A very interesting Dutch city, but less known than the renowned Amsterdam: here's what to expect when visiting Den Haag, The Hague.
The Hague - The Hague, Dutch name - is the administrative capital of the Netherlands, a city too often underestimated by those who come to trip to Holland.
Perhaps because little known or simply because those who come to Holland often stay just for a weekend, thus leaving out less known or apparently less interesting destinations.
Den Haag: administrative capital
Den Haag is home to the Parliament and major international organizations such as Europol, NATO, OPAC and international embassies.
Also in The Hague is La International Court of Justice, which is based in the beautiful Peace Palace, and the International Criminal Court.
In short, it is no coincidence that during his visit to Holland in 2014, President Obama spent about two days right here in Den Haag.
The Hague: what to expect
If Amsterdam presents itself as the city of perdition, The Hague is more like an aristocratic lady: from historic buildings to Royal Palace, large manicured gardens and streets with high fashion shops, up to the renowned Scheveningen, a seaside resort famous throughout Northern Europe with its long boulevard dotted with restaurants.
For those who decide to come and explore it, Den Haag offers many alternatives able to satisfy all tastes.
Go for museums in Den Haag
Il Mauritshuis it is probably the most famous museum in the city: located at the gates of the Binnenhof, one of the symbols of the city and seat of the Dutch Parliament.
The Mauritshuis houses a large collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings, with masterpieces by Vermeer e Rembrandt including the very famous "Turban girl"And the"Anatomy lesson".
Always on the subject of art not to be missed is theEscher exhibition, one of the most important graphic artists, which can be visited at Escher Museum.
For lovers of modern art, especially of Mondrian e From Stijl, Geemente Museum offers these and other unmissable collections and exhibitions.
Next to the Geemente Museum, if you are traveling with the little ones, you can spend a few more hours visiting the Science Museum, the Museon.
Another museum certainly worthy of note and visit, which is quite small and can be visited in a short time, is undoubtedly the Panorama Mesdag.
The largest circular painting in the world representing one view on the 800th century Scheveningen: the sound of the seagulls, the soft lights, the feeling of really being on a lookout and observing the panorama of Scheveningen catapulted into the past.
Along with this masterpiece, further paintings by Mesdag and other artists can be admired.
Go shopping in Den Haag
Shopping enthusiasts, here in The Hague you won't be disappointed!
The city center, between the Grote Markstraat and Spuistraat and all the streets around them, offer a more than wide choice between electronics stores, clothing, furniture, concept stores and everything that can come to your mind.
A real shopping paradise, always full of people, with many initiatives organized by the Municipality throughout the year, music and street food.
Just behind the center is also located Chinatown with its typical red lanterns, Chinese restaurants, shops and supermarkets.
Moving towards the Noordereinde Palace - the King's workplace, where he also meets international delegates or monarchs from other countries - there are high fashion boutiques and vintage shops: a wide choice, therefore, truly suitable for all tastes.
Eating in Den Haag: culinary experiences
When I moved to Holland I noticed how all the cuisines in the world were concentrated here: Vietnamese, Indonesian, Brazilian, Surinamese… You could eat different food every day and never get bored.
In addition to a large variety of quality, non-tourist-oriented restaurants with poor food, in Den Haag it is also possible to eat on a tram while visiting the city: Hoftrammm: Dutch menu and fixed price.
The beach of Scheveningen
To conclude a visit to Den Haag you cannot miss the appointment with the beach of Scheveningen, with its trendy beach clubs, lounge music, casino and above all the The pier, or the large pier with the Ferris wheel, Bungee Jumping and the zipline, suspended over the North Sea.
