Another country hop, another train ride! It’s just over two hours from Brussels to The Hague, and I’m thrilled to be finally visiting the Netherlands. Like much of Europe, the people here are incredibly friendly! My Airbnb, though, turned out to be a bit different than expected. I thought I’d be staying with a local, but it turns out the host rents out three separate rooms in the flat, and she doesn’t live here. Right now, I have the place to myself, which is both relaxing and a little unnerving since I don’t know if someone else might show up. Still, it could be a great way to make new friends! (Side note: no one ever shows up!)
The Hague is beautiful! Strolls in the park, birds at the beach, and a beautiful pond downtown. You can go for the famous art and the beach, but don’t skip on exploring everything The Hague has to offer!
Chilly Beach Days and Delicious Food
I arrived in July, expecting sunny beach days, but The Hague surprised me with cooler weather. Even though it was too chilly for lounging by the sea, I made the most of it by strolling along the boardwalk and soaking in the views. The coastline here is home to a series of whimsical bronze sculptures by American artist Tom Otterness, based on fairy tales and sea legends—a delightful surprise as I explored the area.
The beachfront is lined with charming open-air restaurants, perfect for dining while listening to the waves. One evening, I treated myself to a splurge-worthy meal on the beach. My waiter was not only attentive but also ridiculously handsome! So much so, that I couldn’t resist snapping a sneaky photo—proof that Europe just knows how to do it better, right? I had to send it to my friend Pedro who I was finally catching up with on a late night phone call. She agreed with my assessment on European men! Though the menu I picked up was in German, I’d already used Google Translate to figure out what I wanted. My waiter, ever the gentleman, kindly brought me an English menu, but I had already decided. Wine in hand, I watched the sun set over the water, fully embracing my Bougie Backpacker persona!
The pier nearby is iconic, complete with a massive Ferris wheel and an excellent spot for grabbing a drink. While Ferris wheels aren’t really my thing, I do love wandering piers over the ocean, so I grabbed a beer from a little booth and enjoyed the view.
On another evening, I indulged in a veggie burger at De Resident in the Scheveningen Food Hall. European food just hits differently—everything tastes so fresh, without the heavy preservatives we’re used to back home. Of course, I paired my meal with an Aperol Spritz, because when in Europe!
Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis
One of the main reasons I chose The Hague was because my brother and sister-in-law rave about it. My brother’s favorite artist is Vermeer, and no visit to The Hague would be complete without seeing Girl with a Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis. The museum, housed in a former city palace, is stunning in its own right. After my experience battling crowds to glimpse the Mona Lisa, I was relieved that this museum was much quieter. Visitors were respectful, giving everyone time to admire the painting and take photos. I wandered the rest of the museum, developing a growing appreciation for art. The attention to detail in these works is astonishing, and even the ceilings were adorned with beautiful artwork!
Vegetarian Eats in The Hague
Beyond beachside dining, I found a fantastic vegetarian spot called Happy Tosti Den Haag. I devoured their Tosti Oh My Goat—Dutch goat cheese, tomato chutney, spinach, and pumpkin seeds. Can we please bring this level of sandwich creativity to the States?
Another great find was ‘t Goude Hooft, where I ordered my go-to comfort food: grilled cheese and tomato soup. But, as with most things in Europe, it wasn’t exactly what I expected! The soup was delicious, but the toastie was completely different from an American grilled cheese. However, the restaurant was still incredible and I loved sitting on their covered patio, people-watching as I enjoyed my meal.I also stopped for a coffee at Café Soof, which was an absolute gem. The café itself is adorable, with my coffee served on a wooden tray, enjoyed on the patio amidst a beautiful garden. From my seat, I could hear a nearby church bell tower playing melodies—a perfect backdrop for a serene afternoon. I can see why my siblings adore this city; it’s truly magical.
Today’s Helpful Tips!
Happy Tosti Den Haag – A cute sandwich shop with great outdoor seating. I had the Tosti Oh My Goat which consisted of Dutch Goat Cheese, Tomato Chutney, Spinach, and Pumpkin Seeds.
Food Hall Scheveningen – Located at the beach, there are several wonderful restaurants inside, but I dined on a veggie burger at De Resident.
Panama Beach – Penne Funghi Porcini and wine, located on the beach, overlooking the North Sea. I recommend dining at sunset!
‘t Goude Hooft – Cheese toastie and tomato soup
Cafe Soof – A charming cafe in a garden, at certain times can hear the ringing of the church bells.
The Mauritshuis – Home to Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring
