Local life
Den Haag
Statenkwartier
The “Statenkwartier” is a popular city district in The Hague where many international organizations and expats are located. In this district you will find many historic houses build in the beginning of the last century that are spacious and have an authentic character. Wide avenues run through the neighborhood with beautiful squares and pleasant streets in between. You will also find the popular shopping street “Frederik Hendriklaan” and a diverse range of restaurants and shops. Parking in this area is with a permit.
Information | Location | Pictures | Schools: French school, German school
Duinoord
The Duinoord neighborhood is characterized by historic winding streets and large townhouses from the turn of the 20th century, featuring decorative elements such as loggias, gables, stained glass, balconies and roof turrets. These homes give the neighborhood a posh air. Some excellent examples of this architecture are located on the beautiful Sweelinckplein. The neighborhood also has many spacious apartments, most of which are at the upper end of the price range. The Reinkenstraat features an attractive shopping area with many specialty stores and places to eat or drink. Parking in this area is on the street with a permit.
Information | Location | Pictures
Zeeheldenkwartier
The Zeeheldenkwartier is a compact, historic and lively district that’s very popular amongst ‘Hagenaren’ ( Inhabitants of The Hague ). The district has its own character and exudes a certain energetic feeling and creativity. This is mostly due to the relatively large group of young entrepreneurs and residents in the district. The Zeeheldenkwartier has attractive streets, beautiful canals, sunny squares and beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. The majority of the homes are from before 1916. The neighborhood has a mixed character with both affordable and expensive homes, large mansions, charming little upstairs-downstairs dwellings and even a few courts. The impressive Peace Palace is also there. The Zeeheldenkwartier is located next to the city center and has multiple shopping streets: Prins Hendrikstraat, Piet Heinstraat, Zoutmanstraat & Elandstraat. In the Elandstraat you have the biggest supermarket in The Hague: Albert Heijn Xl. Parking here is with a permit on the street.
City Center
The Center district is vibrant and varied and known for the Binnenhof, Hofvijver, Paleis Noordeinde and the Royal Stables, among other things. It’s full of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, cultural institutions and museums. The Hague’s impressive skyline is shaped by high-rise buildings. In the old town center with its historic buildings, stately avenues and charming squares, you can wander endlessly and lose yourself in the tiny streets and intimate courtyards. The Centre is also the venue for major events on the Malieveld, around the Hofvijver and on Lange Voorhout. Parking in the city center is with a permit on the street but will be a bit more challenging reasons being the limited available spots combined with large amounts of people.
Archipel
Just a stone’s throw from the city center are the Archipel neighborhood and Willemspark: cozy, monumental and quiet neighborhoods surrounded by lively canals and parks. Big authentic property types (high ceilings, big windows and authentic details). Archipel neighborhood is bordering a large green area: “Scheveningse bosjes”. The area is on walking distance to city center but also has its own shopping street: Bankstraat. Parking is with a permit on the street.
Information | Location | Pictures | Schools: HSV International School
Bezuidenhout
Bezuidenhout is a densely populated, yet quiet 1930s neighborhood with many typical Hague houses and flats. The Beatrixkwartier is part of this district, the 2nd largest office location in the Netherlands with large multinationals. From the district, you can go via Den Haag CS directly through to the city center. Or would you rather escape the hectic pace of the city? Then you can simply walk into the beautiful green area: Haagse Bos. Huis Ten Bosch, the future royal residence, is located here. Bezuidenhout is a district with royal style! The shopping street “Theresiastraat” is loved by people working and living in the area to grab a bite to eat.
Information | Location | Pictures | Schools: HSV International KSS location
Benoordenhout
Benoordenhout is a quiet neighborhood with a green, luxury personality. It features many large single-family homes and semi-detached homes. Most of the neighborhood was developed between 1915 and 1959. The Nassaubuurt is the oldest section (built around 1890), and Duinzigt is the newest (built around 1970). The neighborhood is crisscrossed by green lanes and streets and broader tree-lined avenues. Estates and large nature areas, such as Oostduin, Arendsdorp, the Haagse Bos and Clingendael are located just a stone’s throw away, but the neighborhood is also very close to the city center. Its shopping street is the cozy Hoytemastraat. Parking here is with a permit on the street.
Mariahoeve & Marlot
Officially, they are a single neighborhood, but Mariahoeve and Marlot both have very different personalities.
