Peace Palace The Hague - Peace Palace seen through fencing
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Peace Palace The Hague

4.6
·1k reviews·Den Haag, Netherlands

A stunning Renaissance landmark symbolizing global peace and justice, housing international courts and offering a free visitor center.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds for tours

CrowdLow
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Peace Palace The Hague - Peace Palace seen through fencing

Peace Palace The Hague

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds for tours

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning Renaissance landmark symbolizing global peace and justice, housing international courts and offering a free visitor center.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"A beautiful landmark and a global symbol representing hope for peace and true justice."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Palace Tours Early

:admission_tickets: Tours are limited and sell out fast. Check the official website and book months ahead if possible!

Visitor Centre is Free

:moneywithwings: Entry to the Visitor Centre is free, offering insights and garden views.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Peace Palace Exterior

Peace Palace Exterior

A stunning Renaissance-style architectural marvel, symbolizing global peace and justice.

Visitor Centre Exhibits

Visitor Centre Exhibits

Explore the history and mission of the Peace Palace with informative displays and garden views.

International Court of Justice

International Court of Justice

See where landmark international legal cases are decided within the historic palace.

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Planning Your Visit

Visitor Center vs. Palace Tours

The Peace Palace offers a free Visitor Centre with exhibits on its history and gardens. For interior tours, booking well in advance is crucial as they are limited and often sell out. Check the official website for scheduled tour dates.

Photography & Access

Photography is generally not allowed inside the Peace Palace during tours. While the exterior is impressive, getting close-up shots can be challenging. The surrounding embassy district offers more photo opportunities.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds for tours
Crowd
Low
When
When tours are scheduled
Why
Only way to see inside
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Vredespaleis Visitors Centre

Book Palace Tours Early

:admission_tickets: Tours are limited and sell out fast. Check the official website and book months ahead if possible! Reddit

Visitor Centre is Free

:moneywithwings: Entry to the Visitor Centre is free, offering insights and garden views. Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting Den Haag

reddit.com

Day Trip to The Hague?

No Photos Inside

:noentrysign: Remember, photography is strictly prohibited during interior palace tours. Reddit

Explore Embassy District

:camerawithflash: The surrounding area with embassies offers great photo ops and a pleasant walk. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Palace Tours Early

:admission_tickets: Tours are limited and sell out fast. Check the official website and book months ahead if possible! Reddit

Visitor Centre is Free

:moneywithwings: Entry to the Visitor Centre is free, offering insights and garden views. Reddit

No Photos Inside

:noentrysign: Remember, photography is strictly prohibited during interior palace tours. Reddit

Explore Embassy District

:camerawithflash: The surrounding area with embassies offers great photo ops and a pleasant walk. Reddit

Bring Earphones

:headphones: Use your phone for an audio guide; bring your own earphones for a better experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Peace Palace as a beautiful and significant landmark symbolizing global peace and justice. The free Visitor Centre is informative, offering garden views and historical context. However, interior tours are limited, require advance booking, and prohibit photography, leading some to find the experience restrictive.

"Not much to see and the whole palace is quite far from the entrance meaning you won't even get a good photo. The surrounding area with all of the Villas and embassies is much better."

Maciej Polakowski

"The Peace Palace is not only a beautiful landmark, but also a global symbol.
It represents the hope of peace and the idea of true justice — a place where the world should find fairness and equality."

Mohamed Saad

"Visitor center is free to visit. Lots of information. View of gardens and peace palace.

We had booked the inside the palace tour. No photos allowed. Our guide, Leon, was great! The interior is beautiful. Decorated with gifted items from countries - marble from Italy, tiles from Delft/Netherlands, statue from US, tapestries from Japan, etc. Got to see Court of Arbitration and Court of Justice.

Highly recommend!"

Jeannie Burleson

What People Like

Beautiful architecture
Symbol of peace
Informative Visitor Centre

What People Dislike

Limited tour access
No interior photos
Restrictive experience

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Peace Palace (Vredespaleis) is located at Carnegieplein 2, 2517 KJ The Hague. It's easily accessible by public transport. Tram lines 1, 16, and 17 stop nearby at the 'Vredespaleis' or 'Carnegieplein' stops. If driving, parking can be limited, so public transport is often recommended. Reddit

Yes, the Peace Palace is a prominent landmark in The Hague and is well-signposted. It's situated in a beautiful area with many embassies, making it a pleasant walk to reach. Reddit

It's a pleasant walk of about 20-30 minutes from the city center to the Peace Palace, allowing you to see more of The Hague's architecture and surroundings. Reddit

Tram lines 1, 16, and 17 are the most convenient public transport options, with stops very close to the Peace Palace. Reddit

