The Hague is a city that manages to blend the charm of history with the buzz of modern life. You have three days here, and you want to make the most of it. You know, the kind of trip where you hit all the major spots while also discovering some hidden gems, and maybe even indulging your taste buds in some international cuisine. So, let’s break it down day by day. Buckle up; this is going to be a whirlwind tour with a side of fun.
Day 1: Dive into culture
Your adventure begins bright and early. Grab a quick breakfast at a local café. Try Café Pijnacker on the corner for a coffee that’ll kickstart your day and a pastry that’ll make you question all your life choices regarding breakfast. After fueling up, head straight to the Mauritshuis. This museum is home to masterpieces like Vermeer’s "Girl with a Pearl Earring." Plan to spend about two hours here. Admission is around 17.50 euros, but every cent is worth it.
After this cultural feast, stroll through the nearby Binnenhof. This historic complex is where the Dutch Parliament meets. Take a moment to marvel at the architecture and maybe engage in some light people-watching. You might even spot a politician or two—if you can tell them apart from the regular folks. Spend about an hour here.
Feeling peckish? Grab lunch at The Hague Market, one of the largest multicultural markets in the Netherlands. You’ll find everything from Dutch herring to Moroccan tagines. Just be careful not to get lost in the food stalls. You could easily spend your entire afternoon grazing.
In the afternoon, make your way to the Peace Palace. It's not just an impressive building; it’s the seat of the International Court of Justice. Tours are available, and you’ll want to book in advance. Plan for about an hour here. Wrap up your day with a walk through the nearby Scheveningen Beach. The sunset views are spectacular, and you can enjoy a little beachside chill time.
- Breakfast at Café Pijnacker
- Mauritshuis (2 hours)
- Binnenhof (1 hour)
- Lunch at The Hague Market (1.5 hours)
- Peace Palace tour (1 hour)
- Evening at Scheveningen Beach
Day 2: Explore the neighborhoods
Start your second day with a visit to the Noordeinde Palace. Yes, it’s a real palace, and no, you can’t just stroll in for tea with the king. Take a quick look around the beautiful gardens and snap some photos. You’ll spend about half an hour here. Next, wander over to the charming neighborhood of the Hofkwartier, where you can explore quaint shops and boutiques. Think of it as retail therapy for your soul.
For lunch, check out a local favorite: The Little V. This vegan restaurant is so good that even non-vegans will leave satisfied and not feeling like they missed out on anything. Spend about an hour here before heading to your next destination.
In the afternoon, visit the Gemeentemuseum. This museum boasts a stunning collection of modern art and design, including works by Mondrian. Plan to spend around two hours here. This is where you can pretend to be a cultured art lover while secretly just enjoying the colors.
As evening rolls in, wander back to the city center and explore the local dining scene. Head to Bistro 't Hof for some delicious Dutch cuisine. You can’t leave without trying a Dutch pancake. After dinner, stroll through the atmospheric streets, maybe with a hot chocolate in hand, and enjoy the city’s nighttime charm.
- Noordeinde Palace (30 minutes)
- Hofkwartier exploration (1.5 hours)
- Lunch at The Little V (1 hour)
- Gemeentemuseum (2 hours)
- Dinner at Bistro 't Hof
- Evening stroll in the city center
Day 3: A day at the beach and beyond
For your final day, you deserve a bit of relaxation. Start with a leisurely breakfast at the beach at Paal 14. Enjoy the sea breeze and some fresh seafood for breakfast. Yes, that's a thing. After you’ve soaked in the view and the vibes, it’s time to hit the beach. Rent a bike or just walk along the promenade. Spend a couple of hours enjoying the sun, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try some water sports.
For lunch, grab a quick bite at one of the beach shacks. A simple sandwich and a cold drink will do the trick. After lunch, make your way to the nearby Madurodam. This is a miniature park that showcases Dutch landmarks. It’s touristy, but sometimes you have to embrace the clichés. Spend about two hours here; you’ll want to take a lot of photos to show everyone how tiny things can be.
End your trip with a visit to the trendy area of the Zeeheldenkwartier. This neighborhood is perfect for some last-minute shopping or a final coffee break at one of the many cozy cafés. You’ll feel like a local, and who doesn’t want that? Make sure to leave some time for the journey back to your accommodation, so you’re not frantically searching for your train station.
- Breakfast at Paal 14
- Beach time (2-3 hours)
- Lunch at a beach shack
- Visit Madurodam (2 hours)
- Explore Zeeheldenkwartier
Three days in The Hague will fly by faster than you can say “stroopwafel.” You’ll have a mix of art, culture, food, and a pinch of relaxation. Just remember to take plenty of photos so you can reminisce about your trip while you’re back at home, dreaming of your next adventure. Happy travels!
