How to Spend 1 Day in The Hague

Home to embassies, government buildings, and the International Criminal Court, The Hague’s political reputation precedes it—but there’s way more to do here than merely hobnob with bureaucrats. From vibrant museums to avant-garde restaurants, The Hague boasts culture aplenty. Here’s how to see it all in just one day.

Morning: A Sightseeing Introduction

The Hague (known locally as Den Haag) is an accessible and walkable city, and exploring on foot is one of the best ways to experience its major attractions. Set off on a walking tour to learn more about the city’s history and discover its major landmarks, from the Binnenhof (a complex of government buildings) and the Old City Hall to the Noordeinde Palace and the Peace Palace. Alternatively, fashion your own walking-tour itinerary based on your interests, whether they skew political or cultural.

Afternoon: Museum Explorations

The Hague is a cultural heavyweight, and nowhere is that more evident than in its surfeit of exceptional museums. Following your walking tour, spend your afternoon enjoying a relaxed gallery ramble. The Mauritshuis Museum is home to masterworks such as Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, while Escher in Het Paleis celebrates the works of Dutch illustrator M.C. Escher. For a cultural outing of a different stripe, the Louwman Museum hosts an enviable collection of classic cars.

Evening: Gastronomic Discovery

Following your museum forays and sightseeing adventures, let your hair down in the evening—and get a dose of The Hague’s vibrant nightlife offerings—on a relaxed, guided beer tasting. Sample a number of different beer styles, mingle with locals, and even listen to live music. If gastronomy is more your style, then The Hague’s eclectic restaurant scene is also well worth discovering. Go for a self-guided culinary walk to visit multiple top eateries in the space of one night, enjoy wine pairings alongside, and discover different neighborhoods along the way.