Visit The Hague in 2 days
15 must-see POIs, optimized routes and anecdotes.
Two days in The Hague: an urban stroll and discoveries
The Hague is perfectly suited for a 48-hour getaway: compact, varied and full of details to observe. This little itinerary starts at the Department of Justice and ends at the Concordia CC, crossing squares, façades, cafés and less expected corners. In two days, you'll have time to soak up the atmosphere, wander deliberately through the streets and spot your future returns.
The first day is more urban and focused on the historic center and its surroundings: surprising statues, churches, administrative buildings and small squares where you can sit for a coffee. The second day opens onto calmer stages punctuated by shops and canals, descending toward the Concordia CC district. Each stop is designed for a stroll, observation and a few tasty breaks.
Throughout the itinerary I emphasize walking, local charm and relaxed discovery (take your time reading a plaque, looking at a shop window or stepping into a café). You will also find practical tips for lodging, getting around and enjoying the experience to the full without rushing. If you prefer a more active version, several stops lend themselves to cycling or a guided tour.
This guide is designed to be useful on the ground: day-by-day routes, practical options and tasty ideas to complement your breaks. The aim: you leave The Hague eager to return, with concrete references to savour the city from the first minute.
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You will visit the most beautiful points of interest in The Hague
Quick guide: day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 (morning): Start at the Department of Justice to feel the administrative and architectural vibe, then follow a stroll that leads to statues and urban characters like the Frog with Umbrella, Haags Jantje and the grand church (St. James or equivalent according to local landmarks). End the morning near the neighborhood where Haagse Harry hides, ideal for a coffee.
Day 1 (afternoon): After lunch, head toward De Nederlanden van 1845 then the Old City Hall. Continue with stops in front of the façades of Ooievaars and a visit to Het Nutshuis, not forgetting the shop or the point of interest named Hofdame Anna. The day lends itself to detours based on your wishes.
Day 2: A smoother morning and strolls along waterways and small streets: start with The three stages, cross the shopping vibes near Magazijn Hollandia and Prinsegracht, and let the morning lead you to the heart of “The Hague” before concluding at the Concordia CC. Plan breaks and landmarks to fully enjoy.
Day 1 - The Hague
8 POIs to discoverDay 1 - Morning à The Hague
5 Points of interest - Duration : 3h45 - Distance : 0.8 km - Walking : 0h10
Design Museum Dedel
- Design Museum Dedel was opened on July 1, 2019, with an exhibition dedicated to the work of Milton Glaser and Wim Crouwel, both 90 years old at that time.
- The museum stages thematic exhibitions of two-dimensional design such as graphic design, posters, wallpaper, among other materials.
- A planned exhibition, "KLM, the first century", was interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
- The museum is set to reopen in 2023.
- Huis Dedel, the monumental building in which the museum is located, was built presumably by architect Pieter Post in 1642 for William Willemszn Dedel.
- The interior of Huis Dedel contains rare and internationally renowned artworks, including 19th-century wallpapers, lanterns, rococo-style plasterwork created around 1735, and seven ceiling paintings by Jacob de Wit.
- The Design Museum Dedel does not own a collection, but utilizes loans from the collection of the Advertising Arsenal Foundation and various public and private collections.
- It is also starting to collect historical wallpapers due to the monumental wallpapers of Huis Dedel.
© Wikimedia Commons
Old City Hall
- The Oude Stadhuis (Old Town Hall) was built in 1564 comprising two buildings and a tower, constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries, and is known for its distinct Renaissance style. ⏰ The building was once a castle for powerful Lords of Brederode, but was confiscated in the late 14th century by Count Aalbrecht of Holland due to a controversy surrounding a murder.
- Funds that were initially collected for the purpose of building city walls around the city were instead used to construct the Old Town Hall by local mayors, Joost Jacobszoon, and Dirck van Alckemade.
- The Old Town Hall initially did not have a tower; it was added at the end of the 16th century. ⏳ Remarkably, the townhouse survived the plunders of the Eighty Years' War.
- It houses statues depicting "Faith," "Hope," "Love," "Strength," and "Justice." As of November 23, 2011, the clocks in the tower are rung four times a day to signal the start and end of the workday and lunch break.
Hofdame Anna
- Anna Paulowna, born in 1795 in St.
- Petersburg, Russia, was a Grand Duchess of Russia from the Romanov dynasty.
