Photo: Escher in het Paleis, CC BY 2.0Escher in Het Paleis
Museum devoted to the works of M.C. Escher inside a former royal palace.
Tue–Sun 11:00–17:00✓ Museumcard
escherinhetpaleis.nl
Visit The Hague, a city full of contrasts. You’ll find the royal Binnenhof close to lively areas like Zeeheldenkwartier and modern buildings that shape the skyline. The Hague is also a city of art, from famous Dutch painters like Vermeer and Rembrandt at the Mauritshuis to colourful modern art at the Kunstmuseum and creative street art across the city.
The Hague, first mentioned in 1242, is the seat of government of the Netherlands and home to the royal family. It became a key political centre during the Dutch Republic and is now known for its international courts and rich art scene, from classic masterpieces to modern design.
Here’s why The Hague should be at the top of your travel list:
Our advice: Comfortable full day
Travel time from Amsterdam: 50 minutes each way.
Under an hour each way leaves time for the Mauritshuis, the government quarter and a walk along the sea at Scheveningen in the same day.
Mauritshuis is a world-famous art museum located in a beautifully preserved 17th-century palace in the centre of The Hague. It is home to some of the finest works of the Dutch Golden Age, including paintings by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Jan Steen. Highlights include Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp.
Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring hangs here. On our private Delft and The Hague tour we time the visit so you see it without the queue, then carry on to Delft where Vermeer actually lived and painted.
Binnenhof is the historic centre of Dutch politics and one of the oldest parliament buildings still in use. It is built around a large medieval courtyard and has been the seat of power in the Netherlands for hundreds of years. Overlooking the pretty Hofvijver pond, the Binnenhof is home to the Dutch Senate and House of Representatives. Its impressive Gothic architecture makes it a popular place to visit for anyone interested in history and government.
Peace Palace is the home of the International Court of Justice and a symbol of world peace and diplomacy. This famous building is known around the globe and plays an important role in resolving international disputes. Its beautiful architecture and peaceful gardens make it a special place to visit.
The Peace Palace sits a short drive from the Mauritshuis and slots easily into a private day in The Hague.
Kunstmuseum Den Haag is a modern art museum that showcases works by Mondrian and other important artists of the 20th century. Dive into a world of creativity and discover stunning collections of modern and contemporary art and design, making it a must-visit for art lovers. The museum boasts over 160,000 artworks, including masterpieces by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Piet Mondrian.
Escher in Het Paleis is a museum showing the mind-bending art of M.C. Escher, located in a beautifully restored former royal palace. Discover a stunning collection of his famous optical illusions, impossible shapes, and detailed patterns that continue to amaze and inspire visitors from all over the world. The elegant palace adds a special atmosphere to this unique display of creativity and imagination.
Haagse Passage is the oldest shopping arcade in the Netherlands, with beautiful glass roofs and a variety of charming shops. Walk through this elegant covered passage and enjoy its historic feel – a great place for a relaxed browse or a cosy coffee break.
Pick up a bag of Haagse Hopjes from Van Kleef, a distillery and sweet shop in business since 1842. These small, dark coffee-flavoured caramels are one of the oldest Dutch sweets still made to the original recipe, and they were invented right here in The Hague. The shop is tucked in the city centre and worth a visit for its old-fashioned atmosphere alone.
Vermeer in the morning, the North Sea in the afternoon, and Delft fifteen minutes down the road. On a private day we collect you in Amsterdam, handle the museum timings and shape the route around what you actually want to see. Full day, private to your group, from €1,150.
25 museums in Den Haag
Before you plan
Haags Historisch Museum. Closed for renovation and expansion, 2024 to 2028. Guided tours run at the Oude Stadhuis and Paleis Kneuterdijk, and Jan van Goyen's view of Den Haag hangs in the city hall Atrium.
Photo: Escher in het Paleis, CC BY 2.0Museum devoted to the works of M.C. Escher inside a former royal palace.
Tue–Sun 11:00–17:00
Photo: OSeveno, CC BY-SA 4.0National museum dedicated to photography and contemporary visual culture.
Tue–Sun 11:00–17:00
Photo: OSeveno, CC BY-SA 3.0Historic eighteenth-century picture gallery adjoining the Mauritshuis.
Tue–Sun 12:00–17:00
Photo: Ellywa at Dutch Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0Former medieval prison telling stories of crime, justice and punishment.
Tue–Fri 10:00–17:00, Sat–Mon 11:00–17:00
Photo: Pvt pauline, CC BY 3.0Closed for renovation and expansion, 2024 to 2028. Guided tours run at the Oude Stadhuis and Paleis Kneuterdijk, and Jan van Goyen's view of Den Haag hangs in the city hall Atrium.
Museum exploring the history of The Hague and its residents.
Closed (renovation 2024–2028)
Photo: Danielle Jansen, CC BY-SA 4.0National museum of books, book design and printing history.
Tue–Sun 11:00–17:00Photo: OSeveno, CC BY-SA 4.0Museum of contemporary art with changing exhibitions by leading international artists.
Tue–Sun 11:00–17:00
Photo: Vysotsky, CC BY-SA 3.0Interactive museum celebrating Dutch children's literature.
Tue–Fri 10:30–17:00, Sat–Sun 09:00–17:00
Photo: Roel Wijnants, CC BY-SA 3.0Major art museum renowned for modern art, decorative arts and the world's largest Mondrian collection.
Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00
Photo: AlphonseII, CC BY-SA 4.0National museum preserving the history of Dutch literature and writers.
Tue–Fri 10:30–17:00, Sat–Sun 09:00–17:00
Photo: Trogain, CC BY-SA 4.0One of the world's finest collections of historic automobiles.
Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00
Photo: Txllxt TxllxT, CC BY-SA 4.0World-famous museum housing masterpieces including Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring and works by Rembrandt.
Daily 10:00–18:00 (Mon from 13:00)Schiphol Airport is just 30 minutes away from the centre of The Hague by train. Trains run frequently, and it’s the fastest and easiest way to reach the city. You can also take a taxi or book a private transfer, which takes about 25 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
From Amsterdam to the Hague it will take about 50 minutes by train or car.
Amsterdam is the official capital of the Netherlands. The Hague is the political capital, home to the Dutch government, parliament and the royal palace.
The Peace Palace is partly accessible. Visitors can enter the visitor centre and book guided tours on selected days. The courtrooms are not always open.
Yes. The Hague offers a calmer atmosphere, grand architecture, world class museums and direct access to the beach, making it a great complement to Amsterdam.
Scheveningen is The Hague’s seaside district and is popular for its wide beach, promenade, pier and restaurants. Also see Scheveningen
The Hague is family friendly, with parks, beaches, interactive museums and easy day trips to Madurodam and the seaside.
