A Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Hague’s Historical Center

You'll start at this elegant square surrounded by cafés and government buildings, discovering what it was nearly renamed during German occupation. Experience the vibrant political heart of The Hague where ministers and diplomats still stroll today.

Marvel at this stunning medieval complex that houses the Dutch Parliament, with its iconic towers and courtyards dating back to the 13th century. Walk through the same halls where the country's most important political decisions are made.

Pass by this exquisite Dutch Golden Age palace that now showcases world-famous masterpieces including Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring." Admire the elegant façade of this former royal residence turned celebrated art museum.

You'll see the Prime Minister's iconic office tower, a small but powerful building where Dutch leaders have worked for centuries. Learn why this unassuming structure has witnessed some of the nation's most dramatic political moments.

Stroll along The Hague's most prestigious tree-lined boulevard, often called the Dutch Champs-Élysées, flanked by impressive Baroque palaces. Enjoy the elegant atmosphere where art galleries, embassies, and grand hotels create a sophisticated urban experience.

You'll pass the working palace where King Willem-Alexander conducts his daily royal duties, recognizable by its classical orange-trimmed façade. Explore the charming palace gardens and discover why storks have become a symbol throughout the city.

Marvel at this legendary luxury hotel that has welcomed Winston Churchill, three US presidents, and music icons like Michael Jackson and Prince. Walk past this grand 19th-century building where history and glamour continue to intersect.

Pass by the former winter palace of Queen Mother Emma, now home to the mind-bending works of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher. Discover how this elegant royal residence became the perfect setting for impossible staircases and optical illusions.

You'll see the city's Great Church with its famously tilted "Drunken Man's Tower" leaning at an unusual angle. Learn the entertaining story behind this 15th-century spire's peculiar nickname and architectural quirk.

Pass this charming Renaissance building and hear why locals joke that The Hague is just "the biggest village in the Netherlands." Experience the intimate scale of Dutch governance in this surprisingly modest seat of municipal power.

Walk through the Netherlands' oldest covered shopping arcade, a beautiful 19th-century gallery with ornate ironwork and elegant storefronts. Stroll beneath the glass ceiling where generations of Hagenaars have shopped since 1885.

You'll end at this medieval gatehouse-turned-prison where the country's most notorious criminals were once held. Explore the dramatic history of this imposing structure, including the story of the only time the Dutch ate their head of government.