You’d be surprised how many people get off the train in Amsterdam and immediately start looking for the International Court of Justice. They assume the "legal capital of the world" is just a neighborhood or a quick tram ride from the Dam Square. It isn't. So, where is The Hague exactly? To find it, you have to head about 60 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam, tucked right against the North Sea in the province of South Holland.
It’s a weird place. Honestly.
Most countries have a capital city where the government sits, the King lives, and the laws are made. The Netherlands decided to be different. While Amsterdam is technically the capital by constitutional decree, it’s not where the work gets done. The Hague—or Den Haag if you want to sound like a local—is the actual seat of government. It’s where King Willem-Alexander has his "work palace," where the Prime Minister cycles to his office at the Binnenhof, and where nearly every foreign embassy is located. It’s the capital that isn't the capital.
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Mapping the Location: The Hague’s Spot on the North Sea
Geographically, the city sits on the western coast of the Netherlands. If you look at a map of Europe, it's roughly across the water from East Anglia in the UK. It’s the heart of the Randstad, which is that massive, densly populated crescent of Dutch cities including Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Amsterdam.
But here is the thing: The Hague is the only major Dutch city that actually touches the sea.
You’ve got the city center, which feels very old-world European with its brick buildings and narrow streets, and then just fifteen minutes away by tram, you’re at Scheveningen. That's the famous seaside resort. It’s a bizarre contrast. One minute you are looking at the Vredespaleis (Peace Palace) and thinking about global justice, and the next you are eating fried herring on a pier while seagulls try to mug you. It’s windy. It’s salty. It feels much more rugged than the polished canals of Amsterdam.
Getting There is Actually Pretty Easy
The Dutch rail system, NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen), is basically a high-frequency conveyor belt. If you’re at Schiphol Airport, you don’t even need to go into Amsterdam. You just hop on a train headed south. In about 30 minutes, you’ll roll into Den Haag Centraal.
There are two main stations. This confuses people. Den Haag Centraal is the terminus—the end of the line. Den Haag HS (Hollands Spoor) is the older, more beautiful station on the through-line between Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Make sure you check which one your hotel is near because walking between them with luggage isn't exactly a fun time.
Why Does Everyone Care Where The Hague Is?
The "International City of Peace and Justice" label isn't just marketing fluff. It’s the reason why, when you turn on the news and hear about war crimes or international disputes, this specific Dutch city is mentioned.
The city hosts the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). These are two different things, though people mix them up constantly. The ICJ is the UN’s main judicial organ and lives in the stunning Peace Palace. The ICC is an independent body that tries individuals for things like genocide.
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Because of this, the city has a massive expat population. You’ll hear English, French, Spanish, and Arabic just walking down the Lange Voorhout. It’s sophisticated but, frankly, a bit quieter than its neighbors. It doesn’t have the "party till 4 AM" vibe of Amsterdam or the "raw industrial energy" of Rotterdam. It feels like a city that has its life together.
The Binnenhof: The Political Heart
You can't talk about where The Hague is without mentioning the Binnenhof. It’s a complex of buildings in the city center that has been the center of Dutch politics since the 13th century. It’s literally the oldest House of Parliament in the world still in use.
Right now, it’s undergoing a massive renovation—the Dutch don't do things halfway—so there are cranes everywhere. But usually, you can just walk right through the central courtyard. There are no massive gates or armed guards blocking the public. It’s a very Dutch "keep it humble" approach to power. You might even see the Prime Minister locking his bike outside.
The Best Neighborhoods to Actually Visit
If you’re coming here, don’t just stay in the center.
- Zeeheldenkwartier: This is the "Sea Heroes Quarter." It’s super charming. Think independent coffee shops, design boutiques, and a lot of locals living their best lives. It’s tucked between the center and the beach.
- Scheveningen: I mentioned it earlier, but it deserves a second look. It’s the beach district. In the summer, it’s packed. In the winter, it’s a moody, bracing place for a "uitwaaien"—the Dutch word for walking in the wind to clear your head.
- Statenkwartier: This is where you find the Art Nouveau architecture. It’s also where the Museon and the Kunstmuseum are located. If you want to see Mondrian’s Victory Boogie Woogie, this is where you go.
Misconceptions About the City
People think it’s boring. That’s the big one.
Because it’s a city of diplomats and lawyers, it has a reputation for being "stiff." That’s a mistake. The Hague has a massive underground music scene and some of the best Indonesian food in the world. Why Indonesian? Because of the colonial history. The Hague was where many people settled when they returned from the former Dutch East Indies. You haven't lived until you’ve had a full Rijsttafel (rice table) at a place like Kantjil & de Tijger or one of the smaller "tokos" scattered around the city.
Another myth: It’s just like Amsterdam.
Nope. Not even close. Amsterdam is built on concentric circles. The Hague is a sprawling mix of grand avenues and cozy squares. It feels more spacious. The light is different here because of the proximity to the ocean. It’s brighter, more silver.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you are planning to find out where is The Hague for yourself, here is how you should actually do it.
Don't bother with a car. Parking in the center is a nightmare and costs a fortune. Use the trains. If you’re coming from London, the Eurostar to Rotterdam and then a 20-minute local train is the fastest way. From Paris, the Thalys (now part of Eurostar) gets you to Rotterdam in about two and a half hours.
Download the 9292 app. It’s the bible for Dutch public transport. It tells you exactly which tram to take from the station to the Peace Palace.
Book the Peace Palace in advance. You can’t just wander in. It’s a working court. They have specific guided tours on weekends, and they sell out weeks ahead of time. If you can't get in, the visitor center out front is still free and actually quite good.
Visit the Mauritshuis. It’s right next to the Binnenhof. It’s a small museum, but it holds Girl with a Pearl Earring. It’s way more intimate than the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and much easier to navigate. You can see the whole thing in two hours and still have time for a beer at Plein, the square right next door.
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The Hague is a city that requires you to slow down. It isn't a checklist of "big" sights. It’s a city of atmosphere. It’s the smell of the sea, the sound of tram bells, and the sight of grand 18th-century mansions sitting next to ultra-modern skyscrapers. It is the sophisticated, slightly salty soul of the Netherlands.