Best of the Hague

Den Haag, as it’s called in Dutch, is the political heart of the Netherlands and has deep connections to the royal family (while Amsterdam remains the constitutional capital). The nation’s third-largest city also houses the International Court of Justice and many other important UN organizations. Beyond its bureaucratic credentials, the Hague is a fascinating place to see works by some of Europe’s greatest artists, dine in some of the nation’s finest restaurants and experience an impressive performing arts scene - headed by the renowned contemporary dance company Nederlands dans Theater. 

On a visit to the Mauritshuis, you can take a crash course in Dutch and Flemish art. The fabled museum is packed with masterpieces by Rembrandt, van Dyke, Rubens, Brueghel and many others, including Vermeer’s famous Girl with a Pearl Earring. You can also get a deeper understanding of the political landscape on a tour of the Binnenhof, a majestic medieval building that houses the seat of the Netherlands' government. Like Amsterdam, the Hague is a bike-friendly city, and on a pedaling tour you can see the city's highlights followed by a trip to the beachside district of Scheveningen.