Travel Guide: The Hague for Design Lovers
You'll find plenty to marvel at in the Netherlands' political capital, from centuries-old facades to modern shops and outdoor art
Home to His Royal Highness King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, and the official seat of government in the Netherlands, The Hague boasts majestic and illustrious architecture that reflects the city's rich political and cultural history. A contemporary skyline cuts a striking scene against a backdrop of centuries-old historical buildings that hug a popular North Sea surf spot.
For a city that’s been around since the 13th century, The Hague has a plethora of must-visit museums. But while the typical tourist attractions are highly recommended — and featured here — this travel guide also seeks to encourage visitors to seek out the off-the-beaten-path spots. No matter what, the eclectic architecture, contemporary art exhibitions and inspiring stores will awe any design lover.
For a city that’s been around since the 13th century, The Hague has a plethora of must-visit museums. But while the typical tourist attractions are highly recommended — and featured here — this travel guide also seeks to encourage visitors to seek out the off-the-beaten-path spots. No matter what, the eclectic architecture, contemporary art exhibitions and inspiring stores will awe any design lover.
The Binnenhof is both the geographic and historic heart of the city, in addition to being home to the Dutch Parliament. This view from the Hofvijver pond in the city center looks toward the Parliament house and is a great example of The Hague's old-meets-new aesthetic.
The stately light tan structure on the left is the Mauritshuis museum, where the renowned painting "Girl with the Pearl Earring" by painter Johannes Vermeer is housed when it's not on traveling exhibitions. Due to renovation work the Mauritshuis is currently closed until mid-2014. Most of the Mauritshuis collection can be seen at the Gemeentemuseum. The tower directly beside the Mauritshuis has been the Dutch prime minister's office since 1982.
More info: Mauritshuis
The stately light tan structure on the left is the Mauritshuis museum, where the renowned painting "Girl with the Pearl Earring" by painter Johannes Vermeer is housed when it's not on traveling exhibitions. Due to renovation work the Mauritshuis is currently closed until mid-2014. Most of the Mauritshuis collection can be seen at the Gemeentemuseum. The tower directly beside the Mauritshuis has been the Dutch prime minister's office since 1982.
More info: Mauritshuis
The Peace Palace: Home of the International Court of Justice, Permanent Court of Arbitration, Peace Palace Library and The Hague Academy of International Law
Cost: 8,50 euros (about U.S.$11) for a guided tour
Location: Carnegieplein 2, 2517 KJ
Noteworthy: This year the Peace Palace celebrates its centennial.
Het Vredespaleis (The Peace Palace) is The Hague's most photographed landmark, and with just cause. The structure itself is as grand as the notion that brought about its existence in the early 1900s, when it was built to foster world peace. Today the building is used for the same purpose. A guided tour gives visitors a behind-the-scenes view at the goings-on of one of the city's most iconic and valuable buildings.
More info: Vredespaleis
Cost: 8,50 euros (about U.S.$11) for a guided tour
Location: Carnegieplein 2, 2517 KJ
Noteworthy: This year the Peace Palace celebrates its centennial.
Het Vredespaleis (The Peace Palace) is The Hague's most photographed landmark, and with just cause. The structure itself is as grand as the notion that brought about its existence in the early 1900s, when it was built to foster world peace. Today the building is used for the same purpose. A guided tour gives visitors a behind-the-scenes view at the goings-on of one of the city's most iconic and valuable buildings.
More info: Vredespaleis
Noordeinde Palace: The working palace of the king
Location: Noordeinde 68, 762514 GL
Stroll along the elegant shopping street Noordeinde, and you cannot miss the neoclassical palace behind grand and gilded gates. Built in 1553 and inhabited by Dutch royals since the early 1600s, the palace is now the official working palace for King Willem-Alexander and his staff. On Prinsjesdag (Prince’s Day), visitors and residents can watch the royal procession of the gouden koets (golden carriage) as it carries the king from Noordeinde Palace to the Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) in the Binnenhof, where he reads the "Speech from the Throne," outlining the government’s financial plans for the coming year. The procession then returns to the Noordeinde Palace, where the royal family appears on the palace balcony to address an adoring public.
