Netherlands · City Guide
The Hague
The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and the home of the international courts of justice, a sophisticated and elegant city combining outstanding museums including the Mauritshuis — home to Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring — beautiful 17th century architecture, the excellent Escher in Het Paleis and excellent beaches at Scheveningen just minutes from the city centre. Often overlooked in favour of Amsterdam, The Hague provides a more refined and less crowded Dutch city experience.
Elect's take
"The Hague has a refinement and a quality of museum culture that I find very appealing. The Mauritshuis is one of the greatest small museums in the world and the combination of government grandeur, excellent beaches and the Girl with a Pearl Earring creates a destination of surprising depth."
The Mauritshuis is a magnificent 17th century palace housing one of the finest small art collections in the world, with Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring and The View of Delft, Rembrandt's The Anatomy Lesson and dozens of other Dutch Golden Age masterpieces in intimate gallery settings that allow exceptional engagement with the works. The Peace Palace, the home of the International Court of Justice, provides guided tours of one of the most architecturally significant international institutions. Scheveningen beach, accessible by tram from The Hague, provides an excellent beach resort experience within minutes of the city. The Escher in Het Paleis museum houses an outstanding collection of M.C. Escher's extraordinary mathematical art.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Mauritshuis
One of the finest small art museums in the world with Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Escher in Het Paleis
An outstanding collection of M.C. Escher's extraordinary mathematical and optical art.
Peace Palace
The home of the International Court of Justice with guided tours of this remarkable institution.
Scheveningen
An excellent beach resort minutes from The Hague by tram.
Dutch Government
The seat of Dutch government with beautiful Binnenhof court and historic buildings.
Delft Access
The beautiful canal city of Vermeer heritage just 15 minutes by train.
