The Hague is the city of international law and a colorful mix of posh diplomats on one side and surfers on the other. Together with our locals, we’ve selected a diverse range of spots to explore the city, try traditional and typical local snacks, go for a swim in the ocean, and end in a seaside restaurant. Sounds like a great day, right? Enjoy!
The City Center: Kroketten, History and local makers
In the heart of The Hague, you can find plenty of famous buildings and museums. However, did you know that this district also offers one of the best ways to experience Dutch culture and discover local flavors?
Let’s start the day at Jenny’s spot, Dungelmann, a butcher shop famous for its traditional Dutch kroket and broodje bal (meatball sandwich). The place also sells other delicious Dutch snacks at reasonable prices, making it a great place for a quick lunch.
Another place to truly experience the local culture is Dolly’s Rozenkoek, a lovely confectionery shop. The café is known for its traditional roze koek – a small cake with a sweet pink fondant layer on top, with a nice twist, filled with white ganache and topped with small rosebuds. Marit says that this combination is based on a traditional family recipe and takes the classic pastry to another level.
For beer enthusiasts who want to try freshly brewed beer, we recommend visiting Adam’s spot, Kompaan. It’s a local brewery serving a variety of high-quality microbrews. Beers served here are truly unique, providing guests with different flavor profiles. Some are hoppy, some have a rich fruit flavor, and the rest taste like a perfect mix of chocolate and velvet. You’ll definitely find a beer that matches your preferences here.
If you’re seeking a traditional Dutch atmosphere accompanied by live piano music, stop by Jenny’s dining place, Bodega De Posthoorn. It’s an old-fashioned café and restaurant, famous for its coziness and great hospitality. For decades, this spot has been a meeting place for politicians, artists and the city’s elite. Today, this place remains one of the most elegant cafés in The Hague and continues to attract both locals and well-known figures, making it a unique dining spot on the city’s map.
If you spend the whole evening at the Posthoorn and are looking for a way to cure your headache, visit Drogisterij van der Gaag, a historic pharmacy and perfumery founded in 1796. The drugstore sells a wide range of over-the-counter medicines and personal care products. In the past, the building’s attic was used to dry herbs. Although this practice is no longer in place, you can still find over 250 varieties of herbs and spices here today. The shop is also known for its traditional Dutch dropjes, so if you’re a licorice lover, don’t miss the chance to try them.
Scheveningen: A Seaside Retreat
After a day in the city, head to Scheveningen, one of The Hague’s districts that is located right next to the North Sea coast. Here you can relax on a sandy beach, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can also take a long walk to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and admire the beautiful dunes. For sports lovers, Scheveningen is a perfect place to try windsurfing or kitesurfing, especially during late spring or summer.
However, if you’re craving a famous Dutch herring and other seafood specialties, definitely stop by Marit’s spot – Viswinkel de Lange. It’s a local fish shop, where you can buy different types of fresh and affordable fish dishes.
For people who enjoy beautiful viewpoints, make sure to visit Marit’s favorite spot – Meteotoren. It offers a 360-degree view of many different sights in The Hague. From here, you can admire the North Sea, the sandy beach, the dunes, and the water tower, making it a perfect place to watch the sunset. If you’re more of a nature lover, stop by De Vulkaan, the highest point of Westduin Park, located to the west of the city. At this location, you can not only soak in stunning ocean views, but also observe bird migration. Karoline says you can spot 280 different bird species here.
To end a perfect day at the beach, be sure to visit het Puntje, a lovely locally run place with great vegetarian flavors, coffee, and specialty beers. Maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll come across ‘Strandbeesten‘ – big kinetic sculptures created by a local artist and inventor, Theo Jansen.
Looking for more local recommendations in The Hague? Discover our local guide on Spotted by Locals. Which is what travel content looks like when locals are in charge. Across 86 cities, 504 contributors share the places they love, without ads, without algorithms, and without a hidden agenda. Just the city, as it really is.
