Top 11 Day Trips From The Hague, Netherlands

Mwongeli
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 5 min read
day trips from the hague

The Hague brings to mind world politics, diplomacy, embassies, and ambassadors. Sitting on the North Coast Sea of the Western Netherlands, The Hague is a charming city that’s home to a ravishing landscape and a thriving cultural scene. You’ll find plenty of great hotels to stay for accommodation. The city is also full of Airbnb vacation rentals that are as comfy as home. Considered one of the most beautiful cities in the entire Netherlands, this magical seaside resort is also laden with exciting attractions making it the perfect base for exploring most of the city’s hidden gems. The only way to revel in and experience this ethereal place is by visiting as many of its small hamlets and big cities as possible. Furthermore, there are numerous attractions and amazing destinations that you can visit within a day. Browse through our list of the top day trips from The Hague, Netherlands.

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1. Haarlem, Netherlands

day trips from the hague | haarlem, netherlands

An excursion from The Hague to Haarlem is a must-do on your itinerary. Haarlem perfectly balances historic charm and contemporary allure, enchanting visitors with a delightful blend of history, culture, and picturesque beauty. Wander through the quaint cobbled streets of the city center, lined with beautifully preserved historic buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. Admire the stunning Grote Markt square, the heart of Haarlem, with its iconic St. Bavo’s Church and the bustling weekly market.

Enjoy art and culture as you explore world-class museums, including the Frans Hals and Teylers Museum. Alternatively, you can escape the urban bustle and discover the natural beauty that surrounds Haarlem. Take a leisurely bike ride through the stunning tulip fields, or explore the nearby dunes and sandy beaches.

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2. Lisse, Netherlands

Garden
Source: Pixabay

Your itinerary of the Netherlands is incomplete until you have scheduled a visit to Lisse. If you are up for a slightly shorter day trip, visit the city of Lisse, a journey that will take you about an hour. Lisse is about 32 km (19.9 mi) from The Hague, and you can easily commute via train, bus, or car. Famous for its enchanting parks and picturesque flower gardens, Lisse is the place to escape to. Home to Castle Keukenhof and the iconic Keukenhof gardens, Lisse provides the perfect base for a quick weekend getaway where you can relax and surround yourself with the quiet respite nature provides as you meander across hundreds of beautiful tulips and flower exhibits.

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3. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Rijksmuseum
Source: Photo by Flickr user juergen_skaa used under CC BY-ND 2.0

A day trip from The Hague to Amsterdam promises a great time. Travel about 65 km (40 mi) to the country’s capital city. A slightly longer day trip as compared to Lisse, Amsterdam is a fascinating city renowned for its elaborate canal systems, exotic coffee shops, and of course, a thrumming culture with lots of fascinating options for eating! Steeped in culture and history, Rijksmuseum nestled at the Museum Square in Amsterdam South borough is where history buffs and art lovers alike gather. Being the largest art museum in the country, Rijksmuseum boasts intriguing exhibitions and displays over 8,000 objects of art and history among which, are some masterpieces by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Johannes Vermeer.

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4. Rotterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam
Source: Pikist

A half-hour train ride up the elaborate canal systems and fascinating waterways of The Hague will get you to Rotterdam, a beautiful city pulsating with history and where the old seamlessly blends in with the new. Laden with history, Rotterdam is hailed as an inspirational hub of Europe’s cutting-edge architecture. The sparkling skyscrapers and impressive bridges are just one of the many reasons you should consider embarking on this road trip. However, you’ll definitely want to spend some time in the city’s Old Habour and Maritime District, where you’ll get to see vintage ships as you learn more about its interesting seafaring history.

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5. Delft, Netherlands

Delft, de Nieuwe Kerk foto1 RM11872 foto4 2016-03-13 12.38
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michielverbeek used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Hague and Delft are about an hours’ distance away, making way for an exhilarating road trip. Famed for being the manufacturing base of Delftware’s exquisite blue and white handpainted pottery, Delft seats between The Hague and Rotterdam, and you can conveniently get there by train, bus, or car. A beautiful canal-ringed city, Delft is undoubtedly a charming medieval place with a story it seeks to narrate. For architecture lovers, a visit to the well-preserved New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) in Delft’s Market Square is sure to marshall up your excitement as you get a chance to enjoy a picturesque view of Delft’s 17th-century architecture from its towers.

