The Hague – Royal City at Sea

Despite not being the capital city, The Hague is the centre of Holland’s government, as well as many other national institutions. Following the development of a central government in the 1800s, The Hague became a much more important city in Dutch culture, having previously lacked any major significance.

These days, however, The Hague is an international city of peace and justice as well as the residence of both the Dutch government and also the royal family, King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima. Despite these links to Dutch high society, the city is also home to a slew of reasonably priced bars and restaurants, and a creative city council has helped liven the city’s culture up, with a cool, trendy list of events and programmes.

Established in 1952, the Madurodam was originally a war memorial to George Maduro who died at the Dachau concentration camp during the Second World War. Nowadays you can experience the whole of Holland just by visiting here, with miniature versions of important sites from across Holland here. See the workings of the port of Rotterdam, a watermill, the cheese market in Alkmaar and much more.

The Mauritshuis museum is another one of the Hague’s most popular attractions. This museum recently reopened after a two year renovation and is home to the famous “Girl with a Pearl Earring” painting by Johannes Vermeer, as well as many other priceless artworks.

Van Kleef is the city’s sole surviving jenever and liqueur distillery, stocking a wide range of local liqueurs on based on traditional recipes. Take a tour and you can sample some of the distillery’s produce, as well as oven-fresh bread and other snacks.

The Hague is also located by the seaside, and just slightly north of the city centre lies the classic coastal resort of Scheveningen. Scheveningen attracts more than 9 million visitors a year, with its famous pier and long, sweeping beach being the most popular in Holland.

Amsterdam may be the Dutch capital, but The Hague is one of the most charming and unique cities in Holland. Pay a visit and see why the Dutch royal family chose to set up residence here!