Theatres and museums
In the centre of Leiden there are thirteen museums, all within walking distance of each other. Leiden is also home to the oldest theatre in the Netherlands, the Leidse Schouwburg. The Hague on the other hand has no less than thirty museums in and around the city, as well as a wealth of theatres. So there’s no excuse for not taking in some culture during your studies at Leiden University.
Theatres
The theatres of Leiden and The Hague offer a diverse range of music, drama, dance and cabaret.
In Leiden, the Leidse Schouwburg is the oldest theatre in the Netherlands. It has a unique atmosphere and plays host to the annual Leiden Cabaret Festival. The Stadsgehoorzaal theatre, built in 1890, is renowned for its wonderful acoustics. Leiden is also home to many smaller theatres. The visitLeiden website has further information on Leiden theatres. Details of upcoming shows and events can be found in the Leiden events calendar.
In The Hague, the Koninklijke Schouwburg also ranks amongst the oldest theatres in the Netherlands and is home to the Nationale Toneel (national theatre company). De Appel theatre in Scheveningen is the headquarters of the famous and innovative Appel theatre group. You can also find theatres specialising in cabaret, puppetry, children’s theatre and much more. The denhaag.nl website provides a list of theatres in The Hague as well as information on upcoming events in The Hague.
Take to the stage yourself
Ever wondered if you have hidden acting talents? Feel like getting up and dancing? Then take a look at the great range of courses offered by the LAK.
Museums
Leiden has no less than thirteen museums in its city centre. You can visit exhibitions on natural history, ancient history, culture, art and even Leiden’s academic history. More information can be found on the visitleiden website.
The Hague is a cultural treasure trove with no less than thirty museums. From the Dutch Masters to modern art and from sculpture to photography, there’s something for everyone. The website of ThisIsTheHague has further information.
Film Festivals
Every spring Leiden plays host to the Leiden International Film Festival (LIFF), with a LIFF Summer special taking place in the summer.
The Hague is the venue for the annual Movies That Matter Festival, as well as many smaller festivals celebrating the films of different regions of the world.
With film festivals, museum nights, music events and of course the student introduction weeks there’s always something to do in Leiden and The Hague.
Culture in The Hague
Exploring The Hague The city of The Hague has more to offer than the LUC campus at the Anna van Buerenplein. Every neighbourhood has its own character – from the colourful fruits and vegetables stalls at the Haagse Markt (http://dehaagsemarkt.nl/ ) to drinking coffee next to Prime Minister Rutte at Plein. Because of its diverse population and important place in Dutch history, The Hague has many cultural activities to offer. Enjoy theatre, dance, museums, parks, the local bars and the beach of course – all at your disposal and waiting to be explored.
This page gives a quick overview of where and how you can find activities in and around The Hague. Please note that this list is by no means complete, there are many more things to do in the region.
Tourist activities The Hague:
- Madurodam (miniature city: see all the highlights of The Netherlands in small) - http://denhaag.com/en/location/158/madurodam
- Gemeentemuseum Den Haag (many works of Piet Mondriaan and nice exhibitions) - http://denhaag.com/en/location/7215/gemeentemuseum-den-haag
- Mauritshuis Museum (Dutch Golden Age paintings; home of Vermeer’s famous “The Girl with a Pearl Earring”) - http://denhaag.com/en/mauritshuis
- Cultural activities The Hague:
- Dance and theatre - http://www.korzo.nl/?gclid=CPis86aYls4CFZQK0wod1_4JGQ
- Theatre - https://www.hetfiliaal.nl/denhaag?gclid=COXp0bqYls4CFcRuGwodeAENhg
- Film (art house films) - http://www.filmhuisdenhaag.nl/agenda?gclid=CNqLtv2Zls4CFUQaGwodmIAKBQ
- Film - https://www.pathe.nl/bioscoop/buitenhof
- Outdoor cinema (https://www.humanityhouse.org/series/bios-in-de-buitenlucht- 2016/?gclid=CNDl3ZCals4CFRcSGwodG2gGZQ)
Bars/cafés:
- Grote Markt Den Haag - http://www.gmdh.nl/
- Plein Den Haag - http://www.pleindenhaag.nl/
Active:
- There are many nice beaches around The Hague. The most famous one is in Scheveningen (tramstop: Kurhaus). The Zuiderstrand beach is a bit more quiet, but the dunes are absolutely stunning!
- The parks in The Hague are also really beautiful. Obviously, the Haagse Bos is just around the corner. But there is also the Zuiderpark (by tram/bike) and Clingendael park (bike).
Fortuna and the Resident Assistants have created a website with events and activities to do in The Hague: http://www.outofthebubble.nl/.
Overall, The Hague has many different types of activities to enjoy. Make sure to go out and explore the many different sides that The Hague has to offer