The Hague (or Den Haag in Dutch) is a city on the North Sea and one of my favorite places in the Netherlands. It’s home to the Dutch government, the royal family’s palace, the International Court of Justice, and many other international organizations. But beyond its international importance, I love it for its big green parks, fascinating museums, beautiful historic buildings, striking modern skyline, and the seacoast. Only have one day in The Hague? You’ll be surprised how much you can see. From famous paintings and unique architecture to fun miniatures and a walk by the sea, this city offers something for everyone.
The Hague is easily accessible by train from major Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, making it a perfect day trip from wherever you’re staying in the Netherlands. Read on to discover what you can see and do with just one day in The Hague.
Grote Marktstraat
Assuming you’ll be arriving by train at Den Haag Centraal station, let’s begin the walk from there.
From the station, head toward Grote Marktstraat – The Hague’s main shopping street. I don’t usually recommend shopping as a top travel activity, but Grote Marktstraat is an exception. At this pedestrian-only street you will not only satisfy your shopping needs but will also see some artistically designed benches, striking modern buildings, and eye-catching sculptures. It’s a nice and vibrant place to start your day in The Hague.
Noordeinde Palace and Old Town
Noordeinde Palace is one of the three official residences of the Dutch royal family, located right in the heart of The Hague. While the palace isn’t open to the public, you can admire its grand exterior and visit the small square in front – Postzegelboom – where you’ll find a statue of William of Orange.
From there, continue along Noordeinde Street. This charming shopping street in the old part of the city is lined with historic houses and cozy cafés – perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing coffee break.
Just nearby, streets like Heulstraat and Papestraat invite you to explore more of this part of the town – check out local shops, admire decorative doorways, or simply have a bite in one of the local pubs. It’s a lovely area to stroll through narrow streets, camera in hand or coffee to go.
Escher in Het Paleis
If you’re into art, don’t miss Escher in Het Paleis – a museum dedicated to the fascinating work of Dutch artist M.C. Escher. It’s housed in the former palace of Queen Mother Emma, adding a royal touch to your visit.
Inside, you’ll find some of Escher’s most iconic works, including mathematically inspired pieces and mind-bending optical illusions like Relativity and Waterfall, all on permanent display.
Check their website for more information.
Binnenhof
An iconic symbol of The Hague, the Binnenhof is not just the seat of the Dutch government – it’s a stunning architectural complex that feels more like a castle than a political center. Located alongside the Hofvijver pond, the Binnenhof’s towers and roofs reflect beautifully in the water, especially on a calm day.
One of my favorite things to do here is to simply pause at one of the benches by the pond and take it all in – locals cycling by, ducks in the water, and the beauty of the buildings on the other side. It can be very peaceful in the heart of a busy city.
You can walk all around the Binnenhof’s exterior, capturing great photos from every angle, but don’t miss stepping inside the main courtyard. It’s open to the public and free to enter. Surrounded by gothic arches and old stone walls, it’s a beautiful place to visit.
Next to the Binnenhof is the Mauritshuis Museum (see below) and a pleasant square simply called Plein (“Square”). With a statue of William of Orange at its center, plenty of cafés around the edges, and a modern skyline peeking out from behind historic buildings, it’s one of The Hague’s most popular spots.
It’s also a perfect place to pause for lunch – whether in a cozy café terrace or a quick bite with a view, there are plenty of tasty options right on the square.
Mauritshuis
Next on our One Day in The Hague itinerary is the Mauritshuis – a small but remarkable art museum that fits perfectly into a short visit. Despite its size, the museum houses an impressive collection of masterpieces by Dutch and other European artists. Its most iconic work is Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer. You’ll also find The Anatomy Lesson by Rembrandt, along with paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, and others. Even if you only have one day in The Hague, I highly recommend making time for this gem.
Visit their website to get more information.
Vredespaleis (Peace Palace)
If you’re up for more walking and sightseeing, head from Postzegelboom to Noordeinde Street – a charming shopping street in the old city center – then continue on to Zeestraat, lined with embassies from around the world. From there, you’ll arrive at the Peace Palace (Vredespaleis), one of The Hague’s most impressive landmarks.
