On the terrace all day in The Hague

It’s that time of year again: the kind of days when you can sit outside from early morning to late at night. And our favorite way to spend them? Grabbing a spot on a sunny terrace, sunglasses on, something tasty in hand, and people-watching to our heart’s content. And when it comes to terraces, The Hague doesn’t disappoint. In fact, the options can be a little overwhelming. That’s where we come in: in this blog, we highlight some of the city’s best terraces. So whether you’re in the mood for breakfast or dessert- you’re in for a treat.

Early risers, rejoice

Looking for a fresh (and still somewhat cool) start to the day? Hop on your bike or lace up your walking shoes and head out early for some movement. And of course, reward yourself afterwards with breakfast on a lovely terrace. Trust us: it tastes even better that way 😉

• Pompke is located on the edge of the Scheveningse Bosjes and has a beautifully shady terrace surrounded by greenery. And luckily, their menu is just as delightful. With homemade cakes and cookies, lovingly brewed coffee, and wraps and toasties that are seriously finger-licking good. Everything is freshly made in the tiny kitchen of this charming little forest café.
• Want to feel like you’re on vacation without leaving town? Okay, technically it’s just across the city border in Oud Rijswijk, but Bistro Le Petit Chef is worth the mini trip. Speaking from personal experience: breakfast on their terrace is a real treat. Think croissants, yogurt with fresh granola, eggs in every form imaginable, and even gorgeous pastries. We know where we’d be…
• One of our newest discoveries is ’t Spijshuisje, and it’s such a fun and unique spot. Housed in a former bridge keeper’s cottage along the Vliet canal, they serve coffee and baked goods that you can enjoy on their cozy waterfront terrace. And this one’s a people-watching paradise: everything from boats and bikes to joggers and trams passes by.

Lunch in the sun, drinks with friends, or a long lazy dinner

Some terraces are made for lingering. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back lunch, a round of drinks, a Mediterranean feast, or just a really good glass of wine.

• At Tommy’s & Zuurveen, they know exactly what they’re doing. So if you settle in on their one-of-a-kind terrace (on a boat, floating right outside) you’ll probably want to stay a while. Pro tip: Thursdays are cocktail nights.
• Baardman is one of the nicest restaurants in The Hague and just around the corner from Central Station. And they happen to have a top-notch terrace with plenty of sunshine. Grab a seat here and your afternoon (and evening!) is bound to be a good one.
• Tucked away in the cozy Oude Molstraat, Proefboutique is a hidden gem. And here, drinks and bites are practically an art form. Their sharing platters are perfect for groups and pair beautifully with the delicious drinks on the menu. Ideal when everyone wants something different.
• As for Pastis, we’ll keep it short and sweet: classic French bistro vibes with a The Hague twist. Think mussels, steak frites, and a crisp glass of rosé. A little slice of Paris, right here in the city.

One last treat before heading home

Not ready to go home just yet? Or fancy a little walk after dinner? The Hague has plenty of sweet spots for dessert on a terrace or a late-night coffee.

• De BijKeuken always comes up with something original. This year, Aafke opened an actual dessert café in her cozy spot on Columbusstraat. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 5 to 10 PM, with a changing menu of creative sweet treats every week. A perfect way to wrap up a summer day.
• De Lorenzo IJs is one of the oldest gelato shops in The Hague and serves Italian-style desserts at their best. How about an affogato: espresso with a scoop of homemade ice cream? They’re also known for their award-winning lemon sorbet and introduce a new “flavor of the month” every single month. A perfect excuse to keep coming back all summer long.
• The super stylish SevenHouse on Heeswijkplein stays open late and serves coffee in every shape and size. Their display case is filled with sweet temptations that are hard to resist. Think matcha cakes, cruffins, cookies, and more.

Settle in on a terrace with your Haagse Schatten gift card. Or surprise a The Hague-based friend, colleague, uncle or aunt with one. It’s the perfect present for anyone you’d like to treat to a little treasure hunt through our beautiful city. Every gift card comes with a Haagse Schatten map, so the lucky recipient can discover both the city and its hidden treasures.

The best part? Every euro you spend on the card goes directly to a local business in The Hague. That way, we can all keep enjoying the city’s hotspots—thanks to the passionate and driven entrepreneurs who make them shine. By now, over sixty The Hague treasures accept the gift card. So there’s something for everyone!