Your first visit to The Hague doesn’t need a strict, hour-by-hour itinerary. It’s enough to know in advance where to leave your belongings, how the local transport works, and which attractions actually require a ticket. The two-day itinerary below leaves room for relaxation, photos and unexpected discoveries.
Before you set off, check the exact address of your accommodation, check-in time and the route to get there. In the Netherlands, it’s worth bearing in mind cycle paths, cashless payments and strong winds along the canals. Prices, opening hours and temporary restrictions are subject to change, so please check your final itinerary the day before your trip.
Before you set off: luggage, communication and transport
Download a map of the area, take a screenshot of your ticket and save the address of your accommodation in two different ways. If your room isn’t ready yet, ask about early luggage storage first; alternatively, use an official left-luggage facility with a clear price list and a receipt. Do not leave documents, money or chargers in your suitcase.
Trams, the metro, buses and commuter trains are available for getting around The Hague. Don’t automatically buy a day pass: mark your destinations on a map and compare its price with two or three single journeys. It’s often more convenient to walk around the city centre, but your energy levels after a night on the bus are more important than a small saving.
Day one: Binnenhof and Mauritshuis
Once you’ve checked in or dropped off your luggage, start with the Binnenhof. This spot helps you get a feel for the city’s scale and gauge the actual pace of your walk. Next, head towards Mauritshuis, choosing streets with as few unnecessary detours as possible. On the first day, limit yourself to just one lengthy paid tour, and treat the rest of the locations as an open-ended route.
If the bus arrives late, don’t try to catch up with the whole itinerary. Reduce your second stop to a quick look around, take a break for a proper meal and finish the evening near your accommodation. Before heading back, check the last public transport service and make sure you’re heading to the correct bus stop.
Day two: the Peace Palace and the Scheveningen promenade
Spend the second morning at the Peace Palace. If you need a time slot, book it for a realistic time, not immediately after the bus’s early arrival. Check the rules on bringing a rucksack, how to show your e-ticket and any possible closing days.
After the main tour, head to the Scheveningen Promenade. Between these two stops, allow time for a proper lunch and at least one free hour. This will give you a buffer in case of queues, rain or an interesting street that wasn’t on your list. If your next bus leaves in the evening, finish visiting your last new location no later than two hours before boarding.
How not to overpack your itinerary
A good two-day plan includes one main attraction per day, two areas for strolling and a few optional stops. Pick one spot that you can happily leave out. That way, a delay won’t turn into a constant feeling of being behind schedule, and your trip will keep its normal rhythm.
Allow more time than your sat-nav suggests for photos, a coffee and finding the right entrance. Cobblestones, hills and crowds significantly slow you down. If you’re travelling with a child, elderly relatives or a large suitcase, shorten the walking section and add one long break indoors.
Budget for two days
Calculate accommodation, the journey from the coach station, local transport, meals, one priority attraction and a contingency fund separately. Alternate free open spaces, parks and historic streets with museum visits. A tourist card is only worth it if you actually make use of the included trips and attractions; the advertised number of discounts does not in itself save you any money.
What to check before arrival
- the exact address of the bus stop and any announcements from the transport operator;
- the route to your accommodation, and the terms for early check-in or luggage storage;
- an offline map showing the Binnenghof and the Peace Palace;
- the charge on your power bank, mobile data and a backup payment method;
- the time you need to be back at the platform, allowing for city traffic.
Useful links
Before your trip, also read about public transport tickets upon arrival, how to plan your first day after a long bus journey, and how to find your hotel from the bus stop. You can check bus travel options on RedRay. Check the official Netherlands tourism portal and the official websites of specific attractions for events, seasonal changes and visitor guidelines. Sources verified on 6 September 2026.
Questions and answers
Are two days enough for a first visit to The Hague?
Yes, if you focus on one compact area of the city each day and choose just one attraction for a thorough visit. For a more leisurely pace, leave a few optional stops.
Where can I leave my suitcase after a coach journey?
The most convenient option is to arrange early check-in with your accommodation. If this isn’t possible, use an official left-luggage facility, checking the rates, opening hours and conditions for collecting your luggage.
Do you need a travel pass in The Hague?
Work out the actual number of journeys you’ll make along your route. If most of the places you’re visiting are in the city centre, single tickets may be cheaper; a travel pass is more convenient if you’re making several journeys to outlying areas.
What must you book in advance?
First and foremost, check your ticket for the Peace Palace, if time slots apply. Also, confirm your accommodation and the exact location of your next bus stop, and keep the rest of your itinerary flexible.