A Local’s Guide to The Hague: Where to Eat, Drink & Explore
The Hague is a city that effortlessly combines elegant architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed local atmosphere. While many visitors head straight for the famous landmarks, the real charm of the city can be found in its cozy cafés, independent restaurants, lively streets, and green parks. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, here’s a collection of some of the best local spots to experience The Hague like a resident.
Best Coffee Spots
Start your day with a great cup of coffee at one of the city’s welcoming cafés.
- Bookstor Café – A cozy bookstore café where you can enjoy excellent coffee surrounded by books and a relaxed atmosphere. They have a nice garden as well.
- Lola Coffee & Bikes – A stylish café and bike repair service, combining specialty coffee with cycling culture. Go for one of their delicious cakes!
- Single Estate Coffee Roasters – One of The Hague’s best destinations for specialty coffee.
Where to Have Lunch
- Appeltje Eitje – Famous for breakfasts, brunches, and homemade comfort food.
- Cafe Pomegranate – A warm and inviting spot serving delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
- Pistache Café – A modern café known for fresh ingredients, healthy lunches, and excellent coffee. Located next to the Paleistuinen.
- Baladi Manouche – Authentic Middle Eastern street food with freshly baked manouche and flavorful fillings. One of my favorite places in The Hague!
- Sam Sam – A cozy neighborhood restaurant offering fresh seasonal dishes in a relaxed setting. There are options for sharing your food!
- Café Soof – A beautiful garden in the middle of the city, with reasonable prices as wel.
Dinner Recommendations
As evening falls, The Hague comes alive with a diverse dining scene.
- Vinchenzo’s – A great choice for Italian-inspired dining with a welcoming atmosphere. There are multiple restaurants throughout the city.
- Shakshuka – A vibrant restaurant serving colorful Middle Eastern cuisine packed with flavor.
- Niko – A modern Japanese restaurant offering creative dishes made with high-quality ingredients.
- El Bar – Perfect for sharing plates, tapas, good wine, and a lively evening.
- Lapsang – A contemporary dining experience with carefully crafted seasonal menus. Located in a cozy street.
- Pleidooi – A hidden gem offering refined dishes in a relaxed setting.
- L’amour Toujours – An intimate restaurant ideal for a memorable dinner with excellent food and atmosphere.
Drinks & Nightlife
Looking for a place to unwind after dinner? These bars are popular among locals.
- Bar Bea – Stylish cocktails in a cozy setting. At night this bar transforms into a sort of a club.
- Huppel the Pub – A classic local pub with a friendly atmosphere. Located in the Oude Molstraat, one of The Hague’s most fun and famous streets.
- The Fat Mermaid – As this place is located on the beach, you can chill during the day and dance at night.
- Indigo Beach Club – This is the perfect place to enjoy sunset drinks by the sea. When the weather is nice, they do ‘Pleinfeestjes’, which they announce on their Instagram. This means a free beach party!
Places Where the Locals Go
If you want to experience everyday life in The Hague, don’t miss these local favorites.
- Café Flora – A bar/restaurant and a cinema located in an abandoned old tower. You can get a nice view of the city.
- Van Kleef – A historic tasting room famous for its traditional Dutch liqueurs. They have reasonable prices, and a large garden to sit in, including two cats. In addition, they have a rich history and love to talk about it.
- Haagse Broeders – A unique brewery where locals brew their own beers. They also make beers for the cafes surrounding them.
- Bij Hem Eten & Drinken – A welcoming neighborhood restaurant and bar with a relaxed atmosphere. Go there for lunch, dinner, and drinks.
- Minibar – Small, cozy, and full of character. Newly opened.
- Zuiderstrand – A quieter beach where locals escape the crowds.
- Opa Pino – A beloved local ice cream spot with a laid-back vibe.
Beautiful Nature
Need a break from the city? The Hague offers several beautiful green spaces.
- Westduinpark – Stunning dunes, walking trails, and beautiful views of the North Sea. You might even walk into the Highland Cattles there.
- Paleistuinen – Elegant palace gardens perfect for a peaceful stroll. Locals chill here and use it as their garden.
- Het Haagse Bos – One of the oldest forests in the Netherlands, ideal for walking, jogging, or simply relaxing.
- The Peace Palace – One of the most beautiful buildings in The Hague, close to the Scheveningse Bosjes.
Streets Worth Exploring
Some of the city’s best experiences come from simply wandering through its lively streets. These neighborhoods are filled with independent boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and local shops.
- Prins Hendrikstraat
- Piet Heinstraat
- Regentesseplein
- Fahrenheitstraat
- Denneweg
- Theresiastraat
- Frederik Hendriklaan
- De Oude Molstraat
- Noordeinde
Each of these streets has its own unique character and offers plenty to discover, whether you’re looking for shopping, dining, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere.
No matter what brings you to The Hague, taking the time to explore these local favorites will give you a taste of the city’s authentic charm. Enjoy your stay—and don’t be afraid to wander, because some of the best discoveries are made when you step off the beaten path.
Kimmie 
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