- She married King Willem II and became Queen of the Netherlands from 1840 to 1849. Anna was the daughter of Russian Tsar Paul I and the sister of Tsar Alexander I.
- Her marriage to the Dutch Crown Prince (later King Willem II) was arranged by her brother. The marriage took place in 1816 in St.
- Petersburg, and despite her Russian Orthodox faith, the Dutch royal family accepted Anna's desire to continue practicing her religion. Upon ascending the Dutch throne in 1840, Anna Paulowna maintained the formalities of the Russian court, emphasizing etiquette during her reign as Queen of the Netherlands. Anna Paulowna passed away in 1865 near The Hague.
- She and King Willem II had five children, including the future King Willem III.
© Wikimedia Commons
Haagse Harry
- Haagse Harry is a Dutch comic book series created by Marnix Rueb, which debuted in 1991.
- It centers on a resident of The Hague who speaks the Hague dialect.
- Haagse Harry lives in The Hague, is unemployed, rude, but has a good heart.
- He is known as an aggressive riot supporter of ADO Den Haag.
- Other important characters are Haagse Bianca, Harry's wife, and Henk Bres.
- Queen Beatrix, Mayor Wim Deetman and various politicians also appear frequently.
- All the characters speak flat Haags, including politicians and immigrants with accents.
- The strip makes jokes about various population groups, with stereotypical depictions.
- Haagse Harry first appeared in a monthly newspaper in the Hague nightlife scene and became so popular that he soon became his own cartoon character.
© Wikimedia Commons
Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk
- The Groote Kerk de San Jaime is a landmark Protestant church known for having many members of the House of Orange-Nassau baptized there, including Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and his daughter Catharina-Amalia, the Princess of Orange.
- Alongside Binnenhof, it is one of the oldest buildings in its city, notable for its high tower and bell carillon.
- The church's interior features fine vaulted ceiling, old stained glass windows, significant sepulchral monuments, and wooden shields referencing the knights of the Golden Fleece.
- The church's six-sided tower, one of the tallest in the country, houses several bells from the 16th to 17th century and 31 modern bells.
- The church suffered a fire in 1539, resulting in the stained glass windows being repaired by noteworthy glass artists including brothers Dirk and Wouter Crabeth of Gouda.
- One notable feature is a commemorative stone for Constantijn and Christiaan Huygens, who were buried in unmarked tombs within the church choir.
Day 1 - Afternoon à The Hague
3 Points of interest - Duration : 2h15 - Distance : 0.3 km - Walking : 0h03
© Wikimedia Commons
De Nederlanden van 1845
- De Nederlanden van 1845 was a Dutch insurance company formed in response to a void in the insurance market in North Netherlands after the separation from Belgium in 1830.
- Merged with the National Life Insurance Bank in 1963, creating Nationale-Nederlanden. The company expanded rapidly, establishing itself in major Dutch cities and venturing into international markets.
- In 1897, a headquarters was built in The Hague, and overseas agents were recruited. Under the leadership of Carel Henny, the company became a patron of architect Berlage, leading to the construction of distinctive offices in Amsterdam and The Hague, contributing to Berlage's status as a pioneering Dutch architect. Post-1900, De Nederlanden focused on customer expansion and diversification of insurance products, entering the life insurance sector in 1903 and later acquiring companies in various insurance domains. Despite challenges during World War II, the company rebounded post-war, experiencing growth in the Netherlands, expansion into Canada, and a merger with the Nationale Levensverzekering-Bank in 1962. In 1945, the company celebrated its centennial by releasing the "1845-spel," a board game based on insurance.
© Wikimedia Commons
Het Nutshuis
- Het Nutshuis was the former headquarters of the Haagse Nutsspaarbank from 1921 until 1992, and is a significant part of the bank's history.
- The bank's first building was constructed in 1894 but was demolished just ten years later to allow for a street widening project and the creation of a square.
- The construction of the new building, Het Nutshuis, was delayed due to various reasons including the outbreak of World War I, scarce building materials, and internal disagreements over design plans.
- The first stone of Het Nutshuis was laid in 1920 and it took 116 weeks to complete the building due to strikes and construction hurdles.
- The Nutshuis building also contains a safe in the center that spans three floors where books and valuable documents could be stored safely.
- In 2002, the bank moved out of Het Nutshuis.
