Around Town: The Hague

Here’s a taste of Den Haag. It’s a mix of old and new (the city took a beating during the Second World War). It is a very comfortable city–easy to get around by tram or bicycle (more on that another day). Great food, nice people, fantastic museums, and so close to many other delights that we didn’t get to see this time. You know what that means… a second trip at least!

.Den Haag Centraal train station. We stayed at the nearby Eden Babylon hotel, a very nicely appointed modern hotel. My only caution is there is a large construction project going on nearby and they start early (before 8 AM), which makes it hard for certain teenagers to sleep in. Our girl managed, but I must say the jackhammering drove me nuts one morning. Other than that, I can highly recommend this hotel. The rooms are positively huge by European standards and the location is great. Also, if you have a park view, you can see spectacular sunsets, interesting birds, and the occasional herd of deer.

Funky clock near the train station.

One of the many canals in the city.

There are a lot of Burger Kings in The Hague. We were never hungry enough to eat there.

There is so much shopping in the Town Center–blocks and blocks and blocks, which surprised me. One thing I really loved about the city is that there is room to B-R-E-A-T-H-E. London is always so packed with residents and tourists. I also liked that The Hague felt “real,” meaning it didn’t feel like a tourist city the way Prague did.

An alley full of restaurants off the main shopping streets.

On one side of the “Plein” or Square is this beautiful old building. I am not sure what it houses, but I loved all the detailing, especially the delicate metalwork at the top.

On the other side, more old beauties with newer buildings behind. Look at that sky! We had sun and blue skies most days. One day it was foggy, but it never rained.

Another charming building. Love the shutters.

This is the “The Passage,” The Netherlands’ first covered shopping mall now filled with swanky shops. It was built in the late 1800s and reminds me very much of the Leadenhall Market in London.

The dome in The Passage.

Binnehof, a former hunting lodge, contains the Houses of Parliament. You can go on a tour here. Roxi and I had good intentions, but the museums and the beach called louder. We did walk through the courtyard, though. It looks very interesting and something to put at the top of our list for next time.

Just outside the Binnehof is this herring stand. Roxi and I wanted to try some, but we had just eaten. Too bad! Another one for the “next time” list.

More to come…