The Hague’s best
Some places always remain dear to your heart. For many, The Hague is such a place. The city of peace and justice. The cosmopolitan city at the beach. From new styles to old masters. From shops to palaces. From exotic cuisines to Dutch fishing harbours. From international jurisdiction to street savviness. The Hague will captivate you with its modern skyline combined with beautiful historical and royal buildings in the city centre. Discover The Hague with this must-see list, and find out what makes this city one of the best places to live and visit!
1. The 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.
2. Mauritshuis Museum
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.
3. Binnenhof – The 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.
4. Shop till you drop
The Hague city centre is perfect for a day of shopping. The shops in the car-free historical centre are open seven days a week. You will find well-known department stores like the Bijenkorf within walking distance of hip fashion boutiques and concept stores around the royal palaces. And those who continue towards the sea, will discover all kinds of neighbourhoods with more speciality stores
5. 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!
6. Panorama Mesdag
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.
7. 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!
8. 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!
9. Scheveningen beach
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!
10. 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.
This article originates from DenHaag.com
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