If you want to experience The Hague at its most vibrant, multicultural, and delicious, head straight to De Haagse Markt. As one of the largest outdoor markets in Europe, it’s where locals do their weekly shopping, foodies discover global flavours, and bargain hunters find incredible deals. Here’s everything you need to know about navigating the Haagse Markt in 2026.
What Makes the Haagse Markt Special?
Stretching along Herman Costerstraat in the Transvaal neighbourhood, the Haagse Markt operates four days a week and hosts over 500 stalls. What sets it apart from typical Dutch markets is its incredible cultural diversity — you’ll hear Dutch, Turkish, Arabic, Urdu, Spanish, and at least a dozen other languages as you browse. The market reflects The Hague’s identity as a truly international city.
The market covers approximately 10,000 square metres, making it larger than many shopping malls. It’s estimated that over 35,000 people visit on busy days. The stallholders are as diverse as the customers, with families running stalls for generations alongside newer entrepreneurs from around the world.
Opening Hours and Best Times to Visit
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
Best time to visit: Arrive before 10:00 AM on a Saturday for the freshest produce and the full market experience. By 1:00 PM, it gets very crowded. Wednesday mornings are quieter and ideal if you prefer a more relaxed shopping experience. Monday is generally the slowest day, so some specialty stalls may not be present.
What to Buy: The Complete Guide
Fresh Produce (Zones A-B)
The fruit and vegetable section is legendary. You’ll find everything from standard Dutch produce to exotic imports at prices 30-50% lower than supermarkets. Look for stalls selling mangoes by the box, fresh herbs in large bunches for €1, and seasonal Dutch strawberries in summer. Pro tip: Visit around 4:00 PM on Saturday for the best deals — vendors slash prices to clear stock before the weekend ends.
Fish and Seafood (Zone C)
The fish section is one of the market’s highlights. Fresh herring (haring), salmon, shrimp, and an incredible variety of fish you won’t find at Albert Heijn. Try the kibbeling (deep-fried battered fish) from one of the fish stalls — it’s among the best in The Hague. For the adventurous, some stalls sell fresh octopus, squid, and exotic seafood at excellent prices.
International Specialties (Zones D-E)
This is where the Haagse Markt truly shines. You’ll find Turkish bakeries selling fresh simit and börek, Surinamese stalls with roti and bara, Moroccan olive vendors, and Asian grocers stocking ingredients from Indonesia, China, and India. Don’t miss the spice stalls where you can buy saffron, sumac, and za’atar at a fraction of supermarket prices.
Non-Food Items
Beyond food, the market sells clothing, fabrics, electronics, household goods, and textiles. While quality varies, you can find excellent deals on things like curtains, phone accessories, and kitchenware. The fabric section is a hidden gem for sewing enthusiasts.
Must-Try Street Food
- Turkish Gözleme: Freshly made stuffed flatbreads with spinach, cheese, or minced meat. Watch them being made right in front of you.
- Surinamese Bara: A savoury fried dough snack topped with spicy chutney. A true Haagse Markt classic.
- Fresh Stroopwafels: Several stalls make these Dutch caramel waffles fresh. The smell alone is worth the visit.
- Kibbeling: As mentioned, the fish stalls here serve excellent kibbeling with ravigotte sauce.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Bring cash: While most stalls now accept PIN cards in 2026, some smaller vendors remain cash-only. Bring small denominations — vendors appreciate exact change.
- Bring your own bags: The Netherlands charges for plastic bags, so bring reusable shopping bags or a trolley (boodschappentrolley) like the locals do.
- Learn a few phrases: A friendly “dank je wel” (thank you) or “hoeveel kost het?” (how much does it cost?) goes a long way.
- Parking: Limited street parking is available but fills up quickly. The market is a 10-minute walk from Den Haag HS station or easily reached by tram 6, 11, or 12.
If you enjoy discovering local treasures, don’t miss our guide to 10 hidden gems in The Hague. And for more free activities, check out free things to do in The Hague this summer.
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