Travel to The Hague to explore one of Holland's most lively cosmopolitan cities and discover a unique centre of international culture. Simply take a Stena Line ferry via Hook of Holland, and travel to The Hague to bask in the city's great attractions. Founded in 1230, The Hague is one of the few cities in the world to be the home of the national government, but not the country’s capital city. The Hague is also the home of Queen Beatrix, who lives and works in the city – spending her days at the Paleis Noordeinde and evenings at Paleis Huis ten Bosch.

More than 150 global organisations are based in The Hague, that visitors to the city will be keen to explore including the International Court of Justice and the United Nations, which has designated the city its second home after New York. The large number of foreign diplomats makes The Hague one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Holland. The Hague is the home of Holland’s government and a large number of significant international organisations, including the judicial home of the United Nations. It’s more than just politics though – it’s also brimming with culture and history – a must-see for anyone interested in Old World charm.

Travellers in The Hague will also enjoy the city's greener areas, such as the walled palace garden behind Noordeinde Palace. And why not explore The Hague by bicycle or boat for a unique way to appreciate this green city?

Explore The Hague's many art collections
If you love Dutch Art, make sure you explore the range of museums and galleries at your disposal in The Hague. Visit The Hague Municipal Museum for paintings by Mondrian, Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet, and explore the Mauritshuis, one of The Hague's most beautiful classical buildings, whose impressive collection includes Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'.

If you're interested in Dutch Golden Age painting, then The Hague is sure to offer art collections that will please you. The Mauritshuis in particular houses an important collection of Rembrandts' work, including his most famous painting 'Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp', as well as 'Simeon's 'Song of Praise' and 'Homer', both restored for 2006's Rembrandt 400 celebrations.

Culture and nightlife
The Hague also offers a range of venues where you can hear traditional Dutch music; and if you want to explore The Hague's nightlife, visit the Plein (the Square) and Prinsegracht for the best places to dance.

You’ll also find plenty of nightlife in Buitenhof, another popular square, which features Pathe Buitenof cinema for film fans. If lighter escapism is what you’re after, you could try a film at The Omniversum, Europe’s first 360° IMAX cinema, a game of football at ADO Den Haag (the city’s local team who play in the Eredivisie, Holland’s version of the Premier League) or shopping in De Passage, Holland’s first covered shopping mall built in the 19th century with plenty of specialty and fashion stores to admire and treat yourself to. You'll also find a variety of restaurants and wine bars to enjoy. Explore The Hague's Indonesian restaurants, for which the city is well known, as well as outdoor cafes, like the Brasserie Dudok and Cade Restaurant Greve.

Fun in the sun
Being the largest Dutch city on the North Sea, The Hague has two beach resorts. Scheveningen has more than 10 million visitors each year, making it the most popular beach town in Benelux, and is ideal for windsurfing and kite boarding. Kijkduin is a smaller beach that’s less well-known among tourists and ideal for people looking to escape the crowds.

Did you know?
An alternative video for Coldplay’s 2008 smash hit single Viva La Vida was shot in The Hague by Holland’s famous photographer and director, Anton Corbijn.

To enjoy The Hague, simply choose to explore the city by travelling with Stena Line today, and embark on an enjoyable holiday to Holland. Book now with Stena Line

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