Things to do in Hoek van Holland

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Netherlands

Mauritshuis Museum

The Mauritshuis Museum is located in the center of Hague, adjacent to the parliamentary complex. The building itself is worth seeing: this 17th-century mansion was originally the private residence of Count John Maurice of Nassau-Siegen, designed by architects Jacob van Campen and Pieter Post. Its symmetrical facade is considered one of the representative works of Dutch classical architecture. The restored "Golden Room" on the ground floor is renowned for its gilded decorations and allegorical ceiling paintings—don't forget to look up during your visit. The museum saves masterpieces such as Vermeer's "View of Delft" and "Girl with a Pearl Earring," Rembrandt's breakthrough work "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp," as well as works by Rubens. The museum's collection provides an excellent showcase of the people, landscapes, customs, and daily life during the Dutch Golden Age. The museum houses approx. 200 permanent exhibits on display. Though small in scale, it can be comfortably explored in one to two hrs. Visitors typically enter and exit through the lobby of the new building across the street, accessing the old hall via a round-trip underground passage. For a quieter viewing experience of "Girl with a Pearl Earring," it is recommended to avoid peak hours.

No. 18 of Best Things to Do in Netherlands

Peace Palace

The Peace Palace is an iconic building primarily dedicated to international judicial and peace affairs, and serves as an important seat for the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The building blends Neo-Renaissance style with Gothic architectural elements. Constructed primarily of red brick, sandstone, and granite, the exterior features a towering clock tower, decorative gables, and intricate stone carvings, giving the facade a solemn and elegant appearance. The interior decoration incorporates artworks and building materials donated by various countries, including marble staircases, stained glass windows, tapestries, ceramic decorations, and exquisite woodwork, reflecting the cultural characteristics of different nations.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Hague

Escher in the Palace

Escher in the Palace is located in Hague, Netherlands, offering a unique artistic space dedicated to showcasing the works of Dutch artist M.C. Escher. Renowned for its intricate geometric patterns and optical illusions, his creations challenge viewers' perceptions and imagination. Housed in a historic palace, the museum's architecture itself adds a distinctive ambiance to the exhibitions. Escher in the Palace houses an extensive collection of Escher's works, including his renowned prints and woodcuts, showcasing his profound understanding of mathematics and art. Visitors can explore how Escher expressed concepts of infinity, symmetry, and space through his art. The museum not only displays his famous masterpieces but also provides in-depth background information about his creative process, offering audiences a deeper appreciation of his artistic vision. Additionally, Escher in the Palace features interactive exhibition areas that encourage visitors to personally experience the optical illusions and geometric wonders in Escher's works. Through these interactive installations, guests can more intuitively appreciate the fusion of art and mathematics. Escher in the Palace is not just a place to admire art, but also a space that sparks thinking and imagination, attracting art enthusiasts and curious visitors of all ages.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Delft

Royal Delft

European porcelain first appeared in the 13th century. In the 16th century, Marco Polo shipped a large amount of ceramics from China to Lisbon, Portugal. Porcelain products soon became popular in Europe. Porcelain factories began to appear in cities and towns in some countries. The Royal Delft Blue Pottery Factory was established on the basis of the enthusiasm of European porcelain. The Royal Delft Blue Pottery Factory was founded in 1653. Its original name was just the Delft Blue Pottery Factory. At the beginning, most of its products were blue made of local Delft clay. ceramic tile. At that time, ceramic production was not enough in Europe. In addition to blue tiles, the Delft Blue Pottery Factory also imitated porcelain from China and made many porcelain with European elements. The factory's ceramic products quickly swept Europe. . So some Europeans have always thought that porcelain originated in the Netherlands. The Delft Blue Pottery Factory has long produced custom tableware for the Dutch royal family. In 1919, it was authorized to be named "Royal" in the company name, and its status was officially confirmed by the Dutch government and officials. The Royal Delft Blue Pottery Factory also has a museum. In addition to watching the production process of ceramics, you can also go to the museum to browse the development history of European porcelain over hundreds of years. More than 150,000 tourists come to visit every year.

