Sustainable The Hague Guide

Transportation

Transportation to Den Haag

Den Haag is easy to reach by train as it has 2 main train stations, and in total 3 stations where intercity trains stop. There's also a metro that can take you from Rotterdam to Den Haag, and there are many Flixbuses departing and arriving here.

Den Haag HS

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Den Haag HS is one of the two main train stations in the city. HS stands for 'Holland Spoor' referring to the first Dutch railway company that was founded in 1837. The station building itself stems from the same period (1843), hence why it's so pretty! Nowadays, all trains in the western part of The Netherlands are run by a single railway company: NS. You're likely to arrive at Holland Spoor if you're coming from either the south or the north of the country. From Den Haag HS, you can easily get to and from Rotterdam and Amsterdam, as well as Leiden, Delft, Middelburg, and Haarlem without changing trains. Unlike many Dutch train stations, Holland Spoor does not have many shops inside its building. If you're looking to grab a quick snack, there are supermarkets just opposite the main entrance. If you were wanting to park your bike at HS, I recommend using the back entrance. There's plenty of room at the upstairs parking area. At the front side of the station, the outside bike parking can be full at busy hours. There's also an inside parking area at the front side, but here you need a personalised Dutch transportation card (ov-chipkaart) to enter.

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Den Haag Centraal

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Den Haag Centraal Station (shortened to CS, so don't confuse it with HS) is the second major train station, conveniently located in the city centre. Unlike from Den Haag HS, you can also get to the east of the country from CS. You'll often have to change trains at Utrecht, but there's one going all the way to Enschede. This is great if you're travelling to or from Germany. Of course, the other bigger cities on the west side of The Netherlands can be reached from Den Haag Centraal, as well. Parking your bike underneath the train station is only possible with an personalised ov-chipkaart, but luckily there's plenty of room outside on the upstairs parking area near the taxi pick-up.

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Metro E

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Den Haag Laan van NOI is the third intercity station. It's also the second stop for the metro between Den Haag and Rotterdam. The metro starts/terminates at Den Haag Centraal and Rotterdam Slinge (on the south side of Rotterdam). The metro of course also stops at towns in between the two cities, as well as close to Rotterdam-The Hague Airport. From that metro stop, you can take a bus to the airport. However, I really hope you find a more sustainable way to get to Den Haag!

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Flixbus

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There are Flixbuses running between Den Haag and many other European countries -- a cheap way to get from A to B. Note that there are two pickup locations in Den Haag! One is on the rear end of the bus platform on top of Den Haag Centraal Station, the other is here: on the side of the road a short walk away from the station.

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Transportation in Den Haag

Conveniently for all lovers of sustainable travel, the public transport network in Den Haag is really good! Next to trams and buses, there are many cycle routes throughout the city – as you would expect from a major Dutch city. Even so, most highlights are located in the relatively compact city centre. This means everything (aside from the beach and some parks) is pretty much within walking distance.

Spui

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Den Haag has a great network of trams, which can bring you pretty much anywhere within the city. Spui is one of two underground tram stops. There are also 3 lines stopping here that run all the way to nearby city Zoetermeer. Tramline 1 is an important one to remember, as it runs from the beach at Scheveningen and all the way to Delft. This tram does not stop at Spui, but aboveground, just outside the Spui station (the stop is called 'Centrum'). You can buy seperate tickets for the trams, but I'd recommend getting an 'ov-chipkaart', which can be used for any type of public transport. You buy the card at all train stations for €7,50. After that, you upload money onto the card, where the price of each fare gets substracted from. Do note that you need a minimum of up to €20 on the card to be able to use various types of public transport. For buses and trams, this mimimum amount is usually a few euros (depending on the operator), but for trains, it's higher. Another good option is to buy a day ticket or 3-day ticket with HTM, the tram and bus operator.

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Haagsche Stadsfiets

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As far as I know, Haagsche Stadfiets is the most affordable place to rent a bike in Den Haag. They have two locations, so you can choose where to pick up and drop off your (city) bike. The location at the Bierkade also offers rental boats and boat tours to explore Den Haag's canals. Please only rent a boat if you know about "sailing rules". Back to bikes: be aware that you need to reserve a bike at Haagsche Stadsfiets beforehand. Especially in summer, there's high demand and you might miss out if you make a last-minute bike reservation. Groups are also welcome to rent bikes here. If you're with two or more, you can book a bike tour through the city. And in case you're wondering about the bright colours of the bikes, these are Den Haag's staple colours as used in the city's enblem and flag. Do note that you're not allowed to park your bike just anywhere within the city centre. There are often designated parking spaces with metal frames to attach your bike to. Even better are the 'biesieklettes' (see the attached link). These (mostly indoor) bike parking facilities are guarded, because bike theft sadly isn't uncommon in Den Haag.

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Accommodation

Hotels

Many of the hotel chains that have an establishment in Den Haag seem to score rather well in terms of sustainability. However, I prefer to support local hotels that are small-scale (family) businesses. That why you won't find an extensive list of options here, since many smaller hotels are not really focused on sustainability, unfortunately. Still, I hope one of these suits your preferences.

Court Garden Hotel

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Meet the first ecohotel in The Netherlands! Court Garden Hotel is located in one of the most sought-after neighbourshoods of Den Haag. On their website, you can find an interactive infographic highlighting their most important sustainability measures, but I'll also explain some of them here. In terms of food, Court Garden uses 100% certified organic snacks and beverages. Much of their products are also fairtrade. Concerning insulation, the windows are covered with triple glazing. For temperature regulation, all kinds of measures have been taken to make sure outside air comes in at a stable 20 degrees celsius, so extra heating is hardly ever needed. Before it became a hotel, the Court Garden building used to be an office. The renovation into a hotel was centred around reusing materials: the bed headboards are made from recycled plastics, lamps have been refurbished, ceiling tiles were relocated to the hotel's back office, and wooden furniture is made from certified wood. During the renovation, the parties involved (such as contracters and builders) were all from around the area. Some are even located in the same street! Staying at Court Garden is a really good option, as the rooms aren't too expensive for a hotel. It's easy to reach the hotel by public transport, but they also have on-site parking and bike rental.

