The Hague: The City That Shaped Me
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The Hague has always been a special place for me. It’s the city where I was born and raised, where I learned to walk toward the beach rather than away from it, and where the sea breeze became part of who I am.
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Even now, living further inland, I miss the sound of the North Sea more often than I ever expected I would. There is something about this city that has always felt like home, elegant and subtle, worldly yet effortlessly relaxed.
I carry so many memories from my childhood here. Long summer days at the beach with my parents, and later with friends. My very first weekend job was on the beach. The Hague was the city where I went out for the first time, where I danced through the night with friends, and it is also the city I hope to return to one day.
Whether you are visiting for just a weekend or planning a longer stay, this is my insider’s guide to experiencing The Hague like a local, with a stylish twist, the way I have always loved it.
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Where to Stay
Boutique Beauty From Affordable to Luxe
Unlike cities that feel the same everywhere, The Hague has a hospitality scene with its own understated charm. Here are some of my favorites:
Hotel Des Indes
This is the classic choice, and for good reason. A landmark hotel with old-world charm, beautiful interiors, and a sense of timeless elegance. If you love a bit of history, refined details, and exceptional service, this is where you want to stay. It feels like being welcomed into a gracious, stylish home — perfect for a memorable weekend or a special occasion.
Hotel Indigo The Hague – Palace Noordeinde
A wonderfully vibrant and design-forward hotel tucked near the Palace Noordeinde. The interiors are a thoughtful mix of modern comfort and local character. It’s ideal if you want to be right in the heart of the city, with boutique shopping, restaurants, and galleries just steps away. Stylish and energetic without ever feeling loud.
The Collector Hotel
A beautifully curated hotel with a fresh, contemporary feel and lots of personality. The Collector places art, design, and comfort at the forefront. The aesthetic is calm and refined, with attention to detail that makes every corner feel like a quiet discovery. It’s a wonderful base if you love minimal luxury with a warm atmosphere.
La Paulowna Boutique Hotel
If understated elegance is your thing, La Paulowna feels like a well-kept secret in the city. This boutique hotel has a cozy, intimate feel with tasteful interiors and attentive service. It’s the kind of place that feels like a stylish friend’s guest room — calm, beautiful, and effortless.
Stadsvilla Hotel Mozaic Den Haag
A small, charming hotel with a personality all its own. Think boutique character with artful touches and comfortable rooms that feel both personal and well-designed. It’s a great option if you want something slightly quieter, with the feeling that your stay is curated rather than corporate.
For a mix of comfort and value,
voco the Hague by IHG
and
Moxy The Hague
bring a lively, design-forward vibe without feeling too corporate. And if you want to feel completely immersed in city life,
Residenz Stadslogement
offers a luxurious, intimate experience right in the heart of town.
The Hague feels compact yet full of personality, and picking where to stay often sets the tone for your whole visit.
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Where to Eat & Drink
Refined, Relaxed, Delicious
The Hague has a restaurant scene that mirrors the city itself. International and elegant, yet relaxed and unpretentious. Influenced by its proximity to the sea, its diplomatic character, and its quiet confidence. It’s a city where you can enjoy refined dining one night and a laid-back neighborhood favorite the next, without either feeling out of place.
For evenings that feel special,Restaurant Bøgis a favorite. Scandinavian-inspired, thoughtful, and beautifully executed, it’s the kind of place where simplicity and precision come together effortlessly.Restaurant 6&24is perfect for a celebratory night out, intimate and refined, whileCalla’sremains one of the city’s true fine-dining gems, offering an elegant experience with a carefully curated menu.Restaurant Elea, located on Noordeinde, feels timeless and classic, ideal for a long, unhurried dinner.
For more casual moments, The Hague truly shines.MEDI Restaurantoffers fresh, balanced flavors in a relaxed setting, whileRestaurant Moosecombines comfort and quality in a way that always feels welcoming.UMAMI by Han Den Haagbrings an inventive Asian fusion twist to the city, lively yet stylish.Palmetteis one of those places you can return to again and again, perfect for both lunch and dinner.EL MAMMA BBQis fun, bold, and loved by locals, whileKyatcha Den Haagis ideal for social dining with a modern Japanese edge. And for lovers of Indian cuisine,Atithiis a long-standing favorite for good reason.