- The building underwent thorough renovation and re-opened in 2006 as a hub for social organizations and commercial room rentals.
- Today, it's still owned by Fonds 1818.
Ooievaars
- They belong to the family Ciconiidae and are large birds with long legs and necks, noted for their snavelgeklepper for communication. They prefer moist areas and feed on insects, rodents, amphibians and other aquatic inhabitants.
- They are monogamous and lack a vocal call. Ooievaars feature large bodies, long legs, elongated necks and stout, straight bills.
- They have a stately gait and fly with their necks outstretched.
Day 2 - The Hague
7 POIs to discoverDay 2 - Morning à The Hague
5 Points of interest - Duration : 3h15 - Distance : 1.7 km - Walking : 0h22
Magazijn Hollandia, Prinsegracht, The Hague
- The former "Magazijn Hollandia" department store, was built in 1908 in the style of the Viennese Secession, and designed by A.W.
- It was restored and converted into 13 homes and 2 retail spaces by Ton Deurloo Architects in 1987-1988.
- Its ornamental details were restored with gold and silver leaf during the 1987-1988 restoration.
- Its original layout changed in 1954, with the characteristic steel structure reconverted entirely to concrete; it was restored in 1987-1988.
- It is significant for being an early 20th-century department store with a steel skeleton and transparent facade.
- It holds architectural historical value as a representative example of the Viennese Secession style.
© Wikimedia Commons
Departement van Justitie
- The Department of Justice, also known as the Justice Building, is a former building of the Ministry of Justice.⏳ The Department of Justice was established in a 17th century house in 1815, and from 1862, also in the adjacent Huygens house.
- The building was demolished in 1876 for the new Ministry building, with several interior parts reused.
- This building was built between 1876 and 1883 in neo-renaissance style by architect Cornelis Peters, with decoration from sculptors Bart van Hove and Emil Bourgonjon.
- The building consists of a basement floor, ground floor, and two floors, composed of four wings enclosing a courtyard.
- The building housed offices, various meeting rooms and a library.
- It is now a part of the Second Chamber building, with various factions using its work and meeting rooms.
- The library is now known as the Handelingenkamer.
- Six medallions bearing the portraits of Dutch legal scholars are embedded in the building's facade.
- The building is registered as a national monument under registration number 17881.
© Wikimedia Commons
Frog with Umbrella
- Karel Appel gained international fame as an expressive painter, co-founding the Cobra movement in the late 1940s, advocating freedom and experimentation inspired by spontaneous child drawings. Appel, known for his paintings, also created sculptures using 'objets trouvés' or found objects, ranging from waste to masks and cultural artifacts, reflecting diverse influences. In 2001, the 'Frog with Umbrella' sculpture, a gift for Den Haag's 750th anniversary, was bronzed and enlarged from the original wooden piece created in 1993 by Appel.
- André Kruysen and P.
- Struycken were involved in the bronze casting and colorful painting. Despite creating numerous sculptures, only a few of Appel's works, including 'Frog with Umbrella,' are displayed in public spaces.
Kattensteeg
- The Achterom features artistic cat murals depicting various scenes, including cats with kittens, cats with hats, and even a cat on a bike.
- Artists Marilou Klapwijk, SoGo, Dünya Atay, and Zesta&Page33 created the cat murals, connecting them with scratching posts and a ball of yarn.
- Achterom, located in a historic part of The Hague, has undergone improvements in lighting, greenery, and paving to enhance its image.
- The municipality commissioned The Hague Street Art to design playful cat artworks, adding a humorous touch to the street.
Haags Jantje
- One of the most loved sculptures in The Hague was made by sculptor Ivo Coljé, out of bronze.
- The sculpture is often associated with the children's song, "In The Hague there lives a count and his son is called Jantje".
- Visitors often touch the statue's hand, specifically its index finger and thumb, which shine from frequent contact.
- It is customary for visitors to 'shake hands' with the sculpture, affectionately called "Haags Jantje".
- The history of the statue and any connection with a historical 'Jantje' is unclear.
- The lyrics of the children's song were published in the 1871 collection of Dutch Baker and children's rhymes by Johannes van Vlot.
