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

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Take a self-guided audio tour through The Hague - the political heart of The Netherlands. Explore elegant streets filled with powerful buildings, from royal palaces to Het Torentje (the Prime Minister's office), brimming with stories. This audio tour takes you through the city's historical center, pointing out its most interesting facets and share the (sometimes tall) tales behind them. Starting at Plein square, you'll head to Binnenhof, which houses the national government, and the Mauritshuis Museum. Stroll along the Dutch Baroque buildings on Lange Voorhout Street and hear about Hotel des Indes whose guests include Winston Churchill, three former US presidents, Michael Jackson, and Prince. Discover why the city is called The Hague, learn about the only time a country has eaten their head of government, and find out why images of storks are everywhere. You might even bump into a minister or two! Afterwards, you'll know more about The Hague than the average Dutchie!

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Smartphone and headphones

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This square starts at Plein Square, near the William of Orange statue. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

This tour ends outside the De Gevangenenpoort, or the Prisoner's Gate. It is now part of the Prison Gate Museum on your left.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approximately)
  • Het Plein (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • Binnenhof & Ridderzaal (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • Lange Voorhout (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • Noordeinde Palace (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • Escher in The Palace (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • Grote Kerk (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • Old City Hall (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    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.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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