About The Hague

Welcome to the city that matters. In The Hague, we have over 150 international organisations, knowledge institutions, NGO’s and more who are working towards peace and justice every day. Its heritage of being a decision-making and influential place is how The Hague developed the reputation of being The International City of Peace and Justice.

The Hague is one of the greenest cities in Europe. It is the only large Dutch city next to the sea, just a stone’s throw away from the historic city center you will find an 11-kilometer-long beach.

Peace Palace - The city's most photographed building

Admire the most photographed building in The Hague: the Peace Palace. The International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration are based here. This beautiful building and its organizations ensure that The Hague is rightly recognized as the city of Peace and Justice. The Visitors Centre of the Peace Palace has an impressive interactive exhibition on war and peace.

Mauritshuis Museum - National treasures side by side

Vermeer's sensual Girl with the Pearl Earring hangs alongside masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens and Jan Steen. See how precisely Fabritius painted Goldfinch, made famous by the book of the same title by Donna Tartt. Or view depictions of the Dutch winter by painters such as Avezaath. The Bull by Potter is impressive. Located at a unique 17th-century palace, the Mauritshuis is a real must visit

Binnenhof - Political heart of the Netherlands

Step through the famous entry gate into the historical Binnenhof (Inner Court) in the heart of our democracy. This is the place where the most important events in the nation's history took place. It is also where the future is being created. During a tour, take a look inside the House of Representatives and the Hall of the Knights where King Willem Alexander delivers his royal speech on Prince's Day

Shop till you drop - Hip or in style

The Hague is the perfect city for shopping in style. As its name suggests, the Court District, is the perfect venue. You will also find typical Hague chic around Denneweg. Hip The Hague makes its mark behind the Great Church in Prinsestraat. In addition to the countless Asian delicatessens in Chinatown, the city centre has flagship stores such as the Bijenkorf and Hudson's Bay.

Escher Museum - Deceived by illusion

Mind-boggling! The works of the great Dutch artist M.C. Escher defy reality big time. This museum, a former royal winter palace, shows them all. The Netherlands' most famous graphic artist was a master at drawing illusory scenes. Water flows uphill, birds turn into fish and men walk endlessly up and down the same flight of stairs. Let your imagination run free at the Escher Museum!

Panorama Mesdag - A magical illusion

This magical, monumental painting of astonishing charm and beauty is the oldest panorama still on its original site. Look 360º around you and experience the magical optical illusion created by this panorama of Scheveningen from 1881. The view is never the same: the incidence of light is more than magnificent and changes from moment to moment.

Madurodam - The Netherlands in miniature

Miniature theme park Madurodam in The Hague is the ultimate place to discover what makes Holland so unique within a short period of time. Canal houses, tulip fields, cheese market, a wooden shoes factory, windmills, the Peace Palace, the Delta Works: you will find them all in Madurodam!

Kunstmuseum (old Gemeentemuseum) - Lots of culture under one famous roof

Enjoy the unique collection of paintings by Mondrian like his unfinished Victory Boogie Woogie, an excellent silver collection and painstakingly decorated Delft Blue. The realistic works of the Hague sea painters will evoke the smell of the sea. Admire the beautiful fields of clouds that typify The Hague School. Children can let go completely in the interactive Miracle Rooms. This is a museum of all ages!

City beside the sea - Beach resort Scheveningen

The Hague has 11 kilometres of beach in its back yard, which is certainly worth a visit. Enjoy a long beach walk, a day of paddling, strolling along the boulevard or building giant sandcastles beside the waves. The beach is also perfect for a variety of beach sports, from surfing to competitions in The Hague Beach Stadium. Beach life and city life go together in The Hague!

Palace Noordeinde - Royal The Hague

The Hague has been the living and working residence of the House of Orange for four centuries. The presence of this long royal history can be felt everywhere. The King's working palace, Palace Noordeinde, is surrounded by the loveliest boutiques and most beautiful galleries. The palace may not be open to the public, but you can visit the palace garden at the back to steal a glimpse.