Tour of Royal The Hague

The Hague is a city that often makes headlines in international relations — it’s where high-level legal disputes are settled. It’s also the “second capital” of the Netherlands, housing the country’s seat of power, including the King’s official residence. Beyond politics, The Hague is a stunningly beautiful historic city. Let’s take a closer look!

What You’ll See:
— The historic heart of The Hague;
— Binnenhof, a medieval palace complex that serves as the center of Dutch government, and the Ridderzaal (Knights’ Hall), where formal assemblies are held;
— The Peace Palace, home to the International Court of Justice;
— The Old City Hall, once the seat of local government;
— St. James’ Church, the city’s oldest building;
— Plein Square, featuring the monument to William of Orange;
— The seaside district of Scheveningen and its iconic pier (optional);
— Noordeinde Palace, the King’s working residence;
— The Diplomatic Quarter;
— The Hague’s renowned museums;
— Mauritshuis, an art museum showcasing masterpieces—
and other The Hague interesting places.

What You’ll Discover:
— Why locals in Amsterdam won’t understand if you ask for directions to The Hague (and what to say instead!);
— The fascinating history of the city;
— How the Dutch royal dynasty was born;
— Key and unique facts about the country’s formation;
— Where the Hague International Court is located and its history;
— Which museum houses the famous “Girl with a Pearl Earring”;
— Why The Peace Palace was built in The Hague—its architects, history, and symbolic meaning;
— When the King uses his official residence and where he actually lives;
— Who works in the mysterious “Little Tower”;
— How the Netherlands became a nation and which hero its national anthem honors—
plus many more intriguing stories about the country and its royal capital.

What You’ll Do:
— Follow my exclusive walking tour, carefully designed to cover The Hague’s highlights in just one day;
— Soak up the atmosphere of this regal city;
— Pick up traditional Dutch souvenirs;
— Sample local delicacies like maatjes herring, artisan cheeses, and more;
— Capture stunning photos at every turn.

The City of Power

The Hague is widely regarded as the political capital of the Netherlands. The Hague attractions we will begin exploring with the historic Binnenhof palace complex, founded in the 13th century. Today, it’s not just a historic symbol but also the beating heart of Dutch politics—home to the Senate, the Prime Minister’s office, and the very essence of the kingdom’s governance. Here, you’ll truly feel you’ve stepped into a real-life royal realm, not a fairytale.

The Ridderzaal (Knights’ Hall), where the Dutch King delivers ceremonial speeches, is equally authentic. While modern comforts have been added inside, the exterior retains its original Gothic grandeur. Nearby, Noordeinde Palace—the King’s working headquarters—showcases the elegance of 16th-century Dutch classicism, a striking contrast to the Binnenhof’s medieval roots.

The Hague proudly stands as the world’s diplomatic and legal capital. We’ll visit the iconic Peace Palace, its towering neo-Gothic spire housing the UN’s International Court of Justice and other high-profile legal institutions.

Other “prestigious” The Hague landmarks include: the Old City Hall, now a venue for civil weddings; the historic St. James’ Church, where newborn members of the royal family are baptized.

A Place of Beauty

To delve into the world of Dutch painting, we will head to the nearby Mauritshuis – a palace that houses masterpieces of art. Of particular value are the works of famous painters of the Golden Age – Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, Frans Hals, and others.

We’ll descend to the underground levels of the old bank building, where the historic vault is located.

In both its old and modern guise, The Hague will unfold before us on the Plein square, with a monument to the “Father of the Nation,” William of Orange. This spot is surrounded by 17th–19th century mansions in traditional style, with the skyscrapers of the modern city rising behind them – a true meeting place of old and new The Hague.

Continuing our what to see in The Hague theme, it’s impossible not to mention its stunning seaside panorama. The best view opens from the pier on the Scheveningen promenade along the North Sea, a long-time favorite holiday destination for many distinguished Europeans.

The city is also home to many beautiful, well-kept parks – Westbroekpark with its medieval sculptures, Clingendael with its Dutch and Japanese gardens, and the Haagse Bos (The Hague Forest) showcasing the area’s natural charm.

All this and more awaits you on our The Hague in One Day tour. And the tasty stops? A farm cheese tasting and authentic, untouched Matjes herring – plus a master class on how to eat it the proper way. Yes, by the tail… just as the Dutch have done for centuries.

This tour is also available as a cycling option, allowing us to ride along the North Sea coast, visit the Sculpture Museum, and explore the royal city’s residential districts.

❗ All tours are private, so it will be just you and your companions — no groups.

I’ll tailor the experience to your interests and focus on the topics that matter most to you.

I recommend combining it with tours of:

• Delft
• Gouda
• Rotterdam
• Leiden
• or visiting the Mauritshuis Museum with a guide