Hello teverybody. Today will be the turn of a very substantial city to visit and it is Den Haag (The Hague). How many of you have heard of it, well, it is now the right time to learn something about it. Let’s start!

Den Haag (also called ‘s-Gravenhage) is the third largest city of the Netherlands, located in the province of South Holland next to the North Sea. The city is home to major and several international organizations (including NATO). Den Haag has a very active economy and its port is located in the Scheveningen. Two facts about the city: the first is that the stork is the symbol of the city; the second (Coldplay fans take a step forward, because surely you already know) is that the British band, Coldplay, shot here their video “Viva la Vida”. But also lots of films were shot in the city (such as Hum Tum, Zwartboek, Ocean’s Twelve).

To know more (where to eat, what to eat, where to have fun, acculturate …) continue to read.

There are so many things to say, so let’s start with the culture.

PLACES TO VISIT (MUSEUMS/THEATERS..)

• Binnenhof: is a large building, location of meetings of the General States .
• Paleis Noordeinde (het Oude Hof): the palace where the Dutch monarch works (King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands).
• Vredespaleis (Peace Palace): a large building in neo-Renaissance style place of the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Den Haag Academy of International Law and the library of the Peace Palace.
• Huis ten Bosch (we already know what the word “bosch”means, right? We discovered it visiting the city of Den Bosch) is the royal palace in Den Haag, one of the three residences of the Royal Family. Think that in Sasebo in Japan this palace has been recreated in a theme park.
• Het Strijkijzer (or Haagse Toren): residential tower of 132 meters high. The palace houses a rooftop restaurant with beautiful windows, so you can enjoy a breathtaking view.
• The Nieuwe Kerk: church located in front of the town hall, precisely in the Spui street.
• Kloosterkerk: a famous church where take place some classical concerts and it is often frequented by Queen Beatrix.
• There are several squares such as: Spuiplein, Grote Markt, Plein. These squares are full of historic buildings (the New European Ensemble, the Royal Conservatory, and various dance schools…)
• Mauritshuis: an important museum (former residence of Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen) which houses an extensive art collection that includes some paintings of famous Dutch painters (Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Jan Steen, Paulus Potter and Frans Hals). The museum is located in Korte Vijverberg.
• Escher Museum: a museum located in the Lange Voorhout Palace that includes some works of the Dutch artist M. C. Escher.
• Museon: it is a museum of Science and Culture of Den Haag. It has collections in the domains of geology, biology, archaeology, history, science and ethnology.
• Gemeentemuseum: museum with an important collection of modern art.
• Museum Bredius: it is an art museum located in the Lange Vijverberg. Its collections include silverware, ceramics and paintings.
• Haags Historisch Museum: historical museum of the city.
• Louwman Museum: museum of historical vehicles, situated in Leidsestraatweg.
• Panorama Mesdag: panorama is a painting by Hendrik Willem Mesdag stored in the building. The painting represents the largest circular painting in the world. This time the words are useless to try to make you understand how beautiful and charming it is, you just have to see it with your eyes.
• Bibliotheek Den Haag: the great library of the city.

We’ll see now some important theaters.

Zuiderstrandtheater, AFAS Circustheater.

ENTERTAINMENT (PUB/DISCO/PARKS…)

Now it’s time to have an evening/night of fun. Ready to know where? Come on!

• Paleistuin: a beautiful, romantic park full of fountains and flowers, located behind the Paleis Noordeinde (that we have seen before). A great place to have a picnic or some relaxing hours .
• Clingendael: is a property located in Wassenaar and is considered a protected monument. The property houses the Dutch Institute of International Relations Clingendael (Nederlands Instituut voor Internationale Betrekkingen Clingendael). Within the property you will find the spectacular Japanese Garden, an oasis of peace and beauty.
• Westbroek Park: is a large park located between Madurodam and Scheveningen. The park has some sculptures as well.
• Familiepark Drievliet: amusement park.
• Madurodam: it is a park where you will find Holland in miniature. Here’s how to make a complete tour around the Netherlands.
• Operation Exit o Amaze Escape Events: escape room.
• Haagse Bos: is a district of Haagse Hout and is one of the oldest remaining forests in the country. A perfect destination for those who love being in in the nature.
• Den Haag is divided into eight stadsdelen (districts) and they are: Den Haag Centrum, Escamp, Haagse Hout, Laak, Leidschenveen-Ypenburg, Loosduinen, Scheveningen Segbroek. These are divided into other districts: Hofkwartier, a must for those who enjoy shopping (as is the Hoogstraat district). The district is a perfect mix of old and new. Molenstraat and Oude Molstraat located right in the historic center, streets are lined with shops, bars, restaurants. Lange Voorhout is a characteristic tree-lined street. Zeeheldenkwartier is one of the most beautiful districts of the city.
• Last but not least (especially for those who would go to sea forever and always, no matter what) is the Kurhaus in Scheveningen. The famous beach of den Haag, one of the most important and popular districts of the city (by the way here there is also the port). The Kurhaus is today a hotel that hosts and has hosted several stars of film and music, here there are held various music events. A place that can’t miss in your itinerary! Now it’s time to an evening/night of fun. Ready to know where? Come on!

The nightlife in Den Haag takes place mainly in the two squares we have mentioned before plus another one: Plein, Grote Markt and Buitenhof. These squares are surrounded by clubs and cinemas. Another popular place (already mentioned before) is Scheveningen. All the fun is focused on the boulevard in front of the sea with bars, restaurants and gambling halls.

Here are some of the most famous clubs.

• Club Seven: night club.
• Club Discotheek ‘t Maliehuisje: disco.
• Club PIP Den Haag: night club.
• Paard van Troje
• Holland Casino Scheveningen
• Danzig: night club.
• Muziekcafé de Paap