The Hague travel guide - Wikitravel 13 Get out This article is about The Hague proper. Scheveningen is covered in a separate article. The Hague [1] (Dutch: Den Haag or 's-Gravenhage) is a city in the province of South Holland in the Netherlands . It is the seat of the Dutch parliament and government, and the residence of King Willem-Alexander, but it is not the capital city, which is Amsterdam . The municipality has about 500,000 inhabitants, with the greater urban area numbering about one million. The Hague lies on the North Sea and is home to Scheveningen , the most popular seaside resort of the Netherlands, as well as the smaller resort of Kijkduin. Understand[ edit ] View of the Binnenhof, the centre of government in The Hague Internationally, The Hague is often known as the "judicial capital of the world" due to the many international courts that are located in the city. Among these are the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and, since 2004, the International Criminal Court.

Beside these institutions, The Hague is home to more than 150 international organizations, as well as many EU institutions, multinational companies and embassies. This gave the city a distinct international character — one that is noticeably different from Amsterdam. Rather than having the many foreign tourists and fortune-seekers attracted by Amsterdam's reputation for excitement and liberalism, The Hague generally has more expatriates working and living in the city because of the number of international institutions and companies. Because of this, The Hague has a reputation as a wealthy, conservative and somewhat sedate city. The Hague has very little of the edginess and excitement of Amsterdam; however, it provides well for its inhabitants in different ways, such as large areas of green space, 11 km of coastline, attractive shopping streets and an extensive multicultural scene. Rather than having canals like other Dutch cities, The Hague has streets and avenues that are just a little bit wider than those in the rest of the country, giving the city a more continental feel. Instead of the typical Dutch renaissance 17th-century step-gabled houses, it has 18th-century mansions in baroque and classicist styles. The city is considered by many as the most stately of the country.

Just outside the city centre, posh neighbourhoods effuse a more 19th century look with eclectic and art nouveau architecture. The farther you get from the sea front and the city centre, however, the more neighbourhoods tend to become less well-off. One dividing line between affluent and sketchier areas is drawn by some at Laan van Meerdervoort, which runs parallel to the seaside. Areas away from the sea tend to have much less in the way of green space. An exception to this is one centrally located park, Zuiderpark, which also used to contain the stadium of the local football team ADO Den Haag. Some of its supporters were known as the most notorious hooligans of the country, perpetuating a stereotype of "lower-class" for the inhabitants of that area. The Hague offers great architecture, from the picturesque government complex of the Binnenhof, to the grand and stately mansions on Lange Voorhout. Museums like the Mauritshuis rank among the best in the country. For food aficionados, The Hague offers some of the country's best Indonesian cuisine, due to large-scale immigration from this former Dutch colony.

The city also offers good opportunities for outings, such as extensive green spaces for walking and bicycling as well as dunes and seaside recreation areas just a few tram stops away from the city centre. The Hague also offers a few attractions especially appealing to children, such as the miniature city of Madurodam and the 360 degree Omniversum cinema. Over the past 10 years, the city has undergone an extensive amount of development in the form of modern architecture projects. Recent constructions include the City Hall and Central Library by American architect Richard Meier, De "Snoeptrommel" (known by the locals as Candy-Box) - a round shopping centre next to the old town hall, and a collection of post-modern, brick-clad office towers in between the city hall and the Centraal railway station, which provide new housing for a number of ministries. A major infrastructural development has been the construction of an underground tram tunnel underneath Grote Marktstraat, which is used by regular trams, and a new light-rail system, known as RandstadRail, linking The Hague with the neighbouring cities of Zoetermeer and Rotterdam . A major redevelopment project is currently underway in the area around the Centraal railway station.

Here, skyscrapers like the 142 m Hoftoren rise up over the city and several other high-rise towers are currently under construction. By plane[ edit ] The Hague shares an airport with Rotterdam . Rotterdam The Hague Airport can be reached from The Hague Central Station by RandstadRail Line E, with an Airport Shuttle to and from Meijersplein Station. However, with several direct trains per hour from the railway stations Hollands Spoor and Centraal, and also with an hourly night train from station Hollands Spoor, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is more frequently used by people travelling to and from The Hague by air. By train[ edit ] The Hague has two main train stations, serving domestic and international routes. Den Haag Centraal is in the process of being renovated, and is the biggest train station in The Hague. It is within walking distance of the city centre and from Malieveld park. It has connections to Amsterdam (45 minutes), Schiphol Airport (30 minutes), Utrecht (35 minutes), Groningen (2 and 1/2 hours) and many other cities throughout the Randstad and the Netherlands.

You can get to Centraal Station from a variety of international destinations such as Cologne , Berlin , Frankfurt , Prague , Moscow , Basel and Copenhagen via the city of Utrecht. Upon arrival, the city centre of The Hague is about a 5 minute walk from the Centraal Station. Leave through the left side entrance (look for the tram station stops) and walk through the glass passageway and straight ahead. You should reach the centre in less than 5 min. Visitors are most likely to use Centraal Station, as it is closer to the centre of town, tourist attractions and shopping. It also has the best local public transport links via tram and bus. Den Haag HS (Hollands Spoor) is a 20 min walk from Central Station. It has connections by intercity train to Antwerp and Brussels , as well as domestic connections to Rotterdam , Eindhoven , Amsterdam , Leiden and Delft . Southbound trains from Den Haag CS always pass through Hollands Spoor. To get to the city centre, walk straight ahead from the main entrance and follow the Stationsweg road through Chinatown, and you will end up right in the middle of town.