Parking directly at the Peace Palace is very limited. It's advisable to use public transport or park in a city center car park and take a tram or walk. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Peace Palace Visitor Centre is free. However, to tour the inside of the palace, you must book a guided tour in advance. These tours are paid and have limited availability. Reddit

The cost for guided tours of the Peace Palace interior varies. It's best to check the official Peace Palace website for the most current pricing and booking information. Reddit

Yes, you can visit the free Visitor Centre without a tour. This centre provides information about the palace's history and its role in international justice. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book your Peace Palace tour as far in advance as possible, especially during peak tourist seasons, as they often sell out quickly. Reddit

The opening hours for the Visitor Centre can vary. Please consult the official Peace Palace website for the most up-to-date information on opening times. Reddit

🎫 ⚖️ Onsite Experience

Inside the Peace Palace, you can see rooms like the Court of Arbitration and the Court of Justice. The interior is adorned with gifts from various countries, showcasing international cooperation. Reddit

No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Peace Palace during guided tours. Visitors are asked to respect this rule. Reddit

The Visitor Centre offers free admission and provides a lot of information about the Peace Palace's history, its significance, and the work of the international courts. It also offers views of the gardens. Reddit

Yes, guided tours of the Peace Palace are typically offered in English, as well as other languages. Confirm the available languages when booking your tour. Reddit

The Peace Palace is a symbol of international law and peaceful dispute resolution. It houses the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

While interior photos are not allowed, the exterior of the Peace Palace is very photogenic. The gardens offer lovely vantage points, and the surrounding embassy district also provides picturesque backdrops. Reddit

Yes, you can generally take photos in the Peace Palace gardens, which are beautifully maintained and offer excellent views of the palace itself. Reddit

There are generally no strict restrictions on exterior photography of the Peace Palace, but always be mindful of any signage and respect the privacy of the surrounding embassies. Reddit

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the Peace Palace. Midday can be harsh, but the architecture is still impressive. Reddit

You can get relatively close to the Peace Palace for exterior photos, especially from the gardens. However, access directly to the building's facade might be limited depending on security and tour group movements. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Peace Palace interior tours might be less engaging for very young children due to the no-photography rule and focus on legal history, the free Visitor Centre is a good starting point. It offers interactive elements and visual displays that can capture a child's interest. The beautiful gardens surrounding the palace provide space for kids to move around and explore. Consider focusing on the historical and symbolic aspects of peace and justice in a way that's understandable for children. Reddit

For a more engaging experience, look for specific family-friendly events or workshops that might be offered. The surrounding area, with its grand embassies, can also spark imagination. Remember to check the Peace Palace website for any age recommendations or restrictions for interior tours.

🏛️ Architecture & History Enthusiasts

The Peace Palace is a dream destination for anyone fascinated by Renaissance-style architecture and international history. The intricate details of the building, from its facade to the gifted artworks and materials within, offer a rich tapestry of global craftsmanship and diplomatic relations. Exploring the history of its construction and the evolution of international law housed within its walls provides a deep dive into a significant period of global governance. Reddit

Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the International Court of Justice. The Visitor Centre offers a solid foundation, but a guided tour (if available and booked in advance) provides unparalleled access to the palace's most significant chambers and their historical context. The surrounding embassy district also offers architectural variety worth exploring.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Symbolism of the Peace Palace

The Peace Palace (Vredespaleis) in The Hague is more than just a beautiful building; it's a potent symbol of the international community's commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and international law. Funded by American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, it was inaugurated in 1913. The palace was designed to house the Permanent Court of Arbitration and later became home to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Its architecture, a blend of Romanesque and Neo-Grec styles, is adorned with numerous gifts from countries worldwide, each piece telling a story of international cooperation and shared aspirations for justice. Reddit

The interior is a testament to global artistry, featuring marble from Italy, a statue from the United States, and intricate tapestries from Japan. These elements underscore the palace's role as a meeting point for nations. The surrounding gardens are also meticulously maintained, offering a tranquil environment that complements the palace's mission. Visiting the Peace Palace offers a unique opportunity to connect with the history and ongoing efforts towards global peace and justice. Reddit

Navigating Your Visit: Tours and the Visitor Centre

When planning your visit to the Peace Palace, it's essential to understand the different access options. The Visitor Centre is a free resource that provides an excellent introduction to the palace's history, its significance, and the work of the international courts. Here, you can find informative exhibits, learn about landmark cases, and enjoy views of the palace gardens. It’s a great option for a quick, insightful visit without needing to book in advance. Reddit

For those wishing to explore the interior of the Peace Palace, booking a guided tour is mandatory. These tours are highly sought after and have limited availability, often requiring booking several months in advance. Tours offer a chance to see the magnificent halls, including the Court of Arbitration and the Court of Justice, and learn about the unique decorative elements gifted by various nations. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace, so be prepared to experience and absorb the grandeur without capturing it on camera. Reddit

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