The Hague in One Day – The Perfect Itinerary
Are you looking for a one-day in The Hague itinerary for your day trip from Amsterdam? Then I got you covered!
I have just returned from one of my many trips to The Hague, and it is one of my favorite cities in the Netherlands – for good reason.
There is so much to do and so much to see in The Hague. There is an abundance of culture, history, and social hot spots all over the city. But how to choose when you are only there for one day?
To save you some hassle during planning I have created an itinerary for spending 1 day in The Hague for you.
Let’s get to it!
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What You Need to Know About The Hague Before You Go
Before heading off to The Hague, there are some vital facts that you should know.
The Hague is the inofficial capital of the Netherlands and it is located in the province of South Holland. All government institutions are located in The Hague, however, Amsterdam is the official capital city.
The Hague is home to several notable museums and historically important sites. The Dutch Parliament, known as the States General, meets in the Binnenhof in The Hague. Most foreign embassies have their seat in The Hague as well.
It’s a city filled with culture, history, and architecture. There are many museums and galleries to explore and picturesque little streets to stroll through.
The city is also full of beautiful spots for picnicking or just taking in the scenery. Among them are the Haagse Bos, with its expansive meadows and ponds, and Scheveningen Beach, where you can relax by the sea.
How to Get Around The Hague for 1 Day
The Hague is not a very big city, so you can easily get around by walking. We spent our entire day there without having to rely on a car or public transport.
If you do not like walking so much, you can rent bikes all over the city for the day. This is a pretty cheap and easy way to get around the city.
The public transport system in The Hague is quite good, they offer about 30 different tram and bus lines that can take you anywhere.
If you just want to go to the beach, there are special offers that combine a parking garage ticket and tram tickets for super low prices.
How to Get to The Hague from Amsterdam
With Public Transport
From Amsterdam, one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get to The Hague is by train. The journey takes around an hour, and direct trains leave from Amsterdam Centraal Station multiple times per hour. You can also take a bus, which generally takes longer than a train but is usually cheaper.
The Hague has two main train stations – Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag HS (Hollands Spoor). Both are easily reachable from Amsterdam by train. If you’re taking the bus, then you’ll likely arrive at Den Haag Centraal Station or Goudriaanplein Station in the center of The Hague.
Using the NS website or an app like 9292 is always recommended for up-to-date information about public transportation options.
From Den Haag Centraal Station to the city center, the walk is approximately 1 km and takes 12 minutes. The route follows a mostly straight path, going through several streets in the city center. Since you will probably not have any luggage, walking is a great option.
By Car
Driving from Amsterdam to The Hague takes approximately an hour and a half in good traffic conditions. You can park your car at one of the several parking garages near Den Haag Centraal Station, as well as parking lots located throughout the city.
If you book your day tickets in advance, they are not too expensive. Check the Q-Park Website for booking and great deals. We only paid EUR 15,00 for parking for 24 hours. They have parking garages all over the city.
In case you need to get a rental car in Amsterdam, I suggest booking with DiscoverCars.
1 Day in The Hague Itinerary – at a Glance
If you are looking for the One Day in the Hague Itinerary without needing further information, you can find it here.
For more tips and insights keep scrolling down. Since one day is not enough to see all of The Hague, I have made several versions of the itinerary.
Of course, you can modify them according to your preferences.
| Art Lovers Itinerary* | Culture & History Lovers Itinerary | Unique Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 Mauritshuis | 10:00 Binnenhof | Van Cleef Distillery |
| 12:00 Lunch | 11:00 UNESCO recognized Passage | Zeeheldenkwartier |
| 13:00 Escher in Palais | 12:00 Lunch | Madurodam |
| 14:00 City Center | 13:30 Noordeinde Palace | Scheveningen Pier |
| 16:00 Panorama Mesdag | 14:00 Peace Palace | The Hague Tower |
| 18:00 Dinner | 16:00 Mauritshuis | |
| 18:00 Dinner | ||
| * not recommended on Mondays |
Best Walking Tours in The Hague
Another amazing option on your day trip to The Hague is taking a guided tour of the city.
This means, you don’t need to plan anything and can get first-hand knowledge from a local guide. Here are my favorite walking tours for The Hague:
- Half-Day Private Walking Tour of The Hague (4 hours)
- Food Walking Tour of The Hague
- Surprise Walk of The Hague with a Local
The Mauritshuis
The Mauritshuis is an art museum in The Hague, Netherlands.
It is home to some of the most iconic paintings in the world. You can see Rembrandt’s ‘The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp’ and Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’.
