Major city · Netherlands
The HagueDen Haag
Give The Hague 2 nights: Mauritshuis and the Binnenhof on day one, Scheveningen beach or Madurodam on day two. Skip it only if you have 3 days total.
The Hague is the Dutch seat of government and the judicial capital, with the Mauritshuis, the Binnenhof and 11 km of North Sea coast at Scheveningen inside the same tram network. It is calmer and more spread out than Amsterdam, and pairs naturally with Delft or Rotterdam on the same rail line.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wind, rain, short days)
- Airports
- RTM · AMS
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Benelux ↗Dutch and Belgian police can ask anyone to show identification (in the Netherlands from age 14): carry the original passport or EU ID card — a photocopy is not accepted.
- Benelux ↗Tap-in fares, Dutch and Belgian domestic tickets and Luxembourg's free transport all stop at the border: buy an international ticket for cross-border legs, or you will be fined on board.
- Netherlands ↗The Netherlands is in the EU and the Schengen area; the EU Entry/Exit System applies to non-EU visitors. Check the official EU and Dutch sources for your passport.
- Netherlands ↗Red or marked bike lanes are for bikes: do not walk or stand in them, and look for cyclists before crossing.
- Netherlands ↗Amsterdam has local rules on public drinking, cannabis use in some areas and short-term rentals; check the city's current rules and book licensed accommodation.
- Netherlands ↗The Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Keukenhof sell timed tickets online only or mostly; book before you arrive rather than queueing.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for The Hague112 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance (EU-wide)112
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about The Hague, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Netherlands-wide
- SIM or eSIMKPN, Vodafone and Odido run the networks; Lebara and Lyca sell cheap prepaid SIMs in supermarkets and at Schiphol.Netherlands-wide
- Tap waterTap water is among the best in Europe; restaurants may charge for it, so ask.Netherlands-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% for good service; tell the server the total when paying by card.Netherlands-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Netherlands-wide
- SafetyOne of the safer Dutch cities; the real risks are pickpockets around Centraal and Grote Marktstraat, bikes on tram tracks…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsStations charge about €0.70–1 (≈ US$1–2); cafés expect you to buy something; free urinals (and a few public toilets) in city centres.Netherlands-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, fire, ambulance (eu-wide) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums open daily; shops open on Sunday afternoon in cities but close early in villages.Netherlands-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportRTM Rotterdam The Hague Airport (Closest airport; metro line E to Meijersplein, then bus 33 to the terminal.).
- Getting aroundHTM runs trams, buses and RandstadRail light rail across the city; service is roughly 06:00–00:00 (from 07:00 Sat, 08:00 Sun).HTM runs trams, buses and RandstadRail light rail across the city; service is roughly 6:00 AM–12:00 AM (from 7:00 AM Sat, 8:00 AM Sun).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€2.50–4 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealLunch, sandwich or soup€8–15 (≈ US$10–18)
- Beerdraught in a café / supermarket can€4–6 (≈ US$5–7)€1–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€8–20 (≈ US$10–25)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Mauritshuis, Madurodam)€15–25 (≈ US$18–30)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, 3-star hotel, a night, per room€140 (≈ US$170)
- High-end bedDouble room, 3-star hotel, a night, per room€260 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €100 (≈ US$120) · High €180 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- RTM Rotterdam The Hague Airport (Closest airport; metro line E to Meijersplein, then bus 33 to the terminal.) · AMS Amsterdam Schiphol (Direct trains to Den Haag Centraal in about 30 min and to Hollands Spoor; hourly night train to Hollands Spoor.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)), coolest Feb (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Nov (19 rain days), driest Apr (13). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
The Hague: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
15 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
13 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
13 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
14 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
15 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
16 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
17 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
19 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
19 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
HTM runs trams, buses and RandstadRail light rail across the city; service is roughly 06:00–00:00 (from 07:00 Sat, 08:00 Sun). Tram 9 links Centraal, Madurodam and Scheveningen. The centre is compact and walkable — Centraal to the Binnenhof is about a 10-min walk. Buy a 2-hour ticket from the driver or a day card from HTM service points; check in and out with a bank card or OV-chipkaart.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Delft
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Intercity from Den Haag Centraal or Hollands Spoor, about 15 min
Compact old town, Vermeer Centrum and Delft Blue pottery; easy half day.
