The Brooklyn
of The Hague is
Zeeheldenkwartier.

See the 24 venues →Where to stay
Coffee culture Natural wine Markets Laid-back Walkable Multicultural
The case for Zeeheldenkwartier

Zeeheldenkwartier is the coolest neighborhood in The Hague for Bartine's morning bakery counter, natural-wine cafes, and the Biologische Markt.

Residents from over 50 nationalities are packed into a neighborhood you can cross on foot in fifteen minutes. The Zeeheldenkwartier runs along a tight grid of residential streets between the Peace Palace district and the Grote Marktstraat, and the concentration of independent food and drink is almost absurd for its size. Bartine Bakery and Market sets the morning standard; Café Blossom and Vincenzo's keep things going through aperitivo hour. It operates with the confidence of a place that knows it's the best neighborhood in The Hague but feels no need to advertise.

Every summer since 1981, when it began as a neighbourhood party, Prins Hendrikplein has hosted the Zeeheldenfestival, a free four-day street-music and theatre festival that reached its 43rd edition in 2025.
Close contenders

Other cool neighborhoods in The Hague.

Statenkwartier

Statenkwartier has the big apartments, the old money feel, and Frederik Hendriklaan for serious grocery shopping and bakeries. Quieter, more residential, still interesting.

Regentessekwartier

Regentessekwartier is scrappier and more affordable. The Markthof market is worth the detour, and the side streets are filling up with small restaurants that deliver far more than their size suggests.

Hofkwartier

Hofkwartier wraps around the old parliament buildings. Tiny streets, good vintage shopping on Noordeinde, and cocktail bars that stay open late by Dutch standards.

See the full shortlist, ranked →
Three sides of the neighborhood

Where to go in Zeeheldenkwartier.

01
Stay in Zeeheldenkwartier

Staying in Zeeheldenkwartier puts Piet Heinstraat outside your door.
02
Eat & Drink in Zeeheldenkwartier

Piet Heinstraat runs the full length of the neighborhood's eating and drinking life - Single Estate Coffee Roasters for the morning, Café Blossom for lunch, and de zoute kater or Café Netsotov once evening sets in.
03
Do & Shop in Zeeheldenkwartier

The Thursday organic market on Prins Hendrikplein is the neighborhood at its most itself - vendors start packing at 7pm, so you have until early evening.
All 24 spots mapped out

Zeeheldenkwartier, corner to corner.

Open in Maps →
Our 24 top picks

The Zeeheldenkwartier guide.

Practical info

Good to know.

The boring numbers that decide whether you stay three days or four.

CurrencyEUR
LanguageDutch
Cost level $$$Moderate to expensive
Best monthsMay to early September
Local time UTC+2
Plug type EU plug · 230V/50Hz
Emergency112
Local tip
The organic market vendors start packing up around 4pm on Saturdays. Show up at 3:30 for deals on cheese and bread.
Europe · Netherlands

If you like The Hague, try one of these.

Utrecht — Rotsoord
The Brooklyn of
Utrecht
Rotsoord
Netherlands · Europe
Ghent — Kunstenkwartier
The Brooklyn of
Ghent
Kunstenkwartier
Belgium · Europe
Copenhagen — Nørrebro
The Brooklyn of
Copenhagen
Nørrebro
Denmark · Europe
Split — Veli Varoš
The Brooklyn of
Split
Veli Varoš
Croatia · Europe
Head to head

How does The Hague stack up?

All comparisons →

Split vs The Hague

Europe

The Hague vs Utrecht

Europe
Common questions

Things to know about Zeeheldenkwartier.

What is the Brooklyn of The Hague?
The Brooklyn of The Hague is Zeeheldenkwartier. Residents from over 50 nationalities are packed into a neighborhood you can cross on foot in fifteen minutes. Every summer since 1981, when it began as a neighbourhood party, Prins Hendrikplein has hosted the Zeeheldenfestival, a free four-day street-music and theatre festival that reached its 43rd edition in 2025.
What is the coolest neighborhood in The Hague?
Zeeheldenkwartier is widely considered the coolest neighborhood in The Hague. Residents from over 50 nationalities are packed into a neighborhood you can cross on foot in fifteen minutes. The Zeeheldenkwartier runs along a tight grid of residential streets between the Peace Palace district and the Grote Marktstraat, and the concentration of independent food and drink is almost absurd for its size. Bartine Bakery and Market sets the morning standard; Café Blossom and Vincenzo's keep things going through aperitivo hour. It operates with the confidence of a place that knows it's the best neighborhood in The Hague but feels no need to advertise.
Where should I stay in Zeeheldenkwartier, The Hague?
The best boutique hotels in Zeeheldenkwartier include La Paulowna Boutique Hotel, Court Garden Hotel, and Hotel Sebel. La Paulowna Boutique Hotel is the one to book first. Boutique hotel with just five spacious suites in a converted townhouse on the edge of the quarter, overlooking Anna Paulownaplein. Breakfast is à la carte and served outside when the weather cooperates, which alone sets the tone.
Is Zeeheldenkwartier in The Hague safe at night?
Yes. Zeeheldenkwartier is residential, walkable, and quiet after about 23:00. Standard city precautions apply: lock your bike, watch your phone in busier cafe terraces. The area is well-lit and locals walk and cycle through it at all hours. Single travelers, including women, generally find it comfortable. The tram connections to the center and Scheveningen beach run late.
Is The Hague expensive?
The Hague sits at the higher end, but you can manage it. Service is included by law, so tipping stays modest: round up or add 5 to 10 percent. Skip the hotel breakfast, which runs 12 to 18 euros extra, and eat at an independent cafe instead.
When is the best time to visit The Hague?
May through early September is the window, with June and July hitting around 20-22°C and daylight stretching to nearly 10pm. The coast is walkable year-round but only swimmable from late June to August. April and May add tulip season with thinner crowds. Whatever month you pick, bring a rain layer - North Sea weather turns on a dime.

Last updated

The dispatch

Want more cities like The Hague?

New cities and updated guides. Nothing else.