Best attractions in The Hague: Top 26
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Attractions in the Netherlands are represented by a huge, priceless cultural and architectural heritage. European spirit hovers in the magical air of the country, so in the question of what to see in The Hague, a huge number of detailed answers.
What is the first thing to see in The Hague?
The seat of government of the country, the capital of the southern part of the kingdom, as well as an amazing European city with architectural ensembles of past centuries. Visitors to the city can enjoy the perfect “symbiosis” of the country’s cultural wealth, as well as visiting many modern entertainment centers and places.
1. Binnenhof
The main sights of The Hague can briefly be described as a huge complex of ancient structures of the past centuries. The Binnenhof is first of all the cultural heritage of the city, and only after that the building where the main legislative body of the country - the General Staats - assembles. The historical past of this place goes back to the 13th century, when the Dutch Count Floris IV ordered to build here a small hunting lodge, which would later become the basis for the great city The Hague. In addition, the Binnenhof complex today is the residence of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom - Mark Rutte.
2. Ridderzaal
There is no doubt that the sights of The Hague are actually filled with the spirit and atmosphere of this corner of Europe’s glorious chivalrous past. Being an integral part of the Binnenhof, the Knights’ Hall annually hosts hundreds of ceremonial events, which are dedicated to the arrival of the leaders of the neighboring countries and not only. Moreover, the monarch Willem-Alexander opens the session with a welcoming speech before the start of the working season of the States General. The interior of the castle is represented by luxurious inlaid decorative elements, stained glass windows, as well as a unique, unique circular window, which is commonly referred to as “The Rose”.
3. Peace Palace
Perhaps every legal tourist’s trip should undoubtedly begin with a visit to this place. The Peace Palace is the permanent seat of the International Court of Justice of the United Nations as well as of the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Built in the early 20th century, the palace got its modern look thanks to a cash infusion from the famous American multimillionaire philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The palace is located in a park of 7 hectares. The interior decoration of the building is represented by many decorative elements that demonstrate the richness of the world’s cultures.
Official website: https://www.vredespaleis
4. Old Town Hall
The best sights in The Hague are no doubt, in one way or another, associated with the Renaissance and Early Middle Ages. For example, the “Ice Palace” - as the building is called by the locals - served as the residence of the local government in previous centuries, and some time later it already hosts marriage ceremonies as well as registrations of royalty.
5. St. James’s Church
In case your time in the city is strictly limited, St. James Church is the place to visit in The Hague desirable first. The Great Church (the temple’s middle name) is the traditional place where newborn royals of the Netherlands are baptized. In addition, along with the Binnenhoff, the church is the oldest building in the city. Indicative feature of the temple is considered to be a hexagonal tower, which, however, is not quite typical for the local architectural culture.
See the beautiful places in The Hague in this great video!
6. Voorhout Street
Nestled in the heart of Old Town is the quiet, cozy avenue of Voorhout. The long, magically beautiful path is lined with old and uncommonly beautiful lime trees that are more than five hundred years old. The alley, studded with authentic lanterns with golden crowns, offers the tourist a journey into an era of refined and unique Middle Ages. It is noteworthy that it is on Voorhout Street that the head of state makes annual speeches of thanks and welcome.
7. Plain Square
The tourist dilemma: “What to see in The Hague in 1 day” can be solved by only one place: Plaine Square, which oddly enough means “square”. The historical characteristics of this place are that in the Middle Ages there was a court vegetable garden. The square was therefore transformed into a square several centuries later and, even later, a monument to William of Orange was erected here. An attractive feature of the square is the presence of many shops and local cafes on it in the summertime. The decoration of the city is immediately transformed into a colorful spring bouquet.
8. Scheveningen
The interesting places in The Hague are concentrated precisely in the coastal resort area of Scheveningen. Here the shallow North Sea washes the shores of the city’s beaches. Recreational services are presented in the form of windsurfing, kitesurfing. This area has not only a huge length of beach, but also many cultural and entertainment venues.
Official website: https://scheveningenbeach
9. Scheveningen Pier
The rating of Scheveningen’s multi-level design among the locals is simply off the charts. The view of the sea from here is majestic. It is from the pier that you can enjoy the marvelous seascape. Built in the late 20th century, the pier is constantly subjected to physical processes of decay and corrosion. At the moment there is a threat of destruction of this landmark. However, the efforts of the local authorities are aimed at restoring the Scheveningen pier as soon as possible.
10. The park of miniatures “Madurodam”
The countless excursions in The Hague, which present many places of marvelous beauty, unfortunately place the miniature park in a low priority. Among this type of park-museums, however, Madurodam is the perfect leader because of its skilful beauty and sophistication. The park features reduced replicas of elements of architecture, nature and street decoration. By combining the many architectural landmarks of Holland in the museum-park, “Madurodam” attracts tourists with its uniqueness and beauty.
Official website: https://www.madurodam
11. Circus Theater
The sights of The Hague, including in the above-mentioned district of Scheveningen, are remarkable for their variety and natural beauty of form. The construction of the local theater began in the early 20th century. Over the past century, the theater has hosted hundreds of productions and theatrical mysteries. Moreover, the recital of the famous pianist Arthur Rubinstein brought the residents of The Hague genuine admiration. Notably, today the theater is the setting for the world-famous vocal show “X-factor”.
