Day Trip the Hague

Take leafy avenues, graceful architecture, acres of greenery add extravagant restaurants, snug cafes, stylish shops and inimitable museums and you’ve got The Hague in a nutshell. The Hague is the perfect day trip from Amsterdam – only 53 km south of Amsterdam and a train journey time of just under an hour. Be sure to join a bike tour or take a canal cruise trip – two relaxed ways to see the city.

Seat of Parliament

‘s-Gravenhage, Den Haag or in English The Hague is not the capital city of the Netherlands. Den Haag is the Seat of Government whereas Amsterdam is the capital city. The Hague is home to several international institutions. The Vredespaleis or Peace Palace houses the International Court of Justice. The city is also home to the International Criminal Court whose aim is to bring to justice individuals who committed human rights violations.

                   The Hague, Binnenhof and Hofvijver

Binnenhof

The Hague is a compact city and most sights are within walking distance. Wander through the Binnenhof, the heart of Dutch politics. You very likely will see a minister of state arriving on his bicycle to begin his working day. Amble past Hofvijver, a sparkling pond with a gracefully spraying fountain. Feed the ducks and swans who live on the peaceful island in the middle.

Museums

Admire Mauritshuis Museum, a 17th-century town house where almost every painting is a masterpiece. Included are works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen. Stroll along Lange Voorhout, a wide avenue ablaze with colourful crocuses in spring. Be sure to visit Escher in het Paleis housed in the only terraced palace in the world. Just imagine sharing your roof and walls with a royal palace.

                  The Hague, Mauritshuis Museum

Shopping

Rest your weary feet in ‘t Goude Hooft, a cafe-restaurant that looks medieval but was built in 1930s. Recharged with energy, cross the road and do some shopping in Haagse Bluf, a shopping centre with a surprise.

 

Madurodam

Hop on tram number 9 to Madurodam and be Gulliver in Liliputian. This miniature town, built to a 1:25 scale showcases landmarks from all over the Netherlands: tiny Amsterdam canals and canal houses, football grounds, bulb field, windmills and miniature trains and trams that criss-cross the city.

 

Bike Tour

Pedal through different neighbourhoods. You won’t get lost because your guide not only knows the city like the back of his hand he is also a fount of knowledge about the history of The Hague and will tell you some interesting stories and anecdotes. Minimum number of participants is 2. Cycling distance is about 15 kilometres.

Book your Bike Tour Online

Canal Cruise

A 90-minute canal cruise shows you The Hague from the water. The guide on board will show you secret places and tells about The Hague’s past and present.

 

Public Transport
Train from Amsterdam Central Station to Den Haag Centraal
Journey time 50 minutes, 10 trains per hour

The Hague, leafy avenue

Photo credit Marianne Crone

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