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Whilst Amsterdam has a lot on offer, I’d think of it as more of an appetiser – the main course for me is just a short train ride away – 50 minutes to be precise.
The Hague is the third largest city in the Netherlands, after Amsterdam and Rotterdam. It’s a family-friendly city with a lot on offer – from cultural gems to fun attractions and large events that bring the whole city together. It really does offer it all!
So without further ado, here is a list of 10 must-do, must-see places in The Hague (in no particular order!):
Things to do in The Hague
Madurodam
Ever wondered what it would be like to be a giant for the day? This is your perfect chance! This miniature city replicates parts of Holland and will have you towering over boats, planes and buildings. It’s a fun day out for people of all ages!
Duinrell
This is a children’s (and adults) paradise – an amusement park and tiki pool combined. There is also the option for family camping.
Scheveningen promenade
Throughout the year, the promenade is filled with restaurants and bars. There are a range of different cuisines on offer and you’ll certainly have a chance to eat as the Dutch do – I’d recommend trying the traditional dish Stamppot (kale, potatoes and smoked sausages). In the summer months, parts of the beach get taken over by pop-up restaurants and bars, as well as trampolines, bouncy castles and much more! When the sun is shining, this is the ideal location to relax and soak up the atmosphere. A great bar to visit is Crazy Pianos – there is never a dull moment in this place with its live music and entertainment.
Sand sculpture festival
This annual festival is spectacular. Each year the beach gets taken over by the world’s best sand sculpture artists and the results are phenomenal. I don’t consider myself to be artistically challenged and yet I’ve never managed to successfully build a sand castle (that resembles anything other than a mound of sand). Name anything and they’ve probably built it!
Panorama Mesdag
This cylindrical painting is almost the size of a football field and is the oldest surviving panorama in the world in its original location. It offers extraordinary views of Scheveningen in 1881 and is truly spectacular!
Arrival of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) into Scheveningen harbour
Every November for the last 67 years (2014) Sinterklaas has made his annual grand entrance into Scheveningen harbour. Thousands of people flood to the harbour to witness him arrive into the harbour by a large steamboat. The day is filled with live performances, lots of entertainment as well as an abundance of pepernoten (literally, ‘pepper nuts’ with a biscuit-like consistency) and snoepgoed (sweets). These are traditionally associated with Sinterklaas and are thrown out to children by Sinterklaas’ helpers, Zwarte Piets (‘Black Peter’ in English).
New Year’s Dive
This is an annual tradition which started in 1960. Despite the chilly conditions, thousands of people flock to Scheveningen beach every New Year’s Day to collectively swim in the North Sea. If you’re nervous about taking the plunge (pun intended), it’s still worth popping along to watch as the beach turns a shade of orange (all participants are given orange hats). If you’re not persuaded by the hats then a cup of hot chocolate or soup may help sway you…
Omniversum
This IMAX film theatre is unique – really like no other that I have visited. The building’s dome shape really adds to the experience – it’s like walking into a planetarium! And the films on offer – mainly documentary style and incorporating some extraordinary footage – really fit well with the dramatic architectural surroundings. The screening I attended was for a great piece of cinema that explored the enduring mysteries of deep sea. Lying back, I felt a slightly ironic sense of what it might feel like to be a small fish peering out of a large tank.
Hart Beach Surf School
This family-run company is located on Scheveningen beach and it’s a great place to learn how to surf. My first ever experience of surfing was here and the instructors were very friendly and helpful. Just a word of warning for beginners – the zip on your wetsuit belongs at the back, not the front (I learnt this the hard way!)
GlowGolf
This glow in the dark mini golf course caters for all and is a great fun way to spend an afternoon! A few laughs will certainly be had here!
The Hague Travel Tips
Now that you’ve read this list of things to do in The Hague and are (hopefully) considering adding The Hague to your bucket list, there are a few things to consider before embarking on this trip.
Currency in Holland
First and foremost, remember that the currency used in Holland is no longer the Dutch guilder – like 17 other countries in the eurozone, Holland now uses the euro as its official currency. Be sure to find out the exchange rate (XE Currency Converter is a good place to start) and shop around before deciding on where to buy your currency. Getting more bang for your buck is never a bad thing! I’d recommend getting this organised at least one week ahead of your trip. Waiting until you reach the airport is risky and besides, exchange rates at airport currency kiosks are notoriously poor.
Keep your money safe
On the topic of money, I would recommend having more than one source for example bring cash, a prepaid currency card and a credit card (hopefully only for emergencies). Having multiple options minimises the risk of being stuck in Holland sans money – a situation I’m sure nobody would want to get themselves into! Remember that credit card rates vary depending on which bank you are with however so be sure to check their exchange rates and foreign usage fees.
As well as having all of your money in check, there are two more key things to tick off the old traveller’s checklist.
Organise travel and health insurance
Getting your insurance online is not only super speedy but with so many different companies offering a range of plans, you’re guaranteed to find cover that suits your needs at a price that’s affordable. If you’re from the UK, European Economic Area or Switzerland, be sure to check that your European Health Insurance (EHIC) card is in date. If not, you can re-new this online free of charge.
Print out everything
And I mean everything – travel itinerary, flight confirmation, boarding pass, travel insurance documents, hotel reservations and any other tickets you may have purchased. Printing everything may seem like unnecessary hassle however it will certainly pay off in situations such as the hotel losing your reservation.
Learn some Dutch language
Last but not least, although the Dutch mostly speak fantastic English, learning a few key Dutch phrases will be greatly appreciated by the locals. Phrases such as thank you (dank je vel) and please (alstublieft) go a long way.
Dank je vel for reading this and should you visit The Hague, I hope you have a verbazingwekkend (amazing) time!
More things to do in The Hague
Accommodation in The Hague
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