Den Haag - seat of the dutch government and residence of the Queen. The official name is Den Haag. The residence of Queen Beatrix shows the charm of a provincial-administration city (440 000 pop.). Here in Den Haag, it is a little bit more elegant and quieter than in the competing city of Amsterdam.

Binnenhof The government center with its old and new buildings, many of them can be visited during a guided tour. Indische Buurt In the "Indian district" behind the peace palace have been built magnificent houses during the colonial era.

Paleis Noordeinde In the Paleis resides Queen Beatrix since 1980. The neoclassical palace was built in 1553. Behind the building is a large park, which - unlike the offices of the Queen - is accessible. Noordeinde

Vredespaleis The Peace Palace is the seat of the International Court of Justice and the Academy of International Law. As part of guided tours you can visit it. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. Carnegieplein 2 shopping: Heart of car-free shopping district in Den Haag is the Haagse Passage between Spuistraat and Buitenhof. Opposite the famous department store Maison de Bonneterie, in which the queen (after closing) purchases.

food                                                                                                                                                                   Djawa Here is delicious cooked with an Indonesian accent of the spicy kitchen of Sumatra. The rice table is also available for vegetarians.                                                                                                                                                           Spijs Restaurant with a superior, french kitchen touch. Sun and Mon closed Gevers Deynootweg 4, Scheveningen             Vishandel Simonis Well known in Scheveningen. You can stand and eat a herring or a cancer soup or order the filet of plaice Picasso. daily. Visafslagweg 20, Scheveningen

where to stay                                                                                                                                                     Corona on the other side of the Binnenhof, good restaurants and cafe terraces, comfortable rooms. 36 rooms Buitenhof 39-42, Den Haag                                                                                                                                                               Duinoord Royal touch, comfortable rooms, good restaurant. 20 rooms Wassenaarseslag 26, Den Haag                          Strandhotel A simple seaside hotel near the beach. 20 rooms. Zeekant 111, Scheveningen

Plane From the underground station of Schiphol Airport any location in the country is accessible. To Den Haag are driving up to 6 trains an hour.

Delft One of the most beautiful small towns in the country (95 000 pop.), just 8 km away. Center is the Grote Markt with the Nieuwe Kerk and Stadhuis. Delft was known for its porcellan.Popular as a lunch address is the Stads-Koffyhuis (Sun closed, Oude Delft 133, €). Stylish sleeping in the centrally located hotel Museum. (51 rooms, Oude Delft 189).