The Ultimate Guide to The Hague: Nature, Culture, Food, and a Cozy Way of Living
When I moved to the Netherlands, I landed in Amsterdam—like many foreigners do. It was the end of 2019. Just a few months later, the world changed with the COVID-19 pandemic. At first, I loved Amsterdam: its canals, its charm, its rhythm. But over time, its beauty began to feel repetitive—almost like déjà vu. I had walked every street, crossed every bridge, watched the reflections on the water a thousand times. And one day, I realized: I was ready for something else. Something quieter, calmer, more diverse—simply different. That’s when I began traveling across the country. It was lockdown, and the only way to stay sane was to move—to explore at least the Netherlands. I started escaping to The Hague on weekends—and I instantly fell in love. Every time I had to return to Amsterdam, I felt a little sad. And I kept coming back, weekend after weekend.
There was something about The Hague: the friendly people who always say hello, even if you’ve never met (something I was taught in my homeland and missed in both Moscow and Amsterdam); the honey-floral scent of the forests right inside the city; the beach with its unforgettable sunsets—always different, always stunning, so I took a photo every single time. The cafés and restaurants felt warmer, the food somehow tastier, and the service more personal. These places weren’t catering to tourists but to locals—and you could feel it. People here seemed to build real, long-term relationships. Before long, I realized: I didn’t just like The Hague—I felt at home.
What made it special? Mostly, a sense of calm. A deep breath in the middle of life. That Dutch word gezelligheid—impossible to translate perfectly—captures it best. It’s about warmth, comfort, and genuine connection. And The Hague has gezelligheid in every corner, all year round.
Let me tell you my story: where I love to walk, what I love to eat, and what makes this city feel like home. Make yourself a cup of tea (or whatever you love most)—this is going to be a long, cozy read.
A Little Bit of History — or Why The Hague Feels Like the Real Capital
To me, The Hague isn’t just another Dutch city—it’s the capital in spirit. I know, Amsterdam gets all the fame, but The Hague is where everything actually happens. The government sits here, the parliament works here, the royal family lives here, and so do most embassies. Even the world’s biggest international courts—the Peace Palace, the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court—are all based in The Hague.
By the way, did you know that The Hague never officially became a “city?” Something went wrong along the way, and it simply never got that status. But who cares now? Even without official city rights, The Hague grew into one of the most important places—not only in the Netherlands, but in the world.
It all started with the Binnenhof, which began as a 13th-century hunting lodge and residence of the Counts of Holland (13th century). A small settlement formed around it and kept growing, eventually becoming what we know today as The Hague. Over time, the area evolved into a home for politics, diplomacy, and royal life. The Binnenhof—where the Dutch parliament still meets—has stood for centuries. Later, The Hague became known as the international city of peace, hosting major conferences and becoming the global capital of law and justice.
The Peace Palace
The Peace Palace is one of those places I always tell people to at least walk by. After all, The Hague isn’t just any Dutch city — it’s the international city of peace and justice. Even if you’re not interested in politics or international law, seeing this building in person does something to you.
It feels symbolic: in a world that constantly struggles to stay in harmony, this is the place that reminds that the countries should sit down to talk instead of fight. The building rises with quiet dignity, surrounded by tall trees and calm gardens.
Soft Power, Real Warmth
What I love most is that despite all this seriousness, The Hague never feels cold or formal. It’s elegant, yes, but also warm and human. The royal palaces—Noordeinde and Huis ten Bosch—are just part of the city’s daily scenery. Between embassies and ministries, you’ll find amazing museums, cozy cafés, little art galleries, and courtyards full of flowers. You can feel its history everywhere, but it’s never heavy—it just flows naturally into modern life.
And that’s why, to me, The Hague isn’t just a city. It’s alive place where power and peace, people and nature somehow coexist harmoniously.
Gezellig Moments
When you look at these old brick buildings, you may realise — not much really changes. Not in architecture, not even in people. We still live our lives the way we did centuries ago, don’t we? We work, make friends, fall in love, go for coffee, share laughter, sometimes sadness. We support each other through hard times, we argue, we make peace again.