More info: Paleis Noordeinde
Location: Noordeinde 68, 762514 GL
Stroll along the elegant shopping street Noordeinde, and you cannot miss the neoclassical palace behind grand and gilded gates. Built in 1553 and inhabited by Dutch royals since the early 1600s, the palace is now the official working palace for King Willem-Alexander and his staff. On Prinsjesdag (Prince’s Day), visitors and residents can watch the royal procession of the gouden koets (golden carriage) as it carries the king from Noordeinde Palace to the Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) in the Binnenhof, where he reads the "Speech from the Throne," outlining the government’s financial plans for the coming year. The procession then returns to the Noordeinde Palace, where the royal family appears on the palace balcony to address an adoring public.
More info: Paleis Noordeinde
Lange Vijverberg: Tree-lined pathway overlooking Parliament
Noteworthy: A romantic spot for strolling hand in hand with someone special
With more than 988 acres (400 hectares) of woodland, The Hague prides itself on being Europe's greenest city. Wear comfortable walking shoes and indulge in the many tree-lined walkways while admiring the city's historical architecture. The Lange Vijverberg flanks the Binnenhof and the stately Mauritshuis and is a beautiful spot where you can admire 13th-century structures and feed the ducks in the Hofvijver pond.
Noteworthy: A romantic spot for strolling hand in hand with someone special
With more than 988 acres (400 hectares) of woodland, The Hague prides itself on being Europe's greenest city. Wear comfortable walking shoes and indulge in the many tree-lined walkways while admiring the city's historical architecture. The Lange Vijverberg flanks the Binnenhof and the stately Mauritshuis and is a beautiful spot where you can admire 13th-century structures and feed the ducks in the Hofvijver pond.
Scheveningen Boulevard
Location: Scheveningen
Noteworthy: Stroll beside the sea before grabbing a cocktail.
This newly refurbished boulevard that stretches along The Hague's seaside town of Scheveningen is another lovely spot for a quiet stroll.
One of the city's most prominent contemporary sculpture museums, Beelden aan Zee, commissioned a stunning collection of 23 sea-inspired sculptures by American sculptor Tom Otterness, who has designed similar public installations in New York.
Pictured here is the largest sculpture, at 12 meters tall. Called "The Herring Eater," it draws on the Dutch tradition of celebrating an abundant herring season.
More info: Beelden aan Zee
Location: Scheveningen
Noteworthy: Stroll beside the sea before grabbing a cocktail.
This newly refurbished boulevard that stretches along The Hague's seaside town of Scheveningen is another lovely spot for a quiet stroll.
One of the city's most prominent contemporary sculpture museums, Beelden aan Zee, commissioned a stunning collection of 23 sea-inspired sculptures by American sculptor Tom Otterness, who has designed similar public installations in New York.
Pictured here is the largest sculpture, at 12 meters tall. Called "The Herring Eater," it draws on the Dutch tradition of celebrating an abundant herring season.
More info: Beelden aan Zee
Steigenberger Kurhaus Hotel: Scheveningen's most iconic structure
Location: Gevers Deynootplein 30, 2586 CK
Noteworthy: Declared a national monument in 1975
Overlooking the North Sea is the grand Steigenberger Kurhaus Hotel, located in the former fisherman’s village of Scheveningen; it dates back almost 200 years. It was initially a wooden bathing house, and the seawater-filled baths were said to have a healing effect. Just eight years after its 1818 opening, it was replaced by a stone structure offering more facilities. Centuries and several renovations later, the grand building still welcomes patrons from all over the world.
Combine a stroll along the boulevard with a cocktail in one of the many beach huts during summer.
More info: Steigenberger Kurhaus Hotel
Location: Gevers Deynootplein 30, 2586 CK
Noteworthy: Declared a national monument in 1975
Overlooking the North Sea is the grand Steigenberger Kurhaus Hotel, located in the former fisherman’s village of Scheveningen; it dates back almost 200 years. It was initially a wooden bathing house, and the seawater-filled baths were said to have a healing effect. Just eight years after its 1818 opening, it was replaced by a stone structure offering more facilities. Centuries and several renovations later, the grand building still welcomes patrons from all over the world.
Combine a stroll along the boulevard with a cocktail in one of the many beach huts during summer.
More info: Steigenberger Kurhaus Hotel
Must-Eats
Kurzaal Restaurant: Main restaurant in the hotel
Cost: 25 to 37,50 euros (about U.S.$32 to $49) for a meal
Location: Steigenberger Kurhaus Hotel, Gevers Deynootplein 30, 2586 CK
Noteworthy: Classic meets contemporary cuisine
Don't just admire the opulence of the iconic hotel building from the outside. Venture indoors and gaze up at the frescoed ceiling, which was painted by the Brussels artist Van Hoeck in 1904. This historical backdrop is met with modern furnishings.
