Den Haag The Randstad, The Netherlands Travel Guide
The city and surrounding areas begin to bloom with cherry blossoms in late April offering beautiful displays. Days lengthen, making outdoor exploration pleasant. Bring layers for cool mornings and evenings. Summer brings the warmest weather, with average temperatures between 17-22°C (63-72°F). Long daylight hours provide extended sightseeing and beach enjoyment. Autumn temperatures cool down, typically ranging from 10-16°C (50-61°F). Rainfall increases. The city’s parks and trees display vivid autumn foliage. Winter experiences cold temperatures, averaging 3-7°C (37-45°F). The weather often appears damp with rain or occasional snow.
The Netherlands does not experience monsoons or hurricanes. Extreme temperatures, either very cold (below -10°C / 14°F) or very hot (above 30°C / 86°F), occur rarely. Strong winds are a common feature, especially near the coast, adding to the brisk feeling of the air.
Beach and Outdoor Activities: July-August provide the best conditions for enjoying Scheveningen Beach and other coastal pursuits.
Museums and Indoor Attractions: Visit these year-round. Cycling: May-September offers comfortable conditions. Tulip Fields (nearby): Plan your visit for mid-April to early May. Shopping and City Exploration: Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Christmas Markets: December brings festive Christmas markets to the city.
June-August
Warmest weather, ideal for beach. Longer daylight. Attractions at full capacity.
Peak prices for accommodation/flights. Larger crowds. Pre-booking necessary.
April-May & Sept-Oct
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds. Lower prices. Tulip season.
Less predictable weather, higher rain chance. Beach activities may wind down by late September.
November-March
Lower prices for accommodation/flights. Very few tourists. Cozy winter atmosphere.
Cold, often wet weather. Shorter daylight. Reduced operating hours.
Travelers to Den Haag comply with Schengen Area visa and entry requirements. These rules depend on your nationality and the length of your stay. Citizens of many non-EU/EEA countries need a Schengen Visa for stays up to 90 days. Apply at the embassy or consulate of the Netherlands. Citizens from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and many others do not need a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) expected to be operational mid-2025 will apply to visa-exempt non-EU nationals. Stays longer than 90 days require a long-stay visa or residence permit.
Present a passport valid for at least three months beyond your departure date, issued within 10 years. Carry your valid Schengen visa (if applicable), return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds. Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage) is required for Schengen visa applicants and highly recommended for all. Visa applications need recent passport-sized photos. Den Haag imposes no general entry fees for tourists. Standard border control procedures apply.
Den Haag offers options for every travel style, from frugal to luxurious.
The official currency is the Euro (€, EUR). ATMs, "Geldautomaat," are widely available at banks, shopping centers, and train stations. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) are widely accepted; American Express is less common. Contactless payment is prevalent. Inform your bank of your travel plans. Currency exchange offices are present but generally offer less favorable rates than ATMs.
These ranges provide an overview of typical costs you will encounter.
Approximate costs for common items and services.
The Netherlands boasts a high-quality healthcare system and generally low crime rates.
No specific vaccinations are required. Ensure routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, Varicella, Polio, Flu) are up-to-date. Consult your doctor.
Minor colds, seasonal allergies (spring/summer), sunburn. Practice good hand hygiene, stay hydrated, use High-SPF sunscreen and Sun protection.
Tap water is safe and excellent quality. Food hygiene standards are high. Carry a Reusable water bottle.
Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
For non-emergency medical issues, visit a "huisarts" (General Practitioner). Den Haag has several hospitals with emergency departments (Spoedeisende Hulp), like HMC Westeinde. Pharmacies ("Apotheek") are widely available for medications.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all travelers. A good policy covers medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. Consider World Nomads for adventurous travel or SafetyWing for digital nomads. Insubuy provides medical and travel coverage for US visitors.
Special permits are not generally needed for tourism. The city maintains a high level of safety and cleanliness.
The Hague has very low crime rates. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas like Centraal Station, Grote Markt, Scheveningen Boulevard, and on public transport. Remain aware of your surroundings. Secure valuables in a Money belt or hidden pouch. Avoid openly displaying large amounts of cash or expensive electronics.
No specific "no-go" areas. Scheveningen can be lively at night but remains generally safe.
Coastal storms with strong winds and heavy rain occur, especially in autumn/winter. Heatwaves are rare. Significant urban flooding is rare due to extensive flood defenses.
Knowing these numbers and procedures can be useful in an emergency.
Images to help you prepare for your journey.