The building itself is a Baroque palace that was constructed in 1633 and is great to see as well. It was initially a residence for Count Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen. Later, it was converted into a museum.
The museum is incredibly busy, so you need to book a tour and a time slot in advance if you want to visit.
Opening times
Monday
13.00 – 18.00
Tuesday – Sunday
10.00 – 18.00
Escher in Het Palais
Escher in Palais is a permanent exhibition located inside the former Winter Palace of Queen Mother Emma of the Netherlands.
It is dedicated to the works of renowned Dutch graphic artist, M.C. Escher. You can buy combination tickets that also allow you to enter the Kunstmuseum Den Haag.
You can experience a wide array of his woodcuts, lithographs, and mezzotints, as well as learn more about his life and philosophy through interactive displays.
Some of the most famous artworks featured in the exhibition include Ascending and Descending, Relativity, Waterfall, and Reptiles.
What I love about this museum: you can create your optical illusion as a souvenir!
Opening times
11:00 until 17:00 daily
closed on Mondays
Den Haag City Center
The City Center of Den Haag is a great place for a stroll and to see some sights on the go.
It’s home to a variety of historic buildings, monuments, and museums, as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
The Binnenhof Palace is one of the highlights of the district. The Hofvijver Pond is also worth visiting. I loved the tranquil atmosphere and stunning views over the Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) building.
On top of that, you can find hidden gems like the Gevangenpoort prison gate or discover The Hague Tower which stands 90 m tall.
This is also a great spot to do some shopping. Several streets are lined with cute shops and fancy boutiques.
You can find stores from every major brand in this area. We spent hours just walking around the cute alleys and hunting for some nice souvenirs.
The Panorama Mesdag
The Panorama Mesdag is a 360-degree panoramic painting. It was created by Dutch marine painter Hendrik Willem Mesdag between 1881 and 1883. And let me tell you – it is stunning.
The painting is 14 meters high and 120 meters wide. It shows a panoramic view of Scheveningen beach. It is the world’s largest painting on canvas, which makes it extra special in my opinion.
The painting can be seen from inside a special cylindrical building, known as the panorama tower. You can look at the work from all angles.
The tower also has three floors with some other exhibits about the history of the artist.
Get your tickets here!
Opening times:
10:00 – 17:00 daily
closed on Mondays
The Binnenhof
The Binnenhof is a beautiful historical building in The Hague and the seat of the Dutch Parliament. It was built in 1250 and has since served as the home of the Dutch government.
In the Binnenhof you can also find the Knights’ Hall, which appeared on a Dutch stamp in 1998. This hall was originally used for banquets, celebrations, and political assemblies. Another important structure is the Grote Kerk, which houses a museum dedicated to Dutch history.
The Binnenhof is also home to various monuments and memorials honoring prominent figures from Dutch history such as Jan de Witt, Willem van Oranje, and Queen Beatrix. I find it a super interesting place that you should visit on your day in The Hague.
If you are interested, you can take a tour of the ‘Ridderzaal’ (Hall of Knights) and either the First and/or the Second Chamber of Parliament. It depends on the current political agenda of each day. Make sure to book your tour in advance to be guaranteed a spot.
Noordeinde Palace
The Noordeinde Palace is the working palace of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. It is located on Noordeinde Street and is one of three official residences used by the King and his family.
Noordeinde Palace dates back to the late 16th century when it was built for Johan de Witt. Today, it is primarily used for business meetings with foreign heads of state and other royal engagements such as receptions and dinners. It also houses a museum dedicated to Dutch history.
Noordeinde Palace remains an iconic part of The Hague’s landscape today. Because the palace is still in use by the Royals, it is not open to the general public for tours or visits. You can visit the Palace and take pictures from the outside like we did.
The Peace Palace
The Peace Palace in The Hague is an iconic landmark that serves as a symbol of international justice and peace. It houses the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice, and the Hague Academy of International Law.
As a lawyer myself, this was a place I had to see. Be careful not to confuse it with the International Criminal Court, which is also in The Hague.
Inside the palace are six courtrooms for hearings and trials as well as over 12 kilometers of bookshelves holding several hundred thousand books on international law.
As of this moment, it is not possible to enter the Peace Palace for a tour. Make sure to check the official website for more information. Usually, tours can be booked on this website.
UNESCO Passage
The UNESCO-recognized Passage is the oldest in the Netherlands and is now used as a shopping center.
It has an amazing history and beautiful architecture, so it is worth it to drop by.
You can do some shopping there or just enjoy a coffee in one of the cute coffee shops there.