Mariahoeve is a green, spacious neighborhood built in the 1960s with a park-like character and diverse architecture at the edge of The Hague. The neighborhood is divided into six smaller units, each with a green core as the heart of the neighborhood. Here you can find a mix of single-family homes, low four-story apartment buildings and high 12-story apartment towers. It is a quiet neighborhood with lots of green spaces and a relaxed atmosphere.
Marlot is a compact area filled with large villas and luxury homes, semi-detached houses and some apartment buildings. It is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in The Hague. Most of the homes were designed in the New Hague School style, giving the neighborhood a stylish appearance. The streets are wide, with green front gardens on both sides, and a pronounced unity in the architecture. The shopping facilities here are located in a big indoor shopping area called Mariahoeve shopping center provided with very good parking facilities. In Mariahoeve & Marlot parking on the street is still free and you don’t need a permit.
Information | Location | Pictures | Schools: British school in the Netherlands Location Diamanthorst & Vlaskamp both junior schools
Scheveningen
Scheveningen is a lively neighborhood with dunes, beaches and the sea within walking distance. You can enjoy these every day if you live in Scheveningen. Go for a walk on the beach at sunset, hit the waves for a solid surfing session, or relax on a towel with a good book. There are many houses from before 1916 in the district of Scheveningen, but there are many 1930s apartments and 1980s houses too. If you’re looking for something a little different from the dunes, the beach and the sea, Scheveningen also borders an area with a number of beautiful parks, including the Scheveningse Bosjes, Westbroekpark and Hubertuspark. The district consists of the Dorp (Village), Haven (Harbor) and Bad (Bath) areas, each with its own character. There is multiple shopping facilities in the Area. The Keizerstraat is charming shopping street also leading to the beach. Parking is with a permit on the street.
Regentessekwartier & Valkenboskwartier
The Regentessekwartier and Valkenboskwartier provide a relaxed and attractive environment and diverse urban experiences to its citizens. The historic areas offer a variety of dwellings: varying sizes, most of them built before 1916 and surrounded by intimate streets and squares. The beach, city center and The Hague Central Station are easily accessible by bike and tram. There is a segregation between the north and the south side. Whereas the north side is a more appealing side than the south where lower income, migrants and some social housing becomes more abundant. There are shopping facilities on the Weimarstraat and the Valkenboslaan. Parking here is with a permit on the street.
Information | Location | Pictures
Bomenbuurt & Bloemenbuurt
A fifteen-minute bike ride from the city center and the Hague beach resorts Kijkduin and Scheveningen, there is a lively pre-war residential area with a mixture of housing in different styles. There are many flats and portico dwellings (particularly in the Bomenbuurt), but also a considerable number of single-family homes and upstairs-downstairs dwellings (especially in the Bloemenbuurt). There are different shopping facilities in the neighborhood: The Fahrenheitstraat & Savornin Lohmanplein. The latter is an indoor shopping area with parking facilities. Parking in this area is on the street with a permit.
Information | Location | Pictures | Schools: European school
Vruchtenbuurt
The Vruchtenbuurt is a pleasant urban neighborhood that exudes the atmosphere of the 1930s. It features many spacious walk-up flats, but also single-family homes. The neighborhood is composed of quiet city streets, small public squares and attractive courtyards. The area is a bit farther out from the city center and is located parallel to a nice quiet part of the The Hague beaches. Shopping area is located on the Savornin Lohman Plein. A indoor area with parking facilities. Parking here is with a permit on the street.
Information | Location | Pictures | Schools: The Polish School
Vogelwijk
The Vogelwijk is a spacious, child-friendly neighborhood with large luxury homes built in the 1920s and ‘30s. The heart of the neighborhood consists of short rows of detached houses and many semi-detached homes with large gardens. Near the edge of the neighborhood you can find a few apartments built during the post-war reconstruction period. The streets are quiet and green, and give the neighborhood a luxurious, village feel. The neighborhood borders a large area of protected coastal dunes, the Westduinpark and the Bosjes van Pex sports complex. Closest shopping street would be the Fahrenheitstraat. Parking in the Vogelwijk is free parking on the street. More properties here come with a private parking spot.
