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It's easy to assume The Hague (Den Haag) is a mere bureaucratic city. It's the seat of the Dutch government, packed with embassies, and home to the U.N.’s International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. But there are more things to do in The Hague than trail government functionaries. The Netherlands' third-largest city, The Hague boasts the North Sea coastline, world-class museums like the Mauritshuis with its Rembrandts and Vermeers, historic landmarks like the Noordeinde Palace, and a buzzing going-out scene around Grote Markt.
Summer is when The Hague is most crowded with tourists (and when its beaches, like Scheveningen, are in high demand). Spring is also a good time to visit: The weather should be pleasant, and major events like the Liberation Festival and Holland Dance Festival are held. Alternatively, The Hague has a cozy holiday ambiance, and its Royal Christmas Fair in December is home to one of the country's top Christmas markets.
The nearest airport to The Hague is Rotterdam The Hague Airport, which serves both cities. The Hague's main train station, Den Haag Centraal, also links it to Amsterdam and other Dutch cities. To explore the city, you can take advantage of its 30-plus bus and tram lines—or, to travel like a local, tour the city on foot or by bike. The Hague is also well-served by taxi and rideshare services.
The Hague is known as the greenest city in Europe, and while no visit here is complete without admiring Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis or seeing the seat of the government at Binnenhof, it's worth setting aside time to discover its great outdoors, too. Some of The Hague's top parks and gardens include the sprawling Zuiderpark, the waterside Westbroekpark, the historic Palace Garden (Paleistuin), and the Hague Forest (Haagse Bos), part of the country's oldest forest.
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Yes, The Hague is worth visiting. It's the seat of the Dutch government (housed in the historic Binnenhof) and known as the greenest in Europe. Whether you explore its parks, visit its North Sea beaches, or get acquainted with its cultural scene, there's so much to do.
...MoreYes, there's much to do in The Hague. Don't miss the Mauritshuis art museum (home to Girl with a Pearl Earring by Vermeer) or the new Amare cultural center. In between spotting major landmarks such as Binnenhof and Noordeinde Palace, you can discover the city's vibrant dining and going-out scenes.
...MoreThe Hague is the third-largest city in the Netherlands, and it's home to the Dutch government, the U.N.’s International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court. The Hague is also celebrated for its North Sea beaches, and for its wealth of top-drawer museums, palaces, and historic monuments.
...MoreYes, because it's a government seat that attracts bureaucrats and businesspeople from around the world, The Hague can be expensive to visit. However, many of the city's best-known attractions—including its many parks and beaches—are free, and it's worth investing in the Museumkaart for discounted museum entry.
...MoreWhich is better depends on your preferences. If you enjoy history and politics, then visiting Binnenhof and other historical and government buildings is a Hague must. The city's beaches also can't be beat. However, for the best of scenic canals and traditional Dutch architecture, it's hard to beat Amsterdam.
...MoreYes, much of The Hague is walkable—particularly its compact center, which can easily be explored by foot or bike. However, if you plan to visit its North Sea beaches, including the ever-popular Scheveningen, it's best to travel by public transit as the area is several miles from the city center.
...More