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Hotel Sebel

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Hotel Sebel belongs to the same owners as Court Garden Hotel. This means that they mainly work with organic foods, energy efficient lamps, and organic soap. The hotel is Green Key certified and has an active Green Team. Just like Court Garden, Hotel Sebel is located in a lovely area. The hotel spans across 3 renovated mansions, giving it a fancy look on the outside. Still, the rooms are quite affordable! There are also a few 'studio' rooms where you can do some basic cooking, which can save you money compared to eating out every day.

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La Paulowna Boutique Hotel

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La Paulowna is very proud of its Green Key certification and keeps striving to improve on its sustainability measures. Aside from all the standard improvements such as LED-lighting and removal of single use plastics for shampoo, La Paulowna Boutique Hotel even has sustainable certified fire extinguishers! Another nice detail is that the toilet paper is made from 100% recycled paper. Interestingly, in terms of food, the hotel works together with a Spanish-themed restaurant, meaning meat is very much at the centre of their dishes. Even for breakfast, there are no vegan options. I would therefore suggest to get your meals elsewhere. * Note: please do not use the booking.com link attached to this pin, but instead book directly via the hotel's own website to combat the exploitation caused by booking.com having a monopoly as an accommodation platform.

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B&B Valkenbos

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B&B Valkenbos is a small-scale accommodation that is fully vegan with only two rooms that share a bathroom. However, both rooms do have their own rooftop terrace with a lovely view. Although you get free coffee & tea included in your booking, an additional fee of €16 is charged for the vegan breakfast. They accommodate for other dietary requirements, as well (such as gluten intolerance or nut allergies). The mansion in which B&B Valkenbos is housed has been renovated, but the exact sustainability measures are not specified on their website.

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Hostels

As there are only a handful of hostels in Den Haag, options for finding a sustainable stay are severly limited. If you have a small budget or would like to stay in a hostel to meet other people, you might want to consider staying in a different city/town and travel to Den Haag by train. If you do want to sleep in Den Haag itself, there are merely two good options, which I have detailed below.

Hostel The Golden Stork

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The Golden Stork is an affordable hostel that also has a vegetarian restaurant. The food is simple but tasty, and the vegan options are clearly labelled. The Golden Stork works together with small, local suppliers for things like coffee and beer. There are two locations: a hostel in Den Haag and a budget hotel in Rijswijk. What's really good about The Golden Stork is that they focus on connecting tourists with "locals". For example, the hostel hosts an arts & crafts night every Monday, which is also popular amongst international students and young expats who live in Den Haag (hence the "locals" between quotation marks). Other events include jam sessions, board game nights, pub quizzes and yoga classes. Workshops and classes are often given by (real) locals. The owners of The Golden Stork are two brothers who are from Den Haag, too. Also good to mention is that you stay in this hostel for free if you agree to working there. You'll need to stay at least 4 weeks during which you work 3 hours a day for 5 days a week. A pretty good deal, if you ask me!

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Teleport Hotel & Hostel

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Teleport Hotel was founded in Amsterdam, but now has locations in several Dutch cities. The hotel/hostel offers both studio rooms, single dorm beds, and family suites. Although the dorms are not crazy expensive, they are a lot more luxurious than your average hostel. The hotel is located in the 'Binckhorst' area, which is becoming more and more trendy, due to for example the street art. What I really like is that Teleport Hotel offers a free drink if you stay multiple nights and skip housekeeping services. It's nice how they actively promote this. They also explicitly mention the bus stop in front of the hotel on their website. But, if you're not a fan of buses, Teleport Hotel also rents out bikes. In terms of food, breakfast is served from as early as 6:30 until 10:30. The restaurant affiliated with Teleport Hotel is called 'Veggiesauras'. Mainly Indian dishes are served, which are all vegetarian/vegan (with gluten-free options).

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Food & drinks

Meals

There are plenty of places to get yourself some good vegan/vegetarian lunch or dinner. Throughout the years that I lived in Den Haag, I have eaten out as often as my wallet allowed me to. It was quite difficult to make a concise selection of restaurants to list here, but I think I managed to find a good mix in terms of cuisines and price range. Den Haag also has a Foodhall, but the vegan options there are too few for me to really recommend it.

Restaurant Hagedis

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If you're in for some high-quality organic food, head over to Hagedis! The restaurant is located in a monumental building and looks quite chic, but is actually fairly affordable. Hagedis is where I'd go to celebrate a friend's birthday, for example. At Hagedis, you will find Den Haag's best vegan cheese fondue next to changing seasonal dishes. They also have a good range of wines, specialty beers, and cocktails. Nextdoor, you can also enjoy a drink or light meal at Grand Café Utopie. Utopie hosts small-scale events for organisations aimed at sustainability or connecting people. Their menu is also fully vegan and mostly organic.

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HUmmUS

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HUmmUS is one of my absolute favourite restaurants in the whole of Den Haag. They're also located in Delft. There's not much seating space, so make sure to reserve a spot if you want to eat here. The best way to enjoy the Middle-Eastern food at HUmmUS, in my opinion, is to order many small dishes and share those with the other people at your table. Everything is vegetarian, much of which is also vegan. If you'd rather pick a single, larger dish, I can really commend the flatbread pizza -- so tasty! When you're looking for something a little more Dutch, then opt for the vegan 'kapsalon'. This is a true Dutch classic for the fries-lovers.

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De Sushimeisjes

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If you love sushi, you've got to try the sushi from De Sushimeisjes (the sushi girls). They've got a great selection of vegan and vegetarian sushi as well. And no, these are not simple cucumber nori, but actually nice rolls with ingredients like tempura aubergine and mushrooms. The Sushimeisjes are dedicated to running their restaurant as sustainably as possible, so both locations (the other one can be found in the same street as HUmmUS) are decorated with LED-lights and have energy efficient appliances in the kitchen. They also sort and recycle their waste, and offer leftover food for a reduced price through Too Good To Go. Take a look on the Facebook page of De Sushimeisjes in case you want to follow a sushi-making workshop.

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FOAM Breakfast & Lunch

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Another great spot is FOAM -- a vegan walhalla! Their selection of cakes and cookies is amazing, but the breakfast and lunch dishes are delicious, too. FOAM is a bit pricy, as some dishes are not very large. Still, the food is nice enough that I'd still really recommend it. The staff are great, and there's a cute backyard if you want to sit outside. I’d say especially the vegan BLT is awesome. In terms of drinks, the iced hazelnut latte is my favourite. They also do good matcha lattes at FOAM. The only dish I would advise to skip are the pancakes. Don't get me wrong, they're super tasty -- but three small pancakes just don't fill me up.

