Discovering Den Haag (The Hague) | A Day Trip
As someone who studied law, The Hague is frequently mentioned as it is home to the International Court of Justice. After all these years of reading and hearing about it, I was thrilled to finally see it in person.
Unfortunately, we didn't have much time to explore the city since we were also meeting a dear friend there for dinner. However, we tried to make the most of our limited time and see as many places as possible.
How to get to Den Haag from Amsterdam?
To get to Den Haag (The Hague) from Amsterdam, you have several options:
By Train
Intercity Direct Train:
Duration: Approximately 50 minutes.
Frequency: Every 30 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal Station.
Tickets: Can be purchased at the station or online via NS (Dutch Railways) website. Regular Intercity Train:
Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
Frequency: Frequent departures from Amsterdam Centraal Station.
Tickets: Available at the station or online via NS (Dutch Railways) website. By Bus:
Route: Various bus services operate between Amsterdam and Den Haag.
Duration: Typically longer than the train, around 1.5-2 hours.
Tickets: Can be purchased from the bus company’s website or at the station.
The train is usually the most convenient and fastest option for this journey.
Top Attractions
Den Haag (The Hague) is a vibrant city with a rich blend of culture, history, and modern attractions. Here are some top things to do in Den Haag:
Scheveningen Beach
A popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The Scheveningen Pier offers shops, restaurants, and a Ferris wheel.
The best time to visit Scheveningen Beach is between May and September, when the weather is ideal for beach walks, sitting at outdoor cafes along the promenade, and cycling along the shore. We visited the beach in early April, and although it was freezing, the experience was very peaceful. We strolled along the beach, watched people, and enjoyed the serene atmosphere with few crowds. There were a few people with their dogs, tossing frisbees. I would love to return in the summer to fully enjoy the beach.
To get to Scheveningen Beach from central Den Haag, you have several convenient options:
By Tram
Tram Line 1:
Route: Take tram line 1 from Den Haag Central Station.
Duration: About 30 minutes.
Stop: The final stop is Scheveningen Noordeinde or Scheveningen Kurhaus, which are close to the beach.
Tram Line 9:
Route: Alternatively, take tram line 9 from Den Haag Central Station.
Duration: About 30 minutes.
Stop: Get off at Scheveningen (e.g., Scheveningen Haven or Scheveningen Noordeinde)
By Bus
Bus Line 22:
Route: Take bus line 22 from Den Haag Central Station.
Duration: About 30 minutes.
Stop: Get off at the Scheveningen stop, and it’s a short walk to the beach.
Peace Palace
An architectural gem housing the International Court of Justice, with beautiful gardens and an informative visitor center are worth a visit.
Plein
The most elegant square in the city center and an excellent starting point for your explorations
Paleis Noordeinde
The royal palace serving as the office of King Willem-Alexander since his ascension to the throne in 2013.
Binnenhof
Once a castle surrounded by moats, it now serves as the seat of the Dutch parliament. Centrally located and likely the most impressive building in The Hague, it is also near great restaurants.
Madurodam
Photo credit https://www.introducingamsterdam.com/madurodam
Madurodam is a popular miniature park in The Hague that features detailed scale models of famous Dutch landmarks and cities at a 1:25 scale. It's an engaging and educational attraction for visitors of all ages, offering a unique way to explore the Netherlands' architectural and cultural heritage in a compact and interactive setting.
Visit their website for more information regarding the park.
Mauritshuis Museum - The famous painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring''
Photo credit Wikipedia
The famous painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring" by Johannes Vermeer is housed in the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague. This iconic artwork is one of the museum's most prized pieces and is often referred to as the "Mona Lisa of the North." The Mauritshuis, located in the city center, is renowned for its collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts.
I highly recommend purchasing your ticket and time slot online. This ensures guaranteed entry to the museum. Book your tickets here.
Shopping and Dining
De Passage: The oldest shopping arcade in the Netherlands with a mix of high-end and boutique shops.
Noordeinde: A fashionable shopping street with a range of boutiques, galleries, and the working palace of the Dutch king.
Foodhallen Den Haag: A vibrant food market offering a variety of cuisines and local delicacies.
Getting around the Hague
The Hague is highly walkable, so you probably won’t need public transport often. However, if needed, the city offers a reliable network of trams, buses, and trains that are practical and efficient, as is typical in the Netherlands.
Like other Dutch cities, The Hague features an excellent network of cycling lanes. You can rent city bikes to navigate the city like a local, with several shared bike rental options available through Donkey Republic
Food , Friend and Fun
After a day of exploring the city and taking in the sights, it was time to meet our friend Renee for dinner. We planned to meet at MingleMush, located next to the central train station. MingleMush is The Hague's first food hall, featuring a variety of stalls with diverse cuisines. Tevan tried Surinamese cuisine for the first time, while Renee, staying true to her Dutch-Indo heritage, chose Indonesian dishes. I indulged in some irresistibly good curly fries.
Renee introduced us to bitterballen, a breaded meatball that's deep-fried and somewhat like a croquette but spherical. We were told it’s a classic Dutch snack. We spent the evening chatting, catching up, and making plans for future trips. Catching up with friends always fills our cup..
Till next time, toodles.
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