10 Best Things to do in the Hague, Netherlands, in 1 day

Introduction

The Hague, set along the windswept North Sea coast, is a fascinating mix of historic charm, political importance, and cosmopolitan culture. Known as the seat of the Dutch government and the royal family’s workplace, it’s a city where centuries-old traditions meet modern-day diplomacy.

At its heart lies the Gothic-style Binnenhof, or Inner Court, the home of the Dutch parliament and one of the oldest active political centers in the world. Just a short walk away, the elegant 16th-century Noordeinde Palace serves as the King’s working residence, adding a touch of regal grandeur to the city.

But The Hague’s significance stretches far beyond the Netherlands. It’s a hub for international law and diplomacy, famously hosting the U.N.’s International Court of Justice in the Peace Palace and the International Criminal Court. Around its stately landmarks, you’ll find world-class museums, leafy parks, a lively cultural scene, and even sandy beaches just a tram ride away. It’s a place where you can explore art and history in the morning, enjoy fresh seafood for lunch, and watch the sunset over the sea in the evening.

Read: All the best things to do in Amsterdam

Getting there

Reaching The Hague is straightforward, with excellent connections from across the Netherlands and beyond.

If you’re arriving by plane, the closest airport is Rotterdam The Hague Airport (about 20 minutes away by car or bus), but most international travelers fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. From Schiphol, regular direct trains take you to The Hague Central Station in about 30–35 minutes.

By train, The Hague is well connected to other major Dutch cities. From Amsterdam, the journey takes around 50 minutes; from Rotterdam, it’s just 20 minutes; and from Utrecht, about 40 minutes. International trains also link The Hague to destinations in Belgium and Germany.

If you’re driving, the city is easily accessible via the A4 and A12 highways, but parking in the city center can be expensive, so it’s often easier to use public transport once you arrive.

For those coming from nearby coastal towns or cities like Delft or Leiden, trams and buses run frequently and are an affordable and convenient way to get there.

Check all your transportation options online — from buses to trains and ferries — it makes planning so much easier.

Moving Around

Getting around The Hague is easy thanks to its efficient public transport network and walkable city center.

Most of the main sights are within or near the center, so you can cover a lot on foot while enjoying the city’s architecture and charming streets. For longer distances, HTM trams and buses connect the center to neighborhoods, beaches like Scheveningen, and nearby towns. You can buy single tickets, day passes, or use an OV-chipkaart if you’re traveling more across the Netherlands.

Cycling is another great option. Like most Dutch cities, The Hague has excellent bike lanes, and renting a bike lets you explore at your own pace, from the city center to the coast.

If you’re driving, be aware that parking in the city center is limited and quite expensive. A good alternative is to use P+R parking areas on the outskirts and take public transport in.

Boat tours are also available in the warmer months, offering a different perspective of the city’s canals and harbors.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring a good camera, such as the SONY A7 — it makes all the difference for capturing those unforgettable moments.

When to Visit

The Hague can be visited year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons. Here’s what to expect:

• Spring (March to May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit, especially when tulips and other flowers are in bloom across the Netherlands. Temperatures range from 8–17°C (46–63°F), and sunny days are perfect for strolling in parks like Clingendael or enjoying the first beach walks of the year.
• Summer (June to August): Summer brings the warmest weather, with highs around 18–22°C (64–72°F) and long daylight hours. It’s the best time to enjoy Scheveningen Beach, outdoor cafés, and festivals. This is also peak tourist season, so expect busier streets and higher hotel rates.
• Autumn (September to November): With temperatures between 9–18°C (48–64°F), autumn offers mild weather and fewer crowds. The city’s parks and avenues turn golden, and it’s a lovely season for sightseeing without the summer rush.
• Winter (December to February): Winters are chilly but rarely extreme, with temperatures averaging 2–8°C (36–46°F). The city feels quieter, and holiday lights create a cozy atmosphere. This is a good time for museums, galleries, and warm cafés, though beach walks can still be refreshing on crisp days.

