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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

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

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.

Introducing The Hague

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