Finding where to stay in The Hague as a first-timer can be a headache. That’s why, in today’s article, I will help you to find safe places to stay in The Hague for first-time visitors.
I will share with you what I believe are the best and safest areas to stay in The Hague for first-timers and tourists, along with a helpful map. I’ll also share where I stayed in The Hague and recommend some of the best hotels for various budgets.
The Hague, often referred to as Den Haag in Dutch, is a popular destination for tourists and expatriates, located in the western Netherlands. It is the seat of the Dutch government and home to the monarch.
The Hague is known for being the international city of peace and justice, hosting several international organizations such as the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and various other tribunals and organizations focused on conflict resolution and human rights.
This Netherlands’ third-largest city features numerous museums, such as the Mauritshuis, which houses masterpieces by Dutch artists like Vermeer and Rembrandt, and the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, known for its extensive collection of modern art.
Additionally, The Hague boasts picturesque parks and green spaces, including the expansive Scheveningen beach, which is popular for recreation and leisure activities, especially during the summer months.
Is The Hague safe to visit?
Yes, The Hague is generally a safe place to visit. The city has a low violent crime rate, but I always advise you to use common sense as you would in any other place. Be aware of bike thefts; make sure you have good locks for your bike, and watch out for the tram tracks when cycling and walking.
Where to stay in The Hague for the first time?
The best and safe areas to stay in The Hague for first-timers and tourists are The Hague City Center, Scheveningen, and Haagse Hout. The Hague City Center is the overall best base for visitors due to its central locations and high concentrations of accommodations and tourist amenities.
The Hague City Center is the heart of The Hague offers easy access to iconic landmarks like the Binnenhof (Dutch Parliament), the Mauritshuis museum, and the Peace Palace. The area is also known for its wide range of accommodations, shopping streets, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Scheveningen is a coastal district famous for its sandy beaches, lively promenade, and the iconic Kurhaus hotel. It’s a great base if you want to combine city sightseeing with beach relaxation. Scheveningen also offers a variety of water sports activities, beach bars, and seafood restaurants.
Haagse Hout, located just east of the city center, is a great base if you want a more residential area with easy access to major attractions. Although this area has limited accommodations, you can find some good value guest houses with free parking, which is a bonus if you have a car,
During my trip to The Hague, I stayed in the city center at the mid-range Park Centraal Den Haag, part of Sircle Collection. It was a great hotel in the middle of the city, close to everything, including major attractions, shopping streets, and restaurants. Just be mindful that some rooms are accessible by a small traditional elevator and some rooms are reachable via stairs.
Below is a map of the popular areas in The Hague for first-time travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in The Hague, especially for first-time visitors. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in The Hague have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
3 Best/ Safe areas to stay in The Hague for first-timers and tourists:
1. The Hague City Center
The Hague City Center is the top choice for first-timers who want to be in the heart of the action. Staying here puts you within walking distance to many of The Hague’s main attractions, such as the Binnenhof (Dutch Parliament), Mauritshuis museum, and Peace Palace.
The City Center offers a wide range of shopping options, from high-end boutiques to quirky independent stores. You can checkout The Passage, one of the oldest shopping malls in the Netherlands, featuring elegant architecture and a mix of luxury boutiques and specialty shops.
Another place to shop is The Hague Market (De Haagse Markt). It is one of the largest outdoor markets in Europe, offering a wide range of products including fresh produce, clothing, and household goods.
At the heart of the Hagues, stands the lively Grote Markt where you can find cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great spot for people-watching and enjoying a drink on a sunny day.
The Hague City Center is rich in culture, with numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters to explore. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or performing arts, you’ll find something to suit your taste.
The area is well-connected by public transportation, including trams and buses, making it easy to get around the city and beyond. The Hague Central Station is also nearby, providing links to other cities in the Netherlands and beyond.
In the evenings, the City Center comes alive with bars, clubs, and live music venues. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink or a lively night out, you’ll find plenty of options within walking distance.
Best places to stay in The Hague City Center for first-timers:
Luxury ($$$): Hotel Des Indes The Hague, 5-star beautiful historic hotel on Lange Voorhout street in the heart of The Hague City Center, close to Mauristhuis and numerous excellent restaurants. 15 mins walk from Den Haag Central. Great base for walking tours of the Hague. They have delicious breakfast with a lot of options.
Mid-range ($$): The Collector, 4-star good value for money hotel in central The Hague, close to everything, easy access to tram, metro, and the central train station. Lots of grocery stores, pharmacies, clothing stores and restaurants nearby. Rooms are beautifully decorated and comfortable.
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Indigo The Hague – Palace Noordeinde, an IHG Hotel, great 4-star boutique hotel in central location near the Royal Palace Noordeinde, at the center of the Parliament Center of The Hague. It features a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, wonderful breakfast, and spacious air-conditioning rooms. Within walking distance from Binnenhof and Escher Museum.
