Day trip to The Hague

The most beautiful sights

Mauritshuis aan de Hofvijver

A day trip to The Hague is the perfect outing for all ages. The past, the present and the future, nature and culture, tranquillity and bustle: there’s something for everyone in the royal city.

A visit to the Mauritshuis is a great starting point for a day trip or weekend away in The Hague. The beach and dunes are nearby, and you can also enjoy a stroll in the bustling shopping streets in the city centre. Need a break or gastronomic adventure? There are many pleasant terraces and atmospheric restaurants to try out in the historical city centre. The Mauritshuis is the prefect starting point for an amazing experience of The Hague!

The Museums in The Hague

Obviously, the Mauritshuis will be part of your program for your day trip to The Hague. You simply have to see the Girl with a Pearl Earring and all the other treasures our city palace has to offer with your own eyes.

Still in the mood after the Mauritshuis? There are many other beautiful museums in The Hague. Within walking distance, you’ll find the Prince William V Gallery (free to visit with your Mauritshuis ticket), the Gevangenpoort (Prison Gate), the Historical Museum of The Hague, Escher in the Palace, and Panorama Mesdag.

If you have a little more time over, you might want to consider taking an art journey through time. You can start your journey at the Mauritshuis, then visit the Art Museum and end your adventure in Museum Voorlinden. That way, you’ll discover the most beautiful works of art from the 17th century to the present day!

Prince William V Gallery

Prince William V of Oranje-Nassau had a beautiful collection of paintings. You can admire this collection in the Gallery. The prince built the room in 1774 to share his collection with the public. The collection, consisting of 150 old masters, formed the foundation for the Rijksmuseum and the Mauritshuis.

The Gevangenpoort (Prison Gate)

The Gevangenpoort Museum is situated adjacent to the Prince William V Gallery. Here, you can discover how rich to poor, known and unknown were once held captive in these cold dungeons.

Historical Museum of The Hague

The city of The Hague has a rich history, and it is also home to Dutch politics and a spectacular range of art and culture. The Historical Museum of The Hague is situated adjacent to the Mauritshuis and is the perfect place to (re)discover the past and present. Marvel at the royal city through the eyes of historical and contemporary figures.

Escher in the Palace

In ‘Escher in the Palace’, you will see 120 works by MC Escher; the master of optical illusions. His famous works play with the viewer and are exciting, funny and captivating. In the royal building, you will witness birds turning into fish, water that seems to flow upwards, and dizzying stairwells.

Panorama Mesdag

A museum specifically designed for one work of art: the Panorama Mesdag. The museum is home to the immense work of art by painter Hendrik Willem Mesdag. Panorama Mesdag, which is no less than 14 metres high and 120 metres long and completely surrounds the visitor, depicts the Scheveningen of the 19th century. An unforgettable experience!


Kunstmuseum (Art Museum)

The Gemeentemuseum The Hague was renamed the Kunstmuseum a few years ago. This special museum still offers the visitor a feast of some 160,000 modern and contemporary works of art, fashion and applied art. From Monet, Picasso, Mondrian and Kandinsky to Francis Bacon and Louise Bourgeois.

Museum Voorlinden

Museum Voorlinden is located in Wassenaar, on the outskirts of The Hague. You will discover exclusive and contemporary works of art that will surprise, move and excite you in this ultramodern museum. The estate itself is well worth a visit!

Things to see in The Hague

There’s a lot more to experience around the Mauritshuis. For example, the political heart of the Netherlands, Het Binnenhof, is just around the corner. You will also discover the many shopping streets, De Passage and the Noordeinde Palace within walking distance. Once you’ve passed the palace on your way to the public palace gardens (the Princessetuin), you can also take a peek into all the little antique shops, galleries and antiquarian bookshops.

Fancy a bit of sun, sea and sand? Just hop on the tram to Scheveningen and don't forget to look around you on the way there; you’ll be passing the striking Peace Palace and Madurodam.

The Binnenhof and Hofvijver

Keep your camera ready when you’re standing in front of the Mauritshuis, because the Binnenhof and the Hofvijver are only a few steps away! A nice photograph or selfie will make your adventure in The Hague unforgettable.

