Discovering Attractions in The Hague
The Hague is the parliamentary and governmental seat of the Netherlands and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Here you will find the Paleis Noordeinde, where the Royal Family has its governmental seat. The Binnenhof, with the central Knight's Hall, is a complex of several buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. The Dutch government is seated in the Binnenhof. The Old Town Hall, dating from the 16th century, features interesting architecture. Several very old churches, some dating back to the 15th century, attest to the craftsmanship of the old masters. Be sure to visit the Kloosterkerk and the Grote Kerk if you are interested in sacred architecture. If you want to cook in your vacation apartment or just explore, take a trip to the Haagse Markt. This huge weekly market offers exotic foods, as well as fabrics, clothing, and household goods. With about 500 stalls, there is bustling activity, and you can stock up on souvenirs and kitchen supplies for your apartment. Also, be sure to visit the Peace Palace. The Peace Palace is a building completed in 1913 in the Neo-Renaissance style at Carnegieplein in a park landscape in the north. Architecturally a dream and very worth seeing!
Highlights for Your Trip to The Hague
During your trip to The Hague in South Holland, do not miss a look at the Palace of the Kings and the government district. Did you know that Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague is the residence of the royal family? The entire center is densely packed with impressive buildings that you can admire during a city stroll. Explore Madurodam, a huge miniature park in Scheveningen. On 18,000 m2, the most important sights and attractions of the Netherlands are displayed at a 1:25 scale. Many parts move and make the scenery in Madurodam come alive. For animal lovers, a visit to SEA LIFE in Scheveningen is worthwhile. The facility displays marine animals from all oceans in 45 aquariums. Demonstrations are shown every day, and you can watch the wardens feed the animals. Through the aquarium glass, watch the penguins zip through the water or the playful otters interact. Throughout the year, numerous festivals and events take place in The Hague. Highlights include the Festival Classique, the Fireworks Festival, and the Tong Tong Fair, one of the largest Eurasian events in the world.
Family Vacation in The Hague
For travelers with children, an accommodation near the beach is particularly suitable. Book an apartment in Scheveningen, Ouddorp, or Noordwijk if you prefer an apartment on the North Sea. Throughout South Holland, you will find numerous wonderfully furnished holiday homes with plenty of comfort and in a good location. In a holiday home or vacation accommodation, it is usually allowed to bring your dog. Scheveningen is very family-friendly. On the beach, there are many opportunities for swimming, cycling, and playing. The many sculptures are interesting, with the fairy tale figures by the sea being one of the main attractions. On the boulevard, you can admire the figures outside and then make a small detour to the Beelden aan Zee museum to delve deeper into the fairy tale world. For romping around, a trip to Duinrell amusement park is worthwhile. Many attractions with and without water invite exploration. Directly in The Hague, there is the Drievliet family park with roller coasters, Waterwars, and a haunted house. In De Uithof, you can ice skate, ski, toboggan, and race on the go-kart track. A tip for families with curious children is the Museon—a science museum with many opportunities for experimenting and learning. Additionally, you can explore the nature and landscapes of the region in a typical Dutch way by bike or take extensive walks with the whole family. On sunny days, you can also visit the beautiful beach.
The Cuisine of The Hague
Whether you have rented a holiday home or an apartment for your vacation in The Hague or in Scheveningen, there is no need to cook privately. Around the vacation apartment, you will find numerous eateries enticing you with deliciously prepared dishes. You can find a quick snack for in-between meals or indulge in a star-rated restaurant. At the Strijkijzer building, enjoy your meal at a lofty height. From here, you have a great view of the panorama and might even spot the Noordeinde Palace, your holiday home in Katwijk, or other interesting attractions. Try chicken or lobster at Mama Kelly, freshly brewed beer and burgers at Beer Garden, or fine bites at Dekxels. There's even a vegetarian butcher, right across from the Stadhuis, offering fine specialties for a healthy snack in your apartment. On a trip to Kijkduin or the surrounding regions in Zuid-Holland, you will find many well-managed restaurants. Try pancakes with sweet or savory fillings, cheese specialties, and of course, plenty of fresh fish.
Art and Culture in the Dutch Residence
In The Hague, you can experience a vibrant cultural life at any time. On the city's stages, ensembles perform music and plays. There are many galleries for modern art, located in prime locations in the city center or downtown. The Panorama Mesdag is a panoramic painting created by the Dutch painter Hendrik Willem Mesdag at the end of the 1800s, with an impressive size of 120 by 18 meters. It shows The Hague from the perspective of the North Sea. In the Mauritshuis Museum, famous works by Flemish and Dutch painters are displayed. One of the most famous paintings is "The Girl with the Pearl Earring." The Escher Museum presents the works of the graphic artist Maurits Cornelis Escher, known for his striking depictions of impossible figures. Stairs that loop back on themselves, strangely twisted triangles, and optical illusions make the viewer doubt their perception. The Hague houses the National Museum of Literature, a photography museum, and the Louwman Museum with more than 230 historic automobiles.
Getting to Your Vacation Rental in The Hague
Your holiday home or any other vacation accommodation in The Hague is easily accessible by car, train, or plane. By car, you can use the feeder roads via the A12 or A4 highways. The exits are just a few kilometers from the city center. The so-called Centrumring is routed around the traffic-calmed zone of the city center. Via the ring, you can quickly and easily reach parking garages and the adjacent districts. It only takes 10 minutes to drive from the city center to the beach at Scheveningen. If you prefer to travel by train to your privately rented vacation apartment, take advantage of the convenient connections from all over Europe to The Hague Centraal terminal or Hollands Spoor station. For public transport within the city, use the OV-chipkaart to pay for single or time-based tickets. The nearest airports are Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol, located about 30 to 40 kilometers from your apartment in The Hague or Scheveningen. Your dream of a personal journey in one of Germany's neighboring countries can begin!