Our two days spent exploring Rotterdam was just fabulous. First because we were staying in Binnenrotte Market Square right in the heart of the city. And second because except for a couple of destinations which we traveled to by metro rest all landmarks were a short walk away from our hotel. With two metro stations very near our hotel going around was so very cool. Therefore for our two days in “The Hague” from Rotterdam we took a direct metro from Beurs and were there in this pretty city in just 40 minutes. You can avail the NS trains and metro from Rotterdam Centraal as well to reach if that suits you more.
Why you must visit ‘The Hague’
For visitors The Hague or Den Haag as it has been known for ages is a perfect destination to spend at least two relaxed days. Relaxed because if you stay in the Centrum you can walk about and explore most of this beautiful city. With the monuments and the shopping districts being all around. The trams which start from Den Haag Centraal station go all around to all prominent landmarks. And also for the tram trips to the countryside that you must plan for your second day. To two exciting and iconic landmarks of Den Haag.
Staying in a central location is important to make the best of the two nights here. Reaching early is always good and we did that after an early breakfast at our Motel One in Rotterdam. Den Haag Centraal station was our destination as the city was waiting to welcome us.
Luckily rooms were available for an early check-in at our hotel at no extra cost. We freshened up and left in an hour just after noon for our first day in Den Haag.
Where did we stay?
We have always loved whenever we have stayed with Holiday Inn Express properties. So we chose the one in Den Haag this time ‘Holiday Inn Express The Hague – Parliament’ located on Lange Houtstraat 5, Den Haag 2511CV, Netherlands. And it turned out to be a great choice right in the heart with the iconic landmarks all around.
And we booked our two nights on our own travel booking platform Travelwisesr Holidays where you get great competitive rates. Be it hotels with Book-now-pay- later options, flights with special web and mobile rates and activities all around the world.
On our platform we also provide you with hotel ratings both for the property and location based on AI search internet data across multiple platforms to help you decide. And our rates are transparent all-inclusive rates that you would see with no surprises later when you book. Except for the city tax that many countries charge and is payable at the hotel.
Holiday Inn Express The Hague – Parliament
We had settled for a Double Bed Standard room with breakfast at a great price. The location is fabulous and so is the hotel. With different spacious room options, enough space in the lobby to hang around a while and a superb breakfast spread. And a look at the property at night will please your senses as well.
Landmarks of Den Haag
Den Haag is a small but fast growing city and therein lies the charm. Also known as The Hague and officially s-Gravenhage, it is the third largest city in the Netherlands. The Hague was first mentioned as Die Haghe in 1242. In the 15th century, the name des Gravenhage came into existence literally meaning “the count’s grove” hinting at the Count of Holland and his private enclosures and hunting grounds.
Top landmarks
1. Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk
The Great Church or St. James’s Church as it is also called, Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk is a landmark Protestant Church in The Hague. Located on Torenstraat with its high tower, together with the Binnenhof it is one of the oldest buildings in the city.
2. Mauritshuis
Located near Binnenhhof where we would head next, the Mauritshuis is a renowned museum with masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. The collections include those by Rembrandt and iconic works like Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. This 17th century palace houses the museum.
3. Binnenhof
The Binnenhof is a large complex of buildings next to the Hofvijver Lake, a court pond right in the heart of Den Haag. The most attractive feature of the complex built in the 13th century is the Gothic Ridderzaal also known as the ‘Hall of Knights’.
Built initially as a ballroom it now is the center of Binnenhof and is the oldest parliament building in the world still in use. Settle down at one of the benches and then take a refreshing walk around the pond to experience the charm of peace.
4. Museum Bredius
Museum Bredius located at Prisegracht 6 in The Hague opened its doors to public more than hundred years back. Abraham Bredius lived here from 1895 to 1922 until he sold his house to the city and moved to Monaco. He initially loaned his paintings to various museums and then after his death they were allowed to retain them. The Rijksmuseum and Mauritshuis were the prominent recipients while the city of The Hague retained his private collection.
5. Prison Gate Museum
The Prison Gate Museum is one of the most iconic buildings and situated next to Hofvijver. Originally the gate was the entrance to the castle of the Counts of Holland. And next as a prison to the mighty Court of Holland. Now the museum tells the story of crime and punishment across the centuries.
6. De Grote Market
The Grote Market is the focal point of Den Haag’s musical scene and comes alive in the evenings. Engulfed by bars and restaurants it is one of the most active nightlife zone of the city. With bars so many and so close to each other bar hopping is a popular indulgence for party-goers when here.
