Spend a day in The Hague and you can move from centuries of political history to the North Sea in a single tram ride. Start with a local walking tour, choose the beach or Madurodam for the afternoon, and come back to the Hofvijver when the city lights come on.
Meet Free Walking Tour The Hague at the Mauritshuis on Plein. Over roughly two hours, your guide puts the Binnenhof, royal history and The Hague’s international institutions into context. It is a good first walk through the centre, especially if this is your first visit.
Book a morning departure and check the meeting instructions before you leave. The tour is tip based, so bring something for your guide if you enjoy the walk.
Stay in the centre for lunch, then pick an afternoon to suit the weather and your company. Tram 9 can take you towards Scheveningen or Madurodam; use the HTM journey planner to check the route on the day.
For sea air, ride tram 9 towards Scheveningen and get off near the Kurhaus. Walk past the beachfront cafés, down onto the sand and along the shoreline. You can make this a short stroll or spend the whole afternoon by the water; even on a blustery day, the wide beach is part of the appeal.
If you are travelling with children, or simply want a different afternoon, get off tram 9 at Madurodam. Its miniature landmarks and interactive exhibits offer a playful look around the Netherlands. Check opening hours and tickets before visiting, and allow enough time to return for dinner.
Back in the centre, settle in for an Indonesian dinner. A rijsttafel, with a spread of dishes to share, is a lovely way to finish a day out. Garoeda is one central option; check its menu and hours and reserve ahead. Your morning guide may have another favourite to suggest.
Before catching your train, return to the Hofvijver. From Lange Vijverberg, look back across the water at the Mauritshuis and Binnenhof. The buildings you heard about in the morning feel different after dark. Renovation work may change access around the Binnenhof, so follow the open paths beside the pond.
From there, continue on foot to Den Haag Centraal. Give yourself a little time to enjoy the last stretch and find your platform.
At the Mauritshuis on Plein in central The Hague. Check your booking confirmation for the exact meeting instructions.
About two hours. Book a morning departure to leave the afternoon free.
Tram 9 runs towards Scheveningen. Get off near the Kurhaus and check HTM for the current route and any works.
Yes. Tram 9 also stops at Madurodam. Check opening hours and tickets before you go.
Walk along the Hofvijver by the Binnenhof, then continue to Den Haag Centraal for your train.
