The Binnenhof (''Inner Court'') is a castle built in the 13th century as residence of the count of Holland. Ever since, it has almost subsequently been the seat of the government of Holland, and later all of the Netherlands. It used to be surrounded by moats on all sides. Since then it has been modified countless times to accommodate the expanding Dutch government. The moats have been filled, but the castle still borders on a pond (the Hofvijver, ''Court Pond''). In its waters the old buildings continue to mirror themselves. Today, the Binnenhof houses the two chambers of the Dutch parliament and the Prime Minister's office in a small round tower opposite the Mauritshuis. Enter through one of the gates on Plein or Buitenhof and you will find yourself in a medieval enclosed courtyard, surrounded by architecture from the 13th up to the 19th century. There may be crowds gathered here on occasion because of public demonstrations, TV airings or receptions for foreign officials. In the centre stands the Ridderzaal or ''Knight's Hall'', the centrepiece of the castle, today used for ceremonial purposes. The Knight's Hall is accessible in guided tours. Unfortunately, the other splendid rooms of the complex are closed to the general public. It is possible, however, to attend the meetings of the parliament. The House of Representatives of the parliament meets every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, in a modern chamber from 1992. The Senate meets on a weekly basis, on Tuesdays, and does so in a splendid 17th century Dutch-styled chamber with a lavishly painted ceiling.

Local

Eat and Drink

• Restaurant de Basiliek - Den Haag (0.2 miles) - International Restaurant with menu classics en latest food trends. Located in the middle of The Hague...
• Café Huppel the Pub - Den Haag (0.3 miles) - The Huppel is a small bar in the old part of the city . We have a great selection of (dutch) craft b...
• Restaurant Alexander Den Haag - Den Haag (0.4 miles) - Restaurant Alexander The Hague Restaurant Alexander is one of the best the Hague restaurants in the c...
• Baladi Manouche - Den Haag (0.4 miles) - We are the first Lebanese Manouche bakery in the Netherlands. We offer authentic Lebanese Manouches ...
• Restaurant Blij - The Hague (0.4 miles) - The name says everything, Quality products, workmanship and personal service are their key concepts. ...

See and Do

• Historical Museum of The Hague Den Haag (0.1 miles) - The Historical Museum of The Hague is located in the historical heart of The Hague. The museum is ho...
• Prison Gate Museum The Hague (0.1 miles) - In the year 1280 AD, the gate to the outer courtyard or Buitenhof served as the main entrance to the...
• Real-Life Xcape Den Haag (0.2 miles) - Real-Life Xcape provide room escape games/activities in the very center of Den Haag. A nice place fo...
• Louwman Museum Den Haag (2.1 miles) - Louwman Museum Over two hundred and fifty stunning antique and classic cars in all shapes and sizes i...
• Delft Pottery de Delftse Pauw Rijswijk / Delft (4.1 miles) - See how the authentic Delft is made at this family owned Delft Pottery by means of a personal guided...

Shopping

• Kek Delft - Delft (5.0 miles) - KEK A cosy café where you can have great coffee, a lazy breakfast or a delicious organic home-made l...