Lifestyle in The Hague

While The Hague might not have as much to offer in terms of lifestyle activities as Amsterdam or Rotterdam, expats relocating to the city will still find all sorts to suit people with varied interests. 

Shopping in The Hague

The Hague is the ideal place to shop in style. Shoppers will find chic fashion boutiques in and around Hofkwartier and Denneweg, but for alternative and edgy styles, they should head to the Prinsestraat and the Oude Molstraat. For a unique shopping experience, there’s De Passage, which dates back to the 19th century and is the oldest mall in the Netherlands.

When it comes to grocery shopping, all of the big names in the Netherlands can be found in The Hague. For seasonal and local produce, it’s best to visit the local markets.

Eating out in The Hague

Dutch food is fairly simple and consists of traditional roasted meat dishes, potatoes and boiled vegetables. While it’s always worth sampling local delicacies, expats will also find a range of international cuisines, including African, French, Italian, Eastern European, Middle Eastern and Chinese. 

Some of the best areas for eating out are in Willemspark or Chinatown, while the beachfront restaurants in Scheveningen making for a classy dining experience with a view.

Nightlife in The Hague

The daytime hustle and bustle of the city centre transforms into a vibrant nightlife when the sun sets – most pubs, cocktail bars and clubs are found in and around The Hague Center. Craft beer lovers living in The Hague can be sure to stumble on a number of local breweries here.

The proximity of popular bars and clubs makes this area perfect for any pub crawl, while further-out Scheveningen also offers some beachfront clubbing opportunities.

Sports and outdoor activities in The Hague

Active expats living in The Hague can take part in a wide variety of sports, from swimming and water sports to hiking, fishing and cycling. Lying on the North Sea coast affords The Hague with opportunities for kitesurfing and windsurfing, while those looking for something calmer can enjoy pleasant beach walks.

There are also some wonderful parks that are worth a visit. The Scheveningen Woods, just a short drive from The Hague’s city centre, offers several picturesque walking and hiking trails and cycle paths as well as a children’s playground.

Those who prefer to exercise indoors will find plenty of gyms and fitness centres throughout the city, many of which offer personal training services at an additional cost.