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Ethica

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Looking for a fancy night out? Head over to the Dunne Bierkade (which literally translates to 'thin beer dock'), where you'll find Ethica. Sustainability is Ethica's core business: many ingredients are grown in their own garden. The other (organic) ingredients are bought from local retailers. The meat that is used in the dishes all come from animals that have been killed for reasons other than their meat. For example, there are many geese disturbing airplanes at Schiphol. Instead of burning these geese, their meat is used to cook with. The same counts for invasive crayfish that are destroying ecosystmes in the southern part of the Netherlands. Ethica's menu generally exists of a meat option and a vegetarian option, but they do cater for vegans as well when you ask for it. You can choose to have up to 5 courses, with or without wine pairing. In any case, I'm sure you'll enjoy the high-quality food.

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Bøg

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Ethica is a bit fancier, but if you want a really fancy dinner, Bøg is the place to be. You can expect exquisite Nordic-inspired dishes served in a multi-course dinner that will easily cost you over a hundred euros per person. In return, your tastebuds will have the time of their lives! Bøg doesn't normally cater for a vegan diet, but if you give them a call in advance, they can prepare for it. A vegetarian option is always available, on the other hand.

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De Vegetarische Toko

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How cool is this?! A fully vegetarian "toko" -- a word used to refer to Asian supermarkets and/or restaurants. This small Indonesian takeaway is run by mother and son, so you're supporting the locals by getting your food here. The nice thing is that you can try many dishes for a small price. And not unimportantly: it all tastes great! Most options are also vegan. So if you're in for something lowkey or want to eat in one of the many parks in Den Haag, cycle by De Vegetarische Toko and enjoy the best freshmade Indonesian food. Don't forget to try the vegan 'kroepoek', which is normally made from shrimps. Other than that, it's pretty hard to choose, because all of the dishes are tasty!

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Foodmaker

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Another sustainable gem is Foodmaker, a small Belgian chain focused around placing vegetables at the heart of every meal. Foodmaker tries to promote healthy eating by offering nourishing dishes made of organic produce where possible. The buffet in their restaurant offers plenty of options, but be careful, because some dishes do contain meat. You can load as much food as you can eat onto compostable plates. What's more, you can even eat the plates! Not super delicious, but pretty cool, nonetheless. For those who simply want to grab a quick meal, there are also sandwiches and juices for takeaway. But I'm personally a big fan of the buffet. Especially the seaweed salad is one that keeps me coming back.

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SLA

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I wish I could eat at SLA every day (or have their salad bar in my own kitchen). SLA serves nourishing bowls, wraps, salads, soups, and smoothies. The bowls are genuinely filling and full of fresh produce. Although a large part of the menu is vegan friendly, there are also options to have egg, cheese or chicken in your dish. For drinks and e.g. tempeh, SLA works with small, sustainable suppliers. Moreover, all ingredients are organic. The menu is seasonal and changes twice a year (spring/summer and autumn/winter). If there's no standard dish that appeals to you, you can also choose ingredients to make your own bowl. Because they know how to combine healthy ingredients with flavour so well, SLA is another one of my all-time favourite restaurants.

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Dutch snacks

Dutch cuisine is generally considered to be quite bland. However, tourists are often very enthusiastic about all the fried snacks such as kroketten and bitterballen. On top of that, Den Haag has its own famous foods. Although not all are options are vegan, I did want to highlight them here, as food is such a big part of culture.

Haagse Hopjes

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Taste Den Haag's heritage at Bakker Hessing. Sadly, none of the options are vegan proof -- there aren't any places in Den Haag that make vegan versions of Dutch staple foods. So, if you're okay with eggs and dairy, try Bakker Hessing's famous 'Haagse Hopjes cake'. Haagse Hopjes are coffee-flavoured caramels said to have been invented by Sir Hop when he left his coffee with sugar and cream above the fireplace for too long. The mixture hardened into caramel, which was then produced as a candy. You can buy the Haagse Hopjes at many places in the city, including at Bakker Hessing. Other famous Den Haag foods sold at Bakker Hessing are their trademark 'Haagsche Kakker' (a type of bread with currants and almond paste), pralines, and hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles typically eaten on bread).

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Pannenkoekenhuis Kijkduin

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A typical Dutch restaurant type is a 'pannenkoekenhuis', a pancake house. You can find a pannenkoekenhuis in nearly every town in The Netherlands. But the good thing is that Pannenkoekenhuis Kijkduin also has vegan and glutenfree pancake batter. The most popular ways to have your pancake is with either powedered sugar, caster sugar, thick syrup (called 'stroop'), apple, cheese, or bacon. Alternatively, you choose ‘poffertjes’, the tiny fluffy pancakes on the first photo.

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Bitterballen & vlammetjes

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Zèta is a fully vegan restaurant in an area that's popular for eating out and having a drink. They serve a few famous Dutch snacks: bitterballen and vlammetjes. Bitterballen are normally made from meat scraps, but the mushroom alternative tastes practically the same. In the end, it's the spices and the deep-frying that give bitterballen their distinct flavour. You probably won't meet a single Dutch person who doesn't love bitterballen -- they're a common snack at parties. Vlammetjes are similar to deep-fried spring rolls, but without the vegetables inside. Instead, there's chili peppers, which explains why these bites are called 'tiny flames'. But don't worry, they're not excessively spicy. At Zèta, both the bitterballen and the vlammetjes are a bit overpriced, so you can also head to a nearby Albert Heijn and get them from the frozen foods section for less than half the price. Greenrebel is another restaurant that serves vegan bitterballen for a slightly lower price than Zèta. The desserts at Zèta, are really worth the price, though!

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Appeltaart

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The Dutch love their apple pie! Especially Dudok is known for its classic appeltaart. Nowadays, they also have a vegan version. You really won't taste the difference, so it's easy to fool people into thinking the vegan apple pie is the original recipe. If you want to save money, Albert Heijn supermarkets sell vegan appeltaart as well as vegan whipped cream, so you can also buy the good stuff there and eat it in a park. Dudok offers a vegan alternative to 'saucijzenbroodjes', too. Saucijzenbroodjes are basically sausage rolls. Again, the vegan option is really good -- a must try when you're in The Netherlands.

