Major international institutions, NGOs, and UN agencies have made The Hague their home. Now One Young World can take the spotlight in this prestigious and inspiring environment with access to – and support from – these leading organisations.
The Hague is known across the globe as a centre for international efforts to make the world a better place. The Hague is the International City of Peace and Justice, the world’s legal capital, and the second seat of the United Nations. Every day, tens of thousands of people in The Hague work together towards a more peaceful, just, and secure world. They work in hundreds of organisations, companies, and various knowledge centres as well as the Peace Palace – the symbol of international justice for more than 100 years. The Hague is where conflicts are prevented and solved peacefully.
We host major international conferences such as the Nuclear Security Summit and the Global Conference on Cyberspace. We provide a neutral ground for open dialogues and constructive debates. The tremendous diversity of The Hague is reflected in more than 150 NGOs, and hundreds of international companies and organisations.
Top places to visit in The Hague
Dutch Parliament
The Binnenhof is situated in the heart of The Hague’s city centre. Since 1446, it has been the location of Dutch parliament meetings, the Staten-Generaal, and has been the centre of Dutch politics for centuries. The grounds on which the Binnenhof now stands were purchased by Count Floris IV of Holland in 1229; where he built his mansion, next to the modest lake that has been called Hofvijver or ‘Court Pond’ since the 13th century. More buildings were constructed around the court, several of which are well known in their own right, such as the Ridderzaal (Great hall; literally Knight’s Hall), where King Willem-Alexander holds his annual speech on Prinsjesdag (Prince’s Day).
Peace Palace
Feel the warmth of the peace flame on your back as you admire the most photographed building in The Hague: the Peace Palace. It is the seat of the International Court of Justice, the only judicial organ of the United Nations not located in New York, and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. This beautiful Neo-Renaissance style building was the winning design of an architecture competition in the early 1900s. The building’s timeless design along with the organisations it houses have given The Hague worldwide recognition as the International City of Peace and Justice.
Shopping in The Hague - The Passage
The Passage is the only remaining example in the Netherlands of this type of covered shopping street, popular in major European and American cities during the 19th century. The new extension of the monumental construction towards Grote Marktstraat has given rise to a hyper modern indoor shopping arcade: Nieuwe Haagse Passage. A veritable shopping paradise: dry and sheltered, with the latest collections from top stores!
Museums in The Hague
The Hague offers a wealth of impressive art. Be inspired by the unique museums and wonderful exhibits found in many galleries. Discover the largest painting in the Netherlands: Panorama Mesdag. Admire the exquisite works of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Mondrian at the Mauritshuis and Gemeentemuseum.
- Web page: https://denhaag.com/en/museums
Grote Markt
The Grote Markt in the city centre of The Hague is a former market square surrounded by bars and clubs. On the Grote Markt (literally ‘Great Market’) the atmosphere is welcoming, and the crowd is creative, alternative, and bohemian. From early in the morning, until late at night, you’ll find people having a good time here. Throughout the year there are lots of activities taking place in the middle of the square.
The Grote Markt is the epicentre of The Hague’s popular music scene. The area surrounding the historic market place is known as ‘PopHotSpot’ where local bars and clubs work together with the nearby pop venue Paard van Troje to programme live music throughout the year. Grote Markt also serves as a home base for several festivals.