Neighbourhoods of The Hague
Moving to The Hague
Are you thinking of relocating to The Hague? A wise choice! But you’re probably wondering where exactly to start, and trying to get a grasp on a city from a distance is not so easy. The Hague can be described as a vibrant city. It’s one of the most international and multicultural cities in the Netherlands, with a large mix of both students and professionals. This has made The Hague somewhat of a cultural melting pot; and the cultural mix can be seen throughout the city with a fantastic array of cuisine and wide ranging markets which are on offer throughout the city.
The Hague is a typical Dutch city in many ways - featuring scenic canals, parks, artistic exhibitions and history galore, but it's also a city with skyscrapers and beaches - which is quite a rarity for a city in the Netherlands. The Hague is home to several international primary and secondary schools as well as international universities, and host to numerous governmental institutions - including the Dutch Parliament, Europol, and both the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Adding this all up, The Hague is an appealing destination for students, families and professionals alike - but knowing where exactly to move can be a hassle.
Like in most cities in the Netherlands, the housing market in The Hague is very competitive; this means if you are looking for housing, it’s best to start several months before your move. The Hague is a popular city, so many also opt to find housing in the quieter (and cheaper) surrounding areas, such as Rijswijk, Leidschendam-Voorburg or even Delft - for more info on these areas, check here.
Understanding the different areas of The Hague
The Hague is a big city, and you’ll find a surprising number of differences through each distinct area. Some areas may be more appealing to some rather than to others; do you fancy a vibrant and busy life? Centrum could be for you. Are you a student? Perhaps Laakkwartier is appealing. Or maybe you just want a quieter side of The Hague and don’t mind a commute into town - in that case Kijkduin is worth considering. Let's explore the different neighbourhoods of The Hague and see what suits you.
Centrum (City Center)
The bustling heart of The Hague, Centrum is home to many landmarks, modern shopping streets and vibrant cultural venues: the highlights include the Binnenhof (Dutch Parliament), Chinatown, the Mauritshuis museum, and the Grote Markt for nightlife and dining. You can be sure living in the centre that you’ll be close to everything - whether its public transport, iconic bars or any amenities you could need - but it also comes at a hefty cost. The area is primarily composed of professionals and expats, and living in the centre is very in demand. Expect to have stiff competition, high prices and limited options.
Zeeheldenkwartier
The trendy Zeeheldenkwartier is well known for its cosy and quirky stores, creative atmosphere, and delightful cafés. As the host for various events and markets throughout the year, the Zeeheldenkwartier always has something going on, but still promises a quieter life than the bustling center. The neighbourhood showcases some of The Hague’s internationalism with its diverse population and food options, and is still within proximity to the city centre by a short tram or bike ride, providing an appealing destination for many. The Zeeheldenkwartier is home to professionals, expats and families alike. In recent years, the area has seen housing prices soar, so you’ll likely be paying a little more than the city average to live here, but in return, you’ll enjoy one of The Hague’s most desired locations.
Statenkwartier
Statenkwartier is a picturesque and affluent neighbourhood of The Hague - known for its tree-lined streets, and being home to many embassies, Europol and several courthouses. Additionally, it's where several museums such as the Kunstmuseum and Museon are located, as well as numerous desirable boutiques and restaurants. You can find these especially along the Frederik Hendriklaan ('de Fred' for locals) - one of The Hague’s most vibrant shopping streets. Its proximity to the beach also helps to make it a desirable location. This expat neighbourhood is primarily composed of families and professionals, but the Statenkwartier is high in demand - thus you can expect high costs for housing, but a charming characteristic and vibrant surrounding area.
Scheveningen
The lively seaside district, Scheveningen is very famous as the home of The Hague's beaches and iconic pier area. It’s a hotspot for water sports like surfing and kiteboarding, as well as family-friendly attractions such as Sea Life and LEGOLAND. In the summer, the beach is transformed into a vibrant destination for locals and tourists alike - with festivals, concerts, and bustling beach clubs opening up. However, its distance from the centre of The Hague could be a challenge for some, as it takes aprroximately 20 minutes biking until you are down town The Hague. Scheveningen is also high in demand and high in price, but features a vibrant, holiday vibed alternative, with various activities and landmarks to provide consistent entertainment.
Kijkduin
Known as the quieter side of the beach, Kijkduin is a peaceful, more nature-filled alternative to the lively Scheveningen. This area features a large number of families and is home to various walking and bike trails, sandy dunes and beachside restaurants. Kijkduin is a great alternative to Scheveningen for those seeking the beach life with a little more harmony and lower housing costs, but may prove too far outside of the centre for some.
Laakkwartier
Located near one of the city’s main train stations - Den Haag Holland Spoor - and also The Hague University of Applied Scienes, the Laakkwartier is another of The Hague’s diverse areas - primarily inhabited by a large number of international migrant workers and students. The neighbourhood is more affordable than other districts of the city, and is currently undergoing a period of redevelopment which is seeing various housing projects pop-up, meaning options could be more available in this district in the coming years.
Archipelbuurt and Willemspark
Located just outside of the city centre, the Archipelbuurt and Willemspark neighbourhoods are iconicly known for their gorgeous 19th-century style houses, and tree-lined avenues. These areas are particularly popular amongst expatriates and families alike and are within close proximity to the city centre, whilst being situated not too far from the beach at Scheveningen. Within a short distance, you can also find the Peace Palace and Scheveningse Bosjes forest- one of The Hague’s best areas to walk through and explore. You can therefore expect to pay a sizable sum for housing - but for some of The Hague’s most desirable areas.
Choosing the right neighbourhood
The Hague’s neighbourhoods are as diverse as the people who live in them; each featuring their own unique pros and cons depending on what you’re looking for in your new destination. For many, price and demand may determine where you end up. However, it's also important to prioritise which area is most appealing to you and your situation. Regardless, The Hague’s charm shines throughout each of its vibrant districts, so you can be sure that whichever area you choose, the city will welcome you warmly.