Day 2 - Afternoon à The Hague
2 Points of interest - Duration : 2h15 - Distance : 0.3 km - Walking : 0h03
The Three Steps
- "De Drie Stoepen" refers to three neighboring national monuments from the first half of the 18th century that have functioned as a housing, museum, courthouse, official residence, and temporary location of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
- The houses were built on previously undeveloped land that was used only for agriculture until a master builder named Frans van Braxhoofden constructed two of them in 1726-1728, designed in a Louis XIV and Louis XVI style.
- His involvement with the construction of the third house during 1728-1730 remains uncertain.
- The residences housed prestigious occupants, including the secretary of the Societëteit van de Hoge Collegien and The Hague, Paulus van Assendelft, High Council clerk Nicolaas van der Haar, three mayors of The Hague, and Major General Alexander Sweder, among others.
- By the 19th century, the houses were mainly preserved in their original condition and hosted important figures like the Swedish ambassador, a politician and member of The Hague council, and a British businessman and art collector.
- One of the houses, number 71, was used for several cultural and administrative functions during the 19th and 20th centuries, including a courthouse, a residency for various notable figures, and a temporary location for the Nederlandsch Museum for History and Art.
- In 1901, it also served as the headquarters for the Permanent Court of Arbitration until 1913.
- From 1918 to 1968, the buildings were collectively owned by Society for the Exploitation of the Association Building 'De Drie Stoepen N.V.', where it was primarily used for meetings, theater performances, rehearsals, and courses by the Social Democratic Workers Party (SDAP).
- Afterwards, it became a hotspot in the music and nightlife scene, hosting notable performances.
- After restoration in 1968, it has since been occupied by various public health institutions.
Concordia CC
- Operated by The &CC Foundation, it serves as a booster, connector, and facilitator for the arts community.
- The building has a rich history as a theater, museum, and conference location, with a size of approximately 1,500 m².
- The theater hall can accommodate around 300 visitors, and the municipality has rented out 16 studios at the Concordia location.
- Concordia CC partners with OPERA2DAY and Firma MES, contributing to a sustainable art ecosystem.
- It also houses the editorial office of the Nieuwe Haagsche Courant and has been a meeting center since 1995.
- The &CC Foundation has been operating Het Koorenhuis since 2013, emphasizing connection and creative entrepreneurship.
Practical details for visiting The Hague
Where to stay
For two days, prioritize central accommodation: the area around the city center and Prinsegracht is ideal for being within walking distance of the main sights. Look for charming hotels or apartments if you want to be quiet, or a boutique hotel if you like the local vibe. The neighborhoods near the Binnenhof and the main squares offer a good balance between proximity, convenience and local life. For a quieter stay, canal-side residential areas offer tranquil apartments.
In terms of accommodation types, you will find budget hotels, guesthouses and apartments for short-term rent. Prices vary by season: for a tight budget, look for hostels or small hotels; for more comfort, opt for a well-located 3- to 4-star hotel. If you book early, you'll have more choices and often better rates.
Getting around
The Hague is very walkable: many of the itinerary's sights are close to each other, which makes walking the best way to feel the vibe. For longer trips, the bus network is dense and practical. The tram or regional train can be useful if you arrive from outside or want a quick connection to other neighborhoods.
Biking is an excellent option if you're comfortable: secure bike lanes, dockless rentals and streets suited to fast movements. Plan for a solid lock if you leave the bike during the day. For short trips, electric scooters on demand can help, but check local rules before using them.
In short: prefer walking for the center, cycling to cover more distance, and bus/tram for fast connections. Keep a map or transport app to check real-time schedules.
What to bring
The Hague has a changing climate; layering is often the best strategy. Bring a light waterproof jacket and a small umbrella if you fear rain. Comfortable shoes are essential: you will walk a lot on cobbles and uneven pavements, so opt for walking shoes or sturdy sneakers.
Other practical items: a small reusable bottle, a compact backpack for shopping breaks and a power bank for your phone. If you're traveling in summer, bring sunglasses and sunscreen; in cold seasons, add a hat and scarf. Don't forget adapters and the papers needed for your bookings.
In short: focus on comfort, rain protection, and a good pair of shoes. A light bag and an external battery will enhance your sightseeing experience.
Advance reservations
For a well-organized weekend, book your accommodation and your main transport (train or plane) in advance, especially in peak season. Some popular restaurants in the center can be fully booked in the evening: consider booking if you care about a particular place. Museums or temporary exhibitions may recommend a reservation to avoid the queue.
