Why Statenkwartier Stands Out
Statenkwartier is easily one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in The Hague. Wide, tree-lined avenues, stately 19th-century townhouses, and a calm, residential atmosphere just a 10-minute bike ride from the city center. It sits between the Peace Palace and the Scheveningen beach, giving residents the best of both worlds — urban convenience and coastal relaxation. If you are considering moving here or just want to explore a different side of The Hague, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Location and Getting Around
Statenkwartier is bordered by the Zorgvliet park to the east, Belgisch Park to the north, and Duinoord to the south. The main artery is Statenlaan, which runs straight toward the Kurhaus and Scheveningen beach.
Public transport is solid. Tram line 1 runs along Laan van Meerdervoort and Statenlaan, connecting you to the city center in about 10 minutes and Scheveningen in 5. Tram 16 stops at the Peace Palace just outside the neighborhood boundary. By bike, you can reach Centraal Station in about 12 minutes, the beach in 5, and the International Zone in about 8 minutes. Bus line 22 also serves the area.
Architecture and Streets
Statenkwartier was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as an upscale residential district. The architecture is predominantly Dutch Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau, with ornate facades, bay windows, and decorative brickwork. The broad avenues — Statenlaan, Stadhouderslaan, and Frederik Hendriklaan — were designed with space and greenery in mind, a stark contrast to the narrower streets of the city center.
Frederik Hendriklaan, locally known as “de Fred,” is the main shopping street and the heart of daily life in the neighborhood. It has a village-like charm — independent shops, bakeries, butchers, and cafes where people actually know each other.
Shopping and Daily Life
De Fred (Frederik Hendriklaan) is one of the best shopping streets in The Hague for quality everyday needs. You will find:
– Albert Heijn and Jumbo supermarkets for groceries
– Excellent bakeries like Maison Kelder and Vlaamsch Broodhuys
– A proper butcher (Slagerij Bas) and fishmonger (Vishandel Simonis aan de Fred)
– Several wine shops, cheese shops, and specialty food stores
– Boutique clothing stores, bookshops, and flower stalls
Saturday mornings on de Fred are lively — locals doing their weekend shopping, families at cafes, and a real community feel that is rare in bigger cities.
Restaurants and Cafes
Statenkwartier has quietly built one of the best dining scenes in The Hague. Highlights include:
– Restaurant Calla’s — Michelin-starred fine dining on Laan van Meerdervoort
– Oogst — Farm-to-table dining with seasonal menus on Stadhouderslaan
– Brasserie Berlage — Art Deco setting inside the Municipal Museum, perfect for lunch
– Cafe Blossom — Great coffee and breakfast on de Fred
– Bistro Tante Kee — Cozy French-style bistro on Stadhouderslaan
For casual bites, you will find good pizza at De Pizzabakkers and excellent Surinamese at Warung Padi.
Green Spaces and Recreation
Statenkwartier is surrounded by green. The Scheveningse Bosjes (a small forest park) runs along its eastern edge, perfect for morning runs and dog walks. The Zorgvliet park, next to the Peace Palace, is a quiet, manicured park ideal for reading on a bench. And of course, the beach at Scheveningen is a 5-minute bike ride away — in summer, you can finish work and be on the sand by 17:30.
Who Lives Here and What It Costs
Statenkwartier attracts a mix of Dutch families, international professionals, and diplomats drawn by the proximity to the International Zone and international schools. The neighborhood is quieter and more family-oriented than Zeeheldenkwartier, but not as sleepy as Benoordenhout.
Housing is expensive. Expect to pay around 450,000 to 800,000 euros for a two- or three-bedroom apartment, with larger family homes crossing the million mark. Rentals are also pricey — budget 1,800 to 2,800 euros per month for a decent two-bedroom apartment. It is one of the pricier neighborhoods in The Hague, but the quality of life justifies it.
Is Statenkwartier Right for You?
Choose Statenkwartier if you want a beautiful, quiet, upscale neighborhood with great shopping and restaurants within walking distance, easy beach access, and a short commute to the city center. Skip it if you need nightlife, budget housing, or a more diverse, gritty urban vibe. For families with children and professionals who appreciate architecture and quality of life, it is hard to beat.
