Student Life

With its international focus and busy cultural calendar – life in The Hague is never dull. Eat out in the cheap cafés or visit one of our galleries or museums.

Restaurants and cafés

Dine out at a host of international restaurants – Mexican, Indian, Thai and Turkish. For cheap quality food try out the 'eetcafés' or 'grand cafés’. These serve low-priced meals, and turn into bars later in the evening. There are loads of fast food outlets around The Hague serving our famous version of french fries with mayonnaise. Visit VVV Tourist Office at Central Station for a list of restaurants.

Bars and pubs

The Hague boasts a wide variety of bars and pubs mainly in the city centre or along the Scheveningen waterfront. International students often hang out at Siezo and Xieje (next to the University) and The Fiddler, The Buddha Bar or Havana (in the city centre). Or try one of the many bars in the or on Plein such as Danzig in de Tropen.

Most pubs call last orders at around 2 a.m.

Discos and clubs

Most clubs are around the city centre. Most fill up after midnight, and many offer student nights (every Thursday, entry to Havana is free with a student ID card). Try Salsa nights on Wednesdays at Greve, or Techno on a Saturday night at Torenstraat 138.

Art and culture

The Hague has over 1,000 museums and historical sites, with paintings from the Dutch masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh. For information and a calendar of events visit: www.denhaag.com.

Events and festivals

Look out for major events in The Hague in the Haagsche Courant, the local newspaper.

• 29 April – Koninginnenach
  People come from far and wide to celebrate the Queen’s birthday (30 April) and watch the live acts and performers.
• May - Vlaggetjesdag
  This is the fishery festival in Scheveningen, marking the beginning of the herring season.
• The Hague Jazz
  The European Jazz Festival, attracting some of the world’s top jazz artists and fans
• June – Parkpop
  This free festival is held every year in the Zuiderpark on the last Sunday in June.
• September - Prinsjesdag in The Hague
  The Queen takes a carriage ride through the city to open the parliamentary season in the Binnenhof. It takes place on the third Tuesday in September.
• September - Monumentendag
  An open day for historical buildings and monuments, when you can get a glimpse inside buildings that are usually closed to the public.

Sport around The Hague

There are also loads of activities and sports venues around the city. The Hague’s tourist website  lists all types of activities. The City-Pier-City run is the perfect example of how you can get involved – join thousands in this half marathon from the city to the Scheveningen Pier.