Rotterdam
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Intercity from Centraal or Hollands Spoor, about 25 min; metro line E also runs between the cities
Architecture, Markthal and harbour; a full day if you add a harbour tour.
Scheveningen
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Tram 9 from Den Haag Centraal, about 20–25 min
Beach, pier and promenade; go early on hot days to beat the crowds.
Zoetermeer
cautionDoor to door: About 35 min
RandstadRail from Centraal, about 20–25 min
Suburban and modern; mainly useful for SnowWorld or a specific event.
Schiedam
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min
Intercity to Schiedam Centrum, about 30 min, then walk
Historic jenever distilleries and the tallest windmills in the world; pair with Rotterdam.
Vlaardingen
skipDoor to door: About 50 min
Intercity to Vlaardingen Centrum, about 35 min
Little for a short trip; only if you are following the old fishing harbour.
Maassluis
skipDoor to door: About 1 h
Intercity to Maassluis Centrum, about 45 min
Small historic harbour town; a long way for what is there.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
City centre (Binnenhof, Spui, Grote Markt)
Walk to the Mauritshuis, Binnenhof and shopping streets; tram 9 to Scheveningen from nearby. Best for a first visit.
Around Den Haag Centraal
Trains, trams and buses under one roof; 5–10 min walk to the centre. Best for one night with bags or a rail-based trip.
Statenkwartier / World Forum
Quiet, near the Peace Palace and museums; tram 1 or 16 to the centre and Scheveningen.
Scheveningen
Beach, pier and promenade on the doorstep; 20–25 min by tram 9 from Centraal. Best in summer, quieter and windier off-season.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–85 (≈ US$65–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €160 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, 3-star hotel1 × 2 nights × €140 | €280 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €100 | €400 |
| Schiphol → Den Haag Centraal, one way2 × €12 | €24 |
| HTM day card, one day2 × €7 | €14 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €74 |
| Trip total≈ €203 per person per day, bed included | €812≈ US$950 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €2.50–4 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Lunch, sandwich or soup | €8–15 (≈ US$10–18) |
| Indonesian rice table (rijsttafel), per person | €25–40 (≈ US$30–50) |
| Beer: draught in a café / supermarket can | €4–6 (≈ US$5–7) / €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| HTM 2-hour ticket / day card | €4.00 (≈ US$5) / €7.10 (≈ US$9) |
| Museum entry (Mauritshuis, Madurodam) | €15–25 (≈ US$18–30) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €8–20 (≈ US$10–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Riding without a valid ticket costs €50 (≈ US$60) plus the fare; inspectors board at random in plain clothes.
- Hot summer days send heavy traffic to Scheveningen — jams of up to 50 km (31 mi) have been reported; take tram 9 instead of driving.Hot summer days send heavy traffic to Scheveningen — jams of up to 31 mi (50 km) have been reported; take tram 9 instead of driving.
- Hollands Spoor station sits in a less pleasant area at night; use Centraal unless you need the Antwerp/Brussels trains.
- Coastal weather changes fast: wind and rain arrive with little warning even in summer.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance (EU-wide)
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
The HagueDen Haag
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Naar dit adres, alstublieftTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance112
Embassy
The US Embassy is in The Hague; most other countries keep embassies here or in Amsterdam.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Schiphol → Den Haag Centraal, train: about €12 (≈ US$14), about 30 min
- Tram 9 Centraal → Scheveningen: 2-hour ticket €4.00 (≈ US$5), about 20–25 min
- Taxi Centraal → city centre: €10–15 (≈ US$12–18)
Say or show
- Hallo — Hello (HAH-loh)
- Dank je wel — Thank you (dahnk yuh vel)
- Pardon — Excuse me / Sorry (par-DON)
- Spreekt u Engels? — Do you speak English? (spraykt ew ENG-uls)
- Hoeveel kost het? — How much is it? (hoo-VAYL kost ut)
- Kan ik met kaart betalen? — Can I pay by card? (kan ik met kart buh-TAH-lun)
Tipping is optional: round up or add 5–10% for good service.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for The Hague. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (wind, rain, short days) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for RTM and AMS: last trains field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Binnenhof and Hofvijver, Mauritshuis and Lange Voorhout, Centraal and Spui, Scheveningen boulevard.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Mauritshuis, Binnenhof, Peace Palace, Madurodam) and eat pages with last orders.
- Coastal weather and crowd fixtures so gates A–D can go green.