The Hague

Home to many timeless works of art such as 'Girl with the Pearl Earring' and 'The Goldfinch', the Mauritshuis Museum showcases the Dutch Golden Age of painting in all its splendour. Amongst others featured in the museum are both Rembrandt and Vermeer, two of the most celebrated master painters of this momentous time in Dutch history. In their work, they are able to capture the essence of the Netherlands as a global powerhouse and one of the most prosperous nations in Europe throughout the seventeenth century. Be aware that some of the better-known paintings are occasionally sent around the world to be presented in other art exhibitions so it is advisable to check ahead of time to see if they are on display.

Dating back as early as the 13th century, this late medieval building is the oldest remaining parliamentary court still in use today. It was first built as a castle and home to the various counts of Holland, but after several battles for succession, the Binnenhof changed hands many times and, in the process, saw many new administrative buildings erected around it. Extensive renovations are currently underway and not expected to finish before 2028, so politicians have had to find elsewhere to conduct their business. Tours of the surrounding areas are available and more information can be obtained at the Binnenhof Renovation Information Centre, which is right next to the complex.

Whether the sun is shining or the clouds are looming, the beach of Scheveningen is packed full of exciting things to do and see on a day out. Just a fifteen-minute bike ride from The Hague's city centre, this eventful stretch of sand dunes and sea is definitely worth a visit for young and old to enjoy the culinary delights that can be found there along with the numerous events such as beach parties, fireworks nights and kite festivals to name but a few. There is a vibrant surf culture in Scheveningen which is active all year round, great for beginners to learn as there are so many surf schools along the beach. During the day, be sure to visit any of the numerous attractions, museums or markets then take an evening stroll down one of the promenades and pick out the perfect spot to eat and drink from over 130 restaurants available.

The Royal Palace of the Hague, also serving as the monarch’s workplace, may not be as exuberant as its counterpart in Amsterdam, but it is an impressive city centrepiece nonetheless. Built as a farmhouse in 1533, it was reformed and repurposed several times over the years, accommodating such pivotal historical figures as Voltaire and notable monarchs such as King Willem I until its most recent extensions in 1984, which have turned it into a working palace, where political and state affairs take place daily. The palace gardens are open to the public throughout the day and make a nice spot for a picnic, where anyone can enjoy the ponds, flowerbeds and marble statues with views of the royal stables, archives and the Dome of Fagel. Look out for the hidden corridors leading to the Old Hague District in one of the corners of the gardens.

‘South Park’, as it is referred to by locals, was created in 1936 to offer The Hague inhabitants a place to convene and take part in recreational activities such as swimming, football and barbecuing. Those strolling through the verdant gardens in the summer months can also expect to see some entertaining spectacles like music performances and plays in the open-air theatre. This huge, time-honoured public space comprises an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurants, cafés, a deer enclosure and a football stadium where the local team plays.

Be prepared to have your mind bent, blown and rewired as you walk into the Lange Voorhout Palace where the illusory work of famous graphic artist M.C. Escher is exhibited. The palace is home to such legendary Escher paintings as 'Air and Water' in which birds are blended into fish and 'Waterfall' in which water appears to flow upwards instead of down. There are interactive experiences on the second floor, dedicated to the Eye of Escher where guests are encouraged to solve some of Escher’s most perplexing mysteries, including the impossible Penrose Triangle. On the third floor, there is a large-scale optical illusion where adults can appear to be children and vice versa. Audio tours and guided tours are available and there are additional temporary exhibitions taking place on occasion.

In 1996, American artist James Turrell designed the Celestial Vault to showcase the sky in all its glory using an innovative astronomical optical illusion. In the centre of this grassy artificial crater, there is a stone bench on which visitors can lie to observe the sky as a curved dome, emphasising the way light affects how we perceive things and inviting those willing to challenge their own perceptions.

This charming little community garden hidden away in the city centre is full of interesting designs and innovative landscaping managed by local volunteers. It is the perfect place to sit and read a book, relax with some friends or stroll through enjoying the tranquillity. The project started as a way of bringing local residents together to enjoy the area and renovate previously derelict spaces. The common now hosts gardening workshops, activities for children and various markets throughout the year.

This extravagantly decorated clandestine church built centuries ago when Catholicism was considered a crime is hidden in plain sight behind an unassuming front door in the city centre. Those walking down Juffrouw Idastraat would never imagine that within one of the typical terraced houses lies the enormous Parish of Saints James and Augustine where Catholics used to practice their faith in secret. Nobody is quite sure who built the church, but the stunning baroque plastering seems to suggest that it was the famous architect and artist Daniel Marot or one of his students. Book a free tour which takes you through the church and the attic to the more recent Bishop’s Chamber which is full of some of the original features and furniture that were used in the 1700s.

This giant panoramic work of art spans forty metres in circumference and reaches fourteen metres in height, capturing the small fishing village of Scheveningen as it was in the late nineteenth century in a cyclorama. It creates the illusion that the observer is atop a large sand dune looking down upon the village, an illusion which is complemented by the foreground within the artwork that is made up of artificial terrain. The museum is dedicated to the single work of art from Hendrik Willem Mesdag and there are lots of ways to experience it including a guided tour, lectures and even children’s treasure hunts.

This non-profit institution comprises many talented artists and sculptors who have been adding to the cache of contemporary art in the Hague since 1847. Whereas the studio started as a workshop where artists could come together and share their work with other artists, it now hosts around sixty exhibitions every year, which are open to members of the association and the public upon request. It is advisable to contact the studio for more information about memberships and guest access as some events are listed as members only whilst others are available for everyone to enjoy. The café/restaurant area is a good place to start as it is open to the public during the daytime.

For something a bit different, try ambling through the woodlands and grassy areas of The Hague with Dave, who will let you know which plants you can and can’t eat, as well as which of them have medicinal properties. The tour operates fairly infrequently but if you can book a spot well ahead of time it is a nice addition to any itinerary.

‘Make it Art Worthy’ is the name and aim of this gallery that champions creativity in all its forms. Here you can design your own gifts in the Dry Felting workshop from repurposed materials and present them with sparkling style after coming up with a unique wrapping scheme in the Pimping Box workshop. The space is also open to musicians of all levels to play in, a great way to meet like-minded folk and jam together. This non-profit organisation is run by volunteers and kept going by donations so some of the events and workshops will ask for a small sum of money but for the most part, visitors can appreciate the exhibitions free of charge.

The Haagse Bos, as it is referred to in Dutch, can be found towards the northeast of the centre of The Hague, starting in Malieveld and continuing up to Wassenaar. It is hugely important to the city’s history as some of the oldest trees in the Netherlands remain there after many were cut down for firewood in the 16th and 17th centuries and during the Second World War. Aside from its pertinent roots, The Hague Forest has a lot to offer passers-by such as large open green spaces, a deer park and a pond in the centre, making a great scenario for just about any event or activity.