Your Visit to the Town in the Forest

The Hague (Dutch: Den Haag) is one of the Netherlands’ finest cities and is perhaps second only to Amsterdam with visitor attractions.  The town is surrounded by lush, old-growth forests – planted here long ago by forthinking Dutch noblemen. It’s now enjoyed by thousands of park visitors every day. There is an extensive park system, with several historic parks and greenways that have shaded the township for centuries. Come and explore The Hague, and start with our Free Walking Tour near the Binnenhof!

The City of Peace and Justice

Den Haag has been described as “the city of peace” because of its official motto: Vrede en Recht (Peace and Justice). Indeed, the municipality is home to the  International Court of Justice and other international organizations that promote peace around the world. It hosts several courts and tribunals, such as the International Criminal Court, Europol, and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

The Hague Embraces its Past

This area is full of history, as recorded in some of its world-class public exhibitions. Of the 17 museums in town, a half dozen stand out as a ‘must-see’ for travelers – specifically the Mauritshuis Royal Gallery, The Louwman Car Museum, The Art Museums of The Hague, Statues by the Sea, The Prison Gate and The Escher Museum at the Palace. Luckily, all these collections are within two kilometers of the central station, so walking or biking is an option for everyone.

Outdoor Attractions for Visitors

Museums aside, the Hague is a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination that offers many unusual attractions for the brave tourist. Some excursions are quite unique: you can tiptoe through the tulips at Keukenhof, visit the miniature village of Madurodam, bungee jump from Scheveningen Pier, ride a giant Ferris wheel over the North Sea, go ‘mine-crafting’ at Legoland or even see a rocket launch from the nearby European Space Agency if you’re lucky!

Discover Den Haag

The Hague can be a perfect day trip from Utrecht. Let’s explore some of the best things to do and how to get there.

Top 3 Tourist Attractions in The Hague

1. Scheveningen Beach

As the most popular coastline in the Netherlands, Scheveningen Beach is a great place for a sunny day on the shore. From vibrant beach pavilions to amazing museums, Scheveningen Beach is a family-friendly destination. You can wander Keizerstraat for boutiques and sweet stroopwafels, see the iconic Grand Hotel Amrath Kurhausthen and explore the carnival atmosphere of De Pier. There’s a full list of attractions HERE.

2. The Binnenhof

The Binnenhof is a historic complex of buildings located in the heart of The Hague, Netherlands. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and holds great historical and political significance. Stroll around the historic courtyard and enjoy the old Dutch architectural style and the beautiful surroundings. Don’t skip the Mauritshuis, a world-renowned art museum that houses masterpieces by Dutch painters such as Vermeer and Rembrandt.

3. The Escher Museum in the Palace

Visit the popular ‘Escher in Het Paleis‘ museum, located at Lange Voorhout 78. There, you can explore the mind-bending works of the famous modern artist M.C. Escher. The elegant Dutchman is known for his optical illusions and intricate pattern art, with iconic images you are sure to recognize. Skip the line by getting tickets in advance and don’t forget to check out the compelling gift shop on the premises.

How To Get To The Hague

By Public Transport: We suggest using public transport, and the most convenient way is to take a direct train from Utrecht Centraal Station to Den Haag Centraal Station. The journey takes around 37 minutes, and trains run every 20 minutes throughout the day. Once you arrive at in The Hague, you can easily explore the city on foot or use the extensive tram and metro network to reach your desired destinations.

By Car: Though not preferred, travelling by car is possible. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

1. Start at Utrecht Centraal Station: Head south on Stationshal toward Jaarbeursplein.
2. Merge onto A12: Take the A12 motorway (E30) toward Den Haag.
3. Continue on A12: Follow the A12 for approximately 50 kilometers.
4. Take Exit 4 (Den Haag-Zuid): Merge onto the N44 (S200) toward Wassenaar/Den Haag.
5. Continue on N44: Follow the N44 for about 10 kilometers into downtown.

Follow signs for your specific destination within The Hague and you’ll reach the city center in no time. However, do keep in mind that parking in Den Haag can be quite expensive and difficult to find, so it’s advisable to use buses, trains and trams if possible.