Despite its shabby location, there should be no reason to feel less safe here than anywhere else in town. You can use Hollands Spoor is to catch the international trains to Antwerp and Brussels, and also to reach the city when coming from a late night flight into Schiphol or to catch an early morning flight from there. In addition to southbound trains from Centraal, tram lines 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17 also cover the short distance from Centraal Station to Hollands Spoor. Both stations have trains that go to and from Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. By car[ edit ] The Hague is connected by toll-free motorways to Amsterdam (A4 and A44), Rotterdam (A13) and Utrecht (A12). Access to the centre is through the A12 motorway that penetrates the city centre, like a needle, and ends on a large traffic junction just north of the historic centre. Approaching and leaving the city from any of these motorways can take a long time during the morning and evening rush hours.

On hot summer days, hundreds of thousands of people try to reach Scheveningen beach by car, and huge traffic jams of up to 50 km long may occur, causing traffic delays of up to several hours. On such days, consider taking public transportation. A park and ride facility, P+R Hoornwijck, opened in 2008 on the Laan van Hoornwijck by the Ypenburg interchange. Motorists can easily reach it from the A4 (Exit 9) and A13 (Exit 7). By boat[ edit ] Regular ferries sail from Harwich to Hook of Holland. If you bring bicycles (small charge or free), there is a traffic free cycle route all the way to the Hague, an easy ride of under an hour and a half. Public transport options also exist. Get around[ edit ] By tram or bus[ edit ] The Hague has an efficient city wide system of light rail (called RandstadRail), trams and buses, running mostly on free tracks allowing for a fairly speedy ride. HTM [2] runs the public transport system in The Hague and some of the surrounding area.

Rotterdam-based RET [3] runs a Randstadrail line between The Hague and Rotterdam, through various suburbs. Veolia [4] runs regional bus services to the areas surrounding The Hague. Centraal Station has easy access to trams on the south side (Rijnstraat), but the main lines (Randstadrail 2, 3 and 4, tram 6) stop on platforms crossing the main station hall at level 1. You can find buses on the bus platform above the railway tracks. Central Station is currently finishing up a major reconstruction work that may make some connections hard to find. Just ask at the information kiosk at the centre of the station. Hollands Spoor has trams and buses stopping in the front of its main entrance. Tickets[ edit ] If you use the public transport, you will need a valid ticket. The strippenkaart is no longer valid. You can travel by " OV Chipkaart ", which is a public transport smart card. This card can be bought at the HTM offices at Central Station (you find the office upstairs at the bus terminal), Hollands Spoor and in Wagenstraat, among other places.

If you get caught without a valid ticket, you will get the opportunity to buy a ticket at a much higher price. This ticket costs € 3,00 as of April 2013 and is valid for 1.5 hours. If you are not able of not wanting to buy this ticket, you will be fined for € 37.40. It is easy to enter trams without having a valid ticket, but it better to be safe than sorry. By foot[ edit ] The Hague's city centre is fairly compact and you can easily navigate the area on foot. From Centraal Station, it is about a 10 min walk to the Binnenhof and the Hofvijver pond. By bike[ edit ] The Hague's city centre is fairly compact and if you want to get a good understanding about the Dutch you should travel around by bike. Cheap second hand bikes can be bought at the bicycle garage above central station The Hague C.S.

If you want to get a better deal on a bike and don't mind walking 15 minutes from Central station The Hague, visit the nameless [Javastraat 116, The Hague] second hand bike store (open tuesday - saturday; from 11.00 - 18.00), where bikes are really cheaper and in really good condition. Centre[ edit ] The heart of the city contains most of the historic architecture from the medieval, renaissance, and Baroque periods and is easily accessible on foot. You'll also find lots of outdoor cafes and shopping near the Plein on the Lange Poten or just east of there on the Hofweg. William of Orange overlooks het Plein (the square) Plein, (southwest from Centraal Station along Herengracht and Korte Poten). This square — Plein simply translates as 'square' in English — is one of the most elegant in the centre. Located right next to the Binnenhof, it is lined with historic government buildings on three of its four sides. The north side is lined with bars and cafés, which spill out onto the square in summer.

These sidewalk cafés are quite popular with politicians from the neighbouring Binnenhof, and even Prime Minister Mark Rutte can be spotted here with a pint regularly. The square is also the scene for demonstrations against government policies. The statue in the middle is that of William of Orange, heralded as the founding father of the Dutch nation. edit Ridderzaal at Binnenhof Binnenhof, (northwest of the Plein, trams 1 and 9 (Spui stadhuis stop), trams 2, 3, 6, & 10 (Spui stop)), ☎ +31 070 757 02 00 ( bezoekerscentrum@prodemos.nl ), [5] . M-Sa 09:30AM-5PM. Since the 13th century the Binnenhof ('Inner Court') has subsequently been the seat of the government of the county of Holland, the Dutch Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It used to be a castle, surrounded by moats on all sides. Since then it has been modified countless times to accommodate the expanding Dutch government.

The moats have been filled, but the castle still borders on the Court Pond (named Hofvijver). In its waters the old buildings continue to mirror themselves. Today, the Binnenhof houses the two chambers of the Dutch parliament and the Prime Minister's office in a small round tower opposite the Mauritshuis. Enter through one of the gates on Plein or Buitenhof and you will find yourself in a medieval enclosed courtyard, surrounded by architecture from the 13th up to the 19th century. There may be crowds gathered here on occasion because of public demonstrations, TV airings or receptions for foreign officials. In the middle stands the Knight's Hall, the original centrepiece of the castle, used for ceremonial purposes. The houses of parliament and the Knight's Hall are accessible in guided tours. It is also possible to attend the meetings of the parliament. The Tweede Kamer (second chamber) of parliament meets on tuesday, wednesday and thursday and has a new gathering room since 1992. The Eerste Kamer (first chamber) meets monthly, and does so in a splendid 17th century Dutch-styled interior with a lavishly painted ceiling.