More info: Kurzaal Restaurant
Kurzaal Restaurant: Main restaurant in the hotel
Cost: 25 to 37,50 euros (about U.S.$32 to $49) for a meal
Location: Steigenberger Kurhaus Hotel, Gevers Deynootplein 30, 2586 CK
Noteworthy: Classic meets contemporary cuisine
Don't just admire the opulence of the iconic hotel building from the outside. Venture indoors and gaze up at the frescoed ceiling, which was painted by the Brussels artist Van Hoeck in 1904. This historical backdrop is met with modern furnishings.
More info: Kurzaal Restaurant
Strijkijzer: Skyscraper nicknamed "Iron," with the hot new restaurant and bar The Penthouse
Location: Rijswijkseplein
Noteworthy: Its nickname comes from its sleek, triangular shape
The hottest new restaurant, bar and nightclub in The Hague is located in a skyscraper that's 433 feet (132 meters) high, known as the "Strijkijzer" ("Iron"); it was designed by architect Paul Bontenbal. The second tallest building in the city scooped the Hague New City Prize and international Emporis Skyscraper Award for its elegant reinterpretation of classic high-rise architecture. The building draws its inspiration from New York's Flatiron Building.
Location: Rijswijkseplein
Noteworthy: Its nickname comes from its sleek, triangular shape
The hottest new restaurant, bar and nightclub in The Hague is located in a skyscraper that's 433 feet (132 meters) high, known as the "Strijkijzer" ("Iron"); it was designed by architect Paul Bontenbal. The second tallest building in the city scooped the Hague New City Prize and international Emporis Skyscraper Award for its elegant reinterpretation of classic high-rise architecture. The building draws its inspiration from New York's Flatiron Building.
The Penthouse Restaurant and SkyBar has a sleek and luxurious interior that offers sweeping views of the city from the 42nd floor of the building.
In the mood to soak up the views in style? Every Sunday, The Penthouse hosts a Sunday Lazy Jazz Lunch, featuring live performances by local jazz musicians. The music starts at 2:30 p.m.
More info: The Penthouse
In the mood to soak up the views in style? Every Sunday, The Penthouse hosts a Sunday Lazy Jazz Lunch, featuring live performances by local jazz musicians. The music starts at 2:30 p.m.
More info: The Penthouse
The view from The Penthouse Restaurant and SkyBar.
De Boterwaag: Bar, cafe, restaurant
Location: Grote Markt
Noteworthy: Try the signature bestselling Boterwaag Salade with an ice-cold Dutch beer.
This converted grand café dates back to 1681. Archways stretching up to a vaulted ceiling and original brickwork are reminiscent of local 17th-century architecture. In fact, you can admire an original old weigh scale from 1682 that's displayed in the restaurant. Its being situated on the buzzing Grote Markt square means that there's always something going on.
More info: De Boterwaag
Location: Grote Markt
Noteworthy: Try the signature bestselling Boterwaag Salade with an ice-cold Dutch beer.
This converted grand café dates back to 1681. Archways stretching up to a vaulted ceiling and original brickwork are reminiscent of local 17th-century architecture. In fact, you can admire an original old weigh scale from 1682 that's displayed in the restaurant. Its being situated on the buzzing Grote Markt square means that there's always something going on.
More info: De Boterwaag
Lola Bikes and Coffee
Location: Noordeinde 91, 2514 GD
Noteworthy: Best new café in the country
In the Netherlands, coffee and bikes are two of the most prominent cultural activities, and this new café and bike shop gets both right. Lola Bikes and Coffee also hosts bike tours every Sunday at 8:30 a.m., taking adventurous customers on a Fatbike Experience through forests, dunes and beaches.
More info: Lola Bikes and Coffee
Location: Noordeinde 91, 2514 GD
Noteworthy: Best new café in the country
In the Netherlands, coffee and bikes are two of the most prominent cultural activities, and this new café and bike shop gets both right. Lola Bikes and Coffee also hosts bike tours every Sunday at 8:30 a.m., taking adventurous customers on a Fatbike Experience through forests, dunes and beaches.
