Things to do in The Hague

Burn some rubber at the karting centre

The Hague's karting centre, De Uithof (+ 31 0900 22 84 84 63; www.deuithof.nl) claims to offer a challenge for experienced drivers and novices alike. The centre also offers a wide range of other activities, including laser tagging and bungee football, and at certain times of the year, icekarting, rock climbing and skiing.

Explore The Hague’s excellent cycle options

The Dutch 'national sport' is cycling, and this is an excellent way to explore The Hague and the surrounding areas – provision for cyclists is very good, and it's possible to travel around safely protected from traffic. There are plenty of outlets offering bikes for hire, including at Rent a bike, Noordeinde 39 (www.rentabikethehague.nl), or at Rent a road bike, Bogaardplein 16 (www.rent-a-road-bike.com/Den-Haag/The-Hague).

Feel 100ft tall at the Madurodam

One of The Hague’s most unique attractions is this miniature theme park (madurodam.nl/nl/) that gathers a selection of Holland’s most popular sights in one tiny place. Some of the attention to detail is staggering: go in sunny weather and embrace your inner Gulliver.

Find the girl with the pearl earring

She might not be quite as famous as the Louvre’s Mona Lisa, but a visit to the Mauritshuis Museum (tel: +31 070 302 3456; www.mauritshuis.nl/nl-nl/) to see the The Girl With A Pearl Earring is an intrinsic part of any trip to The Hague. As well as Johannes Vermeer’s 17th-entry masterpiece, you will find a plethora of rooms bursting with the finest exponents of the Dutch Golden Age of painting.

Get your swim on, and your surf on…

During the summer, the local beaches at Scheveningen and Kijkduin offer an excellent range of water-based activities ranging from simple swimming to more adventurous pursuits such as surfing. There is a surfing school at the Hart Surfshop (www.hartbeach.nl) on Scheveningen Beach offering a range of courses for various levels of skill and experience.

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Featured Hotels

Hotel des Indes

Housed in a 19th-century mansion house, this is the 5-star hangout of visiting pop stars and diplomats, with marble columns everywhere and fin de siècle furnishings in abundance. There's also a jet-stream pool and a sauna. Even if you don't stay here, it's worth popping in for afternoon tea to soak up the exquisite surrounds.

Novotel Den Haag City Centre

One of The Hague’s 4-star properties, this Novotel is located in the Haagse Passage historic shopping arcade, opposite the Binnenhof, and is close to all the major museums and shopping streets. Parts of the building were a former cinema, although you’ll have to look hard to spot that today. Still, its interior is true to the Novotel style and standard.

Paleis Hotel

The small boutique hotel has 20 uniquely decorated rooms, each containing mock Louis XVI style furniture and plush fabric commissioned by French designer Pierre Frey. Try and book a room at the back as they have views overlooking the Noordeinde Palace, one of several Dutch royal residences.

Hotel Ibis Den Haag City Centre

This comfortable, modern chain hotel in the city centre has light airy rooms, an attractive designer bar and Wi-Fi access. Ibis hotels have a fixed formula the world over: clean, modern and cosy – but fairly basic. Still, it's ideal for those on a budget.

Park Hotel Den Haag

This lovely, medium-sized art deco hotel blends modern and classical touches. It is famous for its Garden Room, which has views into the royal palace grounds, but its own patio and manicured lawn is just as nice. It may be centrally located, but it’s quiet and the facilities are first rate. Try and book a rooms will a small terrace.

Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus

This magnificent fin-de-siècle beachside hotel, once patronised by European monarchy, is a Scheveningen icon, with refined and modern comforts including a spa. Eat at its grand restaurant, a former late 19th-century concert hall with stained glass cupola. The building is nothing short of palatial, a reminder of times now past.

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