The Hague

The Hague is one of Europe’s most fascinating cities, quietly doing some of the most important work in the world. While Amsterdam gets the title of official capital, the Dutch royal family and government are all based here, making The Hague the true beating heart of the Netherlands. Walking through the city centre, you will find the Binnenhof, an ancient castle-like complex where politicians have debated and decided for centuries. Nearby, the grand Peace Palace looks like something from a fairy tale, yet inside it, judges work to help nations settle their differences without conflict.

The city has a calm, elegant atmosphere, but there is plenty of fun to discover too. Art lovers can come face to face with Vermeer’s breathtaking Girl with a Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis museum. At Madurodam, you can spend an afternoon as a giant, peering down at tiny windmills, airports, and canals. And if all that exploring makes you need a break, a quick tram ride will drop you right onto the sandy shores of Scheveningen Beach.