More info: Lola Bikes and Coffee
Must-Visits
Gemeentemuseum: Municipal museum
Cost: 14,50 euros (about U.S.$19); 18 and under, free
Location: Stadhouderslaan 41, 2517 HV
Noteworthy: Houses the works of some of the most prominent Dutch artists
If you're looking to soak up some of the best modern art the country has to offer, this is a good place to start. Designed by Dutch architect H.P. Berlage, known as the Dutch Frank Lloyd Wright, the low-set, sprawling 1930s brick structure is built in art deco style.
More info: Gemeentemuseum
Gemeentemuseum: Municipal museum
Cost: 14,50 euros (about U.S.$19); 18 and under, free
Location: Stadhouderslaan 41, 2517 HV
Noteworthy: Houses the works of some of the most prominent Dutch artists
If you're looking to soak up some of the best modern art the country has to offer, this is a good place to start. Designed by Dutch architect H.P. Berlage, known as the Dutch Frank Lloyd Wright, the low-set, sprawling 1930s brick structure is built in art deco style.
More info: Gemeentemuseum
The museum holds an impressive collection of modern art by some of the world's most renowned artists, including Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Egon Schiele, Wassily Kandinsky, Louise Bourgeois, Francis Bacon and more.
Most notably, the museum displays the world's largest collection of paintings by Dutch painter Piet Mondrian in its permanent collection, including the artist's renowned "Victory Boogie Woogie" (shown here). This piece was the abstract painter's last, unfinished, work.
More info: Mondrian at Gemeentemuseum
Most notably, the museum displays the world's largest collection of paintings by Dutch painter Piet Mondrian in its permanent collection, including the artist's renowned "Victory Boogie Woogie" (shown here). This piece was the abstract painter's last, unfinished, work.
More info: Mondrian at Gemeentemuseum
Escher Museum: A palace-turned-museum for the works of graphic artist M.C. Escher
Cost: 9 euros (about U.S.$12)
Location: Lange Voorhout 74, 2514 EH
Noteworthy: The palace chambers feature stunning chandeliers by artist Hans van Bentem
The former winter palace of Queen Mother Emma of the Netherlands houses the works of celebrated Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher within the confines of a beautifully maintained royal palace. Escher is most known for his geometric lithographs, woodcuts and wood engravings.
More info: Escher Museum
Cost: 9 euros (about U.S.$12)
Location: Lange Voorhout 74, 2514 EH
Noteworthy: The palace chambers feature stunning chandeliers by artist Hans van Bentem
The former winter palace of Queen Mother Emma of the Netherlands houses the works of celebrated Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher within the confines of a beautifully maintained royal palace. Escher is most known for his geometric lithographs, woodcuts and wood engravings.
More info: Escher Museum
The Hague Sculptures: Sculpture exhibition
Location: Lange Voorhout
Noteworthy: The sculptures are swapped out annually.
Here's a second recommendation for strolling along the tree-lined boulevard of the Lange Voorhout. Summertime visitors are treated to an outdoor exhibition displaying often huge sculptural works by esteemed artists from around the world.
Location: Lange Voorhout
Noteworthy: The sculptures are swapped out annually.
Here's a second recommendation for strolling along the tree-lined boulevard of the Lange Voorhout. Summertime visitors are treated to an outdoor exhibition displaying often huge sculptural works by esteemed artists from around the world.
Must-Visit Shops
Antiques markets: Books, antiques and curiosities for sale beneath the trees
Location: Lange Voorhout
Noteworthy: Over 70 stalls selling high-quality antiques as well as affordable knickknacks.
Another way to enjoy this beautiful part of the inner city is to wander in and out of stalls at the antiques markets. The markets are on from mid-May until mid-September every Thursday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Antiques markets: Books, antiques and curiosities for sale beneath the trees
Location: Lange Voorhout
Noteworthy: Over 70 stalls selling high-quality antiques as well as affordable knickknacks.
Another way to enjoy this beautiful part of the inner city is to wander in and out of stalls at the antiques markets. The markets are on from mid-May until mid-September every Thursday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sketch: Exclusive shopping
Location: Denneweg 4, 2514 CG
Noteworthy: Concept store on one of the oldest streets in The Hague
Rich history and exclusive shopping go hand in hand along the Denneweg, where the street's oldest building dates back to 1390. High-fashion boutiques, specialty stores, restaurants and bars with stately apartments above them line the street.
