I wasn't born in The Hague. When I was sixteen, I stayed in the city for three days and immediately decided that I would come to live here as an adult. For me the city had everything: big city vibes, a village feel, the beaches and the sea, and lots of parks and green areas surrounding it.
One of the best green areas of The Hague is the ‘Haagse bos’, or in English: ‘The Hague Forest’. It’s just what the name says: a large natural area not far from the city center with footpaths, cycle lanes, lakes and grassy fields and a fantastic natural playground. I always feel privileged to cycle through the woods and still be so close to the city center. The forest has a very enthusiastic forester: Jenny, my namesake! She shares her little stories about the forest on twitter (@boswachterjenny).
In the middle of the woods is a palace, Huis ten Bosch, that was built in 1645. The former queen Beatrix, mother to the present day King of The Netherlands, used to live here. The pond behind the building is where her son, King Willem-Alexander proposed to his wife Maxima while ice-skating in winter.
Nowadays, the king, his wife and three daughters live in the palace. That means you can't visit it. Still want to see the inside? On Google Street View you can visit the big ballroom, the Oranjezaal. It is particularly beautiful, with floor-to-ceiling paintings.
Find your way with 119 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
After you place your order, you can watch the crepe being prepared at the counter, which is interesting to see. And the portion sizes are very generous...
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It is always busy at Viswinkel de Lange and as it is quite a small shop it can feel like you are like sardines in a can, which fits the theme somehow.
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The menu includes different types of milk tea, fruit tea, matcha lattes, and coffee. They also serve seasonal drinks and croffles (a type of Korean waffle with either sweet or savory toppings).
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When looking through the window you can see people rushing by, but inside the store it is quiet and customers take their time to browse through the books.
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The views are sensational, as you are surrounded by water and the sun sets into the sea. It is quiet and there are usually some other people who are enjoying the sunset or fishing in the harbor.
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When you walk around the Park Belvedere it feels like you are in the middle of the dunes, because of the rolling landscape and the trees.
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The restaurant is specialized in Korean barbecue and therefore, every table has its own grill and they also offer separate dishes or all-you-can-eat.
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When you enter it feels cosy and you are greeted by friendly personnel. There is an open kitchen concept, so you can see the chefs preparing meals.
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Another of my favorite places to visit during a stroll through Scheveningen is the Meteotoren, a sensational viewpoint that offers a 360-degree view of many different sights of The Hague.
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You can take a lovely stroll through the park, or go for a run and there is also a big playground for children and a large field where you can play outdoor sports, such as soccer or frisbee.
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Café Blossom is a lovely spot for breakfast, coffee and lunch. They offer interesting menu items for breakfast and lunch, like açaí bowls and pancakes.
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119 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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