Van Kleef Distillery
The Van Kleef Distillery in The Hague is an iconic landmark that should be on your one-day in The Hague itinerary.
It is located inside a historic building on Spui Square. It was founded more than 150 years ago by brothers Van Kleef, who wanted to produce their spirits.
They produce over 18 different types of gin, liqueurs, and whiskeys. All of their products are made with locally sourced ingredients. You can take a guided tour at the distillery, where they will learn all about the history behind each drink and how it’s made.
Of course, you also get to sample some of their best drinks. Van Kleef Distillery also offers classes on how to make your own gin or whiskey at home (Slow Travel Tip!)
Zeeheldenkwartier
The Zeeheldenkwartier is a beautiful and unique area located in the center of The Hague. It is known for its historic architecture and impressive buildings.
The Zeeheldenkwartier is also home to the Van Kleef Distillery that we just discussed, so you can easily combine your visit.
There are numerous shops and cafes dotted around the area, offering everything from fresh food and fashion to antique items.
There are also several galleries featuring works from local artists. For me, it was the perfect area to leisurely stroll around and get a feeling of The Hague.
Madurodam
Madurodam is a super popular attraction that you can visit in The Hague. Since we did not have so much time on our trip, we did not get to visit personally. However, I think it should still be on your radar.
Madurodam is a mini park in The Hague. It was founded in 1952 and is named after George Maduro, who was a Dutch lawyer and resistance fighter during World War II.
Madurodam is a miniature city of Holland. You can admire replicas of famous Dutch landmarks such as the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Tulip Fields, and more. Despite their small size, each model is supposed to be incredibly detailed. They even offer boat rides there.
Opening times:
09:00 – 17:00 daily
The Hague Tower
The Hague Tower, also known as Het Haagse Toren stands at an impressive height of 80 meters. From there you can enjoy an amazing view of The Hague’s cityscape. It is Holland’s highest public area.
The building itself consists of several stories. The best place to visit is a terrace on the top floor that provides 360-degree views of the city. There is also an observation deck located 76 meters above sea level. Both of them are worth visiting in my opinion.
Additionally, there are several restaurants and shops located within the tower itself that offer Dutch cuisine.
Scheveningen Pier
For our last stop on our day in The Hague, we walked to Scheveningen (about an hour’s walk from the city center).
The Scheveningen Pier is one of the most recognizable landmarks in The Hague. It is stretched out over 800 meters into the North Sea. You can find some cool things to do in Scheveningen, such as walking and biking trails, beachfront restaurants, and even an amusement park.
At the end of the pier lies the iconic Kurhaus Hotel, a grand building that dates back to 1884. From here you can take in the spectacular views of the sea and nearby beach. They also have an amazing spa, if you are looking for romantic things to do in Scheveningen.
The pier also features a vibrant nightlife scene with bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and cafes that cater to every taste. Of course you can also just sit in one of the many beach clubs and enjoy a nice seaside dinner.
Where to Eat in The Hague
We have tried out a couple of different restaurants in The Hague.
Here are some of my favorite places to eat when staying one day in The Hague.
Breakfast/ Brunch:
- Cafe de Florez
- Bagels and Beans
- Botanica
- Walter Benedict
Lunch:
- STAN
- Restaurant Capriole
- Palmette
Dinner:
- De Waterreus (Scheveningen)
- Villa Coucou
Best Hotel in The Hague
If you decide to stay overnight after all, I recommend staying at the Inntel Hotels Den Haag Marina Beach in Scheveningen.
The hotel has everything you need for a super fancy overnight stay in The Hague. Read all about my stay in the Inntel Hotels Den Haag Marina Beach here.
The Best Time to Go to The Hague
The best time to visit The Hague is during the summer months. Summer is definitely the best season in the Hague. The average temperature during this time is between 15-22 degrees Celsius. This makes it an ideal time to explore the city.
During the summer months, The Hague’s famous beaches and boardwalks are bustling with tourists. You might even be able to go for a swim in the North Sea if the weather permits (but let’s be honest Dutch weather is absolutely unpredictable, so don’t count on that).
If you’re looking for some cultural attractions, many of The Hague’s museums are free to enter during the summertime. Overall, summer is the most popular season for visiting The Hague.
If you want to avoid the crowds then spring or late autumn could be another great choice as well. We went during spring, which was great weather-wise, but things were more expensive because it is tulip season in The Netherlands.
Is The Hague Safe?
The Hague in the Netherlands is generally considered a safe city. Especially compared to other big cities around the world.
Violent crime is pretty low, but like any city, it’s got its spots where you might wanna keep an extra eye out.
Petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen, especially in touristy areas and public transport. So, maybe don’t flash your fancy phone around too much!
The police are usually on top of things, and there are plenty of CCTV cameras around. Public transport is also safe and efficient, even at night.
Do you need travel insurance in The Hague? Yes, travel insurance in The Hague is highly recommended. Unsafe roads, water sports accidents, and food poisoning are only a few examples of when travel insurance could come in handy. EKTA offers worldwide travel insurance with 24/7 service and no hidden fees or restrictions.
Is The Hague Worth Visting?
Yes, The Hague is definitely worth visiting! The Hague is a hidden gem in the Netherlands, and it is possibly my favorite city here.
The Hague is not as busy as Amsterdam, but it’s packed with cool stuff. I love that there are no noisy, drunk tourists.
First off, you’ve got the beach at Scheveningen. Perfect for a chill day, and the pier there is super cool. History and culture? The Hague’s got it.
If you love shopping, The Hague’s got some unique boutiques and high-end stores. The food scene is also great; you’ll find everything from traditional Dutch snacks to international cuisine.
The architecture is a mix of modern and old-world charm. You get these royal vibes, especially near the Royal Palace and around all the embassies.
And of course, the place has so much historical but also contemporary political significance, that it is hard not to get excited.
What is The Hague Famous For?
The Hague is known for quite a lot of things. Here are some of the biggest things that The Hague is known for internationally and in the Netherlands:
⭐ It’s basically the home of international law and diplomacy. The International Court of Justice is there.
⭐ Unlike Amsterdam, which is the capital, The Hague is where you’ll find the Dutch Parliament and the royal family.
⭐ Scheveningen Beach: One of the most popular beaches in the Netherlands. Great for surfing, or just lounging around.
⭐ Home to the “Girl with a Pearl Earring” and other iconic art pieces.
⭐ King’s Day: Okay, this is a national holiday, but The Hague goes all out. Think street parties, concerts, and a lot of orange clothing.
Conclusion: One Day in The Hague Itinerary
By now, I hope I have convinced you to take a Day Trip to the Hague from Amsterdam. There are many important cultural hot spots in The Hague that are worth a visit.
Art and history lovers will surely love The Hague as much as I did. And for those seeking the ocean breeze, a day in Scheveningen Beach is the ideal destination.
The Hague is also a great spot for a weekend trip from Amsterdam.
FAQ’s
The Hague is located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of Amsterdam. The two cities are connected by a reliable and frequent train service that takes around 50 minutes to travel between them.
I suggest staying at least for 2 days in The Hague. This gives you a chance to check out everything important in the city and also spend an additional day at Scheveningen Beach. Two days is the perfect amount of time to spend in The Hague.
No, a few hours in the Hauge are not enough to explore all of the city. However, you can see many nice things in just a few hours in The Hague. Make sure to check out the Binnenhof and the Mauritshuis if you only have a few hours in The Hague.
The Hague is located in the western part of the Netherlands, along the North Sea coast. It is the capital city of the province of South Holland and is situated about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Amsterdam and 25 kilometers (16 miles) north of Rotterdam.
Yes, The Hague is considered a safe city at night. However, like any other city, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in areas that are less well-lit or have few people around. It is recommended to stay in well-lit and busy areas, avoid walking alone at night, and take a taxi or public transport if necessary.
The Hague is a vibrant and culturally diverse city with a rich history and many attractions. It is home to several international organizations and embassies, as well as beautiful parks, museums, and art galleries. Visitors can explore the historic Binnenhof complex, relax on the sandy beaches of Scheveningen, admire the works of Dutch masters at the Mauritshuis museum, and enjoy the local cuisine and shopping. The Hague also offers a lively nightlife scene and is an ideal base for exploring nearby cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
No, one day is not enough to see all of the amazing things that The Hague has to offer. I suggest staying at least overnight in The Hague to see the best of the city and have some time to spend at Scheveningen beach.
Personally, I liked The Hague better than Amsterdam. The city is much cleaner and way less crowded. Also, The Hague is located at the beach so you can enjoy city vibes and relax at the beach at the same time.
The Hague, or “Den Haag” in Dutch, was founded around the 13th century. The Binnenhof, which is the seat of the Dutch government, was built in 1248. So, it’s got a long history, making it one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands.
About the Author
Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator, based in the Netherlands. She spends most parts of the year abroad at various destinations with her husband.
She provides slow-paced itineraries that focus on quality over quantity. Sabrina wants to help her readers to get more out of their travel experiences – while doing less. Read more.