If your focus is beach time and outdoor dining, aim for summer. For sightseeing with fewer crowds, spring and autumn are ideal.

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Where to Stay

If you’re planning to visit The Hague, one day is usually enough to cover the main sights, but staying one or two nights can make the trip more relaxed—especially if you want to enjoy the beach at Scheveningen.

(€) Boutique Hotel First City – A charming and stylish boutique hotel right in the city center, perfect for exploring on foot. Rooms are modern yet cozy, making it a comfortable base for a short stay.

(€€) The Collector – Trendy, design-focused accommodation just a short walk from the main attractions. The interiors are playful and unique, and the atmosphere feels warm and personal.

(€€€) Hilton The Hague – A more upscale option with spacious rooms, excellent service, and a great location near the Peace Palace and city center. Ideal if you want extra comfort during your visit.

Here are all your accommodation options in The Hague

What to Eat

While The Hague doesn’t have a single “signature dish” that everyone must try, the city’s food scene is diverse and full of flavor thanks to its international community. You’ll find plenty of fresh seafood, Indonesian restaurants (a nod to the Netherlands’ colonial history), and charming cafés for a slower-paced meal.

A few things worth trying in The Hague:

• Fresh herring – Served with onions and pickles, it’s a classic Dutch snack you’ll often find at fish stalls around the city.
• Indonesian rijsttafel – A spread of small dishes, from curries to satays, best enjoyed with friends.
• Poffertjes – Fluffy mini pancakes, often topped with butter and powdered sugar, perfect for a sweet treat.
• Local cafés and brunch spots – The Hague has some lovely coffee places; we especially enjoyed relaxing in smaller, locally-owned spots away from the busiest streets.

Things to do in The Hague

Explore Madurodam and Discover the Netherlands in Miniature

If you want to see all of Holland in one place, Madurodam is the spot. This incredible miniature park in The Hague brings together the country’s most iconic landmarks, cities, and stories — all perfectly recreated at a 1:25 scale.

Stroll among tiny windmills, tulip fields, canal houses, and even the Port of Rotterdam. Everything is alive — trains running, ships docking, windmills turning — and packed with fascinating details. There are over 430 miniatures, 33,000 lights, 4 km of railway, and 21 interactive exhibits where you can dive into Dutch culture. Load cargo ships in Rotterdam’s port, make music with Armin van Buuren, or help save the Netherlands from flooding!

But Madurodam is more than just a miniature city — it’s also a living garden, home to 5,000 trees and over 50,000 flowers that change with the seasons. Whether you’re exploring historic castles or modern skyscrapers, every corner tells a story about Dutch innovation, creativity, and charm.

Beyond the miniatures, Madurodam is a real garden — home to 5,000 trees and 50,000 flowers each year. Don’t miss the highlights:

• Amsterdam’s canals, Rijksmuseum, and Royal Palace
• Rotterdam’s Euromast and cube houses
• Alkmaar’s cheese market and colourful tulip fields
• The Dom Tower of Utrecht
• The story of George Maduro, the park’s namesake and war hero

Inside, seven immersive attractions let you step into Dutch history and art — from The Wind Chaser, a whirlwind ride through the Netherlands’ battle with the wind, to a journey through the masterpieces of Vermeer and Van Gogh.

Madurodam is open year-round, family-friendly, and just 40 minutes from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. And here’s something special — every ticket helps support children’s charities across the Netherlands.

Here are all your accommodation options in The Hague

Visit the Binnenhof

Wander through the Binnenhof, a striking complex of Gothic-style buildings right in the heart of The Hague. This historic site has been the political center of the Netherlands for centuries, housing the meeting place of both houses of the States General, the Ministry of General Affairs, and the office of the Prime Minister.

Stroll around its courtyard, admire the Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights), and take in the mix of history and architecture that makes it one of the city’s most important landmarks.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Step Inside the Ridderzaal

Visit the Ridderzaal, the 13th-century Hall of Knights located in the heart of the Binnenhof. Once part of the castle of the counts of Holland, this grand Gothic hall is now used for official ceremonies, including the annual opening of Parliament by the King. Its impressive stained glass windows, high wooden beams, and rich history make it one of The Hague’s most iconic buildings.

