The Hague/Old Town

Old Town .

Smart and sedate, the Old Town neighbourhood is one of winding streets crammed with charming cafés and boutiques, and open, leafy avenues flanked by 19th-century villas. Its stately green spaces and hidden gardens offer an escape from the hubbub of the nearby city centre whenever you need it. A chic neighbourhood blessed with a wealth of cosy, one-off restaurants, plus speciality shops selling quirky fashion and lifestyle brands, this area is also steeped in history. With every step you take on the short walk from your YAYS apartment to The Hague’s historic centre, you’ll discover architectural gems, museums housing works by world-famous artists and Old Masters, and atmospheric squares with attractive shaded terraces.

Old Town”

Escher in het Paleis. highlights.

Despite its place in the pop-art canon, graphic artist M.C. Escher’s work is rarely exhibited in museums. Here, however, fans can admire a 120-strong collection of Escher originals, whose perspective-warping themes, including his trademark endless staircases, mix science and mathematics with the surreal and the psychedelic. Workshops for both adults and kids offer hands-on fun for all ages.

Lange Voorhout 74, Zuid-Holland Netherlands, 2514 EH

+31704277730

Malieveld. highlights.

If there’s a large-scale event taking place in The Hague, chances are it will be here. An iconic rallying point for public protest, this huge field on the city’s outskirts also hosts circuses, fairs, festivals, pop concerts and trade shows throughout the year. On quiet days enjoy Dutch pancakes from Paviljoen Malieveld, watch deer grazing, and explore neighbouring Haagse Bos.

Koningskade 64, Zuid-Holland Netherlands, 2596 AA

FOAM. food & drinks.

This stylish yet down-to-earth café is a plant-based paradise: all dishes are organic and fully vegan, from zesty lemon and poppy-seed pancakes with blackberry compôte, to tempeh ‘bacon’ and avocado sandwiches, to ‘sushi’ bowls laden with watermelon ‘tuna’ and tempeh crumbs. Lovely staff prepare everything in the open kitchen of this dinky space; on sunny days, garden tables beckon.

Frederikstraat 44, Zuid-Holland Netherlands, 2514 LL

+31205516500

Kloosterbrouwerij Haagsche Broeder. highlights.

Located within a working monastery, this beautiful, unique store sells the beer brewed on site by the Brothers of St John, plus herbal teas, essential oils and other products made by monks elsewhere in Europe. While you’re here, you’re welcome to wander around the adjoining chapel and ask questions; the brothers also give tours of the priory and brewery.

Oude Molstraat 35, Zuid-Holland Netherlands, 2513 BA

+3173654385

Caesar Fitness + Spa Resort. wellness & beauty.

Located in the former Mauritskadebad (The Hague’s oldest bathhouse and the country’s first covered public pool), this luxurious fitness centre offers top-quality gym equipment and classes, plus countless ways to unwind, with a pool, sauna, massage and beauty treatments, and a laid-back café. Day passes allow visitors access to all facilities and count towards the cost of a massage.

Mauritskade 10, Zuid-Holland Netherlands, 2514 HC

+31708209910

The Hague Willemspark a YAYS place

Opened in the spring of 2021, YAYS Willemspark occupies an enviable position within walking distance of both the Central Station and the city centre.

Koninginnegracht 20, Zuid-Holland Netherlands, 2514 AB

+0658793621 view more

discover your place.

Feel right at home in town with all the comforts and YAYS signature features of your fully-equipped serviced apartment in The Hague.

YAYS The Hague Willemspark

what is a YAYS place?

Old Town

Opened in the spring of 2021, YAYS Willemspark occupies an enviable position within walking distance of both the Central Station and the city centre.

Sleeps up to 6

view building

the insiders.

These are the Insiders who will be available 24/7 and know everything there is to know about the neighbourhood. All our insiders are actually from the neighbourhood. So whether you’re looking for the most romantic restaurant on the block or the best place to buy gifts for the home front, all you have to do is ask.

Zoe

When she is not working, Zoë can be found in her secret favourite place in The Hague -Bierkade, where she likes to chill with her local friends - or creating content for her Instagram feed. Her hummus obsession got serious when she discovered that the lunch bar around the corners makes a courgette and hummus sandwich to die for. Ask her where to find it and feel free to geek out about hummus with her, she will understand. Zoë speaks Dutch, English, and some German.

