The Hague, The Netherlands

The Hague attractions

The Hague has numerous attractions and museums of which Mauritshuis and Gemeentemuseum are the most famous.

1. Mauritshuis

The mansion of Johan Maurits, governor-general of Dutch Brazil, Count of Nassau Siegen, arose in about 1640. The collection consists of masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age.




2. Gemeentemuseum Den Haag

The Gemeentemuseum (municipal museum) owns an extensive collections of modern art, the applied arts, fashion and music. The modern art collection provides an overview of developments in the fine arts since the early 19th century.



3.     The Hague courtyards

Most Hague courtyards were built in the 19th century. Among the most beautiful courtyards in The Hague are the Hof Van Wouw, Hof van Nieuwkoop and the Rusthofje. Among the less known courtyards in and around the centre of The Hague are the Schuddegeest, Schelpstraat, Badhuisstraat and Paramaribostraat courtyards.


4.     Squares of The Hague

The Hague is home to many beautiful and historic squares.

 

 

 

 

5. Binnenhof

 

 

The buildings of Het Binnenhof, such as the ‘Ridderzaal’, the First and Second Chamber of Parliament and the Prime Minister’s are well worth your time.

 

6.     The Ooievaart

The Hague used to be a real canal city, with numerous boats discharging goods at the city’s inland ports for sale on the many local markets. Canals still remain for the Ooievaart to offer you a wonderful boat trip through and around the centre of The Hague.

Ticket sales

Experience a canal trip through The Hague and buy tickets online or on location at Wagenstraat 193. Make sure to specify the language you want spoken during the boat trip (Dutch, English, German or Spanish). You might even consider renting a boat if you’re part of a larger group. You can already rent a boat plus guide for € 250.

7.     Madurodam

Miniature park Madurodam is situated just an hour drive from Amsterdam and the tulip fields and is the ultimate place to discover what makes Holland so unique. Canal houses, tulip fields, cheese market, windmills, Peace Palace, Deltaworks: you will find them all in Madurodam.

8.     Drievliet

Drievliet has many spectacular rides and slides that make you fly through the air, free fall dive into the water, spin and rock around and blast away with a speed of 70 kilometers an hour. Amusement park Drievliet is located in The Hague and has irregular opening times. Make sure you check the opening times in advance if when planning a visit.

9.     Surfing in Scheveningen

Scheveningen is Holland’s best place for surfing. Surfing is one of the key sports for the municipality of The Hague. Many parties and cultural activities are organised on the premises, and both surfers and non-surfers are welcome.

Dutch Cuisine

The Dutch don’t have a specific cuisine. You can find a meal of potatoes, vegetables and meat just as easily as a Indian, Chinese, Surinam, Turkish, Italian or Mediterranean meal. 

Breakfast and lunch are simple meals of bread, fruit and dairy products. Supper is usually a warm meal between 6 and 7 o’clock. The most kitchens in restaurants tend to close between 9 and 10 o’clock.

These are the Dutch dishes, sweets and bread spreads you should definitely try, while visiting Holland:
 
Snert: pea soup with sausages; a winter dish to help you reenergize. 

Stamppot: another winter dish with vegetables, potatoes and meat mashed together in one stew. The stew is filled with gravy.

Poffertjes: a kind of mini pancakes, but thicker and sweeter. Often served with sugar and butter. This dish is especially popular with children.

Patatje met: The Dutch prefer mayonnaise with their French fries instead of ketchup.

Bitterballen: the best snack when sitting on a terrace with a drink. Small fried balls of beef ragout. The bigger brother of ‘bitterballen’ is a kroket, which is sold at any snack corner.


Haring: the most popular fish in Holland is herring. Eat it on a bun with onions or pickles, or  choose to do it the original way and have a bite while holding the fish in the air by its tail.

 Liquorice: Dutch liquorice is available both sweet and salty and in a wide range of shapes and flavors. Nowhere in the world do they eat as much liquorice as in the Netherlands.

Hagelslag: chocolate sprinkles on a sandwich is enjoyed by young and old.

Muisjes: aniseed comfits eaten as a bread topping and available with a pink, blue or white outer layer of sugar. It is a Dutch custom to eat rusk with aniseed comfits to celebrate the birth of a baby.
 
Stroopwafel: a treacle waffle is a typical Dutch treat. This flat waffle is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.

By: Juliia