Hello teverybody. Today will be the turn of a very substantial city to visit and it is Den Haag (The Hague). How many of you have heard of it, well, it is now the right time to learn something about it. Let’s start!

Den Haag (also called ‘s-Gravenhage) is the third largest city of the Netherlands, located in the province of South Holland next to the North Sea. The city is home to major and several international organizations (including NATO). Den Haag has a very active economy and its port is located in the Scheveningen. Two facts about the city: the first is that the stork is the symbol of the city; the second (Coldplay fans take a step forward, because surely you already know) is that the British band, Coldplay, shot here their video “Viva la Vida”. But also lots of films were shot in the city (such as Hum Tum, Zwartboek, Ocean’s Twelve).

To know more (where to eat, what to eat, where to have fun, acculturate …) continue to read.

There are so many things to say, so let’s start with the culture.

PLACES TO VISIT (MUSEUMS/THEATERS..)

Binnenhof : is a large building, location of meetings of the General States .

: is a large building, location of meetings of the General States . Paleis Noordeinde (het Oude Hof) : the palace where the Dutch monarch works (King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands).

: the palace where the Dutch monarch works (King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands). V redespaleis (Peace Palace) : a large building in neo-Renaissance style place of the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Den Haag Academy of International Law and the library of the Peace Palace.

: a large building in neo-Renaissance style place of the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Den Haag Academy of International Law and the library of the Peace Palace. Huis ten Bosch (we already know what the word “bosch”means, right? We discovered it visiting the city of Den Bosch) is the royal palace in Den Haag, one of the three residences of the Royal Family. Think that in Sasebo in Japan this palace has been recreated in a theme park.

(we already know what the word “bosch”means, right? We discovered it visiting the city of Den Bosch) is the royal palace in Den Haag, one of the three residences of the Royal Family. Think that in Sasebo in Japan this palace has been recreated in a theme park. Het Strijkijzer (or Haagse Toren) : residential tower of 132 meters high. The palace houses a rooftop restaurant with beautiful windows, so you can enjoy a breathtaking view.

: residential tower of 132 meters high. The palace houses a rooftop restaurant with beautiful windows, so you can enjoy a breathtaking view. The Nieuwe Kerk : church located in front of the town hall, precisely in the Spui street.

: church located in front of the town hall, precisely in the Spui street. Kloosterkerk : a famous church where take place some classical concerts and it is often frequented by Queen Beatrix.

: a famous church where take place some classical concerts and it is often frequented by Queen Beatrix. There are several squares such as: Spuiplein , Grote Markt , Plein . These squares are full of historic buildings (the New European Ensemble, the Royal Conservatory, and various dance schools…)

, , . These squares are full of historic buildings (the New European Ensemble, the Royal Conservatory, and various dance schools…) Mauritshuis : an important museum (former residence of Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen) which houses an extensive art collection that includes some paintings of famous Dutch painters (Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Jan Steen, Paulus Potter and Frans Hals). The museum is located in Korte Vijverberg.

: an important museum (former residence of Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen) which houses an extensive art collection that includes some paintings of famous Dutch painters (Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Jan Steen, Paulus Potter and Frans Hals). The museum is located in Korte Vijverberg. Escher Museum : a museum located in the Lange Voorhout Palace that includes some works of the Dutch artist M. C. Escher.

: a museum located in the Lange Voorhout Palace that includes some works of the Dutch artist M. C. Escher. Museon : it is a museum of Science and Culture of Den Haag. It has collections in the domains of geology, biology, archaeology, history, science and ethnology.

: it is a museum of Science and Culture of Den Haag. It has collections in the domains of geology, biology, archaeology, history, science and ethnology. Gemeentemuseum : museum with an important collection of modern art.

: museum with an important collection of modern art. Museum Bredius : it is an art museum located in the Lange Vijverberg. Its collections include silverware, ceramics and paintings.