2026 Europe 50 - Family-friendly Attractions

Madurodam

Madurodam condenses the Netherlands into a tiny city. It has a real lighthouse, two huge dikes, and the Madurodam Lilliput of wavy buildings beckons and welcomes you. Famous Dutch landscapes such as the Cheese Market in Akma, the Peace Palace, the Royal Palace at Dam Square, and the houses along Amsterdam and the Delft Canal can all be seen in Lilliput. On the 4.5-kilometer-long railway, trains travel in all directions, windmills spin vigorously, and flat-bottomed boats shuttle back and forth on the canal. All replicas are built on a 25:1 scale to mimic the real thing and displayed in beautiful gardens. Indoor activities include the sand sculpture performance of "Sand World", which shows the history of the Netherlands and the sea. In winter, when the sunshine weakens, more than 50,000 street lamps will light up on the streets of Lilliput, turning it into a dreamy fairy tale country.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Hague

Noordeinde Palace

Located in the center of The Hague, the Queen's Palace is one of the important offices of the Dutch royal family. Although the palace itself is not open to the public, its elegant architectural style and surrounding environment still attract many tourists. The white facade of the palace contrasts with the surrounding green space, becoming a beautiful landscape in the city of The Hague. Festivals are occasionally held here, and if you see the Dutch flag raised on the roof of the palace, it means that the queen is here. Tourists can stroll in the square in front of the Queen's Palace, admire the appearance of the palace, and enjoy a leisurely time in the nearby Nordende Park. The park is lined with green trees and is an ideal place for walking and picnics. In addition, the Queen's Palace is ideally located within walking distance of other major attractions in The Hague. Visitors can use public transportation or ride a bicycle to get around in order to better experience the city style of The Hague.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Hague

Het Plein

Located in the heart of The Hague, The Hague Square is a vibrant square that is popular with tourists for its rich history and cultural atmosphere. The square is surrounded by many important buildings and attractions, such as the Dutch Parliament Building and the Peace Palace, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the history of The Hague. Strolling here, visitors can appreciate the unique beauty of the surrounding buildings and feel the unique charm of the city. There are many cafes, restaurants and shops near the square, offering a variety of food and shopping options. Whether it is tasting authentic Dutch snacks or enjoying international cuisine, tourists can find their favorite options here. Various events and markets are often held in the square, providing tourists with the opportunity to experience local culture. The pedestrian street near the square is suitable for a leisurely stroll and exploring local art galleries and boutiques. Whether it is a history lover or a shopping expert, The Hague Square provides tourists with a rich and colorful experience.

Scheveningen strand

Scheveningen is a well-known seaside resort in the Netherlands. Along the seaside are luxury hotels and restaurants, Hague cafes, gift shops and amusement parks, allowing tourists to fully enjoy a comfortable leisure life. The sea here is cool even in the hot summer, so most people sunbathe. Different from the usual busy beaches, everything at Scheveningen Beach is so casual and comfortable. Occasionally, you can see a mighty female mounted policeman riding a tall horse, adding a lot of color to the leisurely atmosphere. Another face of this seaside resort is its music and sports activities, breath-taking fireworks (fireworks displays are held every August weekend), splendid live music and a vibrant nightlife.

Hoek van Holland beach

De Pier Den Haag

De Pier Den Haag in Scheveningen, The Hague, Netherlands, is an iconic sea pier that extends into the North Sea. It combines history, entertainment and food to become one of the most representative seaside attractions in the Netherlands. De Pier is not only an ideal place for sightseeing, but also provides a wealth of entertainment. Visitors can experience SkyView de Pier, Europe's first Ferris wheel built on the sea. The Ferris wheel is 45 meters high and has 36 air-conditioned and enclosed cabins, providing spectacular views of the sea and the skyline of The Hague. For visitors seeking to relax, De Pier has many restaurants, bars and terraces, offering a variety of culinary options, including fresh seafood and local specialties. Festivals, markets and live performances held throughout the year make this place lively and suitable for visitors of all ages. De Pier opens every day at 10 am, admission is free and transportation is convenient. Whether you are looking for adventure, enjoy good food or simply enjoy the sea view, this is a destination not to be missed.