Hang around the Peace Palace

Hang around the Peace Palace, one of The Hague’s most important landmarks and a symbol of international justice. This striking building houses the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague Academy of International Law, and the Peace Palace Library. Surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, it’s worth taking a guided tour to learn about its history, architecture, and the role it plays in promoting peace worldwide.

Visit the Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk

Step inside the Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk, one of The Hague’s oldest and most significant buildings along with the Binnenhof. This impressive Protestant church has seen centuries of history and tradition, with members of the House of Orange-Nassau being baptised and married here.

Its tall tower offers panoramic views over the city, and the interior showcases beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate details that make it a peaceful stop in the heart of The Hague.

Stroll around Huys Clingendael

Wander through the peaceful grounds of Huys Clingendael, a 17th-century manor house surrounded by a beautiful park. Since 1982, the building has been home to the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael, but the real charm for visitors lies in its gardens.

The estate is known for its stunning Japanese Garden, open only a few weeks each year, as well as walking paths, ponds, and quiet corners that feel far from the city’s bustle.

Here are all your accommodation options in The Hague

Explore Museum De Gevangenpoort

Step back in time at Museum De Gevangenpoort, once a city gate and later a medieval prison on the Buitenhof. Here, you can learn about the justice system of the past, see the original cells, and discover stories of the prisoners who were held here. Right next door is the Prince William V Gallery, an intimate 18th-century art gallery founded by William V, Prince of Orange in 1774, showcasing works from the Dutch Golden Age in a beautiful historic setting.

Visit Noordeinde Palace

Discover Noordeinde Palace, one of the three official palaces of the Dutch royal family. While it’s not open to the public, the palace is still worth a stop for its elegant façade and royal history. Since 2013, it has served as the official workplace of King Willem-Alexander, and the surrounding Noordeinde Street is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and cafés, making it a pleasant area to explore.

Walk Along De Pier

If you’re craving some fresh sea air, head to De Pier in Scheveningen, just outside The Hague. This lively spot stretches out over the North Sea and offers great views of the beach and coastline. You can stroll along, grab a snack from one of the stalls, or even try the bungee jump for a thrill. The surrounding beach area is also perfect for relaxing or enjoying a drink with a sea view.

Go to Delft

Just a short trip from The Hague, Delft is a charming canal city known for its historic center, ties to the Dutch royal family, and its world-famous blue-and-white pottery, Delftware. You can wander its cobbled streets, browse boutique shops, and stop by workshops to see artisans hand-paint ceramics. Don’t miss the Markt square, flanked by the impressive Nieuwe Kerk and the City Hall, as well as the smaller Oude Kerk with its leaning tower. Delft has a slower pace than The Hague, making it a lovely place to spend a few hours soaking in authentic Dutch charm.

Itinerary

Day 1 – The Hague

• Start at Binnenhof – Walk through the heart of Dutch politics and admire the historic complex.
• Visit Ridderzaal – Step inside the iconic hall in the Binnenhof.
• See the Peace Palace – Learn about its role in international law.
• Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk – Climb the tower for panoramic views.
• Stroll Huys Clingendael gardens – Enjoy a peaceful break in the greenery.
• Explore Museum De Gevangenpoort & Prince William V Gallery – Dive into history and art.
• End the day at De Pier, Scheveningen – Walk along the beach and grab dinner with a sea view.

Day 2 – Delft

• Morning at Markt Square – Admire the Nieuwe Kerk and City Hall.
• Visit Oude Kerk – See its leaning tower and beautiful stained glass.
• Tour a Delftware workshop – Watch artisans hand-paint the famous blue pottery.
• Walk along Delft’s canals – Browse boutique shops and enjoy coffee at a café.
• End with a relaxed lunch at Kek in Delft – One of our favorite coffee bars in the Netherlands.

Read: All the best things to do in Amsterdam