: it is an art museum located in the Lange Vijverberg. Its collections include silverware, ceramics and paintings. Haags Historisch Museum : historical museum of the city.

: historical museum of the city. Louwman Museum : museum of historical vehicles, situated in Leidsestraatweg.

: museum of historical vehicles, situated in Leidsestraatweg. Panorama Mesdag : panorama is a painting by Hendrik Willem Mesdag stored in the building. The painting represents the largest circular painting in the world. This time the words are useless to try to make you understand how beautiful and charming it is, you just have to see it with your eyes.

: panorama is a painting by Hendrik Willem Mesdag stored in the building. The painting represents the largest circular painting in the world. This time the words are useless to try to make you understand how beautiful and charming it is, you just have to see it with your eyes. Bibliotheek Den Haag: the great library of the city.

We’ll see now some important theaters.

Zuiderstrandtheater, AFAS Circustheater.

ENTERTAINMENT (PUB/DISCO/PARKS…)

Now it’s time to have an evening/night of fun. Ready to know where? Come on!

Paleistuin : a beautiful, romantic park full of fountains and flowers, located behind the Paleis Noordeinde (that we have seen before). A great place to have a picnic or some relaxing hours .

: a beautiful, romantic park full of fountains and flowers, located behind the Paleis Noordeinde (that we have seen before). A great place to have a picnic or some relaxing hours . Clingendael : is a property located in Wassenaar and is considered a protected monument. The property houses the Dutch Institute of International Relations Clingendael (Nederlands Instituut voor Internationale Betrekkingen Clingendael). Within the property you will find the spectacular Japanese Garden , an oasis of peace and beauty.

: is a property located in Wassenaar and is considered a protected monument. The property houses the Dutch Institute of International Relations Clingendael (Nederlands Instituut voor Internationale Betrekkingen Clingendael). Within the property you will find the spectacular , an oasis of peace and beauty. Westbroek Park : is a large park located between Madurodam and Scheveningen. The park has some sculptures as well.

Familiepark Drievliet : amusement park.

: amusement park. Madurodam : it is a park where you will find Holland in miniature. Here’s how to make a complete tour around the Netherlands.

: it is a park where you will find Holland in miniature. Here’s how to make a complete tour around the Netherlands. Operation Exit o Amaze Escape Events : escape room.

: escape room. Haagse Bos : is a district of Haagse Hout and is one of the oldest remaining forests in the country. A perfect destination for those who love being in in the nature.

: is a district of Haagse Hout and is one of the oldest remaining forests in the country. A perfect destination for those who love being in in the nature. Den Haag is divided into eight stadsdelen (districts) and they are: Den Haag Centrum, Escamp, Haagse Hout, Laak, Leidschenveen-Ypenburg, Loosduinen, Scheveningen Segbroek . These are divided into other districts: Hofkwartier , a must for those who enjoy shopping (as is the Hoogstraat district). The district is a perfect mix of old and new. Molenstraat and Oude Molstraat located right in the historic center, streets are lined with shops, bars, restaurants. Lange Voorhout is a characteristic tree-lined street. Zeeheldenkwartier is one of the most beautiful districts of the city.

. These are divided into other districts: , a must for those who enjoy shopping (as is the district). The district is a perfect mix of old and new. and located right in the historic center, streets are lined with shops, bars, restaurants. is a characteristic tree-lined street. is one of the most beautiful districts of the city. Last but not least (especially for those who would go to sea forever and always, no matter what) is the Kurhaus in Scheveningen. The famous beach of den Haag, one of the most important and popular districts of the city (by the way here there is also the port). The Kurhaus is today a hotel that hosts and has hosted several stars of film and music, here there are held various music events. A place that can’t miss in your itinerary! Now it’s time to an evening/night of fun. Ready to know where? Come on!

