REASONS TO VISIT THE HAGUE. Once globetrotters have soaked up all that Amsterdam and Rotterdam have to offer, it is well worth considering the short train ride to discover The Netherlands’ third-largest city. Renowned for its stately embassies, mansions and the UN’s International Court of Justice Den Haag also offers a abundance of cultural happenings, hip dining experiences, boutique shopping and some great bars combined with a relaxed café culture.
Great for a stopover we’ve picked our must-see places to head to on your visit…
FOR FASHION
The Netherlands boasts some renowned names in the World of fashion such as Viktor & Rolf, Iris van Herpen and Scotch & Soda and The Hague is not letting the side down when it comes to couture.
Michael Barnaart Bergen
The work of Michael Barnaart Bergen joins the dots between high fashion and popular culture. With informal knitwear and Mondrian inspired dresses he blends graphic design and fashion with fine art. His garments are produced in house in limited editions and both worn on the streets as well as showcased in several museums.
Les Soeurs Rouges
Founded by sisters Dorrith and Marlous de Roode LES SOEURS ROUGES is a cutting edge fashion and accessory brand. Their stylish handmade Art Nouveau-meets-fairytale creations are all made in house and sell across Holland.
Listed
‘Clothes, coffee and more’; a perfect combination brilliantly executed at Listed. Simple jewellery, stylish clothing, a few carefully selected homewares and you have the perfect store every city should have. A cheeky sign saying ‘Fuck it lets buy stuff’ – our fave motto too – and we’re covered.
Northbound
‘With love from the Nordics’ this shop is full of lovely Scandi offerings from lamps and throws to clothes and candles. All deliciously laid out and ready to tempt.
FOR FOOD
Capriole Café
The newly opened Capriole Café, located in what had been an abandoned paint factory in a quiet part of town, manages to bring in large crowds every day based on a reputation for one of the best burgers in Holland. As well as a fine line in open sandwiches (order the mackerel) and a traditional Dutch coffee roastery, which proudly takes centre space in the middle of the restaurant, it’s definitely worth seeking out.
Hotel Des Indes
Rich in history and with a long list of famous visitors the Hotel Des Indes is something of an institution. Offering French inspired lunches and high teas you can spend an afternoon in opulent surroundings where elegantly draped windows, glittering chandeliers, tall marble columns, red velvet seating and a live pianist or harpist give you plenty to take in. Or relive your inner Hepburn by heading to the stunning bar for a ‘My Fair Lady’ inspired signature cocktail.
Bars and cafes along Oude Molstraat
Peppered along the Oude Molstraat you’ll find a handful of bars, cafes and restaurants to easily while away a whole evening. With a great selection of beers (and an even stronger selection of Whisky) Huppel The Pub is a friendly and cosy place to start (it gets lively and very busy later on in the evening).
FOR ART
Gemeente Museum
The Gemeentemuseum is a modern palace of the arts and with over 150,000 works, is one of Europe’s biggest art museums. It has an outstanding selection of modern, contemporary art and fashion and is also the international home of Piet Mondrian – with no fewer than 300 works by the famous Dutch pioneering artist and De Stijl member in its collection.
We visited the stunning Hubert de Givenchy ‘To Audrey with Love’ exhibition until the 26th March which was the main purpose of our visit to Den Hague.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Fly from many UK airports with KLM direct to Amsterdam and then catch a train to Den Haag which takes around 40 minutes.
WHERE TO STAY
Stay right in the center of The Hague at the 4 star modern and stylish Parkhotel which is situated close to many restaurants, bars and design stores in the city.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HAGUE
Visit Holland.com
