The Hague city guide

Anne

 

October 23, 2019
November 23 2020

The Hague City Guide: 35 tips from hotspots to restaurants, hotels and fun things to do

Oh, The Hague Beautiful city behind the dunes... Honestly, I never really cared about The Hague. So stately and tidy, a bit stiff. But in recent years, I've been to The Hague regularly, and this city has captured a special place in my heart. So many great hotspots have opened that are definitely worth a visit. And what's better than taking a tram to the beach after a day in the city? In this The Hague City Guide, you'll find all the fun hotspots and activities to be found in The Hague. Enjoy!

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Come with me to get breakfast in Taipei 🥢 Straight from the airport to this little spot to taste soup dumplings and so much more! That's what I call a soft landing 😉
Just back from Catalonia and I thought: I'll share some tips right away. During our road trip, we stayed two nights in the Ebro Delta. An incredibly fun stop for families and foodies alike, where there is plenty to do. · A boat trip to the Musclarium is a must! Here you eat oysters and mussels straight from the farm, in the middle of the sea. · Admire the flamingos and black ibises that can be found here all year round. · Rice is grown in the Ebro Delta all year round. For paella, but Kensho also makes sake and miso from it! You can visit them during a tasting. · Cycling along the rice fields, canoeing on the Ebro River, and visiting various beaches. It was still a bit too cold now, but there is plenty to do. · The towns are very low-key and not that exciting, but you can find fantastic local food there. From the Michelin-awarded Les Moles* to local eateries like Vermuteria Bonmarisc and Lo Tinglado. We ate a lot of fish, but also anemone fritters (a first!). Now back to work, and I’m going to create an extensive travel guide of this road trip through Catalonia, but you’ll want to save these tips for a future adventure. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { In this post, I share tips for the Ebro Delta in Spain (Delta de l'Ebre). More tips for Catalonia can be found at www.yourlittleblackbook.me }
PUUR JONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer. Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese. I spent the entire evening reading and browsing. WHAT A BOOK. What stories. WHAT AN ODE. Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being. Everything is covered, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert. With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043. Thanks for the wonderful afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚 PUUR JONNIE, Available from April 14 at your local bookstore (and online) 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢 @tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality. It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3. In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds. Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }

HOTELS // THE HAGUE CITY GUIDE

The Student Hotel: These days, you'll find Student Hotels in countless cities, including The Hague! From your room, you'll have stunning views of the city—you'll want to see them! This hotel is also ideal if you want to stay fit during your visit to The Hague; there's a gym you can use during your stay. Highly recommended!
Hoefkade 9, The Hague, thestudenthotel.com

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La Paulowna Boutique Hotel: Planning a weekend in The Hague? Then first check if La Paulowna still has one of its five uniquely decorated suites available. This is the place to stay! The hotel is housed in a beautiful old building and is within walking distance of the city center. For breakfast, you're welcome in the restaurant "Hortus" on the ground floor. Hostess Anuschka is happy to give you tips on great places to visit in the city and is well-informed about everything new and hot.
Anna Paulownaplein 3, The Hague, lapalowna.com

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best hotels in The Hague

Central Park by Ron Blauw: Just a ten-minute drive from Hotel Central Park, you're in the heart of The Hague. This boutique hotel, with 14 beautiful suites, is situated in a stunning historic building in Vreugd en Rust Park in Voorburg. If you're looking for a culinary weekend getaway, a stay here is highly recommended. For a lavish dinner, you don't even have to leave the hotel in the evening; you can dine at the eponymous restaurant.
Oosteinde 14, Voorburg, centralparkvoorburg.com

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Hotel Indigo: Hotel Indigo is located in a former bank building in The Hague. And you can see that in the period elements throughout the hotel! All rooms are spa-inspired, the perfect place to unwind. Tip: the Binnenhof is just a 400-meter walk from the hotel. A must-see during your staycation in The Hague!
Noordeinde 33, The Hague, ihg.com 

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© Hotel Indigo, The Hague

RESTAURANTS // THE HAGUE CITY GUIDE

Restaurant Palmette: When you walk into Palmette, you immediately get that WOW feeling. Behind the green velvet sofa and cozy bistro tables, a beautiful graphic mural adorns the walls. You can enjoy everything from breakfast to brunch and dinner, and the friendly staff are happy to share their favorites on the menu. The bouillabaisse and steak tartare are highly recommended!
Place 27, The Hague, palmette.nl

best restaurants in The Hague

Cafe Franklin: Walter Benedict's younger brother (more on that later!), just outside the city center. At this hotspot, you'll rub shoulders with locals and they're also open for lunch on weekends. In the summer, this is one of the best spots for drinks, and you can relax at the beer tables on the terrace with a craft beer and a flammkuchen snack.
Valkenbosplein 24, The Hague, cafefranklin.nl

pastis: At this cozy French bistro, you'll enjoy typical French dishes. Simple, yet oh-so-flavorful. Just like in France, they also have a menu with an entree, platter, and dessert for a reasonable price. You'd almost forget you're in the heart of The Hague!
Old Molstraat 57, The Hague, pastis.nl