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Drinks

It was a struggle to make sure this list didn't become endless! I included some true classics that most Den Haag citizens will know of and would recommend. Amongst the options are wine bars, beer pubs, a beach club and a liquor distillery. Where would you go first?

Van Kleef

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Although this is not the place to go for a casual drink, it deserves its spot at the top of the list. Van Kleef is a famous distillery that sells jenever (the Dutch version of gin) and other liquors. You can book a tasting, visit their little musuem or simply buy some bottles in the shop. Despite jenever being Van Kleef's most popular product, I heared their limoncello is also top notch. Head over to Van Kleef's website to book a tasting or reserve a table to enjoy some strong drinks and light snacks.

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Beachclub Copacabana

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Scheveningen is one of Den Haag's beach towns. You'll find a long row of beach clubs at the boulevard between April and October. It can be hard to choose where to go, so I've made it a bit easier for you. Copacabana has a chilled atmosphere and very clearly indicated vegetarian and vegan dishes on their menu, in case you'd want to grab some food as well. In any case, order a cold drink, and enjoy the view of the sea!

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Gekke Geit

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This is the place to go for having a beer and experience the Dutch phenomenon of 'gezelligheid', referring to a cozy and friendly atmosphere. At the Gekke Geit, there's live jazz music nearly every night, and there are many, many types of beer on tap. Because it's quite small, people often end up standing outside the café as well.

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De Kade

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For natural wines, De Kade is the place to be in Den Haag. They serve a variety of wines, as well as locally sourced food. All grapes to make their wines must be farmed either organically or biodynamically. Because the wines are 'natural', this means there are no non-vegan additives involved, so you don't need to check the ingredient list to see if anything but plants are used. Very convenient! Both the wine and food options change regularly, depending on the season. De Kade works with small dishes, as they're mostly meant to complement the wines. They stimulate a shared dining principle, where you order multiple dishes and share them with your companions. Of course, De Kade has beer, coffee and soft drinks on the menu as well. This makes it an ideal place for everyone who wants to enjoy the sun, overlooking a cute canal.

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Huppel The Pub

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Huppel the Pub is popular amongst students, but also suitable for whiskey lovers. You can book a tasting with a guide, or simply walk in and order a tasting by yourself. This pub is somewhat similar to de Gekke Geit and located in an old street full of 'brown cafés' (i.e. pubs). If you don't like this particular place, there's plenty of other options right nextdoor. For example, Café de Oude Mol at the end of the street is a bit more trendy. You can sit outside and frequently enjoy live music there.

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Wijnbar De Filosoof

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In a mood to try something new? De Filosoof offers many wines from countries you might not know made wine! Examples are Romania, Azerbaijan and Moldava. The owners are from Afghanistan, so the food at De Filosoof reflects authentic persian goodness. There aren't many vegan options, but they're open to special dietary requests. Staff at De Filosoof will be more than happy to tell you about the organic wines and how they've been aged in oak barrels. They can advise you on which wine to taste, but be very clear about the limits of your budget!

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Kompaan Brewery

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Kompaan has been brewing beer in Den Haag since 2015. Since then, they've produced numerous different flavours. They sell craft beers under their own brand, but have also made special brews for restaurants throughout the city. For example, Huppel de Pub has their own HuppelAle, brewed by Kompaan. At the brewery, they keep experimenting with flavours, techniques and barrels. This results in new beers being released quite regularly. And make sure to appreciate the funky designs of their cans! There are two locations where Kompaan has a restaurant: one in the harbour (Thuishaven) and one in the city centre (Binnenhaven). Big drinkers can order a pitcher; hungy people have a choice between (vegan) burgers, (vegan) bitterballen and other snacks. It's understandable if you're having trouble choosing between the many craft beers on offer. Thankfully, there is of course an option to have a little tasting of 6 different beers for a fair price.

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Tea & coffee

Den Haag is not a bad place if you like your coffee (or tea)! There are numerous cafés in the city centre where you can enjoy a freshly brewed hot drink. I've selected the best places that are also quite distinct from each other and located throughout Den Haag to give you a headstart on finding good coffee/tea.

Inproc

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The tea and coffee from Inproc make a great souvenir, as it's a long-lasting and functional gift to yourself or someone else. The staff are super helpful and will gladly help you pick the best flavours. Inproc is a popular little shop with many returning customers. You cannot live in Den Haag without knowing about it! That's not surprising, as Inproc has been around for about 160 years already. Although I don't drink coffee, I love getting special tea blends here. My favourite is the 'Haagse Heren' (The Hague Gentlemen), a strong and smoky earl grey. Of course, teapots, coffee grinders and other important accessoires are also sold at Inproc.

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Single Estate Coffee Roasters

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Everyone who loves coffee will tell you that Single Estate serves the best coffee in Den Haag. They roast their coffee themselves and even offer a subscription to locals. And as the name suggests, all types of coffee bean come from a single plantation. Do you want to bring Single Estate into your own home? Stock up on their premium coffees, or better yet, follow their barista workshop. You'll learn how to make espresso's, latte art and gain some background knowledge about the process of roasting coffee. On their website, Single Estate sells a range of coffee beans, but also cold brew lattes (some of which are vegan). In the café, there's the option to grab a not-so-vegan, freshly baked pastry to go with your coffee.

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Capriole Café

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For coffee with a view, head over to Capriole Café. It's located next to the water, where you can spot rowers out on their morning or evening training. Of course there’s outside seating available when the weather allows for it. Do book a table when the sun is out! Capriole is the flagship café of a fairly large Dutch coffee roasting brand that mainly sells B2B. Although it's large, it remains a family business. But Capriole is not only a coffee brand and café, it's a restaurant, too. They serve dishes catering to meat eaters, as well as vegetarians and vegans. The atmosphere is casual-chic, with the lunch menu being more casual, whereas the dinner menu consists of a 3-, 4- or 5-course dinner. For the food, Capriole tries to use local and seasonal ingredients.

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Bookstor

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Enjoy a coffee or tea in this laidback café that's over a 100 years old. You can of course buy books at Bookstor, but most people come here to chat, work, or enjoy a coffee with a pastry. Of course you can also bring your own book. The people at Bookstor don't mind if you stay for a couple of hours after ordering a single drink. It's truly a living room in the heart of Den Haag. To change it up, Lola Coffee & Bikes is a great alternative. It’s located just a few doors down on the same street.

