What to Do in The Hague: Tips from the Locals

What We Love Most? Diving into all the fun The Hague and our local treasures have to offer. We roam all over The Hague in search of the stories behind passionate entrepreneurs, the latest hidden treasures, and those uniquely ‘The Hague’ spots that are just off the beaten track. We collect all our favorite finds on our The Hague Treasure Map—and in this blog, we’re sharing a few of our top picks with you.

The Hague is packed to the brim with sights to see, art to admire, cultural hotspots, and historic landmarks. Take the Binnenhof, for instance—the oldest parliamentary complex in Europe, with over 800 years of history. Currently undergoing renovation, this iconic site now features a special visitor center where you can dive even deeper into its fascinating past. Surrounding the Binnenhof, you’ll find more must-see highlights that have put The Hague on the (inter)national map: the Mauritshuis, the Prison Gate Museum (Rijksmuseum de Gevangenpoort), Noordeinde Palace with its Royal Stables, and Escher in Het Paleis on the beautiful Lange Voorhout.

The Treasures of The Hague

But beyond these majestic buildings and history-filled museums, the city is buzzing with new ideas, vibrant spots, and creative entrepreneurs. There are so many local business owners pouring their heart and soul into their shops, restaurants, salons, hotels, and beach bars every single day.
The most delightful places (and the people behind them!) earn our stamp of approval as true ‘The Hague treasures’. You’ll recognize them by the turquoise hexagon window sticker that proudly reads “Officially a Haagse schat.” Keep your eyes peeled on your next stroll through town—spot the sticker, and you’ll know you’re in for something special.

And as any true Hagenees or Hagenaar will tell you, you start your day with a proper Haags bakkie – a nice cup of coffee. Want to know where to get the best brews in town? We’ve written a whole blog about it, including a little crash course on what exactly a Haags bakkie is…

Strolling Through the City

There’s nothing better than exploring The Hague on foot. Wander through the city center, take a detour through the greenery of the Haagse Bos, or head into a nearby neighborhood like the charming Zeeheldenkwartier or the slightly edgier Zuidwal. Every area has something new to discover. From hidden courtyards (yes, with actual homes!) and tucked-away street art to architectural gems around the Central Station and centuries-old buildings in the historic city center.
Fancy doing some shopping along the way? Then don’t miss our blog on the best shops in The Hague—perfect for anyone who loves unique boutiques.

Cycling to the Sea

Pop on your sunglasses and hop on a bike, because the Hague’s coastline is calling! Of course, there’s the famous Scheveningen beach, with its bustling boulevard, the iconic Kurhaus, and the Pier. Want a more peaceful vibe? Cycle through the Westduinpark to the quieter Zuiderstrand (our personal favorite!). If you’ve got the wind at your back, keep going all the way to Kijkduin. There, too, you’ll find some great beach bars where you can kick back with a drink and instantly feel like you’re on holiday.
Tough to choose? No worries—we’ve rounded up all our favorite beach treasures in this blog to help you decide!

Push the Boundaries

Already explored the heart of the city? Then it’s time to head for the edges—or even just beyond. Places like Voorburg and Rijswijk may not be technically part of The Hague, but they’re full of hidden treasures well worth the extra cycling effort. We even wrote a whole blog about these treasures just outside the official city limits: time to stretch those treasure-hunting boundaries!

Lunching in The Hague

A city trip can be quite the adventure. After all that shopping, strolling (or cycling), and sightseeing, you’re bound to get hungry. Craving a good lunch during your day in The Hague? We’ve got you covered with a blog full of our favorite lunch spots in town. Whether you’re right in the city center or prefer something just off the beaten path, there’s always a café or bistro that perfectly matches your taste.

Local Browsing on Weimarstraat

Just outside the city center, you’ll find Weimarstraat. It’s a street bursting with character and a paradise for anyone who loves to shop local. It’s home to unique stores, artisan makers, and cozy cafés that are perfect for whiling away an afternoon. No surprise then, that this street is packed with The Hague Treasures too. Want to know which ones? You can read all about them right here.

Finished exploring Weimarstraat? Then make sure you don’t skip this hidden gem. A true secret of the Regentessekwartier. Emma’s Hof: a tucked-away garden full of flowers and quiet little corners to sit and relax. Lovingly created and maintained by local residents, it’s the perfect spot to catch your breath during your city adventure.

La Haye

Sometimes the best part of a city trip is that feeling of having escaped even further from home. Like a mini getaway to a Mediterranean village. The good news? For a touch of France, you don’t have to go any farther than the heart of The Hague.
In the spring and summer months, the charming Le Marie Marché transforms the Lange Vijverberg into a French village square every weekend. With stalls full of brocante, fashion, cheese, and freshly baked treats, it’s the perfect spot to stroll, sample, and soak up that laid-back joie de vivre.

Want to end your day still wrapped in that French feeling? Head to Oude Molstraat—a cozy little street that feels like a hidden corner of France right in the city center. Our absolute favorite there? Pastis. This inviting bistro serves classic French dishes that’ll make you feel like you’re dining in Paris, especially with a good glass of wine in hand. And yes, you’re still in The Hague.

With your Haagse Schatten gift card, you can visit any of our The Hague treasures—our hardworking local entrepreneurs. Want to treat someone else to a little adventure in The Hague? You can order a gift card through our webshop, or pick one up in person at one of our participating treasures.

The best part? Every euro you spend with the gift card goes directly to a local business in The Hague. That way, we can all keep enjoying the city’s best spots, thanks to the passion and dedication of our local entrepreneurs. By now, there are over sixty The Hague treasures where you can use your card—so there’s something for everyone!