Welcome to Zeeheldenkwartier
Zeeheldenkwartier — often shortened to Zeehelden — is one of The Hague’s most desirable neighborhoods. Sandwiched between the city center and the beach, this 19th-century district combines beautiful architecture, independent shops, and a relaxed village-like atmosphere that is rare this close to a major city center.
Where Is Zeeheldenkwartier?
The neighborhood is bordered by the Zeestraat to the east, the Laan van Meerdervoort to the south, and stretches west toward the Statenkwartier. It is named after Dutch naval heroes (zeehelden), and the street names reflect this — Van Speijkstraat, Piet Heinstraat, and Trompstraat run through the area. From Zeeheldenkwartier you can walk to the Grote Markt in 15 minutes and to Scheveningen beach in about 25 minutes.
The Vibe: What Makes It Special
Zeeheldenkwartier feels like a village within the city. The main arteries — Prins Hendrikstraat and Piet Heinstraat — are lined with independent boutiques, specialty food shops, and neighborhood cafes rather than chain stores. On weekends, residents stroll to the local bakery, sit in cafes, and browse the Saturday organic market. The architecture is predominantly late 19th-century townhouses with high ceilings, large windows, and ornate facades. Many buildings are classified as protected cityscape (beschermd stadsgezicht).
Best Cafes and Food Spots
Bartine on Piet Heinstraat is the neighborhood bakery everyone lines up for — their sourdough bread and cardamom buns sell out by noon on weekends. Kaafi on Prins Hendrikstraat serves specialty coffee in a minimalist space and is a popular laptop-friendly spot. Veggies on Fire is a fully plant-based restaurant that attracts diners from across the city. For groceries, De Groene Weg Slagerij is an organic butcher, and Le Bleu is the go-to cheesemonger. The Saturday organic market on Prins Hendrikplein is small but excellent for fresh produce, flowers, and artisanal bread.
Shopping in Zeeheldenkwartier
This is not a mall neighborhood — the shopping here is all independent. De Boekenvos is a charming children’s bookstore. Lola+Loulou sells curated home goods and gifts. Van Dijk & Ko is a concept store mixing vintage furniture with modern design. For fashion, Sienna Goodies carries sustainable brands. Most shops are closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Parks and Green Spaces
The neighborhood has two main green spaces. Prins Hendrikplein is the central square — a grassy oval lined with benches, popular for picnics and weekend markets. Anna Paulownaplein is smaller and quieter, with a playground and shaded benches. The larger Scheveningse Bosjes park is a 10-minute walk west and connects you to the beach.
Living in Zeeheldenkwartier: What to Know
Zeeheldenkwartier is expensive — it is one of The Hague’s most sought-after neighborhoods. A one-bedroom apartment typically rents for €1,200-1,600 per month, and two-bedroom places range from €1,600-2,200. Buying prices start around €350,000 for a small apartment and go well above €700,000 for larger homes. Parking is challenging — most streets require a permit (around €90 per year, with waitlists common). The good news: the area is extremely bikeable and tram 17 runs along Laan van Meerdervoort, connecting you to the center and the beach. The neighborhood is quiet at night, family-friendly, and has several good primary schools nearby, including the popular Haagsche Schoolvereeniging on Piet Heinstraat.