edit Mauritshuis, Korte Vijverberg 8 (next to the Binnenhof), ☎ +31 70 3023456 ( communicatie@mauritshuis.nl ), [6] . T-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-5PM, and also M 10AM-5PM from Apr-Aug.. Housed in a 17th-century palace overlooking the water of the Hofvijver pond, the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis contains the former collection of last Dutch stadtholder, William the V. While the museum is quite small (a complete tour takes a little over an hour) it contains some of the most famous work from the old Dutch Masters, including Johannes Vermeer (Girl with a Pearl Earring and View of Delft), Rembrandt van Rijn (The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp), Andy Warhol ("Queen Beatrix"), Rembrandt self-portraits at ages 20 and 63, and others. Adult incl. audio tour €11.50, under 18 get in free.

edit Bredius Museum, Lange Vijverberg 14, ☎ +31 70 3620729 ( info@museumbredius.nl ), [7] . T-Su 11AM-5PM. The private collection of Abraham Bredius, a 19th-century art historian contains Dutch Baroque art, as well as drawings, porcelain and crafted silver. €4.50. edit Museum de Gevangenpoort, Buitenhof 33, ☎ +31 70 3460861. T-F 10AM-5PM, Sa-Su 12PM-5PM. Built in 1370 as an entrance gate to the Binnenhof complex, the Gevangenpoort (Prison Gate) was converted into a prison in 1420. In 1853 the prison shutdown and it was turned into a museum. For a taste of medieval justice, have a look at their collection of torture instruments and get locked inside an original medieval cell block. €4. edit Lange Voorhout, (northwest along either side of the entrances to the Binnenhof).

This former extension of The Hague Forest is now a large tree-lined square, bordered on all sides by grand 18th century townhouses. The large Baroque building on the west side is the 'Huis Huguetan', home to the Dutch supreme court. The square is especially pretty in spring, when its crocuses are in bloom. On Thursdays and Sundays there is a very good antique and book market. Every summer, the square hosts The Hague Sculpture (Den Haag Sculptuur) [8] , a free outdoor sculpture exhibition. The fortified building on the corner is the US Embassy and has been a point of contention among locals and embassy officials because of the heightened security. edit Escher museum Escher in Het Paleis, Lange Voorhout 74 (trams 16, 17 (Korte Voorhout stop)), ☎ +31 70 4277730, [9] . T-Su 11AM-5PM. This former royal townhouse was recently converted into a museum dedicated to the famous Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher.

The first three floors display prints, sketches and archive material showing how Escher progressed from realistic pictures to his later works of optical illusion and geometrical pattern. The top floor offers a trip through Escher's worlds through 3D graphic headsets. €9.00. edit Denneweg. This street is a prime area for finding antique and specialty shops. It also has some good pubs and upscale restaurants to recharge in after shopping. Parallel to the Denneweg run the Hooigracht and Smidswater canals, which are two of the very few canals in The Hague compared to other major Dutch cities and towns. edit Paleis Noordeinde, (near Prinsessewal), [10] . This is the royal palace that Queen Beatrix uses as her office. While the inside is not open to the public, the 17th-century façade can be seen from Noordeinde street, which also has a large number of art galleries. The gardens on the opposite side of the palace are accessible to the public for walking.

edit Panorama Mesdag, Zeestraat 65, ☎ +31 70 3644544 ( info@panorama-mesdag.com ). M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa-Su 12PM-5PM. The Panorama Mesdag is a cylindrical painting from 1881, more than 14 m high and 120 m in circumference. One of the most famous painters of The Hague School, Hendrik Willem Mesdag, created a vista of the sea, the dunes and Scheveningen village. It is the oldest 19th-century panorama in the world that's still in its original site. €6. edit De Verdieping van Nederland, (north side of Centraal Station next to platform 12, inside the Royal Library). W-Sa 9AM-5PM, T 9AM-8PM, Su-M 12PM-5PM. A free exhibition showcasing the history of the Netherlands through original copies of historically significant documents.

It has the original copy of peace treaty of Münster with Spain, marking the end of the 80-year Dutch independence war in 1648, and the original sales act of the Dutch purchase of Manhattan from the Indians. edit Oude Stadhuis. The original town hall is a small building from the 15th century when The Hague itself was a small settlement around the Royal Court. In the 18th century it was expanded upon and now has a grand facade facing the 15th-century Grote Kerk (Big Church), originally used as city's main place of worship, but now primarily functions as an exhibition space. edit Stadhuis. In the early 1990s, the municipality moved to this enormous white building by American architect Richard Meier, nicknamed by locals as the Ice Palace. Walk in to have a look at the lofty main hall, which has exhibits on various topics related to the city. The two air bridges through the hall connecting the various offices had to be fenced off to prevent suicides, but still make for a nice view of the atrium below. The city hall borders a large, somewhat barren modern square with a fountain.

It contrasts sharply with the Baroque Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), located in a small park in the other side of the road. edit Statenkwartier Area[ edit ] Peace Palace, the home of the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration The Statenkwartier area, located between the dunes and the centre, has leafy avenues and 19th century housing and is very popular with The Hague's large expatriate community. The area is nice for walking tours of the 19th-century mansions, which showcase architectural diversity in The Hague. All kinds of neo- and modern-styles are represented here, especially Art Nouveau architecture. Good shops, delicatessens and restaurants are to be found on Statenkwartier's main street, Frederik Hendriklaan, or 'Fred'. The area also has a number of tourist attractions, which make it worth a visit, most of them being clustered around the Gemeentemuseum on Stadhouderslaan.

Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, Stadhouderslaan 41 (tram 17 (Statenkwartier stop) or bus 24 (Kijkduin stop)), ☎ +31 70 3381111 ( info@gemeentemuseum.nl ), [11] . T-Su 11AM-5PM. The Gemeentemuseum (Municipal Museum) has a small collection of classical modern art (Van Gogh, Kandinsky, Monet, Sisley, Degas, Bacon). It boasts an especially large collection of Mondrians, showcasing the entire career of this painter known for his works with red, blue and yellow shapes. The Gemeentemuseum also has a large selection of paintings of the Hague School, a 19th century movement of landscape artists, in addition to period rooms and collections of fashion, musical instruments and decorative arts. Rotating exhibitions on 19th and early 20th century art held here are also quite popular.

The museum is housed in a yellow brick building built in 1938 by Dutch architect Hendrik Berlage, a pioneer in modern architecture and best-known for his Beurs van Berlage - the exchange building on the Damrak in Amsterdam. Next to the Gemeentemuseum are the GEM, a museum with rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, and the Fotomuseum Den Haag, which has rotating photography exhibitions. €8. edit Museon, Stadhouderslaan 37 (next to the Gemeentemuseum), ☎ +31 70 3381338 ( info@museon.nl ), [12] . T-Su 11AM-5PM. An interactive science museum, very popular with school groups and younger crowds. €7.50. edit Omniversum, President Kennedylaan 5 (behind the Museon), ☎ +0900-6664837 ( info@omniversum.nl ), [13] . Cinema with a round screen, offering a 360 degree viewing experience. Runs IMAX/Discovery-style documentaries; some are aimed at children. €9.

edit Vredespaleis, Carnegieplein 2 (bus 24 (Kijkduin stop), tram 1 (to Scheveningen Noorderstand)), ☎ +31 70 3024137 ( carnegie@carnegie-stichting.nl ), [14] . The Peace Palace was built in 1913, to house the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which was hoped to provide a means to legally settle international disputes. Ironically, World War I broke out just a year later. Today the Peace Palace also houses the International Court of Justice, the principal judicial body of the UN, which settles disputes between countries only. 5€. edit Elsewhere[ edit ] Madurodam, George Maduroplein 1 (tram 9 or 22 (toward Scheveningen Noorderstrand), ☎ +31 (0)70 416 2400, [15] . 9AM-6PM daily. This miniature city contains a selection of Dutch architecture, ranging from Amsterdam's canals and church spires from Utrecht and Den Bosch, to modern architecture from Rotterdam and the enormous Delta works that protect the country from the sea.

Madurodam also has an airport, a seaport, beaches, and little cars, trams and trains running through the entire town. A great attraction for kids and adults. €14.50 for adults, €10.50 for children. edit Paleis Huis ten Bosch, [16] The home palace of Queen Beatrix, Huis ten Bosch, is in the middle of the vast Haagse Bos park. (The Hague Forest). While the surrounding park is open, the palace itself is not open to visitors. Louwman Museum (Nationaal Automobiel Museum), Leidsestraatweg 57 (Between benoordenhoutseweg and N44/A44), ☎ +31 (0)70 – 304 7373 ( info@louwmanmuseum.nl , fax: +31 (0)70 – 383 5587), [17] . Daily, except mondays, from 10AM-5PM. Opened in juli 2010. This private collection contains a century of history of the car.

Price: € 13,50, 6-12 year € 7,50, Parking € 5,-.. edit Boat trips The Hague (Salonboot), [18] Enjoy The Hague during a boat trip on the canals. Boat trips The Hague (Ooievaart - Dutch site only), [19] Enjoy The Hague from the water. Special rates for groups and also the possibility to rent a boat with a captain. Do[ edit ][ add listing ] Since The Hague was founded on a former hunting manor, there are a variety of parks and green spaces that are ideal for exploration. Like the majority of cities in the Netherlands, The Hague is extremely bike friendly and it's easy to get from one place to another on a bicycle if you feel like stepping outside the city centre. Scheveningen (and to a lesser extent Kijkduin) is a busy seaside resort filled with boardwalk cafes and close to the dunes.

The prime months to get out and see The Hague on foot or by pedal are in the late spring, summer, and early fall months; just note that the beachfront area can get extremely crowded as vacationers from all over Europe come to visit and bask along the North Sea coastline. Park Clingendael - Once a former estate, the park is best known for its Japanese garden, one of the oldest (1910) in Europe. While the garden is open only from late April to mid-June, the surrounding area is open all year long and is free for visitors. Westbroekpark - An English-style park from the 1920s. Renowned for its Rosarium or rose garden, with 20,000 different varieties of roses blooming from June until November. The park includes a restaurant with lovely views. Haagse Bos - This park is the oldest forested area in the country. It stretches from the suburb of Wassenaar to the northeast and goes right to the doorstep of Centraal Station, where there is a small fenced off area with deer.

Haagse Bos also has a large birds-nest built on top of a pole with which the local municipality has succeeded in attracting a pair of storks, since the stork is in the city's emblem. The Haagse Bos also contains the Queen's palace of Huis ten Bosch. Scheveningse Bosjes - A park near Scheveningen centred around a small lake, the Waterpartij. Home to the Indiëmonument, which commemorates Dutch victims of the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies. Wassenaar - This suburb of The Hague is the wealthiest municipality in the country. Large wooded areas contain cycling and walking paths and are interspersed with huge estates. The village centre has a few restaurants and shops and is fairly close to the beach. Scheveningen Pier in the late summer Duinrell, (near Wassenaar village), [20] . This amusement park is mainly aimed at children but has accommodation as well for longer stays since it is right near the beach. The surrounding dunes and forested areas are great for walking, cycling and mountain biking. edit The North Sea coast resorts, [21] .

