Itineraries for Your Trip to The Hague
1 Day in The Hague for First Timers
The Hague, known locally as Den Haag, is the Netherlands’ quieter, but no less scenic and interesting, alternative to busy Amsterdam. It may not have quite as many canals as the Dutch capital, but I barely noticed that on my first time in The Hague. I was too focused on fitting the city’s many cultural and historical attractions into my all-too-short visit.
For your one day in The Hague, start with the basics, all of which you can find in our 1-day The Hague itinerary for first-timers. Here’s how to spend one day in The Hague for a brief, but meaningful, visit.
The Hague can be quite rainy, no matter the season, so always pack an umbrella.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Mauritshuis art museum.
Start your morning off by exploring the historical part of The Hague on a local walking guided tour. Learn a little about the history of the city and discover how The Hague is home to some of the country’s most vital institutions, from the national parliament within the Inner Court to the royal office at Noordeinde Palace. Walk past the Lange Voorhout and more of the must-see attractions in The Hague for photo stops, before heading north to see the Peace Palace, home to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, which you can even tour inside.
After lunch (try pannenkoeken—traditional Dutch pancakes) and perhaps a café or coffeeshop visit, it’s time to see why The Hague is considered as much a center of Dutch culture as Amsterdam. Two of the best things to do in The Hague for first-timers are visiting the Mauritshuis and Escher in Het Paleis, renowned art museums. The Mauritshuis features works by master artists, including the famous Vermeer painting Girl with a Pearl Earring, while Escher in Het Paleis is dedicated to the surreal, mathematically inspired works of well-known artist Maurits Cornelis Escher.
The best way to close out one day in The Hague for first-timers is by immersing yourself in the city’s food scene and nightlife. Head to squares in the city center, such as the Plein or the Plaats, for a greater selection of restaurants, bars, and pubs. If you’re visiting in summer, switch things up by heading to the seaside in Scheveningen to enjoy its venues near the pier, offering beach views with your drinks and meals.