Budget ($): Holiday Inn Express The Hague – Parliament, an IHG Hotel, popular 3-star modern hotel centrally located around the corner from the Binnenhof and easy walk from Mauritshui. Also close to The Hague Central Station and The Plein, where you can find various cafes and bars. The hotel has bike rental services, which is convenient for cycling.
Hostel ($): Pink Flamingo Boutique Hostel, great backpacker hostel in central The Hague, featuring dorm rooms and private rooms with both shared and private bathrooms. It also has a communal living room, well-equipped kitchen, and lockers for big suitcases.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN THE HAGUE2. Scheveningen
Choosing to stay in Scheveningen is a fantastic option for tourists visiting The Hague, especially if you want to enjoy both city life and beach relaxation. It’s renowned for its long sandy beach, bustling pier, and vibrant esplanade lined with restaurants, bars, and shops.
While Scheveningen feels like a separate resort town, it’s actually part of The Hague and is easily accessible by tram or bus from the city center.
Scheveningen Beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the promenade. You can enjoy water sports, beach volleyball, and kite flying.
The iconic Scheveningen Pier is a focal point of the area, featuring restaurants, shops, and even a Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the coastline. Nearby, you’ll find attractions like SEA LIFE Scheveningen, where you can explore marine life through interactive exhibits.
This area offers easy access to cultural attractions such as the Beelden aan Zee museum, which showcases contemporary sculpture, and the Museum Panorama Mesdag, where you can experience a 360-degree panorama of a seaside village.
Best places to stay in The Hague in Scheveningen:
Mid-range ($$): De Pier Suites, great beachfront accommodation in Scheveningen, within walking distance from Crazy Pianos, Sea Life Scheveningen, and the Museum Beelden aan Zee. It has an on-site bar, family rooms, and good breakfast. Rooms have amazing views of the North Sea.
Mid-range ($$): Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade, 4-star hotel located at the heart of The Hague international zone, within only 5-10 mins drive from Scheveningen Beach and the center of The Hague. It features an indoor pool, a spa area, laundry services, and good breakfast with many choices.
Mid-range ($$): Marriott Hotel The Hague, 4-star hotel situated in the International Zone between The Hague and Scheveningen. Easy access to popular points of interest such as the Peace Palace, Madurodam and the Gemeentemuseum. You can book rooms on higher floors which provide stunning city views.
Mid-range ($$): Inntel Hotels Den Haag Marina Beach, 4-star beachfront hotel in Scheveningen, a short walk from Scheveningen Beach. It has a fitness center, terrace, a spa/wellness center, and air-conditioned rooms. You can rent a bike from the hotel and explore the area.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN THE HAGUE3. Haagse Hout
Haagse Hout is a great base for a more local atmosphere with convenient access to the attractions and amenities of The Hague. It is an upscale and predominantly residential area located to the northeast of The Hague’s city center.
One of the defining characteristics of Haagse Hout is its abundance of green spaces and parks. The most notable park in the area is Haagse Bos, a large forested area perfect for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying nature. Clingendael Park is another popular park known for its beautiful gardens and Japanese tea house.
This area offers easy access to The Westfield Mall of the Netherlands in Leidschendam. It’s one of the biggest malls in Europe, covering an area of over 117,000 square meters. The mall has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Despite its residential focus, Haagse Hout is also home to some cultural attractions. For example, the Clingendael Institute, an international relations think tank, is located within Clingendael Park.
Best places to stay in The Hague in Haagse Hout:
Mid-range ($$): NH Den Haag, 4-star hotel in Haagse Hout, in the business district adjoining the World Trade Centre, 15 mins walk from Den Haag Central Railway Station and a 15 mins trams ride to the railway station Scheveningen. They have a very good Breakfast with pretty diverse dishes.
Mid-range ($$): Benvenuto, one bedroom good value for money homestay located in a quiet residential area, located right next to the lovely Haagse Bos, within walking distance from Paleis Huis Ten Bosch. 40 min walk to the center mainly through a park. It has luggage storage space, and comfortable rooms. Free parking, which is a bonus for those who come with a car.
Budget ($): Emma’s B&B, 3-star good value for money accommodation in Haagse Hout, featuring free parking and excellent breakfast. Location is reachable by foot from the train station.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN THE HAGUEIn conclusion, The Hague City Center, Scheveningen, and Haagse Hout are the best places to stay in The Hague for first-timers and tourists. These areas are generally safe to book hotels, but regardless of where you stay, it’s always important to exercise common sense safety precautions.
You can continue reading about the Netherlands in these articles:
- Best areas to stay in Amsterdam first time
- Best areas to stay in Leiden first time
- Best areas to stay in Rotterdam first time
- Best areas to stay in Utrecht first time
- Best areas to stay in Haarlem first time
There you have it, my recommendations for the most popular and safest neighborhoods that you can stay during your first trip to The Hague. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.