by Ludvig14 / [CC BY-SA 3.0

Netherlands' Third-Largest City Is a Global Hub for International Law and Diplomacy

A. About The Hague

Nickname:The City of Peace and Justice

The Hague, despite Amsterdam being the capital, serves as the seat of the Dutch government, hosting the Parliament, the Prime Minister's office, and the Supreme Court.

It is a global hub for international law and diplomacy, home to both the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. The city's cultural heritage is rich, with landmarks like the Mauritshuis museum, which houses masterpieces such as Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring."

The Hague also features the seaside district of Scheveningen, known for its sandy beaches, lively pier, and vibrant nightlife.

This city is a blend of historic and modern architecture, with the medieval Binnenhof complex standing in contrast to contemporary skyscrapers. As the Netherlands' third-largest city, The Hague boasts a diverse population, numerous international embassies, and organizations.

Its efficient public transportation system includes trams, buses, and a train station that connects it to other major Dutch cities.

➕ Positive Aspects

Situated near the coast and boasting a pleasant mix of urban and natural environments, The Hague's location is appealing. The proximity to the North Sea and nearby beaches enhances its charm.

The Hague is generally a safe city with a low crime rate, making it a secure destination for tourists. While petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas, the overall safety level is high, allowing visitors to explore the city with peace of mind.

The city maintains a good level of cleanliness, with well-kept public spaces and low pollution levels. There is little litter on the streets, and air quality is decent.

Residents of The Hague are generally friendly and welcoming. The city is diverse, and English is widely spoken, which makes interactions easier for tourists

Furthermore, The Hague has a well-connected public transport system, including trams and buses, making it easy to navigate the city.

➖ Room for Improvement

The Hague is an expensive city, with high prices for accommodation, dining, and entertainment. For budget-conscious travelers, this city might not offer the best value for money, leading to a rather low affordability rating.

B. Best Things to Do in The Hague in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count a total of almost thirty-five sights in The Hague. The following sights and attractions contribute to an impressive score of 5.85/10 in this most important category:

# Mauritshuis 6 3 out of 5 stars

Comparable to the Frick in New York and the Wallace Collection in London, the Mauritshuis is one of the finest small art galleries in the world.

Housed in a small but delightful neoclassical mansion from 1637, the museum reopened in 2014 following a major renovation.

The interesting collection of the museum includes masterpieces such as Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring and Rembrandt's intriguing The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp.

      • Important Masterpieces: 4
      • Highlight: Girl with a Pearl Earring, Johannes Vermeer van Delft (c. 1665), 44.5 cm × 39 cm (17.5 in × 15 in)

Show Top 5 Artworks (click here)

Show Museum Score (click here)

Art Museum Gallery Space: ca. 2,000 m2 [21,527 ft2] | Galleries: 15 | Artworks on Display: ca. 200 | Established: 1822 | Visitors (2018): ca. 390,532

 

(Click on images to open in lightbox, recommended)

# Kunstmuseum Den Haag (Gemeentemuseum) 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

The Gemeentemuseum den Haag, now known as Kunstmuseum Den Haag, houses an extensive collection of modern art, including the world’s largest collection of works by Piet Mondrian. It also features applied arts, fashion, and musical instruments in a striking Art Deco building designed by architect H.P. Berlage.

    • Important Masterpieces: 1
    • Highlight: Gray Tree, Piet Mondrian (1911), 79.7 x 109.1 cm

Modern Art Museum

by Roel Wijnants / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Madurodam (Miniature City) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Madurodam is a miniature park in The Hague, showcasing famous Dutch landmarks and cities in detailed scale models.

It serves as an interactive attraction that educates visitors about Dutch history, architecture, and culture through engaging exhibits.

Miniature Park

by Cqui / CC BY-SA 2.5

# Mesdag Panorama 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Mesdag Panorama provides a detailed and immersive 19th-century view of Scheveningen through a massive cylindrical painting.

Panoramic Painting

by Ferditje / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Louwman Museum 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Louwman Museum in The Hague features one of the world’s oldest and most extensive collections of automotive history, with over 250 antique and classic cars.

Car Museum

by Trogain / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Escher in Het Paleis 5  2.5 out of 5 stars

Escher in Het Paleis is a museum dedicated to the works of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher, located in a former royal palace in The Hague.

The museum displays Escher's famous optical illusions and mathematically inspired artworks, alongside interactive exhibits that explore his creative processes.

Museum  

by Escher in het Paleis / CC BY-SA 2.0

# Scheveningen Beach 5  2.5 out of 5 stars

A popular seaside resort in The Hague, Scheveningen Beach offers a wide range of activities, from sunbathing and swimming to dining and entertainment on its bustling promenade.

It’s known for its iconic pier and vibrant nightlife.

Beach with Pier

by Zairon / CC BY-SA 4.0

# International Court of Justice 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) (Not to be confused with the International Criminal Court ICC) is the principal judicial body of the United Nations, located in the Peace Palace in The Hague.

The ICJ settles legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions on international legal issues, playing a crucial role in maintaining global peace and justice.

Bridge | Modern Architecture 

by Velvet / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Beelden aan Zee Museum 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Located by the sea, this museum focuses exclusively on contemporary sculpture, featuring works by both Dutch and international artists.

The museum’s unique underground structure enhances the experience of viewing its varied and often monumental pieces.

Art Museum

by Vincent van Zeijst / CC BY-SA 4.0

#10 | Naturalis Biodiversity Center 4 2 out of 5 stars

Naturalis Biodiversity Center is a natural history museum with vast collections related to the earth’s biodiversity, including fossils, minerals, and preserved animal specimens. It’s also a leading research institution focused on studying life on Earth.

Natural History Museum 

by Thedogg / CC BY-SA 2.0

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌍 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in The Hague

#11 | Nieuwe Kerk 4 2 out of 5 stars

The Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague, originally constructed in the 17th century, serves as a historical Protestant church known for its impressive Gothic architecture and vibrant stained glass windows.

Church

by Zairon / CC BY-SA 4.0

    • Oude Delft 4
    • Historic Centre 4
    • Rijksmuseum van Oudheden 4
    • Japanese Garden 4

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from The Hague

Leiden 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Famous for its canals, museums, and as the birthplace of Rembrandt, Leiden also served as a refuge for the Pilgrims before their voyage to America.

City  Distance from The Hague: 20 km

by Roger Veringmeier /  CC BY-SA 4.0

Amsterdam (64 km from The Hague) 8

Rotterdam (23 km from The Hague) 6

Utrecht (65 km from The Hague) 6

Delft (10 km from The Hague) 5

Gouda (33 km from The Hague) 5

Otterlo (113 km from The Hague) 5

E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in The Hague (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting The Hague for at least three entire days:

Mauritshuis 6

Kunstmuseum Den Haag 6

Madurodam (Miniature City) 5

Mesdag Panorama 5

Louwman Museum 5

Escher in Het Paleis 5

Scheveningen Beach 5

International Court of Justice 5

Beelden aan Zee Museum 5

Naturalis Biodiversity Center 4

 

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