But maybe lately, something has changed: we’ve started ignoring each other a little more. In this modern digital era, where presence has lost its value and communication has become easier but also more superficial, people disappear without a word, ghost, avoid emotional depth, get scared of their own emptiness when faced with real connection. These feel like very modern habits — born from social media, messengers, and fast communication… And still, at the core, life remains the same. People gather in squares, sit on terraces, talk for hours about what matters to them — just like they always have.
And here in The Hague, the squares are always alive. On sunny days, the terraces are full — people drinking coffee, beer, or wine, turning their faces to the sun. In this part of the world, sunshine is incredibly precious, and no one wastes a single ray. If you want to feel what life in the Netherlands truly is, start there: sit down on a terrace, order something you love, and just be.
One of my favorite squares is Het Plein — the main square, where history and everyday life blend effortlessly. Someone once told me, “Only in the Netherlands you can sit at a café terrace and sip your drink while looking straight at the parliament building.” I laughed and added, “And only here can you spot a minister standing in line for coffee in the morning, or sitting in the same café later, chatting with friends like everyone else.” That’s very Dutch — simple, unpretentious, human… In the mornings, the square smells like freshly brewed coffee; in the evenings, it fills with laughter and clinking glasses. It’s always busy, always beautiful, and always a little noisy.
Other squares I love? Grote Markt, lively and full of students. Anna Paulownaplein, quiet and elegant. Prins Hendrikplein, where locals gather with their kids, dogs, and even cats (yes, I once saw that too). I often come there with my fluffy friend, Best — and he’d get his own drink: a bowl of water served sometimes in a real cup, that normally used for cappuccino. That’s also very Dutch — kind, relaxed, full of small gestures that make life… well, let’s say it again, gezellig.
There’s also Plaats, a little square opening toward Buitenhof and the Parliament. In the first half of the day, it’s bathed in sunlight — and where there’s sunlight, there are people. I often had my morning coffee there, on the terrace of a café called Vienna, so eventually I started calling Plaats my own little Viennese square.
Nature: Forests, Dunes, and the Sea
One of the things that makes The Hague truly special is how close nature always feels. You don’t need to leave the city to find peace—it’s right here, wrapped around you.
There are two big forests within the city: Haagse Bos, one of the oldest preserved forests in the Netherlands. It is perfect for slow, grounding walks—the kind where you can breathe deeply, listen to the wind, and watch the light filter through the leaves.
Between Den Haag Centraal and Malieveld, you’ll find a deer park — real deer, just casually living in the middle of the city.
If you keep walking west, you’ll reach Scheveningse Bos, a tranquil green belt leading you toward the dunes and the beach. At its far end lies The Rosarium, The Hague’s rose garden—a hidden gem where hundreds of rose varieties bloom in a quiet symphony of color and scent.
From there, you can slowly wander into Oostduinpark—one of my favorite places in The Hague. It’s peaceful, quiet, and bathed in that golden evening light that makes everything look cinematic. If you walk there near sunset, you might spot deer grazing between the trees. They appear and disappear like gentle ghosts—shy, swift, and beautiful.
And then, finally—the reward: Scheveningen Beach. You can get there in ten minutes by tram, twenty by bike, or about an hour if you take that long, beautiful walk through the dunes. The sea feels open, endless, and always different. Every time I arrive, I feel the same quiet joy—the sound of the waves, the smell of salt in the air, the seagulls circling above.
It’s rare to find a city where you can move so easily from forest to sea, from stillness to freedom. But that’s The Hague—calm, green, a little wild, and completely gezellig in its own natural way.
By the Sea: Herring, Sunsets & The Best Beach Spots
There are a few things you absolutely must do in The Hague, and trying Dutch herring at the beach is one of them. It sounds simple, maybe too simple to be inspiring — just a piece of fish with onions and pickles — but trust me, it tastes different here: very fresh, very delicate. It’s one of those small, very Dutch rituals you should experience at least once.
And if you’re already at the beach, stay for the sunset. Scheveningen has some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen — each one completely different, each one worth watching until the very last color fades. Here are my favorite spots for dinner, drinks, and a bit of sunset magic:
Het Puntje
A bit more on the wild side — relaxed, unpolished in the best way, with a surprisingly great menu and plenty of vegetarian dishes. Their desserts are wonderful (some of them are gluten-free too, so you can enjoy without guilt).
