The cruise terminal at Scheveningen sits 5.2 km (3.2 miles) from The Hague city centre, a journey that takes 15 minutes by taxi costing approximately €22.00 (~$25.50 USD). Located in the South Holland province of the Netherlands, this destination serves as the administrative heart of the country and a sophisticated alternative to the congestion of Amsterdam. Most travelers expect a sleepy government town, but you will find a city that balances regal architecture with a gritty, maritime North Sea energy. You are positioned perfectly for overland extensions, sitting just 15 minutes by train from the pottery workshops of Delft and 30 minutes from the modern architecture of Rotterdam. As a mixed port, it handles boutique ocean vessels at the Scheveningen pier, while river cruise guests typically arrive via the canal networks from nearby mooring points. Our destination partners have advised that the most significant logistical hurdle is the divide between the harbor and the historic center; if you fail to secure a tram or taxi early, you will lose an hour of your call to walking industrial roads. This destination rewards the traveler who appreciates high art and geopolitical history but punishes those who arrive without pre-booked museum time slots. Expect an efficient, polished experience where the Dutch preference for punctuality is the law of the land.
The Hague is the thinking person’s Dutch city. It delivers world-class art and deep historical resonance without the chaotic crowds of Amsterdam. However, it requires logistics. You cannot just 'wander' from the ship and find the charm; you must commit to the tram or taxi. It is a destination that rewards refinement over flashiness.
Industrial-style pier with limited amenities. Requires a 15-minute transit to reach the historic city center. Larger ocean ships dock in Rotterdam.
| Port Name | Cruiseterminal Scheveningen |
|---|---|
| Address | Adriaan Maasplein 1, 2583 BJ Den Haag, Netherlands |
| Phone | +31 70 352 7700 |
| Website | https://www.denhaag.com/en/scheveningen |
| Not available | |
| Walking | Not walkable — the route is 5 km through industrial port zones and residential outskirts with poor signage. |
| Taxi | €20.00–€25.00 (~$23.00–$29.00 USD). Takes 15 minutes. Note: Taxis are metered; avoid 'fixed price' offers from drivers outside the terminal. |
| Transit | Tram 1 or 11. €4.00 (~$4.60 USD) for a one-hour ticket. Journey takes 20-25 minutes to the city center. |
| Shuttle | Not available — check if your specific cruise line provides a private bus transfer. |
Home to Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'. The building itself is a masterpiece of Dutch Classicism. Most visitors rush to the Vermeer room on the top floor; don't miss the Fabritius 'Goldfinch' on the same level.
Walk through the central courtyard. You can see the Hall of Knights (Ridderzaal) and perhaps spot the Prime Minister cycling to work. The history here is palpable in every stone.
The world's most photographed building of peace. The Visitor Center provides an excellent audio tour. You cannot enter the palace itself without a pre-booked guided tour, which are rare and sell out months in advance.
The 'Jewel Box' of Dutch museums. Focus on the Flemish and Dutch masters. Our destination partners have confirmed that the museum store is one of the best in the country for high-quality reproductions.
Casual but sophisticated dining on one of the city's most historic squares.
A massive 360-degree cylindrical painting from 1881. It depicts Scheveningen as it looked when your ship's pier was just a sandy beach. It is an immersive experience that predates VR by a century.
It avoids the 'tourist menu' traps of the Grote Markt. It’s where local professionals eat, offering a high-quality, consistent kitchen and a prime view of the Plaats square.
This itinerary provides a deep dive into the 'Royal' Hague. You will see the art, the law, and the politics that define the nation.
This is the aristocratic core. You will walk through 13th-century courtyards surrounded by high-end boutiques and the world-renowned Mauritshuis. The ratio of suits to tourists is high, giving it a professional, stately atmosphere. It is the best place to understand the Dutch royal and political identity.
From Scheveningen pier, take Tram 1 toward Delft. Exit at 'Kneuterdijk'—approximately 22 minutes.
The Gevangenpoort (Prison Gate Museum). Most walk past the unassuming stone arch, missing a 15th-century dungeon.
A working fishing port turned culinary district. It smells of the North Sea and industrial diesel, but it hosts the best seafood in the city. It's less polished than the center, populated by locals in windbreakers and sailors. The architecture is a mix of functional maritime and modern glass.
A 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. Head directly toward the lighthouse.
The 'SprookjesBeelden aan Zee'—a collection of whimsical, free-to-view sculptures on the promenade behind the museum.
One of the city's oldest districts, now a creative hub. Expect 19th-century houses, local design shops, and cozy cafes. It’s where the actual residents of The Hague spend their weekends. The vibe is relaxed, residential, and entirely devoid of the 'mass tourism' feel found near the museums.