7. Haagse Markt
Haagse Markt or the Hague Market is just a short tram ride from the city center and is one of Europe’s largest outdoor markets. Located in Herman Costerstraat, the multicultural Transvaal neighborhood it has over 500 stalls.
The market offers a mix of fresh produce fruits and vegetables, household goods, clothing and international foods which are all very affordable. And we loved this bakery and coffee shop. However check your day before you go as the market is open only four days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
8. Kunstmuseum
Kunstmuseum located in the Statenkwartier district is a renowned modern and contemporary art museum. Designed by architect H. P. Berlage the building is in itself an architectural icon of Art Deco style. It houses the world’s largest collection of works by Piet Mondrian besides other modern art, fashion and decorative art exhibits.
9. Escher in the Palace
Escher in the Palace is a museum dedicated to the works of Dutch graphic artist M.C.Escher. Located on Lange Voorhout and housed in the former Winter Palace of Queen Emma, it showcases Escher’s renowned optical illusions and mathematically inspired art.
10. Noordeinde Palace
The Noordeinde Palace is one of the three official palaces of the Dutch family. The 16th century Renaissance style building is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a prominent tourist destination being open to public. The palace however is a private property and not accessible.
11. The Peace Palace
The Peace Palace is a global symbol of justice and international law. Built in 1913, the key institutions namely International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration are both housed here. The building is an example of stunning neo-renaissance architecture and with its surrounding lush green gardens, it’s a favorite with visitors.
How about some Indian dinner now?
We always love the idea of Indian food when we travel abroad. But only once in a while if we come across some nice restaurant. The first feel matters and we quite liked the ‘Atithi Indian Restaurant’ ambiance as we walked in.
They had quite an elaborate menu but we preferred the dosas accompanied by their awesome chutneys and very tasty sambhar. And then the rasmalai as always mind blowing anywhere you have it. So was it at Atithi as well.
Day Two Destinations
We took a short tram ride from our hotel after breakfast to Den Haag Centraal Station. We could have walked it but preferred to preserve our energy for later part of the day. Enjoying the chill and views of fresh flowers as we went past the gate of Leiden University.
And we were soon there at the tram station outside Den Haag Centraal Station. To take Tram 9 heading to Scheveningen Noord with our stop ‘Madurodam’.
Madurodam
Madurodam is an unique and informative attraction for tourists of all ages. This miniature park showcases Dutch landmarks and scenes on a 1:25 scale. Capturing the essence of the Netherlands the meticulously crafted iconic structures, windmills, canal houses and eye catching city scenes.
The Park
The park is quite big and you would at the least require half a day unless you just want to breeze through in a couple of hours. Check out timings before you go as some areas open for shorter periods depending on the time of the year.
And few of the beautiful creations
Scheveningen Beach
We took the same tram 9 from the tram stop outside Madurodam to reach the beach. Just 6 kms from the centraal station with Madurodam midway, the stop is called Kurhaus. We were glad that the place wasn’t crowded at all in the month of October. Could feel a breath of fresh air as we walked around.
The first feel of Kurhaus
The Scheveningen Beach area
The Hague is a city on the North Sea coast of western Netherlands. The white sandy beach, a lovely promenade with restaurants, bars, shops, museum and fun options makes it such a beautiful place to be in. No doubt why the Scheveningen Beach is a favorite weekend destination for the Dutch residents. And certainly for tourists as well.
The Scheveningen Pier & Beach Eye
The Beach
Moments of happiness
The Boulevard, the Restaurants & Bars
Hotels, Shopping & Adventure
Apart from the best hotels that you can choose from, the adventure activities that you can enjoy here are walking on the pier, beach eye, sunbathing, surfing, kiteboarding and the Sea Life Aquarium. You could also try out your luck at the Holland Casino Scheveningen.
As we moved out of the beach area towards the tram stop it was a feeling of great satisfaction. Having spent almost the entire day learning about Dutch history and culture, relaxing, beach walking followed by some fish burgers, fries and drinks from McDonalds.
But the best part about Europe is that the night always stays young for you to indulge as the sun sets late. Our plans though were a little different for that evening.
The idea was to go back to the hotel, relax in our room for some time, have a couple of drinks and a sandwich, soup and salad dinner at the hotel lounge bar and then look forward to our return journey to Rotterdam the next morning after breakfast. And then the connecting train journeys from there for spending two days in Maastricht.
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