The Hague Canals: Walking Routes, Canal Cruises and Boat Hire

What The Hague's canals are like

Do not arrive expecting an Amsterdam-style ring of canals. The Hague grew as a government centre rather than a trading city, so its central waterways were never the backbone of its economy, and many were filled between 1910 and 1970. What remains is a compact set of quays in the old centre that you can cover on foot in an hour or two, with canal houses and waterside terraces rather than long stretches of open water.

That smaller scale is an advantage for a short break: the canals sit next to the rest of the historic centre, so you can fold them into a morning of sightseeing instead of dedicating a whole day. Walk the quays first for orientation, then decide whether the water itself is worth your time.

Where the canals sit in the centre

The main canal address is the Bierkade, with the Dunne Bierkade running alongside it, in the city centre between Hollands Spoor station and the Grote Markt. The Bierkade is about a five-minute walk from Den Haag Hollands Spoor and around ten minutes from Den Haag Centraal. Several trams and buses stop nearby, and tram 17 towards Statenkwartier is the quickest way to reach the Veenkade from either station. For the surrounding streets and squares, see our guide to The Hague City Centre.

Because the quays sit inside the old centre, they pair naturally with the rest of the core: the Binnenhof, the Mauritshuis and the shopping streets around De Passage are all within the same compact area. Treat the canals as one stop on a walking loop rather than a separate excursion.

Walking the Bierkade

The Bierkade is one of the most attractive canals in the centre, lined with canal houses and waterside terraces, and the Dunne Bierkade next door shares the same atmosphere. Allow 30 to 45 minutes to walk both quays at an easy pace, longer if you stop for a drink on a terrace. The names are a reminder of the quay's trading past: beer from Delft was brought in here when The Hague was not yet allowed to brew its own, and the Dunne Bierkade handled the thin, lighter beer.

The area also hosts events such as Jazz in de Gracht, so the quays can be busier than usual when something is on. If you want a quiet walk, come early in the day. The Hague walking tour covers the surrounding streets if you want the centre explained as you go.

Canal cruise from the Bierkade with De Ooievaart

De Ooievaart runs a city canal cruise that boards at Bierkade 19, 2512 AB Den Haag, lasting 1 hour 30 minutes. A guide and skipper are included, along with a complimentary bottle of water. Book the departure that matches your language, because the guide speaks one language per tour rather than repeating everything in several.

English, Dutch and German departures are listed. On the day, the operator may run a different route when work affects the normal one, so treat the exact sights as flexible rather than fixed. The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users, and baby buggies, food and pets other than assistance dogs are not allowed on board.

Cruise fares and what is included

The fare is shown in pounds sterling, with taxes and fees included, and free cancellation is available. Because the price is displayed in sterling rather than euros, check the amount in the currency you will actually pay before booking. The ticket covers the skipper, guide and a bottle of water; tips, food and alcoholic drinks are extra.

Canoe and SUP hire on the canals

If you would rather set your own pace, Kanoverhuur Den Haag rents canoes and stand-up paddleboards so you can paddle the historic canals yourself. This suits confident swimmers and anyone comfortable balancing on a board or steering a canoe; it is a poor fit for groups who want commentary or a guaranteed route.

Self-powered craft put you low on the water and close to the canal walls, which is the best way to notice the brickwork and house fronts you miss from the quay. Keep in mind that you are sharing narrow water with moored boats and possibly other traffic, so pick a quiet hour if you are new to paddling.

Why The Hague filled in its canals

Unlike most Dutch cities, The Hague never depended on its canal network for trade, and many canals were filled between 1910 and 1970. In the 1970s part of the old neighbourhood was nearly demolished for a motorway; residents stopped the plan, but not before serious damage was done to the historic canal area.

A resident-led campaign later took up the cause of restoring the waterways. The Grachten Open initiative, with local organisations, asked MVRDV to draw up a vision, produced in 2018–2019, for reopening the main canals and turning surviving stubs into features such as swimming canals or a surf canal. It is a design proposal, not a finished scheme, so there is nothing specific to visit: treat it as background to why the centre looks the way it does.

Cruise, paddle or just walk?

Walking the quays is free, flexible and takes under an hour, which makes it the right choice if the canals are one item on a packed short break. A guided cruise ties you to a departure time, but it adds context, seating and a skipper who handles the route. Canoe or SUP hire sits in between: you control the pace and get closest to the water, but you do the work.

A sensible plan for a two- or three-day visit is to walk the Bierkade on your first afternoon for orientation, then book a cruise for a later slot if the weather looks settled. If you are building a wider itinerary, our guide to Things to Do in The Hague covers the museums and sights that fill the rest of the days.

Practical points for the water

Book the cruise in advance if you need a specific language, since each departure is guided in one language only. Check the meeting point at Bierkade 19 before you set out and arrive with time to spare. Ask the operator about minimum ages and what to bring if you are hiring a canoe or SUP.

Accessibility is limited on the water: the cruise is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users, and buggies are not permitted on board. Anyone with mobility needs should plan to enjoy the canals from the quays instead, which are flat and easy to walk. Cycling in The Hague is another way to link the canals with the wider city if you want to cover more ground.

Which way should you see the canals?

Walk the Bierkade and Dunne Bierkade first: it takes under an hour and tells you whether you want more time on the water. Add the De Ooievaart cruise if you want the city explained and do not mind a fixed departure; choose canoe or SUP hire if you would rather paddle yourself. Check the current fare, departure language and meeting point when you book.