The most striking is the glass-fronted building belonging to the concept store Sketch, which dates back to 1898. Inside is exciting fashion, art, curios and more.
Location: Denneweg 4, 2514 CG
Noteworthy: Concept store on one of the oldest streets in The Hague
Rich history and exclusive shopping go hand in hand along the Denneweg, where the street's oldest building dates back to 1390. High-fashion boutiques, specialty stores, restaurants and bars with stately apartments above them line the street.
The most striking is the glass-fronted building belonging to the concept store Sketch, which dates back to 1898. Inside is exciting fashion, art, curios and more.
The Passage: Indoor shopping promenade
Location: Between Spuistraat, Hofweg and Buitenhof
Noteworthy: The last remaining covered shopping street in Holland
The Passage is a beautiful historical building in the city center dating back more than 115 years that houses a collection of boutiques and specialty stores. It's Holland’s only remaining covered shopping street; such streets found popularity in major European and American cities in the second half of the 19th century.
Location: Between Spuistraat, Hofweg and Buitenhof
Noteworthy: The last remaining covered shopping street in Holland
The Passage is a beautiful historical building in the city center dating back more than 115 years that houses a collection of boutiques and specialty stores. It's Holland’s only remaining covered shopping street; such streets found popularity in major European and American cities in the second half of the 19th century.
The Passage exudes a charm and ambience seldom found in modern shopping malls. Do some upmarket shopping in the glass-covered arcade, but take a moment to gaze up and admire the stately facade and rich detailing in this national monument.
More info: De Passage
More info: De Passage
Edwin Pelser: Design store
Location: Piet Heinstraat 123, 2518 CG
Noteworthy: Interior design hot spot
Having worked extensively in the field of design at two prominent Dutch design schools — the Design Academy in Eindhoven and the Netherlands Architecture Institute in Rotterdam — Edwin Pelser opened an innovative design boutique on a charming shopping street in downtown. Fascinated by every form of design, he aims to demonstrate that design is accessible for all.
More info: Edwin Pelser
Location: Piet Heinstraat 123, 2518 CG
Noteworthy: Interior design hot spot
Having worked extensively in the field of design at two prominent Dutch design schools — the Design Academy in Eindhoven and the Netherlands Architecture Institute in Rotterdam — Edwin Pelser opened an innovative design boutique on a charming shopping street in downtown. Fascinated by every form of design, he aims to demonstrate that design is accessible for all.
More info: Edwin Pelser
Must-Stays
Hotel Mozaic: Boutique hotel in the city center
Location: Laan Copes van Cattenburch 38-40, 2585 GB
Mozaic is a small boutique hotel housed in two renovated monumental buildings that date back to 1880. The suites and common areas of the hotel are tastefully finished in modern style.
More info: Hotel Mozaic
Hotel Mozaic: Boutique hotel in the city center
Location: Laan Copes van Cattenburch 38-40, 2585 GB
Mozaic is a small boutique hotel housed in two renovated monumental buildings that date back to 1880. The suites and common areas of the hotel are tastefully finished in modern style.
More info: Hotel Mozaic
Hilton Hotel
Location: Zeestraat 35, 2518 AA
Noteworthy: Best hotel for service and location
The new Hilton is in a restored 1950s structure that houses a distinctly contemporary collection of rooms. The striking Grand Café Pearl is a great option for dining, with its decor entirely inspired by the famous "Girl with a Pearl Earring" painting.
More info: Hilton The Hague, Grand Café Pearl
Location: Zeestraat 35, 2518 AA
Noteworthy: Best hotel for service and location
The new Hilton is in a restored 1950s structure that houses a distinctly contemporary collection of rooms. The striking Grand Café Pearl is a great option for dining, with its decor entirely inspired by the famous "Girl with a Pearl Earring" painting.
More info: Hilton The Hague, Grand Café Pearl
Hidden Gems
F.A.S.T: Free Architecture Surf Terrain
Location: Strandweg 1A, 2586 JK, Scheveningen
Noteworthy: Hippest new surfers' village, beach hostel, surf shop, surfing lessons, bar and restaurant, art projects, parties and museum
The Hague has the best surf in the country. Avid surfers or those looking to get into the city's surf culture can head to F.A.S.T., the Free Architecture Surf Terrain, a trendy new surf village that emerged as a response to silent construction projects and vacant property in the Scheveningen area due to the economic downturn. The camping site costs 15 euros (about U.S.$20) per person per night, and the hostel will set you back 20 euros (about U.S.$26). The village consists of various shipping containers to create a recycled aesthetic, and there's an open-air theater.
