Maybe it's just my inner child wanting to be freed, but Spellenhuis is what I wish had existed when I was a kid: a games shop with a full slate of daily activities where you can play every game in the shop for hours on end, with no obligations, other than a reasonable five-euro fee and the (sometimes assertive) hope that you order a plate of nachos. Of course, there are committed gamers who shop up in droves for competitive events. But "gezellig", the quintessential Dutch word for "relaxed, good times" is a perfect fit regardless.
I'm not talking about video games that require basic military training in order to "play." Spellenhuis is all about board games, strategy games, card games, chess and checkers, and more than a few award-winning new games that put innovative twists on old standards like Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon, and Settlers of Katan. First dates looking for a safe environment come here. Parents with bored yet bright children come here. Like-minded game fanatics come here. And, if you stay to play and like the games you're trying out, you get reasonable discounts on any purchases for home.
Is there a better way to spend a rainy day? Given that there are a lot of rainy days in the Netherlands, if you want to meet and mingle in an innocent, family-friendly locale, this might be your best option.
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Café Constant serves lunch and dinner, but you can also go there for coffee or drinks. There is also a nice terrace on both sides of the front door.
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J&L Bubble Tea is a very cute spot with an extensive menu, everything from the classics, like dirty boba or milk tea to fruit teas, and seasonal specials.
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I find the swimming pool De Blinkerd one of the most relaxing places in The Hague and the building is interesting as well as it is a dome.
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They have almost 200 kinds of different beers, and they organize events, like pub quizzes, so it is a good spot to hang around with friends.
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It is quite small but feels like a little sanctuary in the middle of the city center. The garden is filled with different beautiful hidden sculptures.
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House of Tribes is a lovely cafe with a modern interior and a community table for bigger meetings. It is a great spot if you want to have some work done.
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When you order the dishes you like to share, they put the dishes in the order that will give you the best experience. The food is amazing and so inspiring!
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Full Moon Express is great for a good and fast lunch or dinner. They have different types of noodle soups, wok, barbecue, bento boxes, or Japanese curry.
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I discovered this bakery by surprise when I was taking a shortcut through the city centre. It is located in the middle of the city centre and yet it's quite secluded.
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All around Koningsplein are houses built in the neo-renaissance style typical for the area, beautifully maintained with their front doors in bright colors.
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For breakfast, Petit offers croissants or granola with fruit, for lunch there are two tosti options (the Dutch version of a grilled sandwich).
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Apart from its obvious significance, it's an interesting place to visit because each of the 197 countries contributed a special stone to the monument.
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121 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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