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Sightseeing

Neighbourhoods

Den Haag has many different neighbourhoods, but most of them are residential areas. Aside from the city centre, I think there are two other neighbourhoods that are worth strolling through. If you're looking for more spaces to walk, scroll down to the section about the many parks in Den Haag.

Binckhorst

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If you like street art, the gentrified area of the Binckhorst will suite you! It's still quite an industrialised area with lots of building going on, but you can configure a nice route with the street art guide linked below. If you know how to cycle, I'd recommend doing the route by bike. If you prefer to walk, that's also perfectly doable.

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Statenkwartier

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The Statenkwartier is full of the biggest and stateliest houses in Den Haag. Many ambassees as located here, and international ambassadors reside in the fanciest buildings closeby. It's fun to walk around and admire this green, spacious neighbourhood.

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Museums

My number one tip if you love museums is to get yourself a 'Museumkaart', which grants you access to over 500 museums throughout The Netherlands. It costs €75,- but visiting 4 museums is often enough to earn it back. Also worth mentioning is that the pass is valid for a full year. Unfortunately, two worthwhile museums in Den Haag are excluded from the Museumkaart, but all others listed here do qualify. In general, Den Haag is a great place for museum-lovers!

Museum Beelden aan Zee

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Appropriately called 'Sculptures by the Sea', this museum is a must-visit for sculpture enthousiasts (like myself). Part of the museum is outdoors, so you can admire the art combined with a view of the beach and the smell of the sea. Temporary exhibitions change regularly, so this museum is suitable for multiple visits. It's one of my favourite museums, as there aren't many sculpture museums around. It can be entered for free when you have a Museumkaart.

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Panorama Mesdag

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Panaroma Mesdag is the name of this museum as well as the painting which is its main attraction. There are a few other paintings on display, too, but really everything revolves around the panorama. It's quite special to see this unique work of art, and to experience being surrounded by canvas. Because the whole museum is basically dedicated to the panorama, it's not really worth paying for. I'd highly recommend getting the Museumkaart to enter the Panorama Mesdag if you plan to visit multiple museums.

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Mauritshuis

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In terms of historic art, the absolute highlight is the Mauritshuis. And, on the other side of the 'Hofvijver', the Brediushuis provides even more (but slightly less famous) paintings. The Mauritshuis' collection includes works from Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jan Steen, Frans Hals, and many others. If you're into artworks from the 17th and 18th century, you will love the Mauritshuis. The building itself is quite the sight as well, both from the inside and outside. Both the Mauritshuis and Brediushuis can be visited for free when you possess a Museumkaart.

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Haags Historisch Museum

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On the corner of the street between the Mauritshuis and Brediushuis, there is a museum dedicated to the history of Den Haag and The Netherlands as a whole, which is worth checking out. It's pleasant size: you can spend roughly 2 hours in there if you read all of the information. I find this to be the optimal amount of time to not get too overloaded with knowledge. Aside from a permanent exhibition which has recently been refurbished to become more interactive, the Haags Historisch Museum often has temporary installations available. Access through all exhibitions is included in the ticket, which is once again free for those with a Museumkaart.

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Escher in Het Paleis

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The Escher Museum is great! It has a lot of interactivity for kids, but adults will have enjoy it just as much. In short, you get to explore a myriad of optical illusions located in a monumental building. The museum provides a good bit of information about M.C. Escher's life. Next to that are of course the many artworks and prints from throughout his career on display. I've been wanting to revisit the Escher Museum, but as the Museumkaart doesn't apply here, I have prioritised other museums. Still, it's well worth your money to pay the entrance fee.

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Museum Voorlinden

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The second big museum that is unfortunately not included in the Museumkaart, is Museum Voorlinden. It's an absolute frontrunner in the modern art category, with many famous works such as Leandro Erlich's 'Swimming Pool'. Museum Voorlinden is located in between several parks and possesses a wide range of artworks and exhibitons that are guaranteed to entertain both your eyes and brain.

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Louwman Museum

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I've been doubting whether to add the Louwman Museum to this list. Don't get me wrong -- it's a really good museum, even if you're not into cars. The problem I have with the museum is that your visit supports a large car retailer in The Netherlands (Louwman Group). Cars dominate much of our public space, and we all know about the emmissions they cause. It's therefore up to you to decide whether paying a visit to the Louwman Museum is something you consider ethical. That being said, the museum does have a fascinating collection of the very first car types, intriguing designer cars, race vehicles, and modern stylish ones. There is lots of information to be read, so you're likely to be unable to take everything in at once. The Museumkaart grants free access to the Louwman Museum.

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Parks

For a large city, Den Haag is home to a surprising number of large green spaces. This list is not exhaustive, but provides an overview of the best parks all around the city.

Landgoed Clingendael

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Clingendael is a very versatile park with many paths, a children's playground, sculptures, and a Japanse garden. Even in winter it's a nice place, and you'll find plenty people and dogs walking around in all seasons. There is even a dog cementry in the park, although I'm not sure whether that's cool or really sad.

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Haagse Bos

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How many places do you know that have a small forest right in the middle of the city? Probably not many, but Den Haag is one of them! The Haagse Bos is the favourte place for a lunch walk of those working closeby, and is visited by residents at all times of day. In winter, the pond sometimes freezes over, making it a popular spot for ice skating. In any season, the Haagse Bos functions as a refuge from busy city life. To make sure it's a good place for animal inhabitants as well, there are no street lanterns at night, so it gets properly dark in between the trees. The only downside is that a major road cuts the Haagse Bos in half, so be careful when crossing. At the south-western edge of the forest you will find a large grass area, called 'het Malieveld'. This is used as an event location, so there's often something going on. Music events, food festivals and demonstrations are often held there.

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Westbroekpark

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Westbroekpark is best visited in summer, when the flowers are in full bloom. It's a popular spot for picnics and rightfully so! The large grassy areas are perfect for tanning or reading a book.

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Marlot

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Marlot is a small forested area on the edge of the neighbourhood Mariahoeve. Marlot is attached to the Haagse Bos and especially pretty in autumn. It's also the best place to spot Den Haag's mascot, the stork. They sometimes flock on the meadows north of Marlot -- which groups of up to 25! Your best chances of seeing the stork is in early spring, when they return to prepare their nests for the upcoming breeding season.

