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Buitenhof

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Buitenhof

Buitenhof

Buitenhof is a public square in The Hague, situated adjacent to the Binnenhof and the Hofvijver lake. It is recognized as one of the top 100 cultural heritage sites in the Netherlands. Travelers visit this location to observe the architecture of the Dutch government center and to walk along the waterfront.

Getting There

The square is located within the city center of The Hague. It is accessible on foot from most central hotels and the main shopping districts. Depending on your starting point in the center, the walk typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes.

Suggested Visit Duration

Because it is an open public square, most visitors spend approximately 30 to 60 minutes here to walk the perimeter and view the surrounding landmarks.

When to Visit

The area is open to the public throughout the year. It can become crowded during business hours and on weekdays due to its proximity to government offices. Visiting in the early morning allows for a quieter experience.

Nearby Attractions

The square is centrally located, making it easy to combine with other nearby sites on foot:

  • Gallery Prince Willem V (0.1km)
  • Hofvijver (0.2km)
  • Torentje (0.3km)
  • Museum Bredius (0.3km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Buitenhof

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Buitenhof Nearby stays

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Good to visit alongside

Gallery Prince Willem V

Museums & galleries

Gallery Prince Willem V

A small gallery in Buitenhof, The Hague, recreating the gallery Prince Willem V founded in 1774. It displays masterpieces from the Mauritshuis collection, including works by Rubens and Jan Steen.

0.1 km away

Hofvijver

Nature

Hofvijver

Hofvijver is a small lake in the center of The Hague, facing the Binnenhof and the Mauritshuis. It's a pleasant place for a walk, with a small island on the water set against the surrounding buildings.

0.2 km away

Torentje

Views & landmarks

Torentje

A small tower building within The Hague's Binnenhof, standing next to the Mauritshuis museum. It has served as the Dutch prime minister's office since 1982, putting you right at the heart of Dutch politics.

0.3 km away

Museum Bredius

Museums & galleries

Museum Bredius

A small museum in the heart of The Hague, home to a collection of 17th-century paintings and prints left by art historian Abraham Bredius. Its interior recreates an 18th-century townhouse, offering a glimpse of period life as well.

0.3 km away

Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk

Temples & religious sites

Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk

One of The Hague's oldest buildings, the Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk is a Protestant church on Torenstraat, named for its tall tower. It has long hosted baptisms and weddings of the House of Orange-Nassau — King Willem-Alexander and his daughter were both baptized here.

0.3 km away

Mauritshuis

Museums & galleries

Mauritshuis

A compact museum in The Hague housing a carefully curated collection of masterpieces. Visitors can view Vermeer's "View of Delft" and works by Rembrandt up close.

0.3 km away