48 hours in The Hague

Explore Noordeinde and look out for the Dutch royal family.

No trip to The Hague is complete without a visit to the Noordeinde neighbourhood. Here you will find Noordeinde Paleis, the Dutch king’s working palace, where you can visit the beautiful gardens while keeping your eyes peeled for sightings of the monarch. Once you have admired the royal building, explore the surrounding streets of Noordeinde, an area known for its exquisite boutiques and galleries.

Talk a stroll through De Passage.

This covered arcade has been classed as a Unesco monument ‒ and it is a stunning place to shop. Here you will find boutiques offering everything from fashion to food and gifts.

Take a guided tour of Binnenhof.

A government meeting place since the 15th century, this majestic building has played an instrumental part in the country’s history. Learn about key historical dates while admiring the beautiful architecture.

See the Girl with a Pearl Earring.

After visiting Binnenhof, head to the Mauritshuis gallery to see the world-famous painting by Johannes Vermeer. The museum is also home to other masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, making it well worth a visit.

Dive into the world of Escher.

Famous for his optical illusions, M C Escher can be counted among Holland’s best known artists. His fascinating work is exhibited in Het Paleis, a former royal palace. Immerse yourself in the artist’s mesmerising world at Escher in the Palace while also admiring the stunning setting.

Sample local produce at Restaurant Basaal.

Headed by chef Bas Oonk, the restaurant was awarded a Bib Gourmand in the 2018 Michelin Guide. Here you can enjoy modern dishes based on fresh ingredients and local produce, such as fish from Scheveningen harbour and organic dairy products from a nearby farm. The menu changes regularly, in accordance with the seasons.

Enjoy rooftop views of the city over a drink.

Bleyenberg is a vibrant venue on Grote Markt offering a café, cocktail bar and meeting spaces as well as The Hague’s first rooftop bar, which is the perfect place to enjoy an evening drink. Stay late and you might be tempted to make a night of it at Het Magazijn nightclub in the Bleyenberg basement.

Stay at La Paulowna boutique hotel.

This striking, early 20th-century building on Anna Paulowna Square (named after a queen consort of the Netherlands) is close to many of the city’s important landmarks and is an ideal base for a weekend break in The Hague. It’s a charming, intimate hotel with just five suites – each distinguished by a different colour.

Start the day at a café.

The Netherlands was one of the first European countries to trade coffee; enjoy a sense of this tradition by starting the day at one of the city’s many delightful cafés. Not far from La Paulowna, Café Blossom serves delicious coffee and homemade food.

Escape the city and head to Scheveningen.

Take a stroll down the boulevard running alongside the sandy beach of The Hague’s famous seaside resort. While in Scheveningen you should also see Panorama Mesdag, a celebrated cylindrical painting housed in a purpose-built gallery, and visit the Beelden aan Zee museum dedicated to contemporary sculpture.

Hunt for second-hand treasures at the antiques and book market.

The Hague’s antiques and book market, which takes places every Thursday and Sunday, is the perfect place to pick up a memento or two. Browse the stalls for art, trinkets, books and more.