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6. Leiden, Netherlands

Hortus Botanicus Leiden - De Wintertuin
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tubantia used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Hague as your base, you can see more of the Netherlands by embarking on a road trip to Leiden, a picturesque city in the centre of the country. Found only 22 km(13.7 mi) from The Hague, you can be in Leiden within slightly over half an hour by road. Known for its wonderful historic city centre, rustic architecture, and exciting museums, this charming city is also home to Leiden University - one of the country’s oldest institutions of research and higher learning, dating back to the 15th century. For outdoor lovers and keen nature seekers, a visit to Leiden’s botanical garden (Hortus Botanicus) may be well worth your time.

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7. Gouda, Netherlands

Cheese market in Gouda, South Holland in June 2019, 02
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kgbo used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Travel just 34 km (21 mi) west of The Hague to Gouda, a beautiful destination that’s home to ancient canals, attractive historic buildings, and undeniably some of the world’s tastiest cheese. Nestled in a central location within the country and only a half-hour drive from The Hague, Gouda’s proximity to cities like Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Utrecht mean you can conveniently explore most of the region’s major attractions. Synonymous with cheese of the name, which has its roots in this impressive Dutch city, Gouda is home to a traditional cheese weighing station and a vibrant cheese market known internationally for its wonderful variety. Held every Thursday in the inviting setting of the quaint Market Square, Gouda Cheese Market is a spectacle to behold and a true icon of the country’s elating culture and tradition.

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8. Kasteel Duivenvoorde, Voorschoten

Duivenvoorde Castle Voorschoten 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Steven Lek used under CC BY-SA 4.0

When you get to Kasteel Duivenvoorde, you’ll have lots to discover! With only about 16 km (9.9 mi) between The Hague and Kasteel Duivenvoorde and at about half an hours’ distance, a visit makes for an exhilarating day trip! Constructed in the late 1300s, Kasteel Duivenvoorde’s grandeur is a quintessential representative of the elegance of Dutch ancient architecture. This stunning historic landmark is today, one of the country’s most famous venue for festivals. Explore the castle’s beautiful facades and immerse yourself in its antique interiors as you enjoy a guided tour past its gorgeous rooms, brilliantly decorated to appear as if people are still living in them.

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9. Utrecht, Netherlands

Dom Tower

Finally, from The Hague, you can travel nearly 65 km (40.4 mi) to the city of Utrecht. Nesting centrally in the country, Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands and the capital of Utrecht province. A significant religious centre with many historical churches and inspiring architecture, Utrecht enjoys proximity to Amsterdam and serves as an efficient transport hub with its highly reliable and well-developed railway stations. To revel in your discoveries, make your way to the iconic Dom Tower and take in the splendid views of this charming city and its scenic surroundings.

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10. Dordrecht, Netherlands

Dordrecht - Grote Kerk
Source: Photo by Flickr user Arco Ardon used under CC BY 2.0

First constructed in 1285, then subsequently reconstructed in the late 1470s after a fire ravaged most of the city’s buildings, Gorte Kerk, is today, a distinctive feature in the landscape of Dordrecht city. Featuring a quintessential Brabant Gothic design, this stunning landmark is discernible as a structure fraught with culture and history. Standing as the tallest church in the city, Grote Kerk is a fascinating ancient protestant cathedral and is the second oldest chapel in the city. With a well-deserved place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this marvellous church also features an impressive tower from where you can enjoy gorgeous skyline views of the city.

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11. Kinderdijk, Netherlands

KinderdijkWindmills
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Willard84 used under CC BY 3.0

If you’re up for a slightly longer day trip, visit the city of Kinderdijk, a journey that will take you about one hour. Kinderdijk is about 60 km (37.3 mi) from The Hague, and you can effortlessly get here by train, ferry, or car. A beautiful medieval town with a profound cultural and historical significance, Kinderdijk is a small village nestled in the Alblasserwarrd polder at the confluence of Lek and Noord rivers. Famed for its iconic 18th-century windmills, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a visit to its well-preserved windmill museums is nothing short of fascinating.

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Experience The Hague, Netherlands

While there are many great places to visit in The Hague in one day, for a remarkable experience that opens you up to the enchanting beauty the Netherlands has to offer, consider embarking on one (or all) of the above day trips from The Hague. Experience the tranquil surroundings, historic buildings, and vibrant cities -The Netherlands has lots to offer.

Frequently asked questions about day trips from The Hague


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Equipped with a diploma in tourism, Mwongeli Munuve is passionate about visiting new places to learn, interacting with the locals, trying out some of their specialties and collecting souvenirs. She...Read more

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