Noordeinde Palace (Paleis Noordeinde)
The Basics
Jacob van Campen, the 17th-century Dutch architect who built the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) in Amsterdam, had a hand in developing Noordeinde Palace’s Renaissance style. He created the H-shaped building seen today, along with many of the building’s serene, classical attributes, such as the equestrian statue in the courtyard, a tribute to William of Orange. The palace itself is closed to the public, but the gardens are open and free for those who want to explore.
Things to Know Before you Go
Noordeinde Palace is a must-visit for architecture and history fans.
Bring an umbrella or sun protection depending on when you visit.
The gardens around the palace are wheelchair-accessible.
The palace gardens are free for all to visit.
When to Get There
While the palace itself is off limits, the gardens are open to the public and can be explored independently or as part of a tour. They’re open from sunrise to sunset and generally aren’t too crowded; just bring an umbrella if you’re visiting outside of the summertime as rain is common in The Hague.
Trip ideas
How to Get There
The palace is located right in the heart of The Hague, about a 20-minute walk from The Hague Central Station. The nearest tram stop (for line number 1) is at Kneuterdijk, about two blocks away; bus numbers 22, 24, and 28 also stop here.
King Willem-Alexander
The palace holds the offices of the current monarch of the Netherlands, William-Alexander, the son of Princess Beatrix (whom he succeeded after her abdication in 2013). His main roles involve meeting with government officials, signing documents, and acting as a figurehead at various functions. However, as the Netherlands is a democracy, his role is largely ceremonial.
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- Panorama Mesdag
- Inner Court & Hall of Knights (Binnenhof & Ridderzaal)
- Mauritshuis
- Escher in Het Paleis (Escher in the Palace)
- Square 1813 (Plein 1813)
- Peace Palace (Vredespaleis)
- The Hague City Hall (Stadhuis)
- Museon
- Kunstmuseum Den Haag
- The Hague Museum of Photography (Fotomuseum Den Haag)
- Madurodam
- Scheveningen
- Louwman Museum
- Sculptures by the Sea (Museum Beelden aan Zee)