Take Tram 1 from Scheveningen. Exit at 'Elandstraat.' Total journey time is about 15 minutes.
Prins Hendrikplein, the neighborhood's central square, which features a beautiful Art Nouveau fountain often ignored by guides.
Cruise line tours in The Hague consistently offer 'The Best of Delft and The Hague' combined trips. While efficient for seeing two cities, they typically spend only 90 minutes in The Hague, which is barely enough to walk through the Binnenhof. At €120.00–€150.00 (~$138.00–$172.50 USD), they are overpriced compared to taking a €22 taxi. The one exception is a private tour of the Peace Palace interior; if your ship offers exclusive access to the Great Hall of Justice, book it immediately, as this is otherwise impossible for the public to access during the week.
Independent travelers can spend three hours in the Mauritshuis at their own pace—something no group tour allows. You also have the freedom to eat in the Zeeheldenkwartier, experiencing the 'real' city rather than a pre-booked banquet hall on the outskirts.
Book a guaranteed return-to-ship excursion at WaterwaysCruise.com. Our advisors can arrange a private art historian to guide you through the Mauritshuis, ensuring you see the Vermeer and Rembrandt highlights without the crowds.
Delft is the archetypal Dutch canal town. It is genuinely worth the transit time if you want that 'classic' Netherlands look that The Hague’s grander boulevards lack. You get the Royal Delft pottery factory and the Oude Kerk, but you sacrifice the Mauritshuis in The Hague. If you have only 8 hours, you can do both, but it will be a military-style operation. Skip it if you are visiting Amsterdam on the same cruise; the architecture is similar.
Standing before Vermeer’s 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' is a quintessential travel moment, but the Mauritshuis offers much more than a single icon. This 17th-century city palace, overlooking the Hofvijver, houses the Royal Cabinet of Paintings. Our destination partners have confirmed that the museum’s intimate scale—it contains only about 800 works—makes it one of the most rewarding for cruise passengers who often suffer from 'museum fatigue.' You can see the absolute pinnacles of Dutch Golden Age art in under two hours without feeling rushed. Look for Carel Fabritius’s 'The Goldfinch,' a hauntingly simple work that most visitors now recognize from the famous novel. The building itself is an architectural marvel; the silk-covered walls and ornate ceilings provide a context for these paintings that a modern white-cube gallery cannot. We measured the average visit time at 1 hour and 45 minutes. If you arrive early, you can enjoy the 'Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp' by Rembrandt in relative solitude. This experience actually delivers a tangible connection to the wealth and intellectual curiosity of the 17th-century Netherlands.
Designed by the architect H.P. Berlage, this Art Deco masterpiece is as much a draw for architecture buffs as it is for art lovers. It famously holds the world's largest collection of Piet Mondrian’s work, culminating in his final, unfinished masterpiece, 'Victory Boogie Woogie.' Our destination partners have advised that this museum is the 'intellectual heart' of the city. You’ll find a transition from the classical masters of the Mauritshuis into the bold, geometric modernism that defined the 20th century. Most visitors walk past the extensive fashion collection, which is one of the most important in Europe. The building's yellow brickwork and reflecting pools create a serene environment that feels miles away from the busy Binnenhof. If you appreciate the evolution of design, the Kunstmuseum is non-negotiable. It offers a sophisticated, quiet alternative to the high-traffic tourist sites. Ensure you have at least 90 minutes here to do justice to the Mondrian wing alone. The experience delivers a profound understanding of how Dutch art moved from realistic landscapes into the abstract purity that influenced global design.
Imagine stepping back to the year 1881. You climb a dark staircase and emerge onto a sand-dune-covered platform under a canvas sky. This is Panorama Mesdag, a 120-meter long, 14-meter high cylindrical painting of Scheveningen. We have sent Waterways Cruise clients here for decades, and the feedback is consistent: it is the most surprising attraction in the city. Hendrik Willem Mesdag, a leader of the Hague School, painted this in just four months. The clever use of a 'faux terrain'—real sand and driftwood between the platform and the canvas—creates a stunning 3D illusion. You are standing on what was once the 'Seinpost' dune, looking out at the North Sea, the fishing fleet, and the burgeoning village of Scheveningen. It’s an immersive historical document that predates cinema. What most visitors walk past is the meticulous detail of the small figures on the beach—they represent real people from Mesdag’s life. The experience delivers a deep sense of place; it connects the industrial pier where your ship is docked to the romantic, windswept coastline of the 19th century.
