Hague Travel Guide: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary for Culture, Coast & Coffee Lovers

The Hague (Den Haag) is one of the Netherlands’ most elegant and unexpectedly diverse cities—a place where international diplomacy meets seaside charm, royal palaces meet cozy coffee culture, and world-class museums sit just minutes from sandy beaches. This Hague travel guide reveals a perfectly balanced 2-day itinerary covering art, landmarks, hidden gems, beaches, and specialty coffee spots. It’s written to be engaging, traveler-friendly, and strongly optimized for search engines.

Why Visit the Hague?

Unlike Amsterdam’s fast pace, the Hague offers a calm yet sophisticated atmosphere. It’s the seat of the Dutch government, home to international courts, and filled with leafy boulevards, stunning architecture, and one of Europe’s best urban beaches—Scheveningen.

Amazing Fact:

The Hague is the only major city in the world with both a beachfront coastline and over 150 international organizations, including the International Court of Justice.

Whether you’re into art, history, photography, beaches, or cafés, The Hague is the ideal destination for a short but memorable escape.

Read also: Best Things To Do in Stuttgart, Germany: Castles, Car Museums, Parks & Wine

Day 1: Explore the Royal Heart of the Hague & Its Art Treasures

Binnenhof & Ridderzaal – A Royal Start to Your Hague Itinerary

Begin your day at the Binnenhof, the political center of the Netherlands. Its medieval courtyards, arched passageways, and lakeside views make it one of Europe’s oldest parliament complexes still in use. The Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) is the jewel here—a Gothic masterpiece where royal ceremonies take place.

Unique Tip:

Arrive early for peaceful views of Hofvijver Lake, where the historic buildings reflect beautifully in the water.

Peace Palace – The Hague’s Global Icon

A short walk away stands the Peace Palace (Vredespaleis), home to the International Court of Justice. Guided tours offer insight into global diplomacy and the building’s exquisite architecture, featuring stained glass, marbles, and artistic gifts from countries around the world.

Amazing Fact:

The Peace Palace library is one of the most important international law libraries on Earth.

Mauritshuis Museum – Golden Age Masterpieces

The Mauritshuis, one of Europe’s greatest small museums, is next on your itinerary. It showcases Dutch Golden Age paintings including:

• Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring

• Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson

• Fabritius’ The Goldfinch

After your visit, relax at a canal-side café near the picturesque Hofvijver pond, perfect for photos and quiet moments.

Kunstmuseum Den Haag or Escher in Het Paleis

Spend your afternoon diving deeper into The Hague’s artistic world.

Option 1: Kunstmuseum Den Haag

Here you'll find Mondrian’s legendary Victory Boogie Woogie, colorful architecture, and Hague School seascapes.

Option 2: Escher in Het Paleis

Located in a former royal palace, this museum features mind-bending optical illusions, tessellations, and endless staircases that transform art into magic.

Evening in the Hague: Coffee & Design at Denneweg

End your first day on Denneweg, one of the city’s most stylish avenues. Known for boutique shops, design stores, and polished cafés, Denneweg is perfect for a relaxed evening.

You can also stroll through the nearby Paleistuin park, a tranquil garden behind Noordeinde Palace—ideal for a coffee stop or sunset walk.

Day 2: Beaches, Modern Vibes & Hidden Gems of the Hague

Scheveningen Beach – The Hague’s Seaside Escape

Start your second morning at Scheveningen Beach, just a 15-minute tram ride from the city center.

You can:

• Walk the iconic Pier, featuring the SkyView Ferris wheel

• Enjoy sea-view cafés and beach clubs

• Try fresh seafood at the boulevard restaurants

• Relax on the wide golden sands

Amazing Fact:

Scheveningen is one of the oldest seaside resorts in Northern Europe, with a fishing history dating back to the 13th century.

Madurodam – The Netherlands in Miniature

For a fun cultural stop, head to Madurodam, a miniature park featuring 1:25 scale replicas of famous Dutch landmarks—perfect for families, photographers, and anyone who wants to explore the Netherlands in an hour.

Museum Beelden aan Zee or Kurhaus

Art lovers can visit Museum Beelden aan Zee, a seaside museum dedicated to modern sculpture.

History lovers can explore the iconic Kurhaus, a grand beachfront hotel known for its monumental architecture and historic concert hall.

Evening at Grote Markt – Food, Music & Nightlife

Head back to the city for a lively evening at Grote Markt—a bustling square filled with restaurants, bars, and outdoor terraces.

• Enjoy live music at Paard

• Try modern European dishes

• Sip cocktails under twinkling lights

Alternatively, catch the Panorama Mesdag, a giant 360-degree artwork depicting Scheveningen’s old coastal landscape—a mesmerizing way to end your day.

Top Coffee Spots in the Hague

Denneweg Cafés

Craft brews, pastries, and stylish interiors.

Paleistuin Park Kiosks

Perfect for peaceful outdoor coffee breaks.

Chinatown Cafés

Fusion drinks, matcha options, and international flavors.

Scheveningen Beach Coffee Bars

Sea-view cappuccinos after a walk by the waves.

Hidden Gems & Walks in the Hague

• Voorhout Sculpture Trail – rotating outdoor art exhibitions

• Noordeinde Shopping Street – royal boutiques with palace views

• Prison Gate Museum (Gevangenpoort) – a raw, fascinating look at medieval justice

• Lange Voorhout Avenue – tree-lined promenade with antique markets

These lesser-known spots add charm and depth to your Hague trip.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Hague

• Get an HTM day pass for unlimited tram rides, including to Scheveningen.

• Book Peace Palace and Mauritshuis tickets online.

• The city is bike-friendly—rent one for easy exploring.

• Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

• Stay near Den Haag Centraal for fast access to major landmarks.