The nightlife in Den Haag takes place mainly in the two squares we have mentioned before plus another one: Plein, Grote Markt and Buitenhof. These squares are surrounded by clubs and cinemas. Another popular place (already mentioned before) is Scheveningen. All the fun is focused on the boulevard in front of the sea with bars, restaurants and gambling halls.

Here are some of the most famous clubs.

Club Seven : night club.

: night club. Club Discotheek ‘t Maliehuisje : disco.

: disco. Club PIP Den Haag : night club.

: night club. Paard van Troje

Holland Casino Scheveningen

Danzig : night club.

: night club. Muziekcafé de Paap

An important place have the many festivals held in the city. The most important one that took place a few days ago, on April 27, it is the koningsdag (Day of the King). This national holiday is held on King Willem-Alexander birthday and is celebrated with various markets and fairs. The color chosen for the festival is the orange (which is the Dutch national color). The day before this festival, take place outdoor concerts It’s a very heartfelt celebration that attracts many visitors from different countries. Other holidays are: Vlaggetjesdag, in the district of Scheveningen, a festival that celebrates the arrival of the herring on the Dutch coast or Parkpop, the biggest open air pop concert in Europe and many more. TYPICAL FOODS And we continue with the search of the typical dishes of the place. Are you there? Come on! Southern Dutch cuisine offers a variety of different meat dishes such as Biefstuk, Varkenshaas, Ossenhaas always accompanied with sauces or potatoes. But that’s not all, let’s see what other foods are part of the Dutch tradition. Vegetable soup, often served with small meatballs.

often served with small meatballs. Asparagus and witlof are vegetables that are traditionally eaten or with cheese or ham.

are vegetables that are traditionally eaten or with cheese or ham. Vlaai : a kind of pie but more crisp and thin (we have already seen it in Belgium, do you remember?).

: a kind of pie but more crisp and thin (we have already seen it in Belgium, do you remember?). Moorkop : a kind of profiteroles stuffed with cream and dark chocolate on the top.

: a kind of profiteroles stuffed with cream and dark chocolate on the top. The beer is more consumed than wine and it is also used to flavor foods. There you find of all the types. WHERE TO EAT (RESTAURANTS/CAFE’..) If you are ready, we will go in search of the good restaurants of the city. HanTing Restaurant : Chinese, Asian, Contemporary cuisine.

: Chinese, Asian, Contemporary cuisine. Lieverd (located in Scheveningen): European, French, German, Dutch, Mediterranean cuisine and gluten free!

(located in Scheveningen): European, French, German, Dutch, Mediterranean cuisine and gluten free! The Penthouse restaurant : sky bar with French, European, International cuisine.

: sky bar with French, European, International cuisine. Catch by Simonis : Dutch and European cuisine.

: Dutch and European cuisine. Restaurant Mazie : French, European, Mediterranean cuisine.

: French, European, Mediterranean cuisine. Baladi Manouche : Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean cuisine.

: Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean cuisine. La Passione : Mediterranean, vegetarian and vegan, international cuisine and barbecue.

: Mediterranean, vegetarian and vegan, international cuisine and barbecue. Oker : French, Dutch, European, Spanish cuisine.

: French, Dutch, European, Spanish cuisine. Zebedeus : international , contemporary cuisine.

: international , contemporary cuisine. Pastanini : typical Italian cuisine.

: typical Italian cuisine. Café Noir

Beachclub Titus: barbecue with French, Fusion and Healthy cuisine. Our adventure in the big city of Den Haag is over but not our tour in the Netherlands, so stay tuned to find out what will be the next city to explore. Let us know your opinions about this place. If you liked it or not, if you have been or are you going to go? What did you like least and what more? We are curious to read your opinions. A big kiss to everyone. We will suggest below some hotels where you can stay during your trip. http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?city=-2152921&aid=960457 – hotel in the city http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?district=1150&aid=960457 – hotel in the centrum district

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?district=1157&aid=960457 – hotel in the Segbroek district

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?district=1152&aid=960457 – hotel in the Haagse Hout disctrict



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