The Hague tours and excursions
The Hague tours
Boat tours
From April to October, visitors can enjoy a boat ride along The Hague's pretty canals, which are considerably less crammed with tourists than those in Amsterdam. Book tickets online or at the tourist office. Boats depart from the quay opposite Bierkade 18b.
Tel: +31 70 445 1869.Website: http://www.ooievaart.nl
Walking tours
There are various off-the-peg tours showing you The Hague's attractions in groups of visitors. The tourist office at Spui 68 also has many ideas and publications for self-guided routes and will be pleased to supply you with the name of a local guide.
Tel: (0900) 340 35 05.Website: http://www.denhaag.com/en
The Hague excursions
Amsterdam
The Hague is often regarded as an excursion from Amsterdam. However if you wish to turn the tables, the capital is only 60km (37 miles) east or a 50-minute train ride away. A day of highlights might include the Anne Frankhuis, a canal cruise, the Van Gogh Museum, the Red-Light District, a stroll around the leafy Jordaan area and a drink or two in its gezellig (cosy) traditional brown cafés.
Tel: +31 20 702 6000.Website: http://www.iamsterdam.com
Rotterdam
Fans of modern architecture might like to visit Rotterdam, 24km (15 miles) south of The Hague. Take a harbour tour and enjoy the dizzying views from the Euromast, which at 185m (607miles) is the highest lookout tower in the Netherlands. The Rotterdam tourist information is located in the garden of the Schielandshuis at Coolsingel 114.
Tel: +31 10 790 0185.Website: http://en.rotterdam.info
Delft
The charmingly preserved canals and historic centre of Delft (best known as the home of the distinctive blue and white china) lies 17km (10.5 miles) south, a 25-minute ride by tram or a 10-minute ride by train. Visit the Vermeer Centre showcasing the life and work of artist Johannes Vermeer and the Museum Het Prinsenhof dedicated to the life of William of Orange. Also interesting are the Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk churches. The latter’s tower leans so preposterously that the top is a full two metres out of whack with the base.
Tel: +31 15 215 4051.Website: http://www.delft.nl