THE HAGUE

The Hague is the third largest city in the Netherlands and home to the Royal Family. The Hague is the city of peace and justice, of cosmopolitan and the beach, from new styles to old masters and exotic cuisines to Dutch fishing harbours. The city will captivate you with its modern skyline combined with beautiful historical buildings - The Hague must be on your must-see list!

PLACES TO VISIT

1.THE KNIGHTS HALL (RIDDERZAAL)

The 13th-century hall is a spectacular historic building still used for state receptions and the opening of parliament. It boasts many magnificent stained glass windows such as the Rose Window with the arms of the principle noble families of the Netherlands. The heavy timber roof has the appearance of an upturned ship and the carved wooden heads symbolising eavesdroppers from the "higher powers" are supposed to deter members of the assembly from lying. It was originally built as a banqueting hall and even a hospital before being restored in 1904.

2.THE GROTE OF SINT-JACOBSKERK

Unique for its hexagonal form, the tower originally served as a lookout - the bell was too big for the tower and can be seen inside the church. The beautifully vaulted interior include numerous monuments and grave-slabs, including those of the poet and statesman Constantijn Huygens and physicist and astronomer Christiaan Huygens.

3.THE PEACE PALACE

The palace was constructed between 1907 – 13 and largely paid by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. It is built in a mix of Gothic and Neoclassical styles and flanked on its long arcaded façade with its steeply pitched roof and tower. It boasts a rich interior décor contributed by numerous countries - marble from Italy, wood paneling from Brazil and the USA, and ornamental iron railings from Germany.

4.MAURITSHUIS

It was built in a classical style in 1641 and serves as one of The Hague’s important museums. Valuable objects, curios and numerous painting such as Rembrandt's Anatomy Lesson, Vermeer's View of Delft, Jacob van Ruisdael's View of Haarlem and Rogier van der Weyden's Lamentation, a masterpiece of medieval painting are on display.

5.THE PRISON GATE MUSEUM

The Prison Gate (Gevangenpoort) was built in 1296 as a gatehouse. It was converted to a prison in the 15th century. The old prison and torture cambers have been open to the puclic since 1880 and include a large collection of painings, prints, relics and torture devices from the 17th century.

6.HAAGSE TOREN

The city’s second tallest building with a observation deck on the 42nd floor. There are areas for indoor viewing and a balcony for outdoor viewing. Enjoy a meal or a drink in the Penthouse restaurant surrounded with stunning panoramas.

7.MADURODAM

Complete with 1:25 scale versions of Schiphol, Amsterdam, windmills and tulips, Rotterdam harbour and the Delta dykes, Madurodam is a miniaturised Netherlands.

OTHER PLACES TO SEE

1. Mesdag Museum
   
2. Gemeentemuseum Den Haag
   
3. Scheveningen Resort and Kurhaus
   
4. Haagse Bos and Huis ten Bosch Museon
   
5. The Netherlands Dance Theater
   
6. Duivenvoorde Castle
   
7. Old Town Gouda
   
8. Grote Kerk of Sint Janskerk
   
9. Escher in Het Paleis Museum
   
10. Paard van Troje
    
11. Brasserie ‘t Ogenblik
    
12. Museum de Gevangenpoort
    
13. De Basiliek
    
14. Galerij Prins Willem V
    
15. De Zwarte Ruiter
    
16. New Town Hall
    
17. Foto-Museum Den Haag
    
18. Organic Farmers’ Market
    
19. De Passage
    
20. Parkpop
    
21. Cinematheek Haags Filmhuis
    

The best way to see The Hague is to walk, trams, bus or to ride a bicycle.

The summer season between June to September is the best time to visit The Hague as the temperature is modern with mild rainfall and ample sunshine. Between April and May it is pleasant with mild cold and coy sunshine.