More info: F.A.S.T.
F.A.S.T: Free Architecture Surf Terrain
Location: Strandweg 1A, 2586 JK, Scheveningen
Noteworthy: Hippest new surfers' village, beach hostel, surf shop, surfing lessons, bar and restaurant, art projects, parties and museum
The Hague has the best surf in the country. Avid surfers or those looking to get into the city's surf culture can head to F.A.S.T., the Free Architecture Surf Terrain, a trendy new surf village that emerged as a response to silent construction projects and vacant property in the Scheveningen area due to the economic downturn. The camping site costs 15 euros (about U.S.$20) per person per night, and the hostel will set you back 20 euros (about U.S.$26). The village consists of various shipping containers to create a recycled aesthetic, and there's an open-air theater.
More info: F.A.S.T.
Palace Garden: A green oasis in the city
Location: Behind Noordeinde Palace
Noteworthy: Public garden belonging to the working palace of the king
This almost-hidden 17th-century Palace Garden behind the Noordeinde Palace is a charming public garden enjoyed by locals. The park has a pond, walking paths, benches and valuable old trees and lawns. After a day of sightseeing and design hunting, throw down a blanket and relax in this lovely little hideaway.
Location: Behind Noordeinde Palace
Noteworthy: Public garden belonging to the working palace of the king
This almost-hidden 17th-century Palace Garden behind the Noordeinde Palace is a charming public garden enjoyed by locals. The park has a pond, walking paths, benches and valuable old trees and lawns. After a day of sightseeing and design hunting, throw down a blanket and relax in this lovely little hideaway.
Travel Tips
The Netherlands really is the land of bicycles. Bicycling a great way to get around and see The Hague fast and with ease, thanks to the brilliant infrastructure in place for cyclists. There are only a couple of basic rules when it comes to cycling: Keep to the right, use hand signals to let fellow cyclists know your next move and, if necessary, use your bell to avoid collisions. If your cycling skills are a little rusty, the public transport system is excellent; trams, trains and buses are very punctual.
For the third-largest city in the country, The Hague has a slow pace, which means you will have a truly relaxing getaway. A majority of the Dutch locals speak English, and thanks to more than 150 international organizations in the region, there are some 60,000 expats living in The Hague and its surrounding cities. If you find yourself enjoying the company of the Dutch over drinks, say, "Gezellig," which loosely translates to "a pleasant time and good company."
Tell us: What did we miss? Share your picks for design-minded things to do and see in The Hague.
More: City guides for design junkies
The Netherlands really is the land of bicycles. Bicycling a great way to get around and see The Hague fast and with ease, thanks to the brilliant infrastructure in place for cyclists. There are only a couple of basic rules when it comes to cycling: Keep to the right, use hand signals to let fellow cyclists know your next move and, if necessary, use your bell to avoid collisions. If your cycling skills are a little rusty, the public transport system is excellent; trams, trains and buses are very punctual.
For the third-largest city in the country, The Hague has a slow pace, which means you will have a truly relaxing getaway. A majority of the Dutch locals speak English, and thanks to more than 150 international organizations in the region, there are some 60,000 expats living in The Hague and its surrounding cities. If you find yourself enjoying the company of the Dutch over drinks, say, "Gezellig," which loosely translates to "a pleasant time and good company."
Tell us: What did we miss? Share your picks for design-minded things to do and see in The Hague.
More: City guides for design junkies
Binnenhof: A complex of buildings that make up the Dutch center of Parliament
Location: Binnenhof 8a, 2513 AA
Noteworthy: This-13th century courtyard boasts spectacular medieval brickwork and architraves.
The political leaders of the Netherlands make all the most important decisions within the confines of the Binnenhof. The gothic Ridderzaal (Knight’s Hall) is used for the state opening of Parliament every third Tuesday in September on Prinsjesdag (Prince's Day) — it's on September 17 in 2013 — when the king is escorted to Parliament in his golden carriage to deliver a speech from the throne.
Guided tours of the Binnenhof, Ridderzaal and the chambers of Parliament offer enlightening insight into The Hague's political history. Those hankering for a quick retreat from the bustling streets should seek refuge in this quiet square.