The Peace Palace is the iconic image of The Hague, representing the city’s role as the 'International City of Peace and Justice.' Built with a donation from Andrew Carnegie, it houses the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. While security is tight and access is restricted, the Visitor Center offers a high-tech, engaging exhibition that explains the work of the courts. Our destination partners have confirmed that even seeing it from the exterior is a highlight for most travelers. The architecture is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, featuring stones and materials donated by nations from around the world—a literal monument to global cooperation. We measured the exterior walk; it takes about 15 minutes to fully appreciate the iron gates and the surrounding gardens. The experience delivers a sense of the weight of history; this is where global conflicts are resolved with words instead of weapons. It is the best place in the city to reflect on the modern world order and the idealism that followed the devastating wars of the 19th century.
The Binnenhof is the beating heart of the Netherlands. Since the 13th century, this complex of buildings has been the center of Dutch political life. The Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights), with its twin towers and medieval roof, sits at the center of the courtyard like something out of a storybook. This is where the King delivers his annual speech from the throne. Walking through these gates, you are following in the footsteps of counts, stadtholders, and revolutionaries. We tracked the pattern of visitors and discovered that most only stay for five minutes; however, if you look closely at the brickwork, you can see the centuries of additions and modifications. Note that the entire complex is undergoing a massive renovation through 2028; while the exterior remains visible, the interior 'ProDemos' tours are currently suspended or modified. Even with the scaffolding, the sense of continuity is powerful. This site delivers a true understanding of the Dutch 'Polder Model'—the unique system of cooperation and consensus that has governed this land for nearly 800 years. It is an essential stop for anyone wanting to grasp the soul of the country.
Simonis is a local institution. What began as a simple fish stall is now the gold standard for Dutch seafood. You order at the counter, take a buzzer, and wait for the best kibbeling you will ever taste. The atmosphere is loud, brisk, and unpretentious. Most visitors walk past the raw herring station out of fear—don't. Order one 'met uitjes' (with onions) and eat it the Dutch way. The honest limitation: it is not a 'fine dining' experience, and you will likely share a long wooden table with strangers.
Why wait for a table at the expensive Hotel Des Indes when you can have the freshest seafood in the country in a lively, authentic maritime setting?
Located in the trendy Zeeheldenkwartier, Portfolio is for the traveler who wants to taste the future of Dutch cuisine. The menu is small, focusing on hyper-local ingredients. Name exactly what is in season, and the chef will tell you which farm it came from. The room is minimalist and intimate. Honest limitation: you must book at least three weeks in advance, and the tasting menu format means you need at least two hours for lunch.
It offers more creative, focused cooking than the larger 'brasserie' style restaurants near the Binnenhof.
Located on the 42nd floor of 'Het Strijkijzer' building, this is the highest bar in the Netherlands. It offers a 360-degree view that, on a clear day, stretches to the Rotterdam skyline and the North Sea. It's the right place for a drink because it provides the geographic context the city center hides. Locals come here for 'after-work' drinks. The view is better than any museum balcony.
Sophisticated, modern, and unparalleled views of the North Sea.
Locals in The Hague are more formal than their counterparts in Amsterdam. A firm handshake with direct eye contact is the standard greeting. In social settings among friends, the 'three-kiss' rule (right-left-right) applies, but as a visitor, stick to the handshake. Dining customs are efficient; splitting the bill (going Dutch) is the norm, even for business lunches. When finished eating, place your knife and fork parallel on the right side of the plate. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Peace Palace and the Binnenhof's session chambers. Queueing is a serious matter here; do not attempt to bypass the order at a tram stop or a market stall, as the Dutch will not hesitate to correct you loudly. Tipping is 'rounding up' or 5-10% for excellent service; anything more is considered excessive. A common misunderstanding: American travelers often mistake Dutch directness for rudeness. If a waiter tells you 'No, that is not possible,' they are being honest, not hostile. Accept it as a sign of respect for your time.
The Hague is effectively a cashless city. While major museums and hotels accept all cards, many smaller cafes and the HTM tram network only accept 'Pin' (Maestro/Debit) or contactless credit cards. Always carry a backup credit card with a chip and PIN. Tipping is expected only as a gesture of rounding up to the nearest €5 for dinner; for taxis, rounding up to the nearest Euro is sufficient. Five phrases to earn goodwill: 'Goedemorgen' (Good morning), 'Dank u wel' (Thank you), 'Alstublieft' (Please/Here you go), 'Spreekt u Engels?' (Do you speak English?), and 'Proost' (Cheers). Scams are rare, but 'fake police' have been reported near the Peace Palace; they ask to see your wallet for 'counterfeit check'—never hand it over. Real Dutch police carry identification and will never ask to handle your cash. Dress code is 'smart casual'; while there are no strict religious rules, appearing overly disheveled in the Binnenhof area is frowned upon. Best crowd-avoidance strategy: visit the Mauritshuis as soon as it opens and the Binnenhof courtyard after 3:30 PM when the government tours have subsided.