Resort facilities at Scheveningen and at Kijkduin have access to the beach, the dunes, as well as seaside restaurants and cafes. Be sure to check out the Scheveningen Pier, the largest pier in the Netherlands, which has a 60 m (200 ft) lookout tower, bungee jumping, and a casino and restaurant. Scheveningen gets crowded in the summer, so try Kijkduin if you're looking for something a little more peaceful. edit Events[ edit ] Check the "Haagenda" for current events link-> [22] KoninginneNach, [23] . Evening of the 29th of April. While Amsterdam is generally known for having country's largest celebration of Dutch Queen's Day on the 30th of April, in recent years The Hague has held the largest anticipatory party the night before. KoninginneNach (Queens' Night in The Hague dialect) has bands and DJ's giving shows in 5 different locations in the city centre. Scheveningen International Sand Sculpture Festival, [24] . May. Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival, [25] August. Parkpop, [26] .

Last Sunday of June. Huge, free, one-day pop music festival held in Zuiderpark. Attracts nearly 400.000 visitors each year, nearly as many people as actually live in the city, making the festival the largest of its kind in the world. North Sea Regatta, [27] . End of May / Beginning of June. International sailing contest, held off the coast of Scheveningen. Tong Tong Fair, [28] . End of May/beginning of June. This claims to be the largest Eurasian festival in the world. Since its first edition in 1958 it has been the quintessential event and meeting place for the country's sizable Dutch-East-Indian community. The festival also attracts lots of outsiders though, who come to sample Indonesian cuisine in the huge food halls, listen to music, buy foodstuffs, Indonesian clothes and parafernalia and inform themselves about Indonesian culture. The festival is held in large tents on the Malieveld, opposite Centraal. Den Haag Sculptuur, [29] . June, July and August. Free sculpture exposition on Lange Voorhout with different themes each year. North Sea Jazz Festival, [30] .

Second weekend of July. After having been held in The Hague for 30 years, this world famous jazz festival has now (2006) moved to Rotterdam because of accommodation problems in The Hague. Live Jazz, on you can find all live jazz and other improvised music events in the city! There are a lot of jazz musicians in The Hague, and you can hear them and other (inter)national musicians play around town! Prinsjesdag. Third Tuesday in September. Prinsjesdag or 'Princes Day' marks the beginning of the new parliamentary year. On this day, large crowds are drawn by the traditional journey that King Willem makes from his palace at Noordeinde to the Knight's Hall at the Binnenhof. He makes his trip in the Gouden Koets (Golden Carriage), a gift from the people of Amsterdam to his great-grandmother Wilhelmina from 1903. The carriage is used only for this special occasion. In the Knight's Hall, the King then performs his duty as the formal head of state by reading out the Troonrede (Throne Speech) to the gathered chambers of the parliament.

The throne speech contains a summary of the policies the cabinet is planning to implement over the next year. Crossing Border Festival, [31] . November. TodaysArt Festival, [32] . Last weekend of September. International Festival Beyond Art. Work[ edit ] Many people move to the Randstad area (including The Hague, Amsterdam, Rotterdam) either for a year out, work (as an Expatriate) or to join partners (who are mostly either Expatriates or Dutch). There are specialist websites for English and non-Dutch speakers looking to work in The Hague (and Randstad area) and a good place to start; Blue Lynx - Employment by Language [33] . Immigration matters are dealt with by the Immigration Service IND [34] . Registration is done by both police and municipalities. Immigration policy is restrictive and deliberately bureaucratic. That is especially true for non-EU citizens. European Union citizens do not require a work permit. Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians are afforded a one year working-holiday visa. In general the employer must apply for work permits.

Immigration is easier for "knowledge migrants" earning a gross annual salary of over € 45 000 (over € 33 000 for those under 30). Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] The lively and historical centre of The Hague is perfect for a day of shopping. The shopping area around the Spuistraat and Grote Marktstraat is busy seven days a week. Most of the main department stores are located in this shopping area. Maison de Bonneterie, Gravenstraat 2. An opulent fashion store inside a glass-domed building built in 1913. Stores such as Burberry, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, and others cater to an upscale crowd. They also have purveyors to Queen Beatrix herself! edit De Bijenkorf, Wagenstraat 32 (corner Grote Marktstraat). This middle-priced to expensive department store is housed in a large building from 1924, built in a unique expressionist style with brick and copper. Have a look at the glass-stained windows in the staircase. The restaurant 'La Ruche' in the third floor has a good view of the surrounding area.

edit V&D, Grote Marktstraat 50. A similar department store to Debenhams in the UK. edit You can find the best shopping in The Hague on the side streets that circle out from the city centre. While lots of them are upscale, you can find a few bargain stores dotted here and there. De Passage - A unique covered shopping gallery built in 1882, with a sister-building in Brussels. Here you can find specialty and upmarket fashion shopping. Check out the outdoor cafes just outside on Buitenhof The Candy Box, (next to the Oude Stadhuis). This building is near the up-market Hoogstraat shopping area. Locals call it "The Candy Box" because of it's unique exterior. Completed in 2000, it's one of the newer building in the city Prinsestraat - Specialty shops, delicatessens and restaurants in the area around this street, located between Grote Kerk and Noordeinde palace. Spuistraat. Pedestrianized, shopping streets with mainly smalll chain stores. Other streets bordering the area with similar shops are Vlamingstraat, Venestraat and Wagenstraat.

The American Book Center, Lange Poten 23, ☎ +31 70 3642742, [35] . This unique store sells new and used English titles and caters to both expats and locals. If you're dragging extra copies of books across Europe, but don't want to throw them away, try trading them in here. edit Denneweg and Noordeinde. These shopping streets lie parallel to one another from either side of the Binnenhof. The former has antiques, bric-a-brac, and several interesting restaurants and specialty food shops, while the latter is known for its boutiques and haute couture. Lange Voorhout. This street doesn't have much shops, but there it's a beautiful old street that has a weekly returning market. Antique & Book Market, [36] . 10.00-18.00. Now if you are looking for great original souvenirs to bring to your friends, then this is a great place to go: Every Thursday and/or Sunday there is an Antique and Book Market, where you can find original Dutch gifts.