If you wander through the city center or toward the beach, you’ll naturally find cafés and terraces inviting you to pause. Coffee in The Hague is never rushed. It’s a moment to sit, watch the city move, and simply be.
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Shop Till You Drop
Boutiques, Vintage, and Hidden Gems
Shopping in The Hague is understated and stylish, much like the city itself. No loud trends, no rush. Just beautiful streets, thoughtful boutiques, and wonderful vintage shops that feel like small discoveries.
TheHofkwartier,Denneweg, andNoordeindeare a joy to explore. Elegant streets lined with independent boutiques, Dutch designers, interior shops, and cafés that invite you to linger. This part of the city has always felt very personal to me.
For vintage lovers, The Hague has an excellent scene.Vintage Islandis a must-visit, beautifully curated and always inspiring.Kilo Kilo Vintageadds a playful element with its by-weight concept.Ilka Vintage & Secondhandoffers strong, characterful pieces, whileZUSJES Vintage Boetiekis known for its lovely styling and warm atmosphere.Your Vintage Cousinmay be small, but it’s perfect for unique, sustainable finds.ReShare Store,Royal Vintage,Spooky & Sue, andSecond Best Selected Treasuresare wonderful spots for those who enjoy searching for hidden gems.
And a very personal tip: if you’re in need of a little self-care while in the city, my hairdresserAveda on the Dennewegis one of my favorite places. A calm moment, beautiful products, and the perfect excuse to slow down even more.
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Culture, Coast, and Creative Energy
The Hague has a remarkable cultural offering, blending classical art with modern creativity. Of course, theMauritshuisis a must, intimate and world-class, while theEscher Museumalways feels magical and surprising. But the city also embraces modern and contemporary art beautifully.
VisitKunstmuseum Den Haagfor modern classics and fashion exhibitions, orFotomuseum Den Haagfor photography and visual storytelling.West Den Haagis another inspiring space for contemporary art and exhibitions, andNestoffers experimental and thought-provoking programming. Together, these spaces make The Hague feel culturally rich and quietly progressive.
One of the city’s greatest gifts is how seamlessly culture and nature blend. In under thirty minutes, you can move from museum halls to the open horizon of the sea.
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The Beach, the Dunes, and Fresh Air
Scheveningen and Kijkduin are where The Hague truly opens up. Wide beaches, changing skies, and the endless rhythm of the North Sea. This is where my heart still feels most at home.
Some favorite beach clubs includeBarbara Beach,The Shore,Strandpaviljoen Zeezicht,Hart Beach, andBoca Grandi. Each has its own atmosphere, but all invite long lunches, sunset drinks, and slow conversations with sand between your toes.
For something quieter and deeply grounding, a walk through thedunes of MeijendelorWestduinparkis something I can’t recommend enough. Wind in your hair, wide paths, sea air, and silence. It’s one of the best ways to truly feel the soul of this place.
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A Perfect Weekend Rhythm
Friday evening Arrive, drop your bags, and head out for a terrace drink near Grote Markt or along one of the canals. Dinner at UMAMI by Han, followed by a slow walk through the softly lit city center, is a beautiful way to begin.
Saturday Start with coffee at a favorite café, then explore vintage shops and boutiques in the Hofkwartier and along Denneweg. Lunch at Palmette, followed by an afternoon at the Mauritshuis or Kunstmuseum. End the day with sunset at Scheveningen and an easy seafood dinner by the sea.
Sunday A relaxed brunch at Restaurant Moose, a gentle walk through the dunes or along the boulevard, and one last coffee before heading home.
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How to Spend a Weekend
Amsterdam, The AndBloom Way
Walking through The Hague feels effortless. The city moves at a pace that allows you to breathe, notice, and truly inhabit each moment. It’s refined without being pretentious, modern without trying too hard. And for me, it will always feel like home.
If you let it, The Hague invites you to slow down, enjoy, and return again and again.
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