The Hague: The Administrative Capital of the Netherlands

Den Haag, the Netherlands’ third-largest city, is all about exquisite residences, world-renowned museums, and regal dwellings, and it’s easy to explore them by a bike or a tram. The Hague is the administrative capital of the Netherlands, whereas Amsterdam is the official capital. Be aware of the cycling tracks because they are plugged by riders who stop for no one. Visit the Binnenhof, the 16th-century Noordeinde Palace, the Peace Palace, and the International Criminal Court in the Hague, a Gothic-style city positioned on the north ocean bank of the Netherlands.

The famous inner court and hall of the knights, Binnenhof, is located in the city centre, near to Hofvijver. The States-General, Ministry of General Affairs, and Prime Minister office building are all located within the 13th-century Binnenhof. The nattily designed Gothic Ridderzaal as a ballroom is in the heart of the Binnenhof. Other nearby buildings create a rectangle in front and behind the complex, forming a vast courtyard. These gardens are graced with a gleaming Neo-Gothic fountain and a statue of King William II. 

The 16th-century Stadtholder’s Gate is guarded, by a Dutch equestrian statue, and the western corner of the Binnenhof, which looks out over the Hofvijver, is on the other side of the Stadtholder’s Gate. The Prime Minister’s office is at Torentje, the Little Tower in the north. The Binnenhof is one of the world’s oldest Parliament buildings that are still in operation. The King delivers his yearly speech from the throne on the third Tuesday in September. This Gothic castle served as a count’s house before becoming a political centre in 1584. 

The Hague is also the country’s third-largest city, with Madurodam hosting a fascinating display including tiny miniatures of prominent Dutch monuments. During a trip to Madurodam, I got to see historic Dutch cities, their most famous landmarks, and well-kept gardens. Glitzy casinos, Dans Theater, Mauritshuis museum, and trendy restaurants overflowing with visionary European cuisine anchor the city’s social life. The Grote Markt and Paard in Den Haag are must-see halts for all visitors.

The Old City Hall, Grote Kerk, Panorama Mesdag, Skyview De Pier, Lange Voorhout, Kijkduin Boulevard, Noordeinde Palace, and Chinatown are some of the other architectural wonders worth visiting. In Den Haag, I visited Madurodam, Escher in the Palace, Louwman Museum, Prison Gate Museum, and Muzee Scheveningen, among other speciality museums. In Escher in the Palace Museum, I admired the works of MC Escher, a Dutch artist.

I had the opportunity to admire vintage bikes, automobiles, and carriages at the Louwman Museum. Gevangenpoort or Jail Gate Museum is a former medieval prison that now serves as a museum. It is near an 18th-century art gallery. I also looked through the chronicles of the town’s oldest fishing community and aquatic life beneath sea level at Muzee Scheveningen, a restored 18th-century school. Check online for food festivals in Den Haag to sample the finest of traditional Dutch cuisine.

Aside from that, the city boasts several notable restaurants where you may enjoy excellent food and wine experiences. From the Penthouse restaurant, catch a glimpse of the most livery cityscapes. Stop at HanTing for the best Chinese cuisine in town and HofTrammm and Callas for the most consistent Dutch flavours. Visit Mazie and Publique for the most fabulous French cuisine and Mochi for the best Japanese foods. In The Hague’s main centre, shopaholics may shop to their hearts’ delight.

The Hague offers everything, from beautiful indoor malls to well-known department shops to high-end brand boutiques on Hofkwartier, Noordeinde, and Denneweg. Trendy fashion boutiques and concept stores are within walking distance of Bijenkorf. Stroll around the Haagse Markt’s booths to find stylish apparel. The stores are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With two bars and 12 food stations, the renovated Foodhallen in the Haagse Bluf retail district provides a reliable Hague experience.

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