Most of the time, there is also a man there (Cornelis) who sells tiny handpainted paintings of Dutch landscapes for only €5 a piece that make a great gift. The market is not that big, so look out for him and you will easily spot him. edit Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Just as Indian restaurants abound in the UK, the Netherlands has an excellent tradition in Indonesian and colonial Dutch-Indies cuisine. After Indonesia became independent from the Netherlands in 1945, the country received a large number of former colonials from Dutch and mixed descent who had been forced to leave the newly independent colony. The Hague received a relatively large number of these people and is still a centre of the Dutch-Indonesian community. Haagsche brood- en banketbakkerij Hans en Frans, Denneweg 128, [37] . 07.00 - 17.00. Famous local bakery. Try their Haagse Kakker, which is a big sweet bread filled with raisins and nuts. Great to bring home as a gift. Other specialties include Haagsche Ooievaartjes (cookies) and Haags Jantje (chocolate).

They are also located at Theresiastraat 131 and Reinkenstraat 50 edit Restaurant Alexander The Hague, Denneweg 138 2514 CL, ☎ 0031 70 36 48 175, [38] . 17:00 - 23:00. 3 course menu € 27.50 per person. edit Burgerz, Prinsestraat 23, ☎ 070-3560062, [39] . Funky gourmet hamburger restaurant serving 25 home-made and pure burgers: beef, lamb chicken, salmon, tuna and vegetarian. Also for take-away and from sept 2011 also in Delft. edit Dap & co, Schokkerweg 39, Scheveningen, ☎ 070-3223969, [40] . Two story glass restaurant with magnificent views overlooking the harbor.

Serving meat and fish grilled on the green egg as well as a selection of delicious home-made hamburgers ( Open 7 days/week for lunch and dinner and the perfect place for parties, receptions and meetings. edit FLOC, prinsestraat 42A, ☎ 070-4276168. a very friendly restaurant with a modern yet cosy atmosphere. The owner is also the chef and serves great fresh food wich he loves to pair with his special wine selections. Menu price €35,00 wine starts at €21,00 per bottle €4,25 per glass edit The Penthouse restaurant skybar, Rijswijkseplein 786 (Next to HS station), ☎ 0703051000, [41] . 10.00-late. Holland's highest restaurant, sitting on top of The Hague Tower at 135metres. Spectacular place and good restaurant. edit Indonesian, city centre[ edit ] Garoeda, Kneuterdijk 18a.

Historic place (founded 1949) with waiters in traditional costumes, spread out over two floors. Poentjak, Kneuterdijk 16. Next to Garoeda. Interior is a time-warp to the 1920ies. Istana, Wagenstraat 71. Small restaurant with somewhat minimalist decor. Excellent sateh. Indonesian, out of the centre[ edit ] Bogor, Van Swietenstraat 2 (070) 346 1628. Known by the in-crowd as traditionally the best place in town. Simple but excellent food, has been around for over 40 years and has not changed since. Tampat Senang, Laan van Meerdervoort 6. Very colonial-style restaurant with waiters in traditional costumes. Beautifully decorated with indigenous art. Excellent garden for outside dining in summer. Palembang, Thomsonlaan 17. Cosy place with excellent food. Lots of pictures on the wall with local celebrities who visited here. Sarinah, Goudenregenplein 4, 070-360 1585.

A local institution, this place gets especially busy in the weekends when service can be a bit slow. Has both a restaurant area and a take-away service. Keraton Damai, Groot Hertoginnelaan 57, 070-363 9371. Small 'living-room style restaurant' with very personal and attentive service. Small but excellent choice of dishes. Isaku Iki, Anna Paulownastraat 17, 070-3920033. This place has both 'restaurant area' and take-away service. Organic[ edit ] Baklust [42] , Ran by ex-squatters, Baklust is an Organic and Vegetarian cafe with an international air, open 10.00-18.00 th/su, Veenkade 19, 070-7532274. Water & Brood, An ex-squat, Organic and Vegetarian diner, Hellingweg 127, 070 3997455.

Other[ edit ] NOH Sushi & Sake (Japanese restaurant), Prinsestraat 77 (next to 'de Paleistuinen' or take tram 17 and get out at 'Noordwal'), ☎ 0031703633320, [43] . Kitchen open: Wednesday - Sunday: 17.30- 22.30 Monday and Tuesday: Closed. NOH is one of the most relaxing and finest Japanese sushi restaurants in The Hague, providing all the basics for an enjoyable evening. They regularly serve Toro and Uni and have a sushibar for single (traveling) people. €33. edit Kiraku. Toussaintkade 31. , Open since 1992. It's a small restaurant with a sushibar, the sushi taste excellent so make a reservation or come in early for dinner. Asian Fusion HanTing restaurant on Prinsestraat 33 offers a fusion of Asian flavours with flair. Price range around 30 Euro for a 5 course gourmet meal. Chinatown.

The Hague has an official Chinatown with a variety of shops and supermarkets around Gedempte Gracht and Wagenstraat and added street signs in Chinese can be seen there. Furthermore some bakeries and a lot of Cantonese Dim Sum and Northern Chinese restaurants can be found around Chinatown. Popular restaurants are 'Kee Lun Palace', Wong Kee' and 'Full Moon'. They have authentic Cantonese food for a reasonable price. Dudok. Hofweg 1a. Dudok lies right opposite the Binnenhof and is quite popular with both politicians and the "ordinary" public out shopping. Sakura. In Scheveningen. A friendly sushi bar that can accommodate a big crowd. Bodega de Posthoorn. A grandcafe is the centre of the Hague. Located near various tourist attraction: Maurtishuis, Hofvijver, Binnenhof, Historical Museum and Escher Museum. Bodega de Posthoorn is a unique eating and drinking establishment with typical Dutch grandieur. If you visit the Hague, you must have had a at least a cup of coffee here, to experience the typical Dutch grandieur.