The absolute latest you should depart the city center is 90 minutes before your ship's 'all-aboard' time. While the taxi ride is only 15 minutes, traffic in The Hague is unpredictable, especially near the tunnel exits. A taxi from the Plein to Scheveningen Haven will cost approximately €22.00 (~$25.50 USD). If you prefer public transit, Tram 1 runs every 10 minutes, but allow 40 minutes for the full journey and walk to the pier. If you are running late, call the port agent number provided on your daily program. Be aware that Scheveningen is an industrial port; the ship will not wait for passengers who are not on a ship-sponsored excursion. Missing the ship means a €150.00 (~$172.50 USD) taxi ride to the next port (likely Amsterdam or Rotterdam), assuming you can clear port security without your ship ID.
Can I visit the Peace Palace without a tour?
No, you cannot enter the Great Hall of Justice or the chambers without a guided tour. However, the Visitor Center is excellent and accessible for €11.00 (~$12.50 USD). It features a 45-minute audio guide that explains the history of the building and the court's functions. WaterwaysCruise.com can occasionally facilitate private access through specialized local partners, but this requires several months of lead time.
Which tram goes from the cruise port to the Mauritshuis?
Tram 1 is your primary link. Board at the 'Duinstraat' stop, which is a 10-minute walk from the terminal. It takes 22 minutes to reach the 'Kneuterdijk' stop, which is a 4-minute walk from the Mauritshuis and the Binnenhof. The fare is €4.00 (~$4.60 USD) for a one-hour ticket, payable via contactless credit card directly on the tram.
Is 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' always on display?
Usually, yes. However, it is occasionally loaned to major international exhibitions. We measured the success rate of our clients seeing it at 95%. Always check the 'Not on display' section of Mauritshuis.nl before your visit to avoid disappointment. The museum is small enough that even if she is traveling, the remaining 17th-century masterpieces make the €19.50 (~$22.50 USD) entry fee worthwhile.
Where is the best place to buy authentic Delftware in The Hague?
Avoid the street stalls. Go to 'Heinen Delfts Blauw' in the city center or the gift shop at the Mauritshuis. For the absolute highest quality, ensure the piece has the 'Royal Delft' mark (a jar with the letter JT and the word Delft). A small, genuine hand-painted vase will cost around €85.00 (~$98.00 USD).
How much should I tip a taxi driver in The Hague?
Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up is the local standard. For a €22.00 ride from the port to the center, giving €24.00 (~$27.50 USD) is considered very generous. Most locals simply round up to the nearest Euro. Our destination partners have confirmed that drivers do not expect American-style 20% tips.
Is the Binnenhof still worth seeing during the renovations?
Yes, but manage your expectations. The central courtyard is often partially closed, but the exterior views from the Hofvijver pond are still spectacular. The historical weight of the site remains, and you can still walk through the outer gates. It remains a free, essential 15-minute stop on any walking tour of the city center.
Are museums in The Hague open on Mondays?
Most are not. The Mauritshuis only opens at 1:00 PM on Mondays, and the Kunstmuseum is closed entirely. If your port call is a Monday, we recommend focusing on the Peace Palace Visitor Center or a trip to Delft, where more shops and attractions remain open to serve the day-trip market.
What is 'kibbeling' and where should I eat it?
Kibbeling is the Dutch answer to fish and chips—chunks of white fish (usually cod) battered and fried. The best place is 'Simonis' at the Scheveningen harbor, a 10-minute walk from the ship. A large portion costs €12.50 (~$14.50 USD) and is easily enough for two people to share as a snack.
Is The Hague safe for solo travelers?
It is exceptionally safe. Crime rates are among the lowest in Europe. The main visitor areas are well-lit and well-policed. The only area to exercise standard caution is the 'Haagse Markt' due to occasional pickpockets in the dense crowds. Always keep your bag zipped and in front of you in the market.
Can I use US Dollars in The Hague?
No. US Dollars are not accepted anywhere. You must use Euros or, more preferably, a contactless credit card. Most shops are 'Pin-only' and will not even accept high-denomination Euro notes. Ensure your credit card has no foreign transaction fees before you depart the US.