Things to do in The Hague, curated local picks and practical tips
This concise guide shows the best ways to experience The Hague, organised so you can plan a morning, an afternoon, or a full weekend with confidence. Things to do in The Hague are presented with clear context and practical advice, whether you prefer a relaxed canal perspective, tucked-away courtyard calm, hands-on creative workshops, or a lively evening in a neighbourhood taproom and café. Each entry explains why it matters, the best time to visit, and simple logistics like how to get there and what to expect. Use this The Hague travel guide to turn loose ideas into a manageable plan that fits your pace, and leave room to discover local surprises along the way.
1. Toastable Turfmarkt
Image / Toastable Turfmarkt Den Haag
Toast and coffee to start the day
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What to expect
A short, toast-focused menu with simple sides and good coffee. Seating is informal, with room for solo diners and small groups. Service is brisk and practical, aimed at morning trade. The atmosphere is low-key rather than fussy.
Plan your visit
Arrive early if you want a quieter table, especially on weekends. The place works well for a quick solo breakfast or a relaxed catch-up. If you need to work while you eat, pick a window seat where there is more light and room. Takeaway is a good option when you're on the move.
2. The Boardroom Board Game Café
Image / The Boardroom
A relaxed spot for board games, drinks and easy company.
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What to expect
Shelved games arranged by category, mixed-size tables for groups, and a low-key interior that keeps the focus on play. Staff normally help with rules and recommendations. The menu leans to casual drinks and small plates rather than full meals. Noise rises with larger groups, but the layout accommodates multiple games at once.
Plan your visit
Book or call ahead for groups of four or more, otherwise drop in and ask staff for a table. Bring a favourite game if you prefer to play something specific. If you’re on your own, say so , staff can point you to games that work well for meeting others. Combine a visit with a walk around the nearby city centre.
3. Haagsche Broeder Brouwerij
Image / DenHaag.com
Local beers, simple choices.
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What to expect
A straightforward taproom with a short, focused beer list. Expect core ales, a few seasonal releases and tasting flights. Staff are ready to explain brews and point you to a sample that fits your taste. Seating is informal, with room for small groups and solo drinkers.
Plan your visit
If you come with a group, reserve or call ahead to secure seating. Order a tasting flight to try several beers without committing to a full pint. Bring photo ID if you plan to drink. Combine the visit with a walk around Centrum to make the most of your trip.
4. Van Kleef Distillery Museum
Image / Van Kleef
A short, focused look at Dutch jenever and the craft of distilling.
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What to expect
You will move through a few small rooms with preserved equipment, bottle collections and period photos. Panels explain the distilling process and the trade history. The layout is intimate and can feel narrow in places. Information is available in Dutch and English, and the visit suits someone curious about local food and drink history.
Plan your visit
Allow around 30–60 minutes. Combine the visit with a short walking route through the Centrum and a nearby café stop. If you have mobility needs, check access in advance because some spaces are compact and include steps. Bring a phone or notebook if you want to record label details or reference dates and maker names.
5. 't Hooftshofje
Image / Wikimedia Commons
A small, peaceful hofje in The Hague city centre.
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What to expect
A calm, intimate garden rather than a large park. Expect narrow entrances, a few benches and pockets of planting set against old brick façades. It suits solo visitors, couples and small groups who want a quiet break while exploring nearby streets. The setting is residential, so noise is kept low and visitors are asked to be considerate.
Plan your visit
Check whether the gate is open before you arrive, and remember this is a residential courtyard, so keep noise to a minimum and leave no litter. Bring a book or headphones and plan a short stop here as part of a walking route through Centrum. Keep bags close and avoid blocking paths when others want to pass.
6. Zeeheldenfestival
Image / HAYLID
Food, live music and neighbourhood atmosphere.
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What to expect
A mix of independent food vendors and small bars, short live sets from bands and DJs on modest stages, and informal seating spread across the square and side streets. The vibe is social and unstructured, with room for families and friends to linger or move between stalls.
Plan your visit
Arrive with a light jacket, because coastal weather can change quickly. Bring a reusable cup and a small bag for purchases, and have a contactless card ready since some stalls prefer cards. If you want a quieter experience, aim for earlier in the day. Combine the visit with a stroll through the surrounding streets to sample independent cafes and shops.
7. The cruise Ooievaart
Image / Tripadvisor
See The Hague from the water for a fresh city perspective.
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What to expect
Boarding is straightforward and most trips move at a steady, leisurely pace. You will pass canal houses, bridges and harbour scenes while staying seated. Boats usually have covered and open-air areas, so you can shelter from wind or sit outside when the weather is clear. The experience is low-effort: good for sightlines and short breaks between other activities.
Plan your visit
Book tickets ahead at busy times, and check the weather before you go. Aim to arrive at the boarding point a little early to choose a seat: forward seating gives wider views, side seating captures reflections. Combine the cruise with a short walk around the nearby canals or a visit to a nearby museum to make a half-day outing.
8. Art and the City Den Haag
Image / Whichmuseum
A compact studio for hands-on contemporary art in Den Haag.
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What to expect
Expect a modest space that mixes small exhibitions with practical art activities. The emphasis is on material, process and visitor participation rather than formal, wall‑only shows. The setting suits solo visitors, couples, families and small groups who prefer active engagement over passive viewing.
Plan your visit
Check availability before you go, especially for group visits. Wear clothes you don't mind getting paint or ink on, and bring a small bag for personal items. If you are planning a team or business session, contact the studio in advance to arrange a dedicated slot.
9. live petit cafe
Image / Live Petit Cafe
Coffee and calm by the Scheveningen shore
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What to expect
Counter service with espresso-based drinks and a short food menu. Seating is informal: a few small tables inside and spots facing the street or promenade. Staff are practical and service is straightforward. The place works well for a quick breakfast, a coffee break during a walk, or a short catch-up.
Plan your visit
Go for morning coffee and fresh pastries. Arrive early if you want a window seat or outdoor table. It’s a good stop before a beach walk or a short meeting. Travel light: seating is limited and stays tend to be short.
10. Piet Artisans of Flavour
Image / Piet
Small-batch ice cream with inventive flavour pairings.
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What to expect
A compact counter with a rotating flavour board, focused on both classic and unusual combinations. Service is counter-style, staff can offer tasters. Scoops come in cones or cups, and the selection often includes fruit sorbets and dairy-free options alongside creamy flavours.
Plan your visit
Order at the counter and ask for a taster before you choose. Try two contrasting flavours in one scoop to test combinations. If you want to take ice cream away, ask about available tubs. Bring a small bag for take-away tubs if you plan to carry them while you walk.