Majestic historic buildings, a thriving city life, and peaceful beachside promenades – The Hague has it all! Despite the city being best known for its importance to international peace and justice, The Hague isn’t just about politics. The city’s many neighborhoods are unique and full of character. With so much diversity in the city, it can be difficult to decide which areas to prioritize during your visit. And if you have to choose where to stay overnight, the task can become even more challenging! But fear not – we’ve put together this guide to help you discover The Hague’s hidden secrets.
Check out the coolest neighborhoods in The Hague:
– Voorhout
Voorhout is the quintessential The Hague neighborhood. This is where you’ll find the Binnenhof, the seat of the Dutch government. Sitting by the beautiful Hofvijver pond, the Binnenhof is a complex of multiple historical buildings – such as the Ridderzaal, the First and Second Chambers (Eerste and Tweede Kamers), and more. In Voorhout, you’ll also be able to visit the Mauritshuis, a world-class museum containing masterpieces by the most famous Dutch and Flemish painters from the 17th century.
When you get tired of exploring so much culture, we recommend that you sit down for a drink at one of the many cozy cafés on Plein (which literally translates to ‘Square’). Should you choose to stay in Voorhout during your stay in The Hague, some of your neighbors will be among the most distinguished officials in the country. It isn’t uncommon to see ministers, congressmen, and even the prime minister himself biking around here!
– Buurtschap 2005
Buurtschap 2005 is one of The Hague’s trendiest neighborhoods. This is where you’ll find Lange Voorhout, one of the most scenic pedestrian avenues in Europe! Lined with four rows of lime trees, Lange Voorhout is perfect for a peaceful walk. Here, you’ll also find many fun cultural activities, such as Theater Diligentia, the Pulchri Studio, and the Escher Museum located inside the Lange Voorhout Palace.
In Buurtschap 2005, you’ll also be able to admire the old coach houses on the Kazernestraat. And if you like staying close to major shopping streets, this neighborhood is also home to the Denneweg – there, you’ll find many cute shops and eateries to explore.
– Hofkwatier
Located in the heart of The Hague, the Hofwartier is a charming neighborhood characterized by its narrow, winding streets and historic houses. The name ‘Hofwartier’ translates to ‘Court Quarter’, and that’s because the area is located around Noordeinde Palace – King Willem Alexander’s place of work. Although the palace’s interior is not open for visitation, you’ll be able to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Palace Garden.
Here, the whole family is guaranteed to have fun exploring the romantic flower gardens, wonderful picnic spots, and playgrounds for the kids! The Hofkwartier is also an exciting place to do some shopping in The Hague. Head down to Het Noordeinde, a unique shopping area formed by four streets: the Hoogstraat, the Heulstraat, de Plaats, and Het Noordeinde. Here, you’ll find many high-end boutiques, exclusive galleries, and convivial cafés and restaurants to relax in.
– Chinatown
The Hague’s Chinatown is small, but vibrant and super centrally located! Enter through Wagenstraat to discover a distinctly Asian atmosphere. Here, you’ll find a variety of shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and cafés – not just Chinese-owned, but also Vietnamese, Indonesian, and many other Asian nationalities.
Chinatown is the place to be in The Hague during Chinese New Year – festivities take place each year, featuring traditional dragon and lion dances, music, and food. This neighborhood is living proof of how diverse The Hague really is!
Zeeheldenkwartierapporo Ramen Sora
Located just outside the city center, Zeeheldenkwartier is one of The Hague’s most charming neighborhoods. The neighborhood is characterized by its picturesque streets and 19th-century houses, many of which have been beautifully restored. The Zeeheldenkwartier is also a popular destination for shopping in The Hague. Make sure to visit Prins Hendrikstraat, Zoutmanstraat, and Piet Heinstraat if you love exploring antique shops, thrift shops, concept stores, and the like.
Feeling hungry? You’ll find many delicious spots for eating and drinking around Prins Hendrikplein. If it’s sunny, we recommend sitting down on one of the Zeeheldenkwartier’s many terraces and enjoying a cold drink!
– Statenkwatier
Statenkwartier is a unique neighborhood known for its large, elegant residential buildings designed in the Art Nouveau style. The area is located between The Hague’s city center and the seaside resort town of Scheveningen and is home to Dutchies and expats alike.
Staying overnight at the Statenkwartier means staying in one of the most high-end neighborhoods in The Hague. You’re sure to be well-served by a broad selection of cafés, restaurants, and shops in the area. And if you’re a museum fan, there are many options to choose from here – these include the Kunstmuseum Den Haag, One Planet, and the photo Museum.
– Archipelbuurt
Archipelbuurt is a beautiful neighborhood in The Hague where you’ll find a mix of different architectural styles – from Dutch Neo-Renaissance houses to modern apartment buildings. The name ‘Archipelbuurt’ means ‘Archipelago Neighborhood’ – which is unsurprising considering that until the end of the 18th century, this area of The Hague was just a dune landscape!
In the Archipelbuurt, you’ll find the Peace Palace – a beautiful, Neo-Renaissance style building that houses the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague Academy of International Law, and the Peace Palace Library. It’s possible to book a guided tour to visit the interior of the palace!
– Scheveningen
Scheveningen is not a neighborhood in The Hague, but a seaside resort town located just outside of the city. The place is popular with tourists and locals alike and is known for its long sandy beach, lively atmosphere, and variety of recreational activities. Things to do in Scheveningen include enjoying a ride on the Ferris wheel at the beach pier, venturing on the Keizersstraat, and visiting the Museum ‘Beelden aan Zee’. If you’re looking to stay close to nature and you happen to be in The Hague in summer or spring, Scheveningen is the place for you! You can easily reach Scheveningen from The Hague’s city center (and vice versa) using the excellent local transport system. It should take no more than 20 minutes!
– Conclusions
Not only is The Hague one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands, it’s also a melting pot of cultures – and its neighborhoods reflect just that! We hope this guide has helped you get to know The Hague a bit better to decide where to stay during your visit to the city. For more travel tips on the Netherlands, make sure to check out our travel blog here.
Geniet ervan and see you soon! 😉🇳🇱
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