Loosduinen
The Loosduinen neighborhood consists of two separate neighborhoods, each with its own personality. “Kom van Loosduinen” is the old core of the horticultural village of Loosduinen, and is characterized by its village atmosphere, with narrow streets and a mix of housing types. It even has an old windmill! Houtwijk is a typical 1980s suburb, with many single-family homes, a few high tower flats and lots of water and green spaces. It has shopping facilities at “Kom van Loosduinen” with big supermarkets and all kinds of other shops. For dining at the beach you can go to “Kijkduin”. Loosduinen has a very big green area: Madestein. Parking in the area is free.
Information | Location | Pictures | Schools: International school of The Hague
Ypenburg
Ypenburg is a spacious, child-friendly suburban neighborhood with lots of green spaces and playgrounds. It is a pleasantly peaceful place to live, far from the bustle of the city. Most of the homes in the neighborhood are single-family homes. One characteristic of the area is the wide variety of architecture, which results in smaller neighborhoods that each have their own personality. Over the next few years, the area will expand by adding many new homes and businesses. It is very easy to reach by car, with connections to the A13, A4 and A12 motorways. The neighborhood also has its own train station. It has been facilitated with its own shopping area on the “Renbaan”. Parking in this area is free.
Voorburg
Voorburg is a border town of The Hague and is not part of the The Hague municipality. A much older town than The Hague Voorburg consists of an old historic center with newer surrounding parts. It’s a mix of family houses, apartments and fully detached properties you can find here. It is a child friendly area with lots of green and playgrounds. Its main train station is Laan van NOI station and connection to the A12 highway is around the corner. Voorburg has 2 main shopping areas: The old center and the more modern Julianabaan shopping center. Parking is free in Voorburg.
Rijswijk
Rijswijk is a border town of The Hague and is not part of the The Hague municipality. Rijswijk is located on the south side of The Hague. Like Voorburg there is an old center (Oud Rijswijk) with attractive shops and older houses mostly built between 1900 and 1935. In addition, in the 70s a lot of built in Rijswijk where there are mainly apartment blocks are build. Rijswijk has easy access to A4 and has its own train station. Besides the old part there is a new modern indoor shopping center called the Bogaard. Parking is free in Rijswijk.
Rotterdam
Kralingen
The “Kralingen” area is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, region of Rotterdam. This is due to the fact that is a calm and beautiful area close to the “Kralingse Bos” and “Kralingse Plas”, a large forest and lake which are perfectly suitable for sailing, running or walking with pets. The area is filled with students as well due to its close proximity to the Erasmus University. This area is one of the older regions of Rotterdam with many large family houses and more traditional apartments with preserved authentic details. The “Lusthofstraat” and ‘Oudedijk’ are the main shopping streets of Kralingen in which you can find all necessities such as a large supermarket, cafés, fish specialist, wine specialist and more. The area is also very close to the city centre, easily accessible by bike or public transportation (within 10 minutes). Parking in this area is on the street with a parking permit.
Information | Location | Pictures | Schools: Erasmus University
Blijdorp
The “Blijdorp” area is an up and coming region of Rotterdam close to the famous “Vroesenpark” and “Blijdorp Dierentuin”. The “Vroesenpark” is a large park popular among sunbathers and barbecue lovers during the summer. The “Blijdorp Dierentuin” is the famous zoo of Rotterdam. It is largely comprised of apartments built in the 1940’s – 1960’s. The city center is easily reachable by public transport or by bike. Furthermore, the Blijdorp metro station is home to all metro lines and also allows you to travel easily to Schiedam or The Hague. Parking is via a parking permit and the A20 as well as A13 are easily reachable. A variety of shops and supermarkets can be found in the surrounding area.
Information | Location | Pictures | Schools: Blijberg International School / Harbour IBSR , RISS
Hillegersberg
The area of “Hillegersberg” is a rather posh area of Rotterdam with luxurious villa’s and spacious, expensive housing. It is definitely popular among international families with children due to the size of the houses, the safety of the environment and the American International School. It is a beautifully green and residential area with small shops, cafés, restaurants and all other necessities at walking/short cycling distance. It is situated just to the North of Rotterdam and can be accessed easily via public transportation (bus/tram) and by cycling. The “Bergscheplas” is another one of Rotterdam’s large lakes in which people enjoy sailing or having an enjoyable meal in one of the restaurants located around it. The Peppelweg is the main shopping street in Hillegersberg with plenty of small boutique shops and food specialists.