There are also other small mom and pop restaurants around The Hague, such as take out Suriname, Chinese, or Thai. They are small and normally a tourist wouldn't know much about them. But if you wander around the city and the more residential areas, such as the Zeeheldenkwartier, you'll find them easily. On the main street in the Zeeheldenkwartier (Elandstraat 52), past the McDonald's and the Albert Heijn, you'll find a small Suriname restaurant called Warung Kromo there. It is mostly for take-away dishes, but there are a few tables and chairs inside if you want to eat there. The people are friendly and the food is good and cheap. Try the roti and curry dishes, as well as the simple Suriname "broodjes". Florencia [44] near the Grote Kerk the best known ice cream parlor in town. Marinello [45] also near the Grote Kerk but situated in the Lange Poten is still the best ice cream parlor in town. Simonis [46] is a no-nonsense fish restaurant which is situated on several locations.

It's amazing to see the enormous variation of fish available to eat. The one located at Scheveningen Harbor is the oldest and most attractive [47] , but avoid weekends if you do not like big crowds. The one in The Hague Center is more intimate [48] cafe Madeleine [49] just outside the centre. take tram 3 to valkenbosplein and just have a coffee and something sweet :) open for early birds from 8am Dolomiti IJssalon [50] a little bit away from the centre, this ice cream parlor makes delicious gelato, also sugarfree and dietary ice. Melis Stokelaan 13 Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Bars and Pubs[ edit ] Grote Markt is the place to go for drinks of dinner when you visit The Hague. Many different bars, restaurants and pubs are located at this unique location, right in the city centre of the hague: De Zwarte Ruiter [51] . A busy bar at the "Grote Markt" with a rock 'n roll vibe. September, next to De Zwarte Ruiter.

Supermarkt, a live music venue, with a bar vibe, next to September and De Zwarte Ruiter. Tiki Room Vavoom [52] , At the Grote Markt, alternative, surf style bar ran by tattooed people. De Boterwaag opposite September, housed in a former weighing building it's a spacious and atmospheric venue. Beautiful building! Zèta Next to De Zwarte Ruiter, A busy bar, whith a relaxed admosphere, with sustainability and green thinking as key words. During summer, the "Grote markt" becomes a big open air terrace, great for people watching and music festivals! Cafe Cremers [53] , A great pub and coffeeshop with great DJ's. The one place where international visitors gather to both smoke and drink. Don't miss it. Prinsestraat 84. De Pater [54] This is a small pub with a relaxed environment,in the city center. If you like Jazz music please check out the program on their site to see the Jazz music nights. During the Jazz evenings, music students come visit and play their music during a jam session. La Grenouille More commonly known as "De Kikker".

Jazz concerts and jam sessions on Tue-Sunday from 21.30. The place is always full of music students which gives it the authentic vibe of a small jazz club. Molenstraat 13. Zahara cocktailbar [55] , the oldest cocktailbar of the Netherlands, is situated at the boulevard of Scheveningen and has more than 100 cocktails on it's menu. Zeekant 32 Coffeeshops[ edit ] As everywhere in The Netherlands, the possession (of small quantities) and use of cannabis (hash and weed) is tolerated in The Hague. Since Amsterdam draws more coffee-shop tourism prices are lower in The Hague. Some renowned places: Cafe Cremers, Prinsestraat 84, [56] . A great pub and coffeeshop with great DJ's. The one place where international visitors gather to both smoke and drink. Don't miss it. edit Ceylon, Edisonstraat 98. edit Fly High, Rijswijkseweg 229. edit Seventh Planet, Loosduinseweg 741. edit De Mazzelaar, Zoutmanstraat 29.

edit Please remember that possesing large quantities of hasheesh or cannabis is a crime in The Netherlands, and please do not take stuff with you when leaving The Netherlands (you can be punished severely in neigbouring countries). It's also unwise to buy for someone else, especially if it's a foreigner as you can be punished in his or her country of origin (it has happened). A noteworthy fact is that smoking tobacco is currently banned inside food and drink establishments — even coffeeshops! That being said, tobacco smoking appears to be tolerated in coffee shops, and their pre-rolled joints are often mixed with tobacco. Nightclubs[ edit ] On "Plein" you will find a variety off nightclubs. Most of the clubs here are actually restaurants that turn into a club on Friday and Saturday night (some clubs are open on Thursday as well). Entrance is usually free, except with special parties. Prices of drinks are quite similar in every club. "Plein" is a little more trendy than the "Grote Markt" area so expect girls in fine dresses and boys with casual party outfits. Usually clubs open around 23:00. Millers, Trendy club with house and latin music (2 area's).

avg age: 20-30. open until 5 am. attracts an international crowd. [57] . Plein 10. Cloos, Cozy club with house and various music. avg age: 20-40. open until 2 am. [58] . Plein 12a. Danzig, Club with various kinds off music. Popular with students from The Hague. avg age: 18-25. open until 5 am. This club is also open on Thursday until 4 am (Students Night with cheap beer) [59] . Lange Houtstraat 9. Havana, A Cuban style dance cafe with Latin beats, R&B and various. avg-age 20-30. Besides native Dutch, this club is also popular with Arabian-Dutch and Surinam-Dutch. Open until 4 am . [60] . Prinsegracht 12. Het feest van Sinterklaas, Entrance fee of €5,-. Open until 5 am. [61] . Herenstraat 6.

