The royal city by the sea is the name most often given to The Hague, the second-largest city in the Netherlands. It is not only one of the oldest cities in Europe, but also an important political center. This is where the government lives, and the UN International Court of Justice sits. It is in The Hague where the official royal residence is located. And this very city boasts of a unique atmosphere because every building here breathes history and allows you to touch eternity. The Hague is often in the shadow of the famous Amsterdam. It is absolutely undeserved because it is a magnificent and exciting city that is exactly worth your attention
According to the administrative division, The Hague is composed of eight districts, each of which has its own internal division. But if you consider the city in terms of tourism, it is not necessary to be tied to the official districts. Locals recommend travelers to pay attention to the following areas of The Hague:
The central part of the city, the main boundaries of which can be called Central Station and the Peace Palace. It is here where the main attractions are concentrated and a large number of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. It is pleasant to walk in the center of The Hague during the day, and it is never boring at night. The only downside of living here is many tourists and a rather noisy atmosphere almost around the clock.
Buurtshap 2005 is an area that owes its name to the zip code. Stay here if you plan to visit festivals and exhibitions on the famous street Lange Voorhout. The site is also interesting with its numerous old buildings, cozy cafes, and brand-name stores.
Neighborhoods within walking distance of the Peace Palace are Zorgvliet, Archipelbuurt, Sweelinckplein. They are conveniently located in the vicinity of major attractions and offer a wide range of accommodation at an affordable price. There are also no problems with the choice of cafes and restaurants.
Chinatown is one of the most unusual and colorful districts of The Hague. It is located in the city center and attracts tourists with cheap products, massages, and authentic Chinese food.
Statenkwartier is a district, which can be surely called the most elite in The Hague. Successful people live here. There are unique architectural masterpieces, huge villas, and beautiful streets. In addition, this district has the longest street in Europe, Laan van Meerdervoort.
Neighborhoods by the sea are probably the most picturesque in The Hague. Scheveningen is famous for its wide sandy beach, beautiful promenade, pier, many cafes, and a sculpture museum. Belgisch Park is a quiet and peaceful area where you can enjoy pleasant views and meet the descendants of fishers. Kijkduin is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods where you can admire incredible dunes, relax on the beach with the locals, and visit the Celestial Vault art object.
The Hague will appeal primarily to travelers who love to walk and admire the architecture of the city. Beautiful buildings, majestic castles, impressive palaces — you want to view and photograph every detail. The list of must-see places to visit should also include numerous museums, interesting monuments, parks, and entertainment centers. You will not get bored.
The Hague is a city that brings together a large number of different nationalities on its territory. The Dutch make up only 54% of the total population. Second in number (14.5%) are natives of Western Europe, Japan, and the United States. About 7% of the population of The Hague are Turks, almost 6% are Moroccans, and a little over 9% are Surinamese. Other nationalities represent about 10% of the city's population: Indonesians, Polish, Belgians, Russians, Ukrainians, Chinese, etc.
The modern Hague begins its history with a small castle built by Count Floris IV of Holland in 1230. Already in 1248, the construction of a new castle began; the author of the idea was Count William II, who proclaimed himself the King of Rome. A village grew around the castle, which became the residence of the counts. However, The Hague could not receive the status of the city for a long time, as large Dutch cities opposed it and strongly hindered its development.
Beginning in 1400, the situation began to change gradually. The city's population grew to several thousand, as a result of which The Hague no longer looked like a village. Since 1581, it was the seat of the highest organ of government — the States-General. The Hague continued to grow and develop, and by the end of the XVIII century, its population reached 40,000. However, The Hague could receive official city status only during the French rule in 1806.
The year 1899 was a landmark in the city's history, thanks to the First Hague Peace Conference. Its main result was the establishment of the International Court of Arbitration. The XX century was a period of active border expansion for The Hague. The neighboring villages were gradually included in the territory of The Hague. The last such accession occurred in 2002 when large parts of the communities of Rijswijk, Leidschendam, and Voorburg became part of The Hague.