geocalia
The Bierkade canal in The Hague with moored boatsMichielverbeek · CC BY-SA 4.0

What to do · The Hague and Scheveningen

The Hague canal boat with De Ooievaart

Boat · 1 h 30 · The 400-year-old canal ring of the centre, in an open boat with a volunteer guide. €14.50 adults, €10 children.

InformationFrom €14 per adult
From
€14 per adult
Duration
1 h 30
Season
Check the calendar on its website; in winter there is a programme of its own. To Delft, June to October
Who it's for
All ages; no dogs allowed

Few visitors know that The Hague has canals: a ring more than 400 years old around the centre, almost intact. De Ooievaart, a city foundation, tours them in open boats with a volunteer guide who tells the story of the city from the water. The trip lasts an hour and a half and leaves from Bierkade 19, ten minutes on foot from Den Haag Centraal and Hollands Spoor.

Prices and season

Adults pay €14.50 and children €10. Arrive a quarter of an hour before departure. In 2026 there are works along the route, which may change and take a little longer. From June to October there is also a boat that goes to Delft in the morning and returns at midday. Dogs are not allowed.

Frequently asked questions

Can you do it in winter?

There is a winter programme with special departures; check the dates on its website.

Is it covered?

The centre route is done in an open boat, because the bridges are low.

As a familyWith teenagers

Who runs it

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Round off the plan

Where to eat, where to stay and what else to do

To eat nearby

The De Basiliek dining room with laid tables, plants and colourful paintings© Restaurant De Basiliek

Restaurant De Basiliek

Restaurant · Den Haag · €€€€

What to order: one of the fixed-price menus, which you put together by choosing dishes from the menu.

The Schlemmer garden with tables, parasols and plants© Schlemmer

Café Restaurant Schlemmer

Restaurant · Den Haag · €€€€

What to order: the three-course menu, with meat, fish or vegetarian, or a high tea in the garden.

The Simonis aan de Haven dining room with tables and a counter under an industrial ceiling© Simonis Vishandel

Simonis aan de Haven

Restaurant · Scheveningen · €€€€

What to order: kibbeling (battered cod chunks) with sauce, and a herring if it is Hollandse Nieuwe season.

To stay nearby

The hostel's common area with tables, colourful murals and large windows© StayokayHostel

Stayokay Den Haag

Scheepmakersstraat 25-27 · Beside Hollands Spoor · Private and family rooms

Why we like it: A hostel with private rooms and children's beds five minutes from Hollands Spoor station, with a bar and breakfast. The budget option in the centre.

The lobby of the Hotel Des Indes© Hotel Des IndesHotel

Hotel Des Indes

Lange Voorhout 54-56 · Five stars · Spa and restaurant

Why we like it: The grand five-star hotel of The Hague, on the Lange Voorhout, a few steps from the Mauritshuis, Escher and the Binnenhof. With a health club, spa and restaurant.

The Kurhaus Kurzaal with its painted dome© Grand Hotel Amrâth KurhausSpa hotel

Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus

Gevers Deynootplein 30 · Facing the beach · Spa and pool

Why we like it: The grand spa hotel of 1818 facing Scheveningen beach, with 270 rooms, a spa with a pool, a restaurant on the promenade and the Kurzaal.