If you want to attend a show, a concert or a performance at the Concordia CC, it's wise to book your tickets in advance. Similarly, if you rent a bike from a specific provider or plan a guided tour, reserve your spots before your arrival.
In short: book accommodation, popular restaurants and tickets for shows in advance. For the rest (strolling, self-guided visits), you can improvise without a problem.
Extras not to miss
Beyond the main itinerary, The Hague offers supplementary experiences that enrich the visit. Consider a stroll along lesser-used canals or a break in a local café to observe daily life. Small antique shops and independent galleries are often worth a detour for their atmosphere and finds.
For a playful and modern activity, explore Coddy's urban escape games: these treasure-hunt routes turn the city into a field of investigation and are ideal for a group afternoon. Other options: themed walking tours, local workshops or temporary markets depending on the season.
In short: combine strolls, local shopping and a playful experience like Coddy to get off the beaten path. These extras add color and texture to your weekend.
Local delights
The Hague offers a varied gastronomic scene: cozy cafés for breakfast, sandwich shops and bistros for lunch, and more elaborate restaurants for dinner. Don’t miss establishments that highlight local products and fresh fish. The small bakeries and pastries in the center are perfect for a sweet break.
For a coffee break, look for a café serving a good filtered coffee or a comforting hot chocolate. Local markets let you taste specialties and artisanal products: cheeses, breads and seafood are often present. Finally, some places offer tasting menus if you want a complete culinary experience.
Keep a small budget for tasty discoveries: a lunch in a local bistro, a pastry on a terrace and a market-product tasting are often enough to feel the city’s culinary richness. Aim for simplicity, the freshness, and local produce.
When to visit The Hague and how much it costs
Best seasons
The shoulder seasons, in spring and early autumn, often offer a good balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Spring brings longer days and blooming scenery that enhances canal and square routes; autumn gives warm colors and soft light, ideal for urban photography. Summer is lively, with more outdoor activities and open terraces, but expect more tourists and higher prices. Winter is quieter, the streets are emptier and some wintry atmospheres can be charming, but the days are short and the weather can be damp and windy.
If you want to avoid crowds while enjoying decent weather, aim for the late spring or early autumn. For special events or a festive terrace vibe, summer remains the best period, provided you book earlier.
Crowds
The Hague attracts visitors year-round, but crowds vary by season and weekends. On weekdays outside peak tourist season, the center is relatively calm and you can enjoy the sights without too many constraints. On weekends, especially in summer, certain streets and attractions near the center can be busier. Local school holidays or major events significantly increase crowds.
For quieter visits, go for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays. If you prefer the buzz, plan your main outings on Saturday or during a summer afternoon. In short: the city is manageable in terms of crowds; just adjust your times to avoid the peaks.
Estimated budget
Budget economy: For two days, you can manage on a tight budget by choosing a youth hostel or a small hotel outside the center, favoring simple meals (sandwiches, street food, markets) and getting around on foot or with free-floating bike rentals. Estimate the costs for economical lodging, a few meals, local transport and modest entrance fees for attractions. Look for affordable restaurants and avoid unnecessary spending to keep the stay light.
Budget medium: With a medium budget, you can book a well-located 2-3 star hotel or a comfortable apartment, dine at neighborhood bistros and occasionally take a taxi or a tram. Add one or two paid experiences (museum, guided tour, show). This level allows you to enjoy good culinary spots and reasonable comfort without excess, while staying flexible for extras.
Budget comfort: For more comfort, opt for a central 3-4 star hotel, meals in well-known restaurants and activities like a concert or a private guided tour. This budget includes freedom and quality: better location, polished evenings and souvenir shopping. It also lets you book ahead for shows or premium experiences without constraints.
Frequently asked questions about your stay in The Hague
Ready for The Hague?
In two days, The Hague reveals enough of its personality to make you want to come back. This itinerary combines strolling, urban discoveries and gourmet breaks, starting from a strong administrative hub and ending in a cultural venue like the Concordia CC. The idea isn’t to see everything, but to feel the city and keep authentic images and sensations.
Take your time, let yourself be guided by a shop window or a sunny bench, and don’t hesitate to modify the itinerary according to your favorites. Small discoveries — an unexpected statue, a tasty pastry, a neighborhood market or a Coddy urban game — are often the most precious memories. Have a great trip and wonderful walks in The Hague.
Want more adventure?
Discover our urban escape games to transform your visit into an interactive adventure!