The Quarter: Another lovely French spot, but just outside the city center. Perhaps all the more appealing for that, as you won't encounter many tourists. In good weather, the bench in front of the shop is a favorite spot for a Burgundian lunch.
Van Hoytemastraat 43, The Hague, le-quartier.nl

The Sushi Girls: This is by far the best hotspot in the Zeeheldenkwartier for all your sushi cravings. Besides classics with a twist, they also offer vegan and gluten-free sushi. Tip: in good weather, they also have a patio.
Prins Hendrikstraat 96, The Hague, desushimeisjes.nl

© Prik!

Ohana: Good news for everyone who, like me, loves a well-filled poké bowl. Ohana in The Hague makes the absolute best. Need a photo for your Instagram? Perfect for the swing with the flamingo!
Prinsestraat 18, The Hague, ohanapoke.nl

Walter Benedict: This hotspot on the chic Denneweg is a well-known spot in The Hague. Highly recommended for weekend brunch, but also a great spot any time of day. This modern, traditional Dutch café is open from early morning until late.
Denneweg 69A, The Hague, walterbenedict.nl

Oats: Outside the city center, head to Haver for a good breakfast or a delicious organic lunch. A warm interior with wicker chairs, Bocca coffee, and homemade cake. The perfect place to start the day.
Reinkenstraat 103, The Hague, proefhaver.nl

Bleyenberg: Oh yes! The Hague now also has a great rooftop bar when the weather is nice. Bleyenberg is a great all-day spot in the old Kwantum building, with a restaurant, coffee bar, and cocktail bar all under one roof. They have regular events, so be sure to check the schedule on the website.
Grote Markt 10, The Hague, bleyenbergdenhaag.nl

Bouzy Wine & Food: Are you a wine lover? After shopping on Denneweg, grab a drink at Bouzy wine bar, which offers a wide selection of wines by the glass.
Denneweg 83, The Hague, bouzywineandfood.nl

Restaurant Hendriks: The newest urban hotspot on Prins Hendrikstraat for good fast food. Great for drinks, simple food, and tasty bar bites!
Prins Hendrikstraat 55A, The Hague, restauranthendriks.nl

Mama Kelly: This hotspot is a well-known fixture in The Hague. Just outside the city center, but definitely worth a visit. In the summer, there's a fantastic terrace, and in colder weather, you can sit inside the cool, industrial restaurant. The menu is diverse and vegetarian-friendly, but the surf and turf remains a favorite.
Saturnusstraat 100, The Hague, mama-kelly.nl

Little V: Love Vietnamese food? Then you can't miss Little V (V for Vietnam) in The Hague. From delicious pho to various street food appetizers to share. If you're new to Vietnamese cuisine, prepare to be surprised by a two- to four-course menu.
Rabbi Maarsenplein 21, The Hague, littlev.nl

Minglemush: In my opinion, food halls are the perfect solution if you want to eat cheaply and everyone wants something different. Or if you just want to share as much as possible. At Minglemush food hall, you can choose from over 15 stalls! Tip: play a game in the retro arcade after your meal.
Anna van Buerenplein 712, The Hague, minglemush.nl

Buddha Bowl: Buddha Bowl proves once again that you don't have to go to Bali for a delicious bowl (breakfast or salad). Healthy bowls all day long for a late breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Be sure to order one of the fresh juices!
Prins Hendrikplein 22, The Hague, instagram.com/buddhabowldenhaag

Bøg: A few years ago, I ate at Noma in Copenhagen, and I've been a fan of "new Nordic cuisine" ever since. Bøg doesn't have a Michelin star, but it certainly serves delicious food. Innovative, artisanal, and simultaneously refined. Not for a quick bite, but for an evening of extensive dining with six or eight courses.
Prinsestraat 130, The Hague, bøg.com

Pistachio: One of the best places to enjoy breakfast, coffee, or lunch in The Hague is Pistache. Located on the corner of Prinsenstraat, near the Palace Gardens, the terrace is perfect for people-watching when the weather is nice. But you can also relax inside in the cozy green interior.
Prinsestraat 134, The Hague, pistachiocafe.nl

