Part II: The Hague: Amsterdam’s Chill Cousin
Not Amsterdam!
Hague Like A Local
The Hague has more to offer than just its greatest hits. Here are some hidden gems, architectural oddities, and fun neighborhoods to enjoy:
The chillest park in the world.
The Hague Market The Hague Market is one of the largest open air markets in Europe and is open nearly every day from 9-5. You can find almost anything here, from cheap produce, to fish, to vintage goods, to fabrics.
Hidden Staircase, De Bijenkorf De Bijenkorf is the Hague’s upscale department store, but you probably didn’t come all this way just to get the same designer brands we have at home. In the center of this store lies a mid century work of art that goes all the way to the top of the building. Take the escalators to the top floor and find the staircase. Featuring original wood paneling and beautiful, distinct, works of stained glass, this architectural feature will keep surprising you all the way back down to the ground floor. It’s best enjoyed in sunshine to get the full effect!
Koekamp Park The Hague’s version of Central Park, this green space is also home to a roaming herd of deer, and it's less than a two minute walk from the central station.
China Town Though only a few short blocks, the international district of the Hague is still flanked by the same dragon-entwined beautiful archways you might find in American cities. Indonesian food is particularly popular here, as Indonesia is a former Dutch Colony.
De Woelige Stal the Netherlands is dotted with public children’s petting zoos, but no kids are required to enjoy some time with the Hague’s most lovable goats, sheep, cows, and other furry (or feathery) friends. And it's absolutely free!
Drugstore Van Der Gaag Feeling a little cold coming on or in the market for some fancy soaps? Look no further than this Gravenstraat drug store and parfumerie that happens to look more than a little like the Weasley twins’ joke shop.
The Gravenstraat Domes Something about this intersection made the architects go “this needs a cool dome.” My favorite is located inside the local H & M. Its glass dome is more traditional and makes you feel like you’re walking back into the Belle Epoque era. (No puff sleeves needed.) Across the square in the multicolored brick building you really can’t miss, is a more colorful and more modern creation that answers the question “What if the tail feathers of a peacock were also a mandala?”
Laan Van Meerdervort and Associated Neighborhoods The Laan Van Meerdevoort is the longest avenue in the Netherlands and is home to some unique architecture. Its adjacent neighborhoods like the Zeeheld and Regents quarters are both a wonderful place to enjoy the local life. It is bisected by a lovely canal (yep we have those too.) If you happen to see a flash of bright green in the trees or in the air, you’re not going crazy! A colony of tropical parakeets have somehow managed to survive and thrive here in the Hague, and this canal is one of their favorite evening hang out spots.
