One Day in The Hague: A Perfect Day Itinerary for Exploring the Dutch Gem

Hague is the third largest city in the Netherlands and the capital of the South Holland province. It is also the official administrative center of the country, where you will find the government, Supreme Court, Cabinet, Council of State, and the International Court of Justice. The following line will give you a closer look at what kind of activities or things to do in Hague are possible to manage in one day.

If you are staying for the whole day in the city, you might try to see them all. If you are coming from a different town (which was mine), count on experiencing fewer numbers from the list—especially if you decide to visit a museum and stay there for an hour or more.

Mauritshuis Museum

The museum was established in 1822, and you will find a big collection of Dutch paintings there. It became an independent institution in 1995, and it was a state museum. But till today, it receives money from the Dutch government. So far, the highest number of visitors came in 2015 – over 500,000 per year. It is in the Mauritshuis, the famous Girl with a Pearl Earring from Vermeer, and The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt. The museum is open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM except for Monday 1-6 PM. The ticket price for one adult is 20 EUR (2025). Just a five-minute short walk from the central train station, the museum is reachable on foot.

Binnenhof And Ridderzaal

Just a short 2-5 minute walk from the Mauritshuis Museum are Binnenhof and Ridderzaal. Binnenhof means “Inner court,” the oldest parliament complex used by state generals and prime ministers. Ridderzaal means “Hall of Knights,” a medieval Gothic-style structure from the 13th century that hosts official ceremonies. When you step inside, you can admire the wooden ceiling and stained glass windows.

You can also check, at least from outside, the Torenje or Little Tower overlooking the Hofvijver pond, which the current prime minister used as an office. There is a peaceful lake right next to it – an ideal place for a rest or picnic. The place is also home to the Houses of Representatives, which you can visit if you book a tour on a day when the Parliament is not having a session inside.

Escher Museum

Just a short walk from the Binnenhof is the Escher Museum, another essential item on this list of doable things to do in Hauge in one day. It is open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM, and the entrance fee for one adult is 13,50 EUR. A combined ticket for the Escher Museum and Mauritshuis Museum is also available for those who want to visit both. M. C. Escher was born in 1898, and later, after secondary school, he went to University. His parents wanted to have an architect from him, but within a week after enrollment, he switched to graphic design. Later in life, he spent time in Italy, meeting his future wife, Giulietta.

Some of the techniques he used as a printmaker were etching, linocut, lithograph, mezzotint, wood engraving, and woodcut. His most famous artworks include Relativity, Ascending and Descending, Metamorphosis III, and Hand with Reflecting Sphere.

In addition to prints, one black room features interactive optical illusions (distorted perspective, mirrored and warped spaces) and even animation.

The museum’s interior also has some lovely chandeliers, some shaped like skulls, birds, and planets. Formerly, the place belonged to Queen Emma. She used it as a winter palace.

Peace Palace

The building is home to international law and justice and houses the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Be aware that tours inside are limited and only on specific days. The visitors center is free to enter, including an audio tour (30 minutes long in 10 languages, and you will learn about the history of international law and the courts), but in case of a guided tour, the price is around 12-17 EUR.

If you opt for the tour, you will have the chance to see the Neo-Renaissance and Gothic buildings from 1913 from the inside. At the entrance is a grand gate with ornate ironwork and the Latin text “PAX,” which means Peace. Outside stands a symbolic eternal flame with stones from over 190 countries accompanied by arch and English garden awaits your exploration – there are a couple of sculptures reflecting the idea of peace.

Scheveningen Beach

You can take a tram from the Peace Palace, and in about 15 minutes, you can reach Scheveningen Beach. It has golden sands, a Ferris wheel (daily from 10 AM-10 PM, 9 EUR ticket for adults), watersport activities, bungee-jumping, a zipline, a surf school, and fresh seafood.

While walking around, you will not miss the historic luxury Kurhaus Hotel from 1885. If you want to see some art, visit the underground Museum Beelden aan Zee (Sculptures by the Sea), which exhibits modern sculptures but also has a cafe and bookshop.

If you are going to stay until sunset or later, you can try your luck in Holland Casino or visit Crazy Pianos, a music bar with live piano shows.

Historical Centre

If you return from the beach to the city center, visit the Passage – the oldest shopping arcade in the Netherlands from 1885. If you stroll nearby, you will find the massive Gothic church Grote Kerk from the 15th century. You will also probably pass two of the most famous squares in the city: Het Plein and De Plaats.

Chinatown

From the historical center, it is only a 10-minute walk to Chinatown. You will be greeted by traditional Chinese gates and decorations like lanterns. The borough is home to many oriental supermarkets and specialty stores, such as Amazing Oriental, authentic Chinese massage or acupuncture sessions, Chinese herbal medicine shops, and gift shops. Ideally, come here hungry, and if you enjoy dances, fireworks, and performances, visit the place in January or February.

Boat Tour

If you are tired of walking, you can hop on the boat, which is the last on my list of things to do in Hague in one day. The popular starting point is Bierkade in Chinatown. The tours are around 70-90 minutes long and can be guided, silent, electric, private, or culinary. The best routes are the historic canal ring, Royal Quarter and embassy, Haagse Bos and Peace Palace, Bierkade and Chinatown, and the Scheveningen Route.

For more ways to explore Netherlands check out Budget-Friendly Utrecht: The Best Free Experiences in the City or visit Castle De Haar, the Netherlands’ most enchanting fairytale fortress.