Jamey Bennett: A modern grand café where everyone is welcome all day long. From breakfast to drinks, or just a cup of coffee while shopping.
Place 11, The Hague, jameybennett.nl

best restaurants in The Hague

SHOPPING // THE HAGUE CITY GUIDE

Collective: At Collectiv., you'll find over 25 designers under one roof in a cool, industrial space. They're complemented by the coolest lifestyle items of today. Mostly handmade products by young designers who run the concept store together. It's also a great place for coffee and a homemade bagel or something else delicious!
Schoolstraat 20-22, The Hague, collectivbyswan.nl

WOW: I've never left WOW in the Zeeheldenkwartier without buying something. From jewelry to greenery and from home accessories to stationery and vintage items. This mini-department store is a must-visit!
Piet Heinstraat 51a, The Hague, wowwarenhuis.nl

nicest shops in The Hague

The Fine Store: Shopping on Piet Heinstraat? Then The Fine Store is a must-visit. For beautiful Scandinavian design, from furniture to porcelain in natural and light shades.
Thomsonlaan 1, The Hague, thefinestore.com

Donna Tienda: This store offers a wide selection of beautiful brands like Love Stories, Ganni, Iro, and Joseph: bring it on! With these kinds of brands, it's great to shop offline, and Donna Tienda is the perfect place for that.
Denneweg 108, The Hague, donnatienda.nl

Anneke: Looking for a vintage item as a real addition to your wardrobe?
I can be brief about that: the best address in The Hague for the most beautiful second-hand treasures is and remains Anneke. I once bought a perfect pair of Isabel Marant jeans there. Score!
Van Beuningenstraat 50B, The Hague, anneketweedehandskleding.nl

WiezewasjesLooking for beautiful bohemian jewelry? Then Wiezewasjes is the place to go to completely update your ear stack! No plans to visit The Hague anytime soon? They also have an online store!
Papestraat 9, The Hague, wiezewasjes.nl

House of Poems: This fashion store has been a staple in The Hague for years. For essentials that belong in every wardrobe, it features many Scandinavian brands, as well as jewelry from brands like Anna + Nina.
Prinsestraat 9, The Hague, houseofpoems.com

nicest shops in The Hague

BUCKETLIST // THE HAGUE

Scheveningen & The Pier: Relax at cool beach clubs like Indigo, The Fat Mermaid, De Staat, or Hartbeach, surf, enjoy the tranquil view from the Pier or the Ferris wheel, stroll along the boulevard, or zipline down to the beach. Need I go on?
pier.nl

The Electricity Factory: This monumental turbine hall is grand, raw, and impressive. Several times a year, the space is used for events such as Museum Night, Open Monument Day, and the TodaysArt Festival. Visit the "factory" and be amazed by this diamond in the rough.
electricityfactory.nl

fun things to do in The Hague

© The electricity factory, The Hague

The Grand Market & VaVoom Tiki Room: In The Hague, the Grote Markt is my favorite terrace, with a great event almost every weekend. VaVoom Tikiroom is my partner in cocktail crime on this square. With plush leopard furniture and dancing hula figures on the bamboo bar, every drink is a tropical treat.
gmdh.nl

Palace Gardens: The Palace Gardens are an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city. A beautiful green park with plenty of grass, benches, a large pond, and a view of the imposing Noordeinde Palace. Grab a tasty picnic basket at Lapsang, bring a blanket, and relax in the sunshine before heading back into the city.

Bookhorst Street: Boekhorststraat is a rapidly developing street, packed with small, creative businesses. Shop for colorful goodies and textiles for little ones at Little Smilemakers, beautiful leather bags at Mademoiselle Cecile, handmade homewares at Liries Concept Store, or a unique vintage eye-catcher at Loft & Sound.
boekhorststraat.nl

Carnivale: Once a year, between Christmas and New Year's Eve, Huijgenspark transforms into the city's most magical place during Carnivale. This festival is a cross between a Tim Burton film, an old-fashioned circus, the Parade, and Alice in Wonderland. From crazy theater performances to bands and hundreds of lights, it's my favorite festival!
carnivale.nl

fun things to do in The Hague

© Carnivale, The Hague

Have fun in The Hague!

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Have you read my book Staycation yet?

You can find more tips like those in this blog in my book STAYCATION. A book with the best addresses and travel tips for a holiday close to home. STAYCATION Find 22 city guides to surprising (and well-known) cities in the Netherlands and Belgium. With tips for great places to stay, nice restaurants, shops, and things to do. Read more about the content here >>  Want to order your own copy? Click the button below!

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PSSST… YOU CAN FIND MORE (TRAVEL) TIPS IN MY BOOKS!

Great as a gift for yourself or someone who loves to travel as much as you do!


With love,
Anne

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