Paard van Troje and Paard Café, also a venue for concerts and such [62] . Prinsegracht 12. Budget[ edit ] Stayokay Den Haag, Scheepmakersstraat 27 (tram 17 (Rijswijkseplein stop)), ☎ +31 70 3157888 ( denhaag@stayokay.com ), [63] . This standard but relatively soulless and uninspiring backpacking hostel has double rooms with individual toilet and shower facilities as well as 8 bed dorms.It is huge, quite corporate so don't expect too much of a personal touch here. The hostel has a good location, being close to the Hollands Spoor train station (a 5 minute walk). Hosteling International members get discounts at Stayokay, and you can get a one-year membership card that is useful if you're staying at other HI Hostels. There are internet facilities available to lodgers at a reasonable fee. edit easyHotel Den Haag, Parkstraat 31, [64] .

Opened in May of 2013,this new hotel follows the steps of the same-owned easyJet: cheep small rooms, with extra paid facilities (breakfast is not available at all). Sufficient for the backpacker who wants something more than a hostel, and in a relatively central location of the city. starting with 49 € the double. edit Mid-range[ edit ] Ambassade Arena Aparthotel Scheveningen (Berkenbosch Blokstraat 9), ☎ +31 (0)70 306 0123, [65] . checkin: 2pm. A1 location on tram lines 1 & 9. Located just 15 minutes from Central Station and less than 5 minutes walking distance from the beach. edit Ibis Den Haag Centre (Jan Hendrikstraat 10), [66] . Great location close to the Grote Kerk. edit NH Den Haag, Prinses Margrietplantsoen 100, ☎ +31.70.3812345, [67] .

Located at the heart of the business district and within a short distance of many tourist attractions, this hotel is perfect for a weekend away. Make use of the indoor parking and enjoy the massage services available! From 89€. edit Novotel Den Haag Centrum, Hofweg 5-7, [68] . Located in the Passage shopping centre and literally right across the street from the Binnenhof. edit Splurge[ edit ] Hotel des Indes, Lange Voorhout 54-56, [69] . A former residence of a seventeenth century aristocrat, this über-luxury hotel opened its doors in 1881 and has been serving artists, musicians, and other celebrities ever since. It is located down the street from some of the major diplomatic missions such as the American and French embassies, and has also hosted heads of state such as Dwight Eisenhower and Jacques Chirac. Be sure to check out the ultra-luxurious bar and lounge. edit Stay safe[ edit ] You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate.

Street begging is common around the Hollands Spoor train station and at the Grote Markt. Most of them are homeless and non-aggressive and a simple 'no' will be enough. At night, the city centre is quite safe because of the large number of police cameras monitoring this area. Neighbourhoods southwest of the centre are less affluent and may not be as safe. The area between Zuiderpark and Hollands Spoor has a bad reputation due to the increasing number of street gangs. Schilderswijk and Transvaal areas are blocks that should be avoided after dark. If you are unsure, take a taxi to your destination. Taking a tram is also considered safe, as the so-called 'risky lines' in this area now have a security team on board from 8PM till 1AM. Readings and guidebooks[ edit ] The only guidebook to The Hague currently available in English is published by City Trail Publishing ( It was published in April 2013. It covers the Hague and the surrounding areas (Voorburg, Wassenaar, Rijswijk) and has both tourist and practical information for those that visit and move to The Hague.

DenHaag.com Rewire: one of Holland's most adventurous festivals for contemporary music Shopping 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. To facilitate this, you will find a convenient summary below of the nicest shopping streets in the Hague. Netherlands Travel Guide | PlanetWare Netherlands Travel Guide 12 Top Tourist Attractions in Rotterdam & Easy Day Trips Netherlands Travel Guide While most visitors to the Netherlands focus on Amsterdam, there are many interesting cities, islands, and resort destinations. Small towns and villages in the countryside reveal long held traditions and some of the countries classic sights, with fields of blooming flowers or old style windmills. Read More Arrival by air usually sees travelers entering the country through the capital city of Amsterdam.

This is a great place to begin, with plenty to see and do, from simply biking along the canals and enjoying the cafes, to sightseeing and gazing at the works of the Old Masters. Some of the main attractions are the Royal Palace, the Van Gogh Museum, the Dutch National Museum, or just outside the city, the Keukenhof, a lovely park which is particularly beautiful during the spring bloom. Although Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, The Hague is home to the Dutch Government and the residence of the Royal Family. Many people find themselves here on business due to the city's large number of international offices. The early 17th C mansion of Mauritshuis is today one the principle tourist attractions, along with the Binnenhof, Grote Kerk, Peace Palace, and the Dutch National Dance Theater. During the summer months the nearby resort community of Scheveningen is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, with a long stretch of beach. Other popular cities in the Netherlands are Rotterdam and Utrecht, showcasing the contrast between old and new. Rotterdam is a vibrant port city with a modern metropolitan atmosphere, while Utrecht features a lovely historic center.

In Rotterdam art lovers will want to stop by the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen (Boymans-van Beuningen Museum), one of the best museum's in the Netherlands. Outside of the city, at Kinderdijk, are a number of traditional 18th C windmills, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Utrecht, spend some time wandering through the old town and see the Cathedral of St Martin. For an excursion, visit the town of Doorn, with the former medieval castle of Huis Doorn. For an escape from the cities there are plenty of areas to relax and enjoy a little nature. The West Frisian Islands along the north and northwest coast are home to long stretches of beautiful sandy beaches and dunes. Large numbers of seabirds also nest or spend the winter in the islands.

Question: In which Dutch town or city will you find the Peace Palace?
Answer: THE HAGUE