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Bosjes van Poot

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Close to the larger Westduinpark, are the 'Bosjes van Poot'. This is a beloved dog-walking spot, and understandably so. Not too far from the Bosjes van Poot are the Bosjes van Pex, which are very child-friendly with a playground. Both are in a somewhat quieter part of Den Haag where you can almost smell the sea!

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Churches, palaces and towers

Looking for some intruiging historical buildings? Den Haag has plenty! Although it doesn't have a dense 'old town' centred around a main church like most other Dutch towns and cities, Den Haag does have a lot to offer in terms of history. There is no catherdral, but serveral palaces and pretty churches, including one with a tower you can climb.

De Haagse Toren

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Dive into the history of Den Haag AND get a stunning view over the city with a tour up to the top of this tower. The entrance fee is €7,50 for a tour that lasts approximately an hour. Tours are only available on Saturdays and Sundays, and there is no guarantee it can be provided fully in English (or German), so it's best to notify them in advance if you require a language other than Dutch. It's important to know that you must be able to climb a good amount of stairs, as there is no elevator. A visit to the tour can be combined with wandering around the Grote Kerk ('Big Church'). There are often musical concerts taking place in the church, as well. The tower was built as part of a church but served a multitude of purposes: as a lookout for fires, as a clock for local citizens, and as landmark for ships to orient themselves. With over 600 years of history, a tour guide will undoubtedly be able to tell you many more fascinating facts, so put this activity on your list of weekend fun in Den Haag.

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Nieuwe Kerk

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The 'New Church' (yes, there is also an 'Old Church) is a good place if you like classical music. Have a peek at the activity calendar to see what's on and book a ticket for a music event at the Nieuwe Kerk. Even if you don't plan on entering this protestant church to enjoy some music, walking around it is also more than worth it. Besides the beautiful exterior of the church, you can visit the grave of the famous philosopher Spinoza in the garden of this protestant church.

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Paleis Noordeinde

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Noordeinde is one of the palaces actively used by the Dutch royal family. The palace and its stables are only open to visitors at limited times during the summer, so it may be quite hard to get your hands on tickets to enter the buildings. The link below is therefore not working throughout most of the year, but when bookings can be made, this is the only place to reserve a timeslot. I recommend keeping an eye on the local news, or regularly refreshing the attached link if you're keen to visit. Tickets typically go on sale at the beginning of June. At other times during the year, you can visit the gardens attached to the palace and have a look at its exterior. The royal family does fly around in a private jet and gets a lot of taxpayer money. The sustainability of that is questionable, so consider this before spending money on a ticket to visit one of their palaces. On the other hand, Paleis Noordeinde has been equipped with solar panels, all lights use LED bulbs, and the manure of horses is used as fertiliser for growing mushrooms. There is also a shift to the use of electric cars by the royal family and their staff, as well a transition to eating more locally farmed, vegetarian food. So, you could say they are doing their part, although having royalty is a bit of an outdated concept in and of itself.

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Paleis Kneuterdijk

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A bit easier to visit is the Kneuterdijk Palace. This used to be the home of King Willem II and Queen Anna Pauwlona, but now houses the provincial government of Zuid-Holland. Guided tours take place on Fridays and cost €12. Availability is limited, but the good thing is that not many people know about the possibility to enter the palace with a guide.

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Activities

Zero waste shopping

There are plenty of sustainable initiatives in Den Haag, but a proper zero waste store is unfortunately still missing. There has recently been a crowdfunding to set up the first zero waste shop in the city, but they sadly did not receive enough money to make this a reality. But don't worry! You can still get plastic-free veggies, harvest your own fruit, and attend a repair café.

Lekkernassûh

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Lekkernassûh is an awesome initiative that aims to shorten the distance between farmer and consumer. They host a market every Wednesday, where you can get your hands on all kinds of products from local farmers. The produce will be seasonal, sustainably farmed without pesticides, and as close to zero waste as possible. Alternatively, visit the Lekkernassûh zero waste store on Saturdays. Here you can buy nuts, legumes, oil, grains, dried fruits and much more -- all without being wrapped in plastic or other nasty stuff. Locals have the option to subscribe to weekly veggie bags that contain a mix of at least 7 vegetables, depending on what is in season. You can of course also subscribe to make use of it only once (you're not obliged to order multiple times). I tried the veggie bag once and was amazed by the quantity of food I received for the price. As it was a bit too much for me to get through on my own, I didn't order it regularly. In short, Lekkernassûh is exactly the type of organisation that every neighbourhood needs, so make sure to support them during your visit to Den Haag!

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Pluk!

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Pluk! is a small farm with a plant-based, organic lunchroom and gift shop. You can buy fermented good and homegrown produce, as well as some zero waste kitchen items and beauty products. In summer, kids can reap their own fruits from the trees in the garden. There are also weekly activities aimed at people of all ages. What's more, Pluk! is helped by people with severe learning disabilities so they get a chance to participate in society. Pluk! may be a little difficult to find when you first go there, making it a true hidden gem. I am personally a huge fan of such local initiatives that focus on living in harmony with nature, so I'd highly recommend paying a visit and walking through the accompanying gardens.

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Repair Café

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Repair Café Den Haag is a great initiative for whomever has broken appliances or ripped clothing lying around. Also ideal if something you brought on your travels suddenly breaks down (although you need to reserve your spot at the repair café some time in advance). The Repair Café changes its location every month, but several neighbourhoods have their own repair meetups on a set location. The tagged location refers to Repair Café Nootdorp, which is a bit further away from Den Haag's city centre but does allow last-minute walk-ins. They have a Facebook page where they communicate the date of the next repair meetup, and you do not have to make a reservation -- all you have to do is simply turn up!

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Ekoplaza

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Ekoplaza is an organic supermarkt with multiple locations in Den Haag. Many of their own brand products are wrapped in biodegrable plastic made from sugarcanes. There's also a zero waste section, so be sure to bring some tubs, bags and other reusable containers. Additionally, Ekoplaza is a good place to find vegan cheeses, glutenfree pasta's and other cool foods. It's pricey but delicious and sustainable.

