Best of The Hague

Political hub and international art in one day

1 day • Easy difficulty • Est. €115

Day 1: The Hague Essentials: Art, Politics, and History

A comprehensive one-day tour of The Hague's historic center, focusing on its status as the international city of peace and justice, its world-class art museums, and its rich political heritage.

  • 09:00

    Mauritshuis Museum

    Start your day at this iconic palace housing Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, including Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' and 'View of Delft'. The collection is manageable in size, allowing for a thorough visit without fatigue.

  • 11:00

    Walk to Peace Palace

    A pleasant 10-15 minute walk through the city center towards the international zone.

  • 11:15

    The Peace Palace

    Visit the symbol of international peace and justice. Take the guided audio tour to see the Great Hall of Justice, the library, and learn about the International Court of Justice.

  • 12:45

    Walk to Binnenhof

    Short walk back towards the historic heart of the city.

  • 13:00

    The Binnenhof Exterior & Hofvijver

    View the historic Parliament complex from the outside. Walk around the Hofvijver pond, the oldest part of The Hague, and admire the Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights). Note: Interior access is restricted to specific guided tours or Dutch citizens, so enjoy the exterior architecture and history.

  • 13:15

    Walk to Prison Gate

    Short walk to the nearby historic prison site.

  • 13:30

    Prison Gate (Gevangenispoort)

    Explore the historic prison building which now serves as a museum showcasing The Hague's justice legacy and the history of the prison system in the Netherlands.

  • 14:45

    Walk to Haags Kunstmuseum

    Walk towards the museum quarter.

  • 15:00

    Haags Kunstmuseum

    Visit the museum featuring works by Mondrian, Monet, and Picasso, along with an impressive collection of Delftware. This offers a contrast to the Golden Age art seen earlier.

  • 16:30

    Street Art & Kattensteeg

    Relax with a stroll through the city streets, looking for the famous cat-themed murals in Kattensteeg and other hidden street art pieces that add character to The Hague.

  • 17:00

    Amare Cultural Hub

    End the sightseeing with a visit to Amare, the largest cultural hub for music and dance in the Netherlands. Even if no show is playing, the architecture and lobby are impressive, and it offers a modern counterpoint to the historic sites.

Meals: Lunch at Binnenhof Area or Korte Vijverberg , Dinner at City Center or Scheveningen (if extending)

Where to stay: Stay in the city center (Den Haag Centrum) for easy walking access to all major attractions. Areas near Spui or Grote Markt are ideal.

Getting around: The itinerary is designed to be walkable. Public transport (trams) is available if you need to skip sections, but walking is recommended to enjoy the city's atmosphere.

Practical Information

The Hague is accessible year-round, though spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for walking and beach visits. The city is easily reached via train from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, a journey taking approximately 30 minutes, or by flying directly into Rotterdam The Hague Airport. Once in the city, renting a car is unnecessary; the compact city center is best explored on foot, while trams and buses efficiently connect major attractions like the Peace Palace, Mauritshuis, and Panorama Mesdag. For those staying longer, the central station area provides convenient access to all key sites. Accommodation options vary by preference. Staying near the Central Station offers logistical ease for transit connections, while areas closer to the Binnenhof and Grote Markt provide a historic atmosphere. For a relaxed pace, neighborhoods near Scheveningen beach allow for easy access to coastal leisure activities. Budget considerations should account for museum entry fees, which can add up if visiting multiple sites like the Mauritshuis and Escher in The Hague. While the city offers diverse dining, particularly renowned for its Indonesian cuisine, costs can range from affordable street food to upscale international restaurants. Public transportation passes or single tickets should be factored into daily expenses, though many central attractions are within walking distance of each other. Travelers should pack comfortable walking shoes, as the itinerary involves significant walking between museums and historic sites. Layered clothing is advisable due to variable weather, and a rain jacket is essential for unpredictable conditions. If visiting Scheveningen, bring swimwear and sunscreen for beach time. Important tips include purchasing museum tickets online in advance to avoid queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. The city’s political nature means some areas may have security checkpoints, so allow extra time for entry. Additionally, while English is widely spoken, learning a few basic Dutch phrases can enhance the experience. The Hague’s compact size makes it ideal for a one-day visit, allowing visitors to efficiently see major highlights without feeling rushed.

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