The Hague Entertainment

There is a range of entertainments options available in The Hague to keep most people happy, although the city doesn't have a big student population, which subdues its nightlife somewhat. There is a limited club scene but the bar and cafe culture is thriving. There are also other good entertainment options on offer including theatre, cinema, comedy and many festivals.

Nightlife

The Hague is not really known for its nightclub scene, but it does have a selection of places for those wishing to dance and drink into the early hours. The beach resorts at Scheveningen have the best choices if you're looking for lively nightlife. The club scene accommodates most tastes including commercial dance tunes, hip-hop as well as more specialist nights such as indie and trance. Venues and themed nights can change frequently so it's best to check the listings in a local paper for current details. Most clubs charge an entry fee but many have concessions for women, in an effort to increase the female to male ratio. Drinks can be expensive so take advantage of any deals such as two-for-one offers, low-cost happy hours or 'shots' nights. You also need to remember that some clubs have a dress code and you may be refused entry if you are wearing jeans or trainers.

The Grote Markt square is lined with busy bars and restaurants, ranging from traditional cafes to trendy and chic designer spots. De Zwarte Ruiter is a particularly popular drinking and eating place that makes a good start to the evening. Another lively area is the narrow Maliestraat, just off Denneweg, behind the Hotel Des Indes. Here you will find the professional crowd in some great bars such as Ca l'Emile and De Maliestraat. If you want to combine eating and drinking, and find peace and quiet in a quiet walled garden, head for Schlemmer on Lange Houtstraat 17.

Theatre and music

There's nearly always something going on culturally and the monthly publication The Hague Agenda has listings for concerts and other events. Spui, just behind Centraal Station, is the city's modern cultural square. Here you find Dr. Anton Philips Concert Hall, home to the Residentie Orchestra, and the AT&T Dance Theatre, where the three companies of the renowned Netherlands Dance Theatre perform their contemporary productions. The Hague is also a breeding ground for new talent and many dancers and musicians are attracted to the Koninklijk Conservatorium (Royal Academy of Music). The Royal City also has a great repertoire of cabaret and a range of special theatres where different companies are presented. There doesn't appear to be an established gig-circuit like you would find in many cities. There are a few clubs and bars which put on ad-hoc concerts so be sure to check the listings in The Hague Agenda for complete details.

Festivals

Some of the festivals worth looking out for in The Hague are:

Queensday in April. Queensday is officially the national celebration of the birthday of the Queen Mother, but this in reality is only an excuse to party hard. The celebrations take place all over the Netherlands, but have a special atmosphere in big cities such as The Hague. In recent decades celebrations have exploded into one mass nationwide party which sees young and old, locals and visitors come together to join in the numerous events taking place. A host of street parades, craft shows, live theatre, music and dance and fireworks ensure that there something for everyone.

North Sea Jazz Festival in July. If jazz is your thing then this is one event you certainly don’t want to miss. The North Sea Jazz Festival is approaching its thirtieth anniversary making it one of the oldest jazz festivals in the world. With over two hundred performances featuring musicians from all over the world playing a unique blend of jazz, blues and hip hop, this is jazz at its very best. As well as the musicians, a host of internationally acclaimed singers also grace the twenty or so stages around the city.

• Binnenhof Festival in August. This new event looks certain to be repeated annually and features a range of musical performances spread over several days, and set amongst the historical buildings in the Binnenhof.