Achula Medicine Walks

For something a bit different, try ambling through the woodlands and grassy areas of The Hague with Dave, who will let you know which plants you can and can’t eat, as well as which of them have medicinal properties. The tour operates fairly infrequently but if you can book a spot well ahead of time it is a nice addition to any itinerary.

• Web:

  www.achula.com

• E-mail:

  info@achula.com

• Address:

  Waalsdorperlaan 2244DV, The Hague

• Phone:

  +31 6 3073 4199

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sun 9am–5pm, Sat 9am–noon

Binnenhof

Dating back as early as the 13th century, this late medieval building is the oldest remaining parliamentary court still in use today. It was first built as a castle and home to the various counts of Holland, but after several battles for succession, the Binnenhof changed hands many times and, in the process, saw many new administrative buildings erected around it. Extensive renovations are currently underway and not expected to finish before 2028, so politicians have had to find elsewhere to conduct their business. Tours of the surrounding areas are available and more information can be obtained at the Binnenhof Renovation Information Centre, which is right next to the complex.

• Web:

  www.binnenhofrenovatie.nl

• E-mail:

  postbus.rvb.binnenhofrenovatie@rijksoverheid.nl

• Address:

  Ruimte 22, The Hague

• Phone:

  +31 6 2964 1899

• Opening hours:

  Wed–Sat 10am–4pm, Sun noon–4pm

Celestial Vault

In 1996, American artist James Turrell designed the Celestial Vault to showcase the sky in all its glory using an innovative astronomical optical illusion. In the centre of this grassy artificial crater, there is a stone bench on which visitors can lie to observe the sky as a curved dome, emphasising the way light affects how we perceive things and inviting those willing to challenge their own perceptions.

• Address:

  Machiel Vrijenhoeklaan 175, The Hague

Delft

Home to one of the best universities in the world for technology as well as the famous Royal Delftware pottery, this picturesque municipality lies just outside of The Hague, making it the ideal day trip away from the city. Discover how Vermeer was influenced by the city that pioneered microbiology and blue earthenware during his formative years on The Vermeer Walk. Or you can book one of the guided tours such as Discover Delft or Explore Delft, which take you through the history of the area in both fun and informative ways.

• Web:

  www.delft.com

• E-mail:

  hello@delft.com

• Address:

  Delft, South Holland

• Phone:

  +31 15 215 4052

Emma’s Hof

This charming little community garden hidden away in the city centre is full of interesting designs and innovative landscaping managed by local volunteers. It is the perfect place to sit and read a book, relax with some friends or stroll through enjoying the tranquillity. The project started as a way of bringing local residents together to enjoy the area and renovate previously derelict spaces. The common now hosts gardening workshops, activities for children and various markets throughout the year.

• Web:

  www.emmashof.nl

• E-mail:

  bestuur@emmashof.nl

• Address:

  Galileïstraat 36, The Hague

• Opening hours:

  Winter: daily 10am–5pm. Summer: daily 10am–8pm.

Escher in the Palace

Be prepared to have your mind bent, blown and rewired as you walk into the Lange Voorhout Palace where the illusory work of famous graphic artist M.C. Escher is exhibited. The palace is home to such legendary Escher paintings as 'Air and Water' in which birds are blended into fish and 'Waterfall' in which water appears to flow upwards instead of down. There are interactive experiences on the second floor, dedicated to the Eye of Escher where guests are encouraged to solve some of Escher’s most perplexing mysteries, including the impossible Penrose Triangle. On the third floor, there is a large-scale optical illusion where adults can appear to be children and vice versa. Audio tours and guided tours are available and there are additional temporary exhibitions taking place on occasion.

• Web:

  www.escherinhetpaleis.nl

• E-mail:

  info@escherinhetpaleis.nl

• Address:

  Lange Voorhout 74, The Hague

• Phone:

  +31 70 427 7730

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 11am–5pm