City Trip Den Hague

Last Saturday about 30 International students from the VU went on an exciting city trip to the second capital of the Netherlands. The Dutch government, the parliament and the royal residence of the Dutch Queen are situated in Den Hague, which is the third largest city in the Netherlands with about 500.000 inhabitants.

After meeting at the university at 12pm, the group of students was guided to the city by the ESN president, Diego Caeiro. After changing trains several times, due to construction works between the Airport Schiphol and Den Hague Central Station, we finally reached the town centre.

Some others have already started travelling in the morning to the city of Leiden and did some sight-seeing in this picturesque small town, on the way to Den Hague. Thanks to the Day Ticket we received from ESN, we were able to travel through the Netherlands for the whole day.

An English speaking guide took us around the most interesting sights and must-sees in Den Hague and explained historical facts and the stories lying behind the attractions. We walked around for about 1.5 hours looking at the city hall, the Mauritshuis museum (from outside) and the “Binnenhof” (the Inner court), where the official offices of the Dutch Parliament and the office of the prime minister are located.  Furthermore we looked at the beautiful market square, with small cafés and old buildings situating around it. The weather was cold and cloudy but here and there we could also enjoy some sun rays during the walk.

After this sightseeing tour by foot, everyone was free to do whatever they wanted. In small groups the international students discovered the city on their own. A lot of shops, Cafés and other things were explored until the early evening.

Later everyone took the train back home to Amsterdam with many new impressions, photos and shopping`s.  Thanks to ESN for organizing this event and we hope to discover another Dutch city soon.