The Hague
City guide · South Holland · Netherlands
The Hague (Dutch: Den Haag or 's-Gravenhage) is the capital city of the South Holland province and the seat of the Dutch parliament and government, as…
About The Hague
The Hague (Dutch: Den Haag or 's-Gravenhage) is the capital city of the South Holland province and the seat of the Dutch parliament and government, as well as the residence of King Willem-Alexander. It is not the official capital, which is Amsterdam. With a population of over half a million, it is the third-largest city in the Netherlands. Situated on the west coast facing the North Sea, The Hague is home to Scheveningen, the most popular seaside resort in the Netherlands, and is known internationally as the 'judicial capital of the world' due to the many international courts located there, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. The city offers a distinct international character, with more than 150 international organizations, and features landmarks such as the Binnenhof, the Peace Palace, and the Kurhaus.
Who this destination fits
Strong fit
- Seat of the Dutch government and de facto capital, offering unique political and diplomatic atmosphere
- Home to the Peace Palace and Binnenhof, significant historical and architectural landmarks
- Coastal location with the Scheveningen resort district and Kurhaus
- Third-largest city in the Netherlands with a population over half a million
- Part of the Rotterdam–The Hague metropolitan area, the largest metropolitan area in the Netherlands
Tradeoffs
- Not the official capital of the Netherlands, which may confuse some visitors expecting the capital city
- Amsterdam remains the official capital, so some travelers may prioritize it over The Hague
- Limited current information available about ongoing operations, prices, or schedules in the provided evidence