Solo Travel in The Hague

The oldest parliament building still in use in the world — the 13th-century Gothic complex on a lake in the center of The Hague that has been the seat of Dutch government since the 17th century. The Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) with its medieval vaults hosts the annual opening of parliament by the monarch; the Hofvijver lake reflection is one of the Netherlands' most beautiful urban scenes.

📍Binnenhof, The Hague

The Hague's most historic grand hotel — an 1858 Neoclassical palace where Anna Pavlova died and Mata Hari was arrested, now a Luxury Collection hotel with original Belle Époque grandeur, an opulent lobby, and a location two minutes' walk from the Binnenhof and the Mauritshuis museum.

📍Lange Voorhout 54-56, The Hague

The culinary legacy of Dutch colonialism — The Hague has the largest Surinamese and Indonesian community in the Netherlands, making it the best city in Europe for Indonesian food. The rijsttafel (rice table) of 20+ small dishes is the defining Dutch-Indonesian meal; Aneka Rasa and Garoeda are the classic addresses.

📍Denneweg, The Hague

The finest small museum in Europe — a 17th-century golden age palace housing Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, Rembrandt's Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, and a selection of 800 Dutch and Flemish masterpieces that rival the Rijksmuseum at a fraction of the size and crowds. One of the great museum experiences.

📍Plein 29, The Hague

The Netherlands' most popular beach resort — a 4km North Sea beach 5km from The Hague city center, with a Victorian-era pier (recently restored), the iconic Kurhaus grand hotel, surf schools, and a lively promenade. The largest sea-facing beach in the Netherlands; the early morning North Sea light is extraordinary.

📍Scheveningen, The Hague