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Fair fashion

Sustainable fashion lovers will know that Den Haag is full of second-hand shops. Whatever your style, size or budget, there truly is something for everyone. I am not the best at scouting out fabulous preloved outfits, so I have asked friends for their favourite thrift tops in Den Haag to compile this list.

Episode

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Episode is a small Dutch chain of secondhand shops throughout Northern Europe. Try not to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of clothes sold at Episode -- it's almost guaranteed you'll find something to your liking, as there's so much vintage stuff to choose from. Episode has its own atelier to not only mend and repair secondhand items that come in, but also create a few of their own pieces. To keep prices fair, you're not allowed to buy more than two of the same item, as to avoid re-selling. And make sure to think twice before you buy something at Episode, because they don't do refunds!

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Appel & Ei

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If you don't like second-hand clothing, Appel & Ei is actually the perfect place for you. I also used to think that wearing other people's clothes is a bit gross, but you wouldn't know they have been worn by someone else when you look at the pieces at Appel & Ei. They only sell items that look as if they're brand new. Clothing from expensive brands is clearly labelled and easy to find, as a distinct section of the store is dedicated to them. You can sell the unworn part of your wardrobe to Appel & Ei, but mind you, they're picky! Your items will be on display for 6 weeks. After that, you'll receive 40% of the price, or the unsold items get returned to you. Appel & Ei has a total of 21 stores around the Netherlands and works together with both local and national charities. Fashion won't get more sustainable than this!

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Naaierij

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Get your clothes repaired or learn how to do this yourself at Naaierij. They especially love turning your damaged pieces into a work of art through doing visible repairs. You can walk into the shop to discuss how to amend your clothing or browse secondhand textiles. During the weekly Repair & Rewear sessions on Saturday afternoon, you get taught the basics of repairing clothes yourself. If you're an absolute beginner, they recommend first following a workshop to learn how to use a sewing machine. They also do workshops for kids and more elaborate courses. De Naaierij also hosts clothing swaps (keep an eye on their website for the next date) and sells sewing kits on their website. Definitely a sustainable hub checking out if you love low-impact fashion!

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Secondhand Rose

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If you want a good price for selling your secondhand clothes, Secondhand Rose is the place to be. You get a whopping 60% of the selling price! In case you just want to get rid of your unworn items, you can pick a charity Secondhand Rose will donate the clothes or its profits, too. If you're just looking to shop, pay in mind that this store only sells recognisable brands, meaning it's pricy. Secondhand Rose has a collection of both men's and women's fashion, including skiing gear (depending on the season), shoes and accessoires.

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Kilo Kilo

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Want to find a more trendy secondhand shop? Kilo Kilo is great! No fuss with looking at price tags, because you pay per kilo. For €30 per kilo, you can leave the shop with a nice denim item or multiple shirts. Kilo Kilo works together with artists and a charity that build skateparks in deprived areas around the world. Aside from having shops in Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Nijmegen and Breda, Kilo Kilo travels around the country to give everyone the chance to shop vintage by weight. Both the stores and events are loved by hipsters all around -- Patagonia, FILA and Tommy Hilfiger are some of the staple brands found at Kilo Kilo.

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Vintage Factory

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Vintage Factory is a small chain with 2 shops in the Netherlands and 2 in Belgium. The stores are filled to the brim with retro pieces. You've got to have an eye for it to find the real gems, but you definitely won't get bored browsing through the colourful and patterned clothing at Vintage Factory.

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Going for a run/walk/workout

Although I've already highlighted a good number of parks, there are so many more green places that deserve to be visited. Here, I'll share some larger areas or paths that are suitable for (short) runs.

Westduinpark

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Stroll through the windy dunes or cycle/run along one of two paths that connect Den Haag with Hoek van Holland. Like most outdoor spaces, the Westduinpark is especially busy in summer, but you'll run into a few other people in winter, too. The park is full of typical Dutch plants that grow in dune landscapes and can therefore be found all along the country's coast. Interestingly, it has a slightly different flora compared to Meijendel, which is located on the opposite side of Den Haag.

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Meijendel

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The good thing about Meijendel is that you actually cannot access all of it. Parts of the dunes are a nature reserve, so native animal and plant species can thrive there. This means it's important to keep dogs on leash and stay on the paths. In terms of going for a longer walk or run, you probably want to start at 'Zwarte Pad', next to Schevingen. A tram stops here, too, which is highly convenient. From het Zwarte Pad, you can combine crossing through the Oostpark and Meijendel.

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Vlietweg

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The Vliet is the river that marks the eastern edge of Den Haag. When the sun is out, it's a beautiful route to follow towards Delft. You're likely to see rowers out on the water, and some pleasure yachts as well. There is no footpath all along the river, so sometimes you'll have to walk or run on the cycle path. It's not dangerous, as people are used to it, but do be a bit extra careful. Along the river, you can admire some large houses with a lovely view, looking out towards the water. In Leidschendam and Voorburg (towns that border Den Haag), there are terraces that allow you to enjoy the waterside view, as well.

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Zuiderpark

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The Zuiderpark is where I'd go rollerskating, as there is a 2,5 km stretch of tarmac. This also makes it a good place for those who prefer to run on solid surfaces. There are a few paths criss-crossing the middle of the park, where you might spot the rose gardens. The Zuiderpark is a popular spot for picnics and BBQ's. There's also a skate park to practice your tricks. And if you want to do sprints, there are markings every 100m meters on the big loop around the park. The park is occassionally used for events, but is otherwise open 24/7 all year round.

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Vlietland

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This one is a bit further out, but the Vlietlanden are worth cycling to/through. There are small beach areas, but even the regular paths make it seem like you're far away from the city. There are quite some activities you can do around the Vlietlanden, such as renting a kayak, climbing in the monkey park, or visiting Duivenvoorde castle.

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Volunteering

Want to do something good and leave Den Haag better than you found it? Look no further, as these are the best places to volunteer (even if you turn up only once).

TrashUre Hunt

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TreasUre Hunt organises regular beach cleanups and other events aimed at restoring nature. Their activities are very kids-proof but equally fun for adults. It's very easy to join one or more cleanups -- no long-term commitment is required. And every piece of trash removed is a win! Especially in summer, you can partake in a cleanup challenge, surrounded by likeminded eco warriors. There will be lots of support and a fun time is guaranteed.