Built in Renaissance style, the Peace Palace is beautiful even from the outside. Inside the visitor center, you can explore its rich history through a free audio tour. Alternatively, consider booking a guided tour in advance, or a tour through the historical gardens of the palace if you’re visiting in summer.
Madurodam
In the afternoon, head to Madurodam – one of The Hague’s most popular attractions. This open-air park is filled with detailed miniature replicas of Dutch cities, complete with tiny buildings, canals, parks, and even moving buses, ships, and drawbridges. It’s a fun and interactive experience for both kids and adults.
An interesting fact: Madurodam donates its profits to various charities across the Netherlands, making your visit both entertaining and meaningful. For more details, check their official website.
You can easily get to Madurodam by taking Tram #9 from Den Haag Centraal station or Tram #22 from the old town.
Scheveningen Beach and Promenade
The Hague lies along the North Sea coast and boasts several kilometers of sandy beaches. From Den Haag Centraal station, hop on tram #9 or #22 and you’ll reach the popular Scheveningen Beach in about 30 minutes. Take a stroll along the shore or the promenade just above it. Grab an ice cream to go or enjoy a meal at one of the many beachfront restaurants. Don’t miss the view from the Pier, or take a ride on The Pier SkyView Ferris wheel.
Having been born and raised in coastal cities, I’ve always loved the sea and beaches. After living in New Zealand for 10 years, I’ve grown used to mostly empty beaches where you can enjoy nature in peace and quiet. Scheveningen, on the other hand, is very popular and tends to be quite crowded during the warmer months. While it’s great for social outings and has plenty of dining options, if you’re looking for a quieter spot, head to Kijkduin Beach instead – it’s not exactly deserted, but it’s much less crowded.
If you’re visiting The Hague as a day trip, ending your day at the beach is a perfect way to wind down. From Scheveningen, just hop on a tram back to the central station when you’re ready to head out.
Even during the colder months, it’s worth stopping for dinner – or at least a cup of tea or coffee – at one of Scheveningen’s cafes with a sea view.
More Places to Visit in The Hague
If you’re staying in The Hague for longer, there are a few more places I’d recommend exploring.
If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit Sea Life in Scheveningen, an underwater world where you can see a variety of sea creatures, including sharks and stingrays. It’s both fun and educational. Check their website for more details.
If you enjoy nature photography, head to one of the dune parks along the coast – Westduinpark, Oostduinpark, or even Meijendel (just outside the city). These coastal reserves are rich in birdlife and offer stunning natural scenery year-round.
The Hague is a very green city, with plenty of parks and green spaces to enjoy. Take a walk through Park Sorghvliet or Scheveningse Bosjes (Scheveningen Woods), which sit side by side and offer peaceful paths through tall trees. Or pack a picnic and visit Haagse Bos – a vast park right in the middle of the city, complete with a lake, playground, Huis Ten Bosch (Royal residence), and lots of walking tracks among the trees.
Visit the Louwman Museum to explore the world’s oldest private car collection. From antique automobiles to James Bond’s Aston Martin and even Formula 1 race cars, the collection is both extensive and impressive. Check their website for tickets and opening hours.
Places to Visit Near The Hague
Just outside of the city, but still easily accessible by public transport, is one of the oldest castles in the region – Kasteel Duivenvoorde. Open from April to October, it can be visited with a guided tour. Check the opening times and entrance fee on their official website.
Looking for traditional Dutch food to try while in The Hague? Don’t miss my article on 20 Foods to try in the Netherlands.
After exploring The Hague, consider a short trip to Delft – a charming city just 15 minutes away by train. Delft is famous for its iconic blue-and-white pottery, its ties to the Dutch royal family, and as the hometown of the renowned artist Johannes Vermeer.
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Want to explore even more beyond The Hague? Read my post What to see in the Netherlands for more ideas and inspirations for your next trip to the Netherlands.
The Netherlands always looks so pretty, neat and tidy. This city certainly looks stunning.
Would certainly head out to one of the dune parks if we visited