The best of The Hague: brunch, lunch, hopping & shopping (and more)
Welcome to The Hague, the city where the king lives just around the corner, you can cycle past the prime minister (if you're lucky), and where, in a single day, you can both have beach sand between your toes and avoid the high heels of diplomats. From palaces to squares full of terraces, international law courts to a herring sandwich at the Hague Market – The Hague has it all.
From cozy cafes with the aroma of freshly ground beans to restaurants where your plates are works of art (and where you have to make an effort to pronounce the names on the menu): The Hague offers something for every taste!
Sometimes you bump into them, sometimes you have to search forever. Those real gems from children's stores. Unfortunately, it's quite scarce these days, but once you have a favorite, you'll keep coming back. The same goes for Meerkat For the 070 region (and beyond!). A candy store for all ages. Besides the best collections for your kids, such as established brands like Tiny Cottons, Repose Ams, Bonmot, and Misha & Puff, Stokstaart also houses the very best items to give as gifts or just buy for yourself (ha!).
Every now and then we come across brands that we really don't want to keep from you, Studio Limonada There's one. In her studio at Franklinstraat 95 in The Hague, Ysabel sells and crafts the most beautiful lampshades, lamp bases, and cushions. Think handwoven silk ikats and African mud cloths (sounds strange – it's cool) with delightful prints. Want to elevate your interior even further? Match your lamp to the cushions on your sofa. The studio is dedicated to your needs, and you can have a lampshade made entirely to your specifications. We're fans!
We were already passing through the Zeeheldenkwartier to shop for gifts. It's a perfect combination with Bartine Bakery. Previously, there was only Café Bartine (already a fan!), but now this bakery has joined the list. Tip: arrive before 11:00 AM, as it gets busy. And rightly so. A plethora of delicious treats and also a small shop with beautiful products, perfect for giving or receiving during the holidays.
Another fun thing: next to the shop is the bakery itself, where you can watch from the outside as everything is kneaded and baked. Everything is equally delicious, so if you're struggling to choose, just ask the staff to make something delicious for you: look at our plate full of delicious treats.
It's cozy, with super friendly staff and completely in the Christmas spirit. There are actually too few seats: a few at the bar, a few tables outside, so you can also to go take.
Behold: Thrive Coffee House, exactly the kind of coffee shop that makes you happy. Think: really good coffee, a great team (with the owner himself behind the coffee machine), a light corner building with cozy seats and a sunny terrace. We don't really need to say more, do we? Read more about Thrive Coffee House here.
We have a new favorite: Onda! This restaurant perfectly illustrates the importance of good lighting. Dark brown wood tones, a slightly retro feel, and a very warm atmosphere. Besides delicious chef's menus and shared dining This is also a real asset to The Hague's culture. Every weekend, DJs, vinyl freaks and sound lovers for jam sessions that are just as warm and layered as the interior.
We came for the food (yes, it's really good), but we stayed because the atmosphere slowly eased us into the weekend. Onda is exactly the kind of place we'd like to keep secret, but that's impossible. In short: Onda is the place to be for everyone who loves taste, atmosphere and sound.
Pleasant, warm, cozy, and snug – that's how you could describe the atmosphere at wine bar and restaurant Bar Bowie. Stylish decor, a solid bar, and French awnings; that's exactly what you're looking for. Enjoy a glass of fine wine, or indulge in one (or more) why not) of the fine French-Mediterranean dishes. You certainly won't go home hungry, because from small to large appetites, Bar Bowie offers delicious dishes to share, as well as dishes for two, such as delicate cuts of meat or fish. For a big appetite, but, needless to say, refined taste.
On one of The Hague's most charming squares, Plaats. A historic location in a monumental building, it boasts an elegant interior, a lovely terrace, and excellent dishes on the menu. The decor is classy, alternated with modern and that homely feeling. The place where you as a guest will quickly feel at home. A place where you can spend the whole day, from a cup of coffee, to a glass of wine, to an extensive dinner. Say less!
Oh Palmette, we've lost our hearts to you. We'd love to join you: it's cozy, the staff knows exactly what they're doing, and—most importantly—the food is excellent. This place is all day open: from breakfast and aperitif timee to a full dinner. It really doesn't matter what you choose, because everything is delicious. But what do we still think about every week? The bouillabaisse. It's incredibly good.
In winter, you can sit inside or in the conservatory. Be sure to book in advance, as the restaurant is popular and often full. Oh! And in summer? DThere is also a large terrace where you can sit comfortably with a view of the main square of The Hague: the Binnenhof.
By Friso—the name says it all—is inspired by none other than Friso Kramer, the Dutch design legend who elevated minimalism and mid-century modern to a whole new level. Imagine an interior with clean lines, timeless, organic shapes, and a relaxed vibe that instantly evokes tranquility. This hotel combines that iconic style with sustainable construction, ensuring every corner and room is not only beautiful but also feels responsible.
With five stylish suites and a spacious loft measuring a whopping sixty square meters, there's no shortage of space. And what a location: By Friso is nestled right between the beach and the city, ideal for those who want the best of both worlds.
This newly opened one is a real hit The Ald HotelPerfectly located in the city center (with a parking garage underneath the hotel, always a plus), in a beautiful, authentic building. You can check in at the reception desk or manually with the iPad (easy and efficient). Beautiful high ceilings, marble-look bathrooms, and a view from your room overlooking a quiet square. Oh, and did we mention the beds are fantastic? Absolutely wonderful.
The best hangout in Scheveningen is open: MilestoneAt Hito, there's always a faint smell of the sea and fire, and you get impeccable intentions and execution to match. It's a permanent beach house, full of warm wood, warm colors, burgundy tiles, and the perfect menus (from breakfast to dinner) to keep you entertained all day long. Read more about Hito
More tips
-
Same family, new favorite: Bar di Vicini in Rotterdam
-
Bread, coffee, and creativity come together at Dees in Tilburg.
-
From Marseille to the Zeeheldenbuurt in Amsterdam: Ellie and Melle open Café Iep
-
The Barts Booklet list of new (and not to be missed) restaurants in Rotterdam
-
New in Rotterdam: Bistro Blendd in de Doelen
-
Barts Best of: nicest restaurants in Den Bosch
-
Weekend tips: October 23-25 (and more)
-
The best tips for Maastricht
-
Vlees & Co in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Nijmegen, and Arnhem is a bullseye for meat lovers.
-
New restaurants in Amsterdam: this is the definitive Barts Boekje list