Information | Location | Pictures | Schools: American International School, Japanese School
City Center
The city center of Rotterdam is the heart of the city. This area is filled with all kinds of shops, restaurants, cafés, businesses, the famous ‘Markthal’, the impressive Rotterdam Central Station and the largest market of the Netherlands on Tuesday and Saturday. It is home to the iconic cubic houses, the Erasmus bridge and an incredible variety of unique architecture. As most of the city was bombed during the second world war, Rotterdam’s city center has become a playground for architects. Unique and daring buildings, both business and residential, form the unique skyline which has made the city so famous. It is here that you will find all sorts of homes, primarily apartments, in all shapes and sizes. Everything can be found at walking distance when living in the city center. The most popular streets are the “Coolsingel”, “Meent” and “Witte de Withstraat”. The “Witte de Withstraat” is the best place to go for a drink or a meal, whereas the other two have plenty of restaurants, the largest market of the Netherlands (“Meent”), the ‘Markthal’ for products from all over the world and all kinds of shops.
Information | Location | Pictures | Schools: in Blijdorp and Hillegersberg
Kop van Zuid
The “Kop van Zuid’’ (Head of South-Rotterdam) is the name of the area just south of the Erasmus Bridge. Located on the Kop van Zuid are among others the Court of Rotterdam, the New Orleans tower (largest residential building of the Netherlands) and Hotel New York with its beautiful view on the river Maas. Living on the Kop van Zuid will give you the advantage of nice views on the River Maas, however you will always have to cross the Erasmus Bridge to reach the city center from here. Apartments on the Kop van Zuid are usually newly build high rise buildings with a parking garage. The nearest supermarkets can be found at the ‘’Brede Hilledijk’’or ‘’Handelsplein’’ both within 10 mins walking distance. The A15 towards Europoort is easily reachable from here.
Noordereiland
Situated between the City Center and Rotterdam Zuid, Noordereiland is an island in the middle of the River Maas that is often overlooked by those seeking to live in Rotterdam. However, Noordereiland definitely has it charms with traditional Dutch ‘Heren Huizen’ and its nice views on the river Maas and its surrounding bridges: Willemsbrug, Erasmusbrug and Koningshavenbrug. There are two supermarkets on the Noordereiland, for other shopping facilities one will always have to cross the bridges to the city center. One hidden ‘benefit’ of living on the Noordereiland, is that parking is still free on the island!
Delfshaven
The area Delfshaven is beautiful section of the old city, which survived the 1940 bombardment of Rotterdam. One can still find the old historic Rotterdam charm here, with windmills, historic houseboats for living and seafood restaurants. The nearby neighbourhoods of Coolhaveneiland, Lloydkwartier and Schiemond are also upcoming places to live. The Lloydkwartier for example, offers renovated warehouses that accommodate many creative entrepreneurs nowadays. Lastly, one of the touristic main attractions of Rotterdam can be found in this area: The Euromast.
Information | Location | Pictures | Schools: Harbour Bilingual / Blijberg Tweetalig
Rotterdam West & Middelland
This is an area of Rotterdam with a divers population composition and therefore also various types of housing. On the one hand you have the Heemraadssingel here, with beautiful mansions on one of the longest and oldest streets of Rotterdam. On the other hand you find area’s like the 1e Middellandstraat and Vierambachtstraat where the ground floor usually is for the shops of local Hindustani tailors, Turkish bakeries and Moroccan restaurants. While on the above floors you can find one or two bedroom apartments that are reached by typical Dutch steep stairs.
Information | Location | Pictures |
Prins Alexander
Prins Alexander is the city district of Rotterdam that hosts the following neighborhoods: Kralingse Veer, Het Lage Land, Nesselande, Ommoord, Oosterflank, Prinsenland and Zevenkamp. Living in one of these neighborhoods gives the advantage that you get more value for money usually: more square meters for the same price as you would pay in downtown Rotterdam. However, you will have to commute at least +/- 20 mins to Rotterdam City Centre. Prins Alexander hosts one of the largest shopping centers of the greater Rotterdam Area: The Alexandrium. Also the main train station of this city district can be found here: Rotterdam Alexander. Lastly, the ‘beach’ of Nesselande is where a lot of people living in this area go to on a hot summer day.
Information | Location | Pictures |