Atlantis
A beach restaurant where the food and service are genuinely good — not just “good for a beach place,” but actually good.
OCEANS and OYSTERPEARL Beach Houses
On the main part of the beach. Yes, technically touristy, but I still like them. Among the endless rows of beach houses with fireplaces and umbrellas, the vibe is always easy and chill. The fires are warm, the view is calming, and the sunsets are consistently beautiful. Don’t expect Michelin-level dining — expect simplicity, a bit of chaos, and a lot of charm.
The Pier
Walk all the way to the end for panoramic views, sea breeze, and that feeling of being suspended between sky and water.
However you choose to spend your evening — a glass of rosé, a bowl of mussels with fries, or just a long walk during sunset — The Hague’s coastline has a way of grounding you. Something about the strong, icy wind, the waves and their foam, and that soft Dutch light breaking through the clouds… it shifts something quietly inside you, reminding you of what really matters.
Museums
The Hague is not only a city of peace and nature—it’s also a city of art. There’s a calm kind of creativity here, one that feels thoughtful and refined, not rushed.
The heart of it all is Mauritshuis, home to the Dutch Royal Collection. It’s small but magnificent. Walking through it feels intimate—you’re surrounded by quiet beauty, not crowds. Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring lives here, and so do Rembrandt, Rubens, and Fabritius. Each room feels like a private conversation with art.
Then there’s Escher in Het Paleis, a museum that’s impossible to forget. It’s dedicated to the mind-bending work of M.C. Escher—his worlds of illusion and infinite stairs—but the setting makes it even more magical: a former royal palace. The chandeliers alone are worth a visit, designed like floating glass dreams. It’s one of those places where your imagination wakes up.
For modern art lovers, Kunstmuseum Den Haag is a must-visit. The building itself is a masterpiece—geometric, perfectly balanced. Inside, you’ll find beautifully curated permanent collections as well as temporary exhibitions that always surprise. In the best way.
Right next to Kunstmuseum is Fotomuseum Den Haag, the city’s photography museum, which I love for the way it shows life raw, honest, and unexpectedly poetic.
If you go toward the sea, you’ll find Museum Beelden aan Zee, the Museum by the Sea. It’s literally built into the dunes in Scheveningen, dedicated to sculpture. Walking through it, you feel how art and nature blend together here, beautifully.
And for something completely different—Louwman Museum, a hidden gem for anyone who appreciates design and history. It holds one of the world’s finest collections of vintage cars, from elegant 19th-century models to rare racing legends. Even if you’re not a car person, you’ll admire the craftsmanship—it’s a museum of movement, dreams, and invention.
And then there are the galleries—small, independent, full of character. My favorite is Pulchri Studio on Lange Voorhout. It’s such a beautiful, inspiring place—rooms filled with light and energy, and so many talented artists whose names you might not know yet, but should. I always leave there inspired, thinking, this city really breathes art.
The Delicious Part of The Hague
Somehow, I got completely carried away. First by the city’s calm rhythm, then by its nature, and finally by all the art. But since this is my Spoonful Journeys in The Hague, skipping the food would be impossible. So here it is—the most delicious part. These are my favorite spots to eat, sip coffee, find freshly baked pastries, and enjoy sunsets with a drink in hand.
The Essentials: Cafés and Bakeries
Café Bartine & Bartine Bakery & Market
In the Bartine Bakery & Market on Piet Heinstraat, you’ll find the best baguettes, croissants, cinnamon buns, and other traditional or seasonal pastries—plus the best cappuccino in town. Don’t be put off by the long line at the entrance, it’s worth the wait.
At Café Bartine on Herengracht, on the other side of town, I love coming here for breakfast, brunch, or lunch—chatting with a friend or, as I often do, sitting on the terrace with my dog, watching people pass by. Their coffee is just as great here too.
The Bookstor Café
I find it so cozy and unique that you can drink your coffee inside a bookstore. Many entrepreneurs and creative people who work remotely come here, and they create an inspiring atmosphere.
Vascobelo
Another good coffee spot in the city, with a warm atmosphere and kind staff.
