Haagse Bos The Hague – The woods where the king lives
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.
There’s so much more to discover
Discover more in The Hague
Café Blossom – Cosy neighborhood spot
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.
By
Marit
Kruisdijk
Petit – A vegan, gluten- and dairy-free café!
For breakfast, Petit offers croissants or granola with fruit, for lunch there are two tosti options (the Dutch version of a grilled sandwich).
By
Karoline
Welton
Clingendael Pet Cemetery – Charming!
"Clingendael Pet Cemetery" in The Hague has about a dozen headstones that mark the lives and deaths of pooches from the turn of the 20th century...
By
Adam
Frick
Emma's Hof – A little slice of (green) heaven
Emma’s Hof has a free library, a playground for kids, lots of benches and sunchairs, an abundance of flowers and herbs, and more and more birds...
By
Karoline
Welton
Lily's Bubble Tea & Coffee – Delicious bubble tea
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).
By
Marit
Kruisdijk
Loft – Café Loft Den Haag
Try the “Loft breakfast” between 10:00 and 11:30 for a delicious, nourishing start to the day. If you’re swinging by later, make sure to try out the “Loftini” cocktail.
By
Karoline
Welton
Pompernikkel – From breakfast to bakery
Pompernikkel is where you walk past in the mornings, spontaneously grab a coffee, devour an artisanal pastry, and bump into your neighbours.
By
Karoline
Welton
Appels en Peren – Restaurant with flair
Appels en Peren is a place where you can come for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, a typically Dutch “borrel” with friends, or an extensive dinner.
By
Karoline
Welton
Old Fashion – It's about drinking in style
Whether you’re just staying for a drink or going for a full dinner, you’ll be guaranteed a good time here. And their dishes are truly exquisite.
By
Karoline
Welton
Bookstor – No ordinary bookstore
"Bookstor" is a real treasure in the heart of The Hague. It's a place where people gather to share stories and play music or have a coffee & a bite to eat.
By
Hannah
Whittle
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