City
The Hague
The Hague is the city of government and sea: the Binnenhof, the Mauritshuis with Girl with a Pearl Earring, and Scheveningen beach a tram ride from the centre.
The seat of government, not the capital
People often ask whether The Hague is the capital of the Netherlands. It isn't: the capital is Amsterdam, but the government, parliament and international courts are based here. The Binnenhof, the medieval complex beside the Hofvijver pond, is the heart of Dutch politics and the city's most photographed view, especially in the evening when it reflects in the water. Nearby, the Mauritshuis holds Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and a collection of seventeenth-century Dutch painting, in a small palace that keeps a visit focused rather than tiring. The Peace Palace, home of the International Court of Justice, opens to visitors on limited hours.
The sea inside the city
What sets The Hague apart from other Dutch cities is the beach. Scheveningen, the seaside district, is a tram ride from the centre and has a fishing harbour, a pier looking out over the North Sea, and a wide beach where the Dutch swim even on 1 January in the Nieuwjaarsduik. Fresh herring from Scheveningen harbour is the version worth trying. Madurodam, the park of Dutch towns in miniature, is the right stop if you travel with children. The Panorama Mesdag, a circular painting of the coast, takes visitors back to the nineteenth century.
Seasons and getting there
From May to September the beach and terraces are at their best, but the North Sea stays cold and the wind changes quickly, so a jacket is useful even in August. In other months the museums in the centre are a safe choice. From Amsterdam and Schiphol, the train to Den Haag Centraal takes about 50 minutes, and it is the route almost everyone uses. The centre is small and walkable, but Scheveningen needs the tram, so check that your hotel's location is well connected to it.
In pictures
Frequently asked questions
Is The Hague the capital of the Netherlands?
No, the capital is Amsterdam. The Hague is the seat of the government, parliament and international courts, which is why it is often called the city of justice and politics.
Where can I see Girl with a Pearl Earring?
At the Mauritshuis, next to the Binnenhof. The museum is small and devoted to seventeenth-century Dutch painting, so a visit doesn't need a whole day.
Can you swim at Scheveningen?
Yes, from late spring to early autumn, but the North Sea is cold even in August. The beach is wide and has cafés and restaurants on the sand throughout the season.
How does OnTravel arrange a trip to The Hague?
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