While many tourists, who visit The Netherlands, only go to Amsterdam, I prefer The Hague. This city by the sea is really worth paying a visit! It has many beautiful museums, including the Maurithuis, with the famous painting "Girl with the pearl earring" by Johannes Vermeer, as well as the Kunstmuseum, with "Victory Boogie Woogie" by Piet Mondriaan.
The Hague is also a royal city, since it's the living and working place of the Dutch King. Something you will notice especially on Prinsjesdag, the day the King reads the speech from the throne (Budget Day). The royal procession is an event you don't want to miss! For more information, please visit: Prinsjesdag (Budget Day)
Did you know that The Hague, in Dutch Den Haag or (originally) 's Gravenhage, is the City of peace and justice? Not only is the Peace Palace located here, many international courts reside there, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
Don't worry, The Hague also has a less serious side and a lot to offer to foodies, fashionistas, music lovers and surfers. Some of my favourite streets for shopping are: Denneweg (Paul Warmer shoes), Frederikstraat (H.O.F. fashion and H.O.F. furniture), Noordeinde, Hoogstraat, Molenstraat, Prinsenstraat.
If you're looking for a nice bar or restaurant, try the Oude Molstraat (Le Café, Café de Oude Mol) Molenstraat, Denneweg (Impero Romano, Walter Benedict) Plaats (Palmette), Kneuterdijk (Restaurant Tapisco, Garuda by Ron Gastrobar Indonesia), Anna Paulownaplein (Room, Publique), Torenstraat (KUA Mexican Kitchen KUA) or last but not least the marina in Scheveningen, which is one of the eight districts of The Hague (Catch by Simonis Catch, Encore by Simonis, Suzie Q, Callao Cevicheria by Jaime Pesaque).
Both kitesurfers, wave and windsurfers will enjoy the sea and the beach in Scheveningen. While we don't have sunny weather all year long like many other surf spots, the beaches are endless and the waves are good. Read more about surfing in Scheveningen/The Hague here: www.surfertoday.com and https://dutchreview.com
Hungry after surfing or sunbathing? Check out one of the many beachclubs! The Hague actually has over 80 beachclubs along the North Sea coast!! That includes Scheveningen, as well as Zuiderstrand and Kijkduin. I love going to the beach, even in fall or winter, for a walk or a drink, or as we say in Dutch: uitwaaien. The Washington Post explains the concept to non Dutchies here: www.washingtonpost.com
The Hague is a very green city and has many parks and forests, such as the Palace Garden, Haagse Bos, Clingendael, Zuiderpark. Just outside the city you'll also find some beautiful estates and castles. Read more out about all the greenery, in and around the city here: nature/parks-and-forests
Hmmm I wanted to describe The Hague in a brief article.... I guess that didn't work out!! But before I go, I have to tell you about all the festivals that are organized in The Hague. How about the Embassy Festival, The Hague Art & Antique Days, North Sea Regatta, International Kite Festival Scheveningen, de Parade, Tong Tong Fair or foodtruck festival Rrrollende Keukens?
There truly is something for everyone. Find out more on the website of The Hague.com: typical-the-hague-festivals
or read one of my previous blogs: embassy-festival;
the-hague-art-antique-days;
food-truck-event-rrrollend-den-haag
Now if all that didn't convince you to visit The Hague, I don't know what will!
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