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Bake a cake for good

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'Straatconsulaat' is an organised with the goal to help homeless people. And you can help them, too! Bake a cake and donate it to the organisations, so they can treat homeless people to some delicious cake, or sell the cake to fund their projects. Do let them know you're coming to make sure they can get the most out of your baked goodness. Not good at baking? Visit the Straatconsulaat café (called 'Straat Bakkie') and the proceeds of coffee sold will go directly to aiding people in need. On top of that, coffee at this café is free for homeless people, making it a safe haven for them to get a warm drink and meet people.

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Voedselbos Mariahoeve

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Are you good with plants or do you want to learn about what it's like to maintain a food forest? Every first Saturday of the month, volunteers can help improve this food forest in Den Haag. Everyone is welcome to lend a hand, even if you don't have any experience with gardening. After the maintenance work, there will be a workshop with some snacks. The team of Voedselbos Mariahoeve does appreciate it if you let them know you're coming, so shoot them an email in advance.

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Conscious Kitchen Den Haag

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Free vegan dinner in exchange for helping to cook, clean or pick up ingredients -- that's the Conscious Kitchen in a nutshell. Every Thursday, a dinner is organised to foster community and combat food waste. Food is sourced from local markets that would otherwise throw away the leftovers. Extra ingredients are also produced locally and (where possible) organically. If you don't have the time to volunteer, you can of course still join this weekly dinner in exchange for a small fee.

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Stichting Duurzaam Den Haag

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Duurzaam ('Sustainable') Den Haag is a non-profit organisation helping to improve communities in a sustainable way. They host many informative events next to more direct-impact activities such as regreening streets and planting trees. The website is in Dutch, so if you don't speak the language and would like to get involved, I'd advise to send them a message. They're always open for collaborating with enthusiastic people.

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TransitieCinema

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Do you know of an interesting film about sustainability that other people need to see? Help TransitieCinema with organising a screening to educate people on the transition to a more sustainable society. The movie screenings are often followed by a discussion led by an expert on the topic. Of course, if you have no time to help set up an event, you can still attend a screening and donate to the cause.

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Volunteer The Hague

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If the options above do not appeal to you, have a look at 'Volunteer The Hague'. The website provides a great overview for non-Dutch speaking volunteer opportunities that involve both short- and long-term commitments. In addition, they host interesting workshops and webinars to empower people.

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Daytrips outside Den Haag

Tired of Den Haag? Consider a daytrip to one of these nearby cities. All of them can be reached by train, and Delft even has a tram connection from Den Haag.

Leiden

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Amsterdam may have a ton of museums, but if you'll believe me, The Netherlands' best museums are located in Leiden. Perhaps it's due to Leiden also being home to the oldest university in the country, but the city is truly bustling with knowledge to be shared. There is the 'National Museum of Antiquities', 'Naturalis', 'Corpus', 'Japanmuseum Sieboldhuis', 'World Museum', etc. etc. There is simply too much choice! Leiden's botanical gardens are (in my humble opinion) also the very best you'll find in The Netherlands. The greenhouses are gorgeous, filled with an enormous amount of different species. Outside, there is a lot of information on biodiversity and the evolution of fauna. In summer, you'll also be greeted by blooming flowers. And have I mentioned that Leiden's city centre is full of canals? Really the only negative thing to be said about this astonishing place is the lack of greenery. Leiden is one of the "stoniest" cities in the country. Now on to the churches: the 'Pieterskerk' is the biggest, most impressive one. But as you can see from the top of the 'Burcht', there are many more. Depending on your interests, it's well worth visiting a few to admire the architecture and decoration.

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Delft

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In my opinion, Delft is the prettiest town in The Netherlands! The buildings in the city centre are old, but their beauty is timeless. Especially in summer, when the trees lining the canals are in full bloom, walking around Delft is like being in a fairytale. To give you a different but equally good perspective, I'd highly recommend going on a boat tour through the canals. Aside from wandering through the adorable streets, Delft is home to interesting museums such as 'Prinsenhof', 'Vermeer Centrum' and 'Royal Delft'. The latter is focused around the famous blue-white Delft porselain (of which you'd only find touristy replicas in Amsterdam shops).

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Rotterdam

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A station that looks like an upside-down tinfoil bowl (like the ones in which traditional Rotterdam junkfood "kapsalon" is served), streets filled with street art, a giant shiny modern art depot, and a harbour notorious for shipping cocaine into Europe -- Rotterdam has got it all! Jokes aside, Rotterdam really does have a lot to offer for tourists. The city is full of museums and funky places. Check out the street art around the 'Witte de Withstraat'. Closeby you can visit the 'Witte de With Centre for Contemporary Art'. But of course, the modern art highlight is the 'Boijmans van Beuningen' museum and its accompanying art depot, as well the surrounding "museumpark". Next to that, Rotterdam is good for vegan food, and has a vibrant music arthouse film scene. And did I mention the architecture? People come to Rotterdam from all over the world to see the 'Erasmusbrug' with their own eyes. Personally, I'd rather look at the city hall -- but to each their own! ;) In any case, Rotterdam is a large city that provides things of interest for virtually anyone. You definitely won't get bored here! And even if you do, there are great train connections with many other Dutch cities.

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Gouda

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The market square in Gouda is full of big, yellow wheels of cheese on Thursday mornings between April and August. Although the trading in cheese used to be a genuine activity, it is now a show for tourists. If you can stand the smell, it's quite the spectacle to watch. Of course, you can also get a tour through the process of making cheese. There are several places dedicated to "the cheese experience" in Gouda. If you're looking for a more animal friendly cheese, the major Dutch supermarket chains sell several vegan cheeses. Otherwise, there are online shops that offer an even greater selection of vegan cheeses, ranging from blue cheese, to cumin cheese, to indeed, Gouda cheese. It all exists; the future of cheese is already here! Admittedly, if you want to visit a fully vegan cheese shop, you will need to head to Amsterdam. Of course there is more to do in Gouda than just watching a cheese market. You can visit the Gouda Museum, the Sint-Janskerk, and the historic harbour.

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Thank you!

I hope you've found this guide to be helpful – and more importantly: I hope that you enjoyed your trip to Den Haag.

Please let me know what you think of this guide, and share it with your friends and family! If you have any questions or want more tips on sustainable travelling, do get in touch via my Instagram page @the.sustainable.travel.guide