Comparison · Amsterdam vs The Hague · Netherlands
Amsterdam vs The Hague
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Trougnouf (Benoit Brummer), CC BY 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Amsterdam for Canals and Rijksmuseum; choose The Hague for Mauritshuis, Girl with a Pearl Earring, lower day-to-day costs and beaches. The Hague is generally less expensive, and the two are about 53 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 53 km
- Less expensive
- The Hague
- Best time for Amsterdam
- April–June and September
- Best time for The Hague
- May–September
Side by side
| Amsterdam | The Hague | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Netherlands | Netherlands |
| Known for | Canals, Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum | Mauritshuis, Girl with a Pearl Earring and Peace Palace |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $220–$360 | $170–$300 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 22°C (72°F) | July, 22°C (72°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 6°C (43°F) | January, 6°C (43°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 7 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 8 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | Scheveningen |
| Airports | AMS | AMS, RTM |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Amsterdam for…
Canals and Rijksmuseum. Amsterdam's 17th-century canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, curves around a compact medieval centre where almost everything is within a 30-minute walk or a short tram ride. The Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House draw most…
Choose The Hague for…
Mauritshuis, Girl with a Pearl Earring, lower day-to-day costs and beaches. The Hague is the Dutch seat of government and royal city, home to the King's working palace, international courts in the Peace Palace and dozens of embassies, while Amsterdam remains the capital. Its compact centre around the Hofvijver pond holds the…
Top sights compared
| # | Amsterdam | The Hague |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rijksmuseum | Mauritshuis |
| 2 | Van Gogh Museum | Hofvijver and Binnenhof |
| 3 | Anne Frank House | Kunstmuseum Den Haag |
| 4 | Canal Ring walk | Escher in Het Paleis |
| 5 | Canal cruise | Peace Palace |
Food compared
| Amsterdam | The Hague |
|---|---|
| Stroopwafel | Raw herring |
| Raw herring | Kibbeling |
| Bitterballen | Rijsttafel |
| Kroket | Saté |
Which is cheaper?
The Hague is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $170–$300 per person there, against $220–$360 in Amsterdam (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). The Hague on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Amsterdam and The Hague are about 53 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Amsterdam and 3 in The Hague.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Amsterdam or The Hague cheaper?
The Hague is usually less expensive: about $170–$300 a day mid-range against $220–$360 (estimates).
+Is Amsterdam or The Hague better for a first trip?
Pick Amsterdam for Canals and Rijksmuseum, or The Hague for Mauritshuis, Girl with a Pearl Earring, lower day-to-day costs and beaches.
+How far is Amsterdam from The Hague?
About 53 km in a straight line.