Want to find out more about the political heart of The Hague? ProDemos offers various guided tours and an audio tour that show you around the Binnenhof.

Het Lange Voorhout

“Leentje taught Lotje to walk along the long Lindenlaan.” This is a Dutch verse and it’s about the beautiful Lindenlaan along the Lange Voorhout in The Hague. You can follow Lotje's example within only 5 minutes’ walking distance from the Mauritshuis.

De Passage

Up for some shopping? Take a walk through De Passage - which dates all the way back to 1882 - to the modern shopping streets. Imagine yourself in a bygone era with decorated façades, glass domes and marble floors.

Noordeinde Palace

Ever wondered where King Willem-Alexander works? Take a stroll past it after your visit to the Mauritshuis. His 'work palace' is in Noordeinde. And don’t miss out on the walk through the public park at the Royal Stables after your visit to our monarch. You’ll find it at the end of the street.

Peace Palace

A visit to the Peace Palace is an absolute must when visiting The Hague. The palace is a feast for the eye. Our tip: You can also take a look behind the fence if you book a tour!

Pier Scheveningen

And don’t forget to visit the Scheveningen boulevard during your day trip to The Hague. Go for a nice walk, take a ride on the Ferris wheel or – if you dare – go bungee jumping or zip lining!

The Hague for Children

There’s also plenty to do for children in The Hague. There are many other adventures to go on once you’ve discovered the most beautiful, the nicest, the most exciting, and the funniest paintings in the Mauritshuis.

The Count of The Hague

"In The Hague there lives a count, whose son is known as Jantje..." The Jantje from this well-known Dutch children's song at the Hofvijver may well have the most beautiful view of all in The Hague! Standing only a few steps away from the Mauritshuis, he looks at the Binnenhof (and secretly also at our museum) and points at it with his little hand.

Madurodam

Madurodam depicts the Netherlands in miniature form. From typical windmills to the modern Rotterdam Erasmus Bridge, and from Amsterdam canal houses to our palaces. If you look really closely, you’ll also see the mini Mauritshuis!

Children's Book Museum

Children don't have to be able to read to love books; the Children's Book Museum offers proof of that. Go on an adventure with Annie MG Smidt, step into the world of Frog, or clamber around the nicest children's book animals.

Sealife & The Beach

Scheveningen beach is only 20 minutes from the Mauritshuis by tram. Enjoy a breath of fresh air or have a drink at one of the many beach bars. You can also visit Sealife. Here, you will meet the most beautiful animals from the sea: rays, jellyfish, sharks, turtles, penguins and lots more.

Omniversum

The Omniversum is an extraordinary experience for all ages. Watch films about animals and nature on a giant screen in the Omniversum. It’s almost as if you’re entering their world.

Museon

Do things, look at things, explore and touch things. It’s all possible in the Museon! And there’s lots more to see. From a gigantic sperm whale skeleton to a view of the entire universe. Go and experience it yourself!

City Walks

It’s amazing to discover a historical city, like The Hague, on foot. There are numerous city walks that include the Mauritshuis.

Via: DenHaag.com

City Walk A Royal Walk (about one hour)

The Hague and the Oranjes (Royal Family) belong together. That’s been true for more than 400 years. This city walk takes you on a discovery trip of the royal history of the royal city.

City Walk The Hague in a day (approximately eight hours)

Don’t have much time, but still want to see as much of The Hague as possible? This day trip to The Hague will help you get to know the most important sights of the city and beach within a few hours.

Via:ProDemos

City walks through political and historical The Hague

Combine a visit to the Mauritshuis with a visit to the Binnenhof and explore the city with one of the four city walks (with a guide or independently).

Overnight in The Hague

Can't get enough of The Hague? Then why not stay an extra night and book a room in the chic Hotel des Indes, the Park Centraal with its art deco atmosphere, or the affordable StayOkay Hostel; there are plenty to choose from!

More of The Hague

The rich cultural heritage and the many shops and events mean that there is something to do in The Hague in all four seasons. Start discovering it now at www.denhaag.com.