
- Visit the Hague
- In the afternoon, take a train to delft
- In the evening return
2 Day Itinerary The Hague & Delft
- Arrive in The Hague
- Visit the Hague
- Stay overnight in the Hague or head to Delft
- Visit Delft
- Return
Those are pretty small city without huge things to see or do. So, it’s best to follow your heart and see how the day goes on to adapt your itinerary.
“Whatever you advise, be as brief as possible.”
