A Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Hague’s Historical Center

5.0 (one review) 1 h 30 min – 2 hours Free cancellation Private tour

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A Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Hague’s Historical Center — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

A Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Hague’s Historical Center, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Take a self-guided audio tour through The Hague - the political heart of The Netherlands. Explore elegant streets filled with powerful buildings, from royal palaces to Het Torentje (the Prime Minister's office), brimming with stories. This audio tour takes you through the city's historical center, pointing out its most interesting facets and share the (sometimes tall) tales behind them. Starting at Plein square, you'll head to Binnenhof, which houses the national government, and the Mauritshuis Museum. Stroll along the Dutch Baroque buildings on Lange Voorhout Street and hear about Hotel des Indes whose guests include Winston Churchill, three former US presidents, Michael Jackson, and Prince. Discover why the city is called The Hague, learn about the only time a country has eaten their head of government, and find out why images of storks are everywhere. You might even bump into a minister or two! Afterwards, you'll know more about The Hague than the average Dutchie!

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At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min – 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: App for Android and iOS
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

Not included: Smartphone and headphones
Not included: Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Not included: Food and drink
Not included: Transportation

Itinerary

Het Plein

Passing by

You'll start at this elegant square surrounded by cafés and government buildings, discovering what it was nearly renamed during German occupation. Experience the vibrant political heart of The Hague where ministers and diplomats still stroll today.
Binnenhof & Ridderzaal

Passing by

Marvel at this stunning medieval complex that houses the Dutch Parliament, with its iconic towers and courtyards dating back to the 13th century. Walk through the same halls where the country's most important political decisions are made.
Stop 3

Passing by

Pass by this exquisite Dutch Golden Age palace that now showcases world-famous masterpieces including Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring." Admire the elegant façade of this former royal residence turned celebrated art museum.
Stop 4

Passing by

You'll see the Prime Minister's iconic office tower, a small but powerful building where Dutch leaders have worked for centuries. Learn why this unassuming structure has witnessed some of the nation's most dramatic political moments.
Lange Voorhout

Passing by

Stroll along The Hague's most prestigious tree-lined boulevard, often called the Dutch Champs-Élysées, flanked by impressive Baroque palaces. Enjoy the elegant atmosphere where art galleries, embassies, and grand hotels create a sophisticated urban experience.
Noordeinde Palace

Passing by

You'll pass the working palace where King Willem-Alexander conducts his daily royal duties, recognizable by its classical orange-trimmed façade. Explore the charming palace gardens and discover why storks have become a symbol throughout the city.
Stop 7

Passing by

Marvel at this legendary luxury hotel that has welcomed Winston Churchill, three US presidents, and music icons like Michael Jackson and Prince. Walk past this grand 19th-century building where history and glamour continue to intersect.
Escher in The Palace

Passing by

Pass by the former winter palace of Queen Mother Emma, now home to the mind-bending works of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher. Discover how this elegant royal residence became the perfect setting for impossible staircases and optical illusions.
Grote Kerk

Passing by

You'll see the city's Great Church with its famously tilted "Drunken Man's Tower" leaning at an unusual angle. Learn the entertaining story behind this 15th-century spire's peculiar nickname and architectural quirk.
Old City Hall

Passing by

Pass this charming Renaissance building and hear why locals joke that The Hague is just "the biggest village in the Netherlands." Experience the intimate scale of Dutch governance in this surprisingly modest seat of municipal power.
De Passage

Passing by

Walk through the Netherlands' oldest covered shopping arcade, a beautiful 19th-century gallery with ornate ironwork and elegant storefronts. Stroll beneath the glass ceiling where generations of Hagenaars have shopped since 1885.
Stop 12

Passing by

You'll end at this medieval gatehouse-turned-prison where the country's most notorious criminals were once held. Explore the dramatic history of this imposing structure, including the story of the only time the Dutch ate their head of government.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This square starts at Plein Square, near the William of Orange statue. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

This tour ends outside the De Gevangenenpoort, or the Prisoner's Gate. It is now part of the Prison Gate Museum on your left.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]