Amsterdam & The Hague Itinerary:

Why Your Netherlands Trip Should Include Both

Amsterdam may be the gateway to the Netherlands – but it shouldn’t be the whole story.

Many travellers arrive in Amsterdam, spend four or five nights there, and leave believing they have seen the Netherlands. But just 50 minutes away lies a city that offers something entirely different: space, refinement, world-class art and the sea.

If you are planning a trip to the Netherlands, the most rewarding approach is simple:

Split your stay between Amsterdam and The Hague.

Here’s why.

Two Cities, Two Distinct Experiences

Amsterdam is vibrant, energetic and iconic. The canals, bicycles and 17th-century houses create a dynamic atmosphere that feels constantly in motion.

The Hague offers contrast.

It is elegant rather than busy. International rather than bohemian. Coastal rather than canal-bound.

Where Amsterdam immerses you in urban energy, The Hague gives you room to breathe.

Together, they create a balanced and layered Dutch experience.

The Cultural Advantage of Adding The Hague

Many travellers do not realise that some of the Netherlands’ most famous masterpieces are not in Amsterdam — but in The Hague.

At the Mauritshuis, you can stand face to face with:

• Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer
• The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt van Rijn

The Mauritshuis is intimate and atmospheric. Unlike larger museums in Amsterdam, you can truly linger with the art.

For modern art enthusiasts, the Kunstmuseum Den Haag holds the world’s largest collection of works by Piet Mondrian, including Victory Boogie Woogie.

Adding The Hague to your itinerary means expanding your cultural depth beyond Amsterdam’s highlights.

The Sea: A Dimension Amsterdam Cannot Offer

• Amsterdam has canals.
• The Hague has the North Sea.

Scheveningen beach is just minutes from the city centre. After days in Amsterdam’s compact streets, the openness of the coastline feels liberating.

You can:

• Walk along the dunes
• Watch the sunset over the sea
• Enjoy beachside restaurants
• Experience dramatic North Sea skies

Very few European capital cities combine political power, royal history and direct beach access. The Hague does.

The Smart Amsterdam & The Hague Itinerary: 3 + 2 or 4 + 2

Instead of spending five nights in Amsterdam, consider:

Option 1:

• 3 nights Amsterdam + 2 nights The Hague

Option 2:

• 4 nights Amsterdam + 2–3 nights The Hague

The train connection between the two cities takes approximately 50 minutes and runs frequently.

By relocating for part of your trip, you:

• Avoid returning to the same hotel every night
• Experience a different pace
• Access new architecture and neighbourhoods
• Add coastal landscapes to your journey

It transforms your visit from a single-city stay into a layered exploration.

Stay at De Plesman: The Ideal Base in The Hague

When splitting your trip, location matters.

De Plesman – hotel in The Hague is located in the former KLM headquarters — a landmark building that reflects the city’s international identity.

From here you have:

• Easy access to the Mauritshuis
• Direct connection to Scheveningen beach
• Quick tram access to museums
• On-site dining at Restaurant Suus
• Evening drinks at Albert Bar & Lounge
• Spacious rooms — often larger than central Amsterdam hotels

If you are searching for a hotel near Mauritshuis or a hotel near Scheveningen, De Plesman offers both.

Bonus: The Hague as a Gateway to Delft & Rotterdam

Another advantage of staying in The Hague?

You are positioned at the heart of South Holland.

From The Hague Central Station:

• Delft is just 15 minutes by train
• Rotterdam is approximately 20–25 minutes by train

This makes The Hague the perfect base for easy day trips.

A Day Trip to Delft

Charming, compact and historic, Delft is known for:

• Johannes Vermeer’s birthplace
• Traditional Delft Blue ceramics
• The Nieuwe Kerk and historic market square
• A picturesque canal network without heavy crowds

Spending half a day in Delft adds intimacy and historical texture to your Netherlands itinerary.

A Day Trip to Rotterdam

In contrast, Rotterdam offers bold modern architecture and a forward-looking energy.

Here you can explore:

• Contemporary skyline views
• The Cube Houses
• Modern art spaces
• Innovative food markets

Where Amsterdam reflects the 17th century and The Hague embodies international diplomacy, Rotterdam shows the Netherlands of the future.

All three cities — Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam — tell different chapters of the same national story.

Why Not Stay in Amsterdam the Whole Time?

Amsterdam is extraordinary — but it can also be intense.

By day three or four, travellers often seek:

• More space
• Fewer crowds
• Broader streets
• A slower pace

Relocating to The Hague mid-trip creates natural contrast.

You retain Amsterdam’s energy while gaining coastal calm and cultural depth.

A More Complete Dutch Experience

By combining Amsterdam and The Hague, your journey includes:

• Canal houses and cycling culture
• Royal palaces and international courts
• Golden Age masterpieces
• Modern design
• North Sea sunsets
• Easy day trips to Delft and Rotterdam

Few countries allow scuh diversity within such short travel times.

Planning Your Two-City Netherlands Trip

If you are already visiting Amsterdam, consider extending your trip by two or three nights in The Hague.

The train is fast. The contrast is immediate. The experience becomes richer.

Book your stay at De Plesman and discover why adding The Hague transforms a good Netherlands trip into a remarkable one.