jong stel in de Korte Koediefstraat kijkend naar de oude en nieuwe architectuur in het centrum van Den Haag

Living in Centrum

As the oldest district in the city, Centrum is home to a diverse mix of old and new. Within its four neighbourhoods – Stationsbuurt, Transvaalkwartier, Zeeheldenkwartier and Archipelbuurt-Willemspark – lies an array of culture and leisure hotspots. From bars and restaurants to museums and historic landmarks, this part of the city has a lot to offer. In fact, almost 20% of all residents in The Hague region live in Centrum.   

Everyday Life 

As The Hague’s main hub, Centrum is a lively and active area. Living here will give you access to the hustle and bustle of the city right on your doorstep. Many shops, cafes and main transport links are just a stone’s throw away. As such, Centrum attracts a wide variety of inhabitants looking for an urban lifestyle, with many professionals and young families calling this district home. 

This area also houses world-famous political institutions and landmarks such as the Dutch parliament building (Binnenhof) and the Peace Palace (which includes the International Court of Justice). The City Hall (Stadhuis) can also be found in this area. This is where locals can go for registering with the municipality, arranging parking permits, get housing support, and more. 

Working and Education

Its central location and close connection to key transport links has drawn many businesses to the inner city. In Centrum you can find the offices and headquarters of a number of major international companies with a global workforce. This has attracted many internationals and their families to the area, both to live and work. 

When it comes to schools, living in Centrum offers a wide variety of options. The city centre is in close proximity to several primary and secondary schools, including both Dutch and international schools. Daycare options are equally as diverse, with numerous nurseries and playgroups easily accessible to those residing nearby.   

Healthcare

With multiple medical facilities in the area, you can rest easy knowing that help is always around the corner. Alongside local doctors, physiologists and physiotherapists, you can also find the HMC Westeinde hospital in the city centre. This is one of three medical institutions that make up the Haaglanden Medisch Centrum, the main hospital system for the region of The Hague. 

Transport Links

The Hague Centrum offers a number of convenient transport links. Buses and trams make navigating the city, be it for work or for leisure, both quick and easy. Meanwhile, the two main train stations, Den Haag Centraal and HollandsSpoor, provide convenient links to the rest of the Netherlands. The neighbouring cities of Rotterdam, Leiden and Delft are all easily accessible. Using public transport (OV – openbaar vervoer), they can be reached within 15 to 30 minutes from the city centre.    

Local Contact

The Hague Municipality: Atrium, Spui 70, 2511 BT Den Haag

 

Curious to know more about The Hague region? Learn about the neighbourhoods surrounding the city centre, and how to rent a home, or buy a property in these areas.  

Learn more about other districts in The Hague

Living in Scheveningen

Discover what it’s like to live in Scheveningen, The Hague’s beachside district near the city centre.

Living in Loosduinen

Situated between the city and the sea lies the former village of Loosduinen. Find out what it’s like to live there.

Living in Segbroek

Learn what life is like in Segbroek for internationals living in The Hague region. The district lies northwest of the city and is home to 60,000 residents.

Living in Escamp

Learn what it’s like to lead an active lifestyle in Escamp, the Hague’s sportiest and most populous district.