Noordeinde Palace (Paleis Noordeinde)

Jacob van Campen, the 17th-century Dutch architect who built the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) in Amsterdam, had a hand in developing Noordeinde Palace’s Renaissance style. He created the H-shaped building seen today, along with many of the building’s serene, classical attributes, such as the equestrian statue in the courtyard, a tribute to William of Orange. The palace itself is closed to the public, but the gardens are open and free for those who want to explore.

• Noordeinde Palace is a must-visit for architecture and history fans.

• Bring an umbrella or sun protection depending on when you visit.

• The gardens around the palace are wheelchair-accessible.

• The palace gardens are free for all to visit.

While the palace itself is off limits, the gardens are open to the public and can be explored independently or as part of a tour. They’re open from sunrise to sunset and generally aren’t too crowded; just bring an umbrella if you’re visiting outside of the summertime as rain is common in The Hague.

The palace is located right in the heart of The Hague, about a 20-minute walk from The Hague Central Station. The nearest tram stop (for line number 1) is at Kneuterdijk, about two blocks away; bus numbers 22, 24, and 28 also stop here.

The palace holds the offices of the current monarch of the Netherlands, William-Alexander, the son of Princess Beatrix (whom he succeeded after her abdication in 2013). His main roles involve meeting with government officials, signing documents, and acting as a figurehead at various functions. However, as the Netherlands is a democracy, his role is largely ceremonial.