Lola Bikes & Coffee
The most Dutch mix ever, isn’t it? It’s simply bicycles and espresso. Friendly vibe, tasty pastries, and people working on their laptops… Another place with creative energy.
Restaurant De Kade
There are several places along the canal-street Bierkade. This place has a terrace that’s bathed in sunshine in the afternoon, and in combination with their good coffee, all make me come to enjoy the day.
Anne & Max
A nice chain café with great coffee and one of my favorite açaí bowls. I usually stop by their Van Hoytemastraat location during walks with Best.
Kaafi
Amazing coffee, interesting tea selection, and the perfect omelet—light and airy. Their terrace fills up quickly on sunny days, and for good reason.
Restaurants
Let’s start with the restaurants in my neighborhood. Lange Voorhout is all about the vibe—weekends here are lively in the best possible way. And on Sundays from May to October, the long tree-lined lane opposite the Escher Museum transforms into an open-air antique market. If you happen to be in The Hague then, take a slow walk through it — you might stumble upon something special, something you didn’t even know you wanted until that very moment you see it. The area’s food scene is as international as The Hague itself: Italian, Spanish, Argentinian, French, Japanese… everything is within walking distance.
Mammamia
An Italian restaurant with delicious pizza (thin dough, fluffy edges), creative pastas, and Italian classics. The team here is lovely too.
La Tabla
An authentic Argentinian place known for perfectly grilled meat. The owner is friendly and talkative—he’ll explain the menu with such passion.
El Mercat
A family-run Spanish restaurant where food tastes just like in Spain—simple, beautifully made, and served with care. I love starting with pan con tomate, and I often choose seasonal wild mushrooms, and like their slow-cooked veal cheeks.
Tapas Bar Limon
Another Spanish favorite. Perfect when you can’t decide what to eat—just order different tapas and enjoy a bit of everything. I love the variety, both for the flavor and nutrition; they truly cook with heart here.
Restaurant Le Bistrot de la Place
A French bistro run by a charming French owner. He’ll greet you, take your order, and sometimes even start singing while the pianist plays live. It’s small, cozy, a little chaotic in the Parisian way—and the food, from escargots to ratatouille, is simply wonderful.
Benkei
A Japanese restaurant where I had my first teppanyaki experience, and watching the chef cook in front of us was mesmerizing. Fresh ingredients, precise technique, and simple joy was on my plate.
Chinatown
Don’t miss The Hague’s Chinatown—authentic, diverse, and delicious. Among my favorites: Full Moon City with Cantonese cuisine and WangWang Eethuis with its fresh noodles, homemade dumplings, and bright flavors.
Other Great Spots Around the City
Gastropub Van Kinsbergen
Perfect from morning till night—breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks. The terrace is sunny and inviting, the staff friendly, and the food consistently great. I once loved their salad with blue cheese and walnuts, and hopefully it’s still on the menu!
L’Amour Toujours
Another French place: quietly chic, perfect for dressing up a bit and enjoying a refined evening.
Iberia Scheveningen
A Georgian restaurant with real Georgian soul. The owner, Khatuna, greets you with a warm smile, and everything—from the khachapuri to the qvevri wine—will make you want to celebration life.
Fine Dining
Villa Coucou
A French-Mediterranean restaurant I’ve returned to many times—because everything here is done with care. Chef Alexandre’s menu felt like one continuous story, and their garden could easily be somewhere in the South of France.
Bøg
Scandinavian-inspired fine dining restaurant. Minimalist, elegant, has subtle flavors. I felt here a modern Nordic calmness.
Catch by Simonis
Seafood by the harbor with a view. When I first moved to the Netherlands, I expected to find seafood everywhere—but surprisingly, Dutch cuisine isn’t centered on it. That’s why this place stands out with fresh fish, great service, and a truly special experience.
I could keep writing — there are so many places and things I love here. But this is already more than just an article. I’ll stop for now… and maybe one day I’ll be back with the second part of my Spoonful Journeys in The Hague.
But I can already tell you what’s next — Amsterdam is waiting to be told.
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Published: November, 2025.
Please note that places can change or even close temporarily — which is always a bit heartbreaking, especially when they were as wonderful as I remember and recommend. I hope you’ll find them just as delightful!