Living in The Hague means you’re perfectly positioned for weekend adventures. The Netherlands’ compact size and excellent rail connections make day trips and weekend escapes incredibly easy. Here are the best getaways for 2026 — no flights required.
1. Delft (15 minutes by train)
The closest escape and one of the prettiest. Delft’s canal-lined old town, the towering Nieuwe Kerk, and the Vermeer Centrum make for a perfect day trip. Don’t miss climbing the church tower (376 steps!) for panoramic views. Lunch at Stads-Koffyhuis overlooking the main canal costs about €12-18. Visit the Royal Delft factory to see how the iconic blue pottery is made (€15 entry).
2. Rotterdam (25 minutes by train)
Rotterdam is The Hague’s polar opposite — futuristic, bold, and constantly reinventing itself. The Markthal is a food lover’s paradise with stalls from around the world. The Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen (the mirror-covered bowl building) offers a completely new way to experience an art collection (€20). Take a water taxi (€4.50 per ride) for the most exciting way to see the city’s skyline. For nightlife, the Witte de Withstraat buzzes until late.
3. Leiden (12 minutes by train)
Even closer than Delft, Leiden is a university city with a rich history. Its canals are arguably as beautiful as Amsterdam’s but with a fraction of the crowds. The Hortus Botanicus (botanical garden, €9) is one of the oldest in the world. Visit the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities, €14) for a stunning Egyptian collection including a complete temple.
4. Utrecht (40 minutes by train)
Utrecht offers the best of Dutch city life without Amsterdam’s chaos. Its unique wharf cellars along the Oudegracht canal have been converted into cafes and restaurants with waterside terraces. Climb the Dom Tower (€12.50) for incredible 360-degree views. The Railway Museum (€17.50) is fantastic even if you’re not a train enthusiast. Utrecht’s compact center means you can see the highlights in a single day.
5. Haarlem (40 minutes by train)
Often overlooked, Haarlem is a gem. The Frans Hals Museum (€16) showcases Dutch Golden Age masterpieces in a beautiful historic building. The Grote Markt square with the St. Bavo Church is one of the most photogenic spots in the Netherlands. Haarlem also has excellent shopping — the Gierstraat and surrounding streets are full of independent boutiques you won’t find anywhere else.
6. Ghent, Belgium (2 hours by train)
For a proper weekend away, cross the border to Belgium. Ghent is magical — a medieval city with a modern, creative energy. The Graslei quayside with its guild houses is breathtaking at sunset. The Gravensteen castle (€13) is a proper medieval fortress you can explore. Belgian beer culture is alive and well — try De Dulle Griet pub with over 500 beers. Book your train via NS International or use FlixBus from €10 each way.
7. Kinderdijk and the Dutch Countryside (1 hour)
The Kinderdijk windmills are a UNESCO World Heritage site and the ultimate Dutch photo opportunity. Nineteen historic windmills line the canals in a scene that hasn’t changed much since the 18th century. Take a waterbus from Rotterdam Erasmusbrug (€4 each way with OV-chipkaart). The site itself is free to walk around; entering the museum windmill costs €9. Go early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer tourists.
8. Arnhem and the Veluwe (1.5 hours by train)
For nature lovers, the Hoge Veluwe National Park is the Netherlands’ largest nature reserve. Borrow a free white bicycle at the entrance to explore its 5,500 hectares of forests, heathlands, and sand dunes. The park contains the Kröller-Müller Museum with the second-largest Van Gogh collection in the world (entry included with park admission, €12.50). Arnhem itself has excellent restaurants and the poignant Airborne Museum telling the story of Operation Market Garden.
Money-Saving Tips
Use NS Weekend Vrij (€35/month) for unlimited weekend train travel across the Netherlands — it pays for itself with one long trip. Group train tickets for 4+ people offer significant discounts. For Belgium trips, book Intercity Brussels tickets at least one week ahead for the best rates (from €25 one-way). Many Dutch museums are covered by the Museumkaart (€75/year) which breaks even after about 5 visits.
From medieval cities to windswept beaches, The Hague is the perfect base for exploring everything the Netherlands and beyond has to offer. Pack light, grab your OV-chipkaart, and go!
