Den Haag Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Travel smart to make your budget go further in Den Haag.

Discount Cards and Passes

Museumkaart: This pass has free entry to over 400 museums, including many in Den Haag. It often has value within a few visits.
OV-chipkaart: An anonymous OV-chipkaart has cheaper per-ride fares than single-use tickets for public transport.
Look for local discount vouchers.
Student or senior discounts are sometimes available.

Free Activities and Attractions

Walk around the Binnenhof and the Hofvijver pond to see the Parliament buildings.
Stroll through the Haagse Bos or along Scheveningen Beach.
Explore local neighborhoods like Zeeheldenkwartier on foot.
Visit the Peace Palace exterior and its Visitor Centre. These options have enriching experiences without an admission fee.

Happy Hours and Dining Deals

Look for "dagmenu" (daily menu) or "plate of the day" deals at restaurants.
Some bars have happy hour specials on drinks.
Check online for promotional offers.
Some restaurants have fixed-price lunch menus.

Transportation Savings

Cycle as much as possible. Den Haag is bike-friendly, and renting a bike for a day can be economical.
Use public transport with an OV-chipkaart for economical fares.
Walk for shorter distances.
Consider multi-day public transport passes for extensive use.

Accommodation Alternatives

Explore various lodging options to suit your budget and travel style.

Hostels and Guesthouses

Consider staying in hostels for budget-friendly dorms and private rooms.
Look for guesthouses outside the city center.
Many hostels have social events for travelers.
Check for included amenities like Wi-Fi or breakfast.

Apartment Rentals

Apartment rentals, especially for groups, can save on lodging costs by allowing self-catering.
Longer stays often benefit from weekly or monthly rates.
Consider Eagle Creek travel organization products for efficient packing.

Budget Hotels

Look for hotel chains that specialize in budget-friendly stays.
Hotels slightly outside the main tourist areas often have lower prices.
Some budget hotels include breakfast, which saves morning expenses.
Read reviews regarding cleanliness and comfort before booking.

Travel Rewards

Utilize travel credit card points for flights or accommodation.
Consider a travel rewards card like Capital One Travel.
Look for loyalty programs with airlines or hotel groups.
Sign up for travel deal alerts.

Time-Saving Tips

Maximize your sightseeing time by employing these strategies.

Skip-the-Line Options

Book tickets for popular attractions online in advance to save time queuing.
This applies to places like the Mauritshuis, Escher in Het Paleis, Madurodam, and the Louwman Museum.
Many websites have mobile tickets, allowing direct entry.

Best and Worst Times

Best: Arrive at opening time or in the late afternoon (1-2 hours before closing) to avoid peak crowds.
Worst: Mid-day, especially on weekends and during high season, when attractions are most crowded.
Early mornings are usually quieter.
Evening events often have fewer people.

Efficient Routing

Group attractions by geographical area (e.g., Binnenhof, Mauritshuis, Escher in Het Paleis are walkable).
The Kunstmuseum and Peace Palace are in Statenkwartier. Scheveningen is a distinct area.
Use the 9292 app to plan public transport routes efficiently between these clusters.
Walking tours cover multiple sites efficiently.

Pre-booking Recommendations

Pre-book flights and accommodation, especially for peak season travel.
Secure tickets for popular museums and attractions in advance.
Book train tickets for international journeys (e.g., Thalys) for availability and sometimes better prices.
Consider booking guided tours ahead of time.

Local Insights

Gain a appreciation for Den Haag through local customs and norms.

Common Tourist Mistakes

Ignoring bikes: Always look out for cyclists. They have priority and move quickly. Never walk in designated bike lanes.
Not using OV-chipkaart: Paying for single tickets on public transport is more expensive. Get an OV-chipkaart or use contactless payment (OVpay).
Only eating "Dutch" food: Den Haag has fantastic Indonesian and Surinamese cuisine.
Underestimating the weather: Bring a rain jacket or umbrella; Dutch weather can change quickly.

Phrases that Impress Locals

A simple "Dank u wel" (thank you very much) is appreciated.
"Goedendag" (good day) shows you have made an effort.
Simple greetings make a positive impression.
Locals value visitors trying their language.

Local Customs to Know

Dutch people are generally punctual, so arrive on time for appointments or reservations.
They tend to be direct and honest in communication, seen as efficient and genuine.
Respect personal space.
Listen for bicycle bells.

Unofficial Rules and Social Norms

Do not stand in bike lanes, as cyclists use them exclusively and at speed.
Keep right on escalators and sidewalks to allow others to pass.
Be aware of private property boundaries.
Queue patiently where queues appear.

Travel Smart:

Embrace local customs and use available resources for a richer journey. A Capital One Travel card could enhance your experience.

Optimizing Your Time

Make the most of your sightseeing time with these smart strategies.

Efficient Travel

Streamline your journeys and avoid waiting periods.

Smart Planning

Plan ahead to navigate easily and discover more.

Experience More

Discover hidden gems and local favorites.

Time-Saving Strategies

Advance Bookings

Book tickets for popular attractions online in advance to save time queuing.
Many websites have mobile tickets, allowing direct entry.
Secure tickets for popular museums and attractions ahead of time.

Optimal Visiting Times

Best: Arrive at opening time or in the late afternoon (1-2 hours before closing) to avoid peak crowds.
Worst: Mid-day, especially on weekends and during high season, when attractions are most crowded.
Plan your routes to group nearby attractions.

Pro Tip:

Always verify opening hours and booking requirements for attractions directly to save time and avoid disappointment.

Den Haag Travel Hacks