12. Grand Hotel Amrath Kurhaus
Hotels in Holland are an integral part of the country’s culture. Residential complexes for tourists are filled with the atmosphere of homeliness and hospitality. A special feature of the Grand Hotel Amrath Kurhaus is its unique location. Thus, the five-star residential complex is located on the North Sea. The hotel guests have unhindered access to both the sandy beach and the Scheveningen pier. Immense luxury and upscale accommodations are brief but revealing characteristics of this hotel.
Official website: https://www.amrathkurhaus
13. The Passage
Numerous reviews from satisfied tourists are directed at the place, which is a piece of French culture in the Dutch The Hague. The majestic beauty of the building is achieved by the successful combination of Renaissance and Expressionist architectural styles. This is a remarkably French place. Here visitors are offered a glimpse into the luxurious, expensive French boutiques. The luxurious shining rotunda introduces genuine delight and admiration, and the atmosphere of aristocratic luxury complements the image created.
Official website: https://www.depassage
14. Nordeinde Palace
Landmarks of the Netherlands is a rather generalized description of the many architectural masterpieces found within the kingdom. The Golden Age filled The Hague with many perfect cultural sights, among which the royal palace of Nordeinde stands out. The structure impresses with the beauty of the Dutch classical architectural style. During the current reign of the king of the Netherlands, the palace serves as the king’s permanent working residence. In addition, diplomatic receptions of the heads of the kingdom’s allied states are held at this place.
15. Heuss-en-Bos palace
The palace ensemble of the Heuss-ten-Bos on the outskirts of The Hague is the permanent residence of the royal family. Amid the beauty of the countryside, members of the family spend weekends and holidays at this very spot. The Dutch classical architectural style gives the building a look of true aristocratic perfection. By the way, almost every tourist knows that many ruling dynasties of the country and their leaders prefer the comfort and privacy of a country palace to the noisy streets of central The Hague.
16. Mauritshuis
The perfection of this place is reinforced by the original purpose of the building. Jacob van Kampen’s work is above all a refined and moderately classical building that is used as a royal art gallery. A museum that guides in The Hague will certainly not be overlooked.
Official website: https://www.mauritshuis
17. Escher Museum
The famous Dutch painter and graphic artist Marius Escher, whose works are on display in the museum, would have been truly delighted by the beauty of this small building. In the past it was the residence of the future queen of the Netherlands. Today it has been considerably remodeled and transformed into an exhibition center for the artist’s masterpieces.
Official website: https://www.escherinhetpaleis
18. Loewmann Museum
With a tour group filled with skilled antique car enthusiasts, the question of what to see in The Hague next is officially closed. Evert Lowman’s collection is filled with antique cars from various years of the last century, as well as car parts for various purposes.
Official website: https://www.louwmanmuseum
19. Panorama Mesdah
The strong recommendation of the locals to visit the panorama is not unreasonable. It is 120 m wide and 14 m long and provides the visitor with a stream of fresh impressions and emotions. The picture describes the past, unclouded existence of the inhabitants of the small seaside village of Scheveningen.
Official website: http://www.panorama-mesdag
20. Municipal Museum
If, after arriving in the country, the genuine art historian is tormented by the question of what to visit in the Netherlands, the Municipal Museum of The Hague alone can provide the answer. An enormous, immense collection of works in the field of arts and crafts, music and fashion will put visitors to the city in a state of true amazement and rapturous joy.
Official website: https://www.gemeentemuseum
The Hague sights: what else is there to see in The Hague?
The outstanding sights of Holland photos with names and descriptions, which are listed above, have not yet come to an end. The huge and immense The Hague contains many more cultural secrets that should definitely be unraveled.
21. Museon Museum
The Museon is a place famous for its rich collection of rare exhibits of dinosaurs and extinct animals. The museum building features exhibitions in biology, ethnology, history and many other natural sciences.
Official website: https://www.museon.
22. “Prison Gates”
An overview of the gate museum could be organized for several pages ahead. However, it is better to see this ancient building once, or even more. The centuries-old history of the gate is such that it was once the main point of entry to Binnenhof Castle.
Official website: https://www.gevangenpoort
23. “Sculptures on the Sea” Museum
The peculiarity of this underground museum is that it specializes exclusively in sculpture. The exposition of the museum contains sculptural masterpieces of both domestic masters and works of foreign sculptors.
Official site: http://beeldenaanzee
24. Westbrook Park
Westbrook Parkland is a place where the freshness and purity of nature is successfully combined with medieval sculptures. A walk in the park area will allow you to release emotional tension after a long walk around The Hague.
Official site: https://denhaag.com
25. The Hague Forest
The forest of The Hague is above all a realm of genuine natural beauty. The broadleaf trees and rare plants of the region fill the air in the forest with the healing scent of foliage and ozone.
26. Clingendale Park
The centuries-old history of Clingendale Manor has given residents one of the most beautiful parks in the area. The park’s garden combines several areas, including the Dutch Garden and the Japanese Garden. The Japanese Garden has an enchanting atmosphere of the Far East.
Official website: https://denhaag.com
Europe is an area of priceless historical heritage of architecture, sculpture and music. The Hague is an integral part of the great historical “Eldorado” of Old Europe. Read also about sights of Rotterdam and be inspired to travel further in the Netherlands.