Macy

Macy confesses to being an impulsive buyer that will always find a good reason to justify a shopping spree… When you ask her for advice about the best shops in The Hague, remember you have been warned. Her second favourite conversation topic is food, but you can ask her for book recommendations too. Her secret superpower is fast reading: she can finish a book in an hour. Macy speaks English, Dutch, German, Zeeuws and Vlaams.

Thijs

Born in Madrid to Dutch parents and raised in different continents, Thijs is a global citizen with a special place in his heart for The Hague. He knows the ins and outs of the city and the most surprising places in the neighbourhood, especially when it comes to bikes and coffee. He speaks English, French, Dutch, and a few phrases in a bunch of other languages - just enough to get himself in trouble. Looking for a conversation starter? Try to read his name out loud.

Julia

Julia is a real sucker for the Scheveningen beach in every season. In the summer, you’ll find her there letting her dog Bink off the leash for a run on the dunes, enjoying seafood and drinks with friends at one of the beach kiosks, watching a late sunset or going for a swim in the North Sea. Needless to say, if you plan to rent a YAYS bike for a day at the beach, she’s the right YAYS Insider to ask for the most enthusiastic recommendations. Julia speaks English, Dutch, and Haags – the local dialect.

the insiders.

These are the Insiders who will be available 24/7 and know everything there is to know about the neighbourhood. All our insiders are actually from the neighbourhood. So whether you’re looking for the most romantic restaurant on the block or the best place to buy gifts for the home front, all you have to do is ask.

Zoe

When she is not working, Zoë can be found in her secret favourite place in The Hague -Bierkade, where she likes to chill with her local friends - or creating content for her Instagram feed. Her hummus obsession got serious when she discovered that the lunch bar around the corners makes a courgette and hummus sandwich to die for. Ask her where to find it and feel free to geek out about hummus with her, she will understand. Zoë speaks Dutch, English, and some German.

Macy

Macy confesses to being an impulsive buyer that will always find a good reason to justify a shopping spree… When you ask her for advice about the best shops in The Hague, remember you have been warned. Her second favourite conversation topic is food, but you can ask her for book recommendations too. Her secret superpower is fast reading: she can finish a book in an hour. Macy speaks English, Dutch, German, Zeeuws and Vlaams.

Thijs

Born in Madrid to Dutch parents and raised in different continents, Thijs is a global citizen with a special place in his heart for The Hague. He knows the ins and outs of the city and the most surprising places in the neighbourhood, especially when it comes to bikes and coffee. He speaks English, French, Dutch, and a few phrases in a bunch of other languages - just enough to get himself in trouble. Looking for a conversation starter? Try to read his name out loud.

Julia

Julia is a real sucker for the Scheveningen beach in every season. In the summer, you’ll find her there letting her dog Bink off the leash for a run on the dunes, enjoying seafood and drinks with friends at one of the beach kiosks, watching a late sunset or going for a swim in the North Sea. Needless to say, if you plan to rent a YAYS bike for a day at the beach, she’s the right YAYS Insider to ask for the most enthusiastic recommendations. Julia speaks English, Dutch, and Haags – the local dialect.

inside stories.

Tune in before you check-in! Read our Inside Stories about The Hague: hand-picked tips, to-dos and itineraries to set you on the inside track to local living.

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things to do

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Best beach day ideas in The Hague

Elegant avenues, Dutch Royals, and international justice may be the first things that come to mind when you think of The Hague, but the locals never forget that the third-largest city in the Netherlands is also an amazing seaside destination.

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8 ways to staycation: escape and recharge in your own city

A Staycation done right can make you fall in love with your city again, and remind you that holiday is a state of mind. More and more people are trying this new way of taking a break. If you are a first-time staycationer, we thought we might use some inspiration. Check out our 8 staycation ideas by one of our Insiders!

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Moving to the Netherlands: an Insider’s guide to relocation

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for the curious

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Dutch gable stones: the story behind the facade

Street numbers and postal addresses are a modern thing. Although it may be hard for us to imagine life before them, we have to thank their delayed appearance in history for the existence of the beautiful gable stones that decorate the facades of Dutch historical centres.

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