Itineraries for Your Trip to The Hague
2 Days in The Hague for First Timers
The association between The Hague and the International Criminal Court was all I knew before my first visit to the Dutch city. I was not aware of its cultural influence—with museums that rival crowd favorite, Amsterdam—nor its beachside or its clash of historical and modern. But two days in The Hague (Den Haag) can sure fix that.
And I’m not alone in not knowing what to expect from The Hague. Even though it’s a major city in the Netherlands, many people don’t know how to spend two days in The Hague as first-timers. To help, use our 2-day itinerary for The Hague for first-timers; it provides a crucial starting point to ensure you get the basics right.
Even in summer, evenings can cool off, so bring a jacket when heading to dinner and drinks.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Hague’s Escher in Het Paleis for its logic-breaking modern art.
The Hague is home to a historical center dense with cultural landmarks, elegant architecture, and major institutions. Visit and learn about each of these must-see attractions in The Hague, from the Inner Court to the Peace Palace, on an introductory walking tour. Quickly discover the city, while making note of attractions to return to on your own, such as the Grote Kerk, to climb its tower for stellar views.
It’s now time to slow down a little and give some of the Hague’s many museums some deserved attention. While smaller museums, such as the Prison Gate Museum, are worth checking out, the city’s largest can easily consume your afternoon, whether it’s the Mauritshuis, with its bounty of Dutch Golden Age artwork or the Escher in Het Paleis, dedicated to the trippy works of M.C. Escher.
The Dutch tend to eat early, so consider starting with dinner at a local restaurant or pub before exploring the city's nightlife. Central squares such as the Plein and Grote Markt provide a wealth of options to sample local craft beers, organic wines, and popular cocktails, but you can also use sightseeing games to guide your exploration.
With two days for your first time in The Hague, you have ample time to explore the city beyond its center. Head north by bike or tram to Scheveningen Beach, The Hague’s very own seaside resort on the North Sea. Stroll along the district’s beachfront, discover the striking art pieces at Sculptures by the Sea, and admire the famous Dutch landmarks in the scale models of the Madurodam.
Take the afternoon to explore The Hague’s food scene, beyond picking up some stroopwafels for a sweet treat. While Scheveningen has a bunch of international restaurants and eateries around its pier, it’s better to return to the city center for a proper food tour of local favorites like pastries and to learn about the Dutch appreciation for gezelligheid, a concept related to coziness and social bonding.
With only a little time left in your 2-day itinerary for The Hague, make the most of your last evening by seeing what the city looks like at night. Stroll along the banks of the Hofvijver pond and the canals that border the city center. Use this opportunity to also explore beyond the beaten path and discover spots mostly known to locals, such as the Zeeheldenkwartier and Binckhorst.
