The Zeeheldenkwartier: A guide to the coolest neighborhood of the Hague

Zeeheldenkwartier is situated within walking distance of the Hague center. It is a lively and atmospheric district full of cafes, yoga studios, entrepreneurs, pop-up stores and events. Designers sell their unique clothing, furniture, and homewares in boutiques along the streets of Prins Hendrikstraat, Piet Heinstraat, Zoutmanstraat, and Anna Paulownastraat. This guide to the Zeeheldenkwartier covers some highlights of this cool neighborhood in the Hague with some great hotspots in the Zeeheldenkwartier.

The Zeeheldenkwartier is a multicultural neighbourhood with over 50 nationalities represented by the 10000 inhabitants (February 2019). Built between 1870-1890, Zeeheldenkwartier is one of the oldest urban areas of the Hague. Today, it’s a mix of flats, court yards, old mansions, and private housing, and open squares.

If you are looking for more in-depth travel advice about Belgium and the Netherlands, I created a guidebook on behalf of Moon Travel about Amsterdam, Brussels, and Bruges. You can find this book on Amazon!

You can access the Zeeheldenkwartier by tram 3, 1 or 16 or via bus 24. Look out for the stops, Javastraat, Elandstraat, Speijkstraat and Laan van Meerdervoort. 

Fresh Produce 

Every Thursday on Prins Hendrikplein is the sustainable and organic Sea Heroes Zeeheldenmarkt. A smaller market in comparison to The Haagse market, however with a range of quality ecological and biological vegetables, fruit, eggs, dairy, meat and nuts are available from the local suppliers.

In the summer you can also visit the Flagship Market that occurs one Sunday a month for vintage fashion, food and design. A winter edition of the Flagship Market also occurs in December for food, drinks, and unique Christmas gifts. 

Local produce is also available from small fruit and veg stores dotted throughout the area during the week. Try Rutten Le Specialiste du Frais, for delicious and very reasonably priced produce (much tastier and cheaper than the chain supermarkets).

There are also small independently owned specialty delis, for Italian olives, and fresh pasta, Columbian Plantains, and vegan cheeses and foods. Independent wine shops are also a plenty in Zeeheldenkwartier. Marius, Schouten, and Pavi have extensive ranges of local and imported wines.

Great cafes in de Zeeheldenkwartier

Café’s, bars and restaurants are on every street and corner of Zeeheldenkwartier. Most cafes offer Wifi to work, study or scroll through social media while you sip your flat white. For a cosy and sunny space, delicious coffee and great service look no further than Eef, Bij Clarence, and Pim Sandwiches and Vintage. All reasonably priced. Green juices and smoothies are also available at Feeling Good Juices and Buddha bowls.

If you’re looking for something a little stronger then you can get a quality local craft beer at the gastropub Van Kinsbergen or wine at Ich Bin Ein Hamburger and Nomad Bistro.  For more information about Nomad Bistro, you can read about the best wine bars in the Hague!

Where to eat in the Zeeheldenkwartier

There are many great restaurants in the Zeeheldenkwartier and it’s one of the best neighborhoods for a great meal out. Wanderlustingk admin suggests looking out for a nice lunch at the cozy and healthy HUmmUS Middle Eastern-inspired cafe. Appeltje Gebak is a well-known Dutch cafe famous for its great lunch and cake if you have a sweet tooth. Above, you’ll see a photo from Haley’s Comet Breakfastclub, a cozy ’80s style cafe with suprising lunch specials.

For a proper dinner out, consider stopping off at the Prince of Persia for a delicious Persian meal, perfect for a date or special occasion. For something completely different, stop by Suhumi, a Georgian restaurant with salivating food likely to surprise you in the best possible way. (Cheese lovers should definitely order the khachapuri!)

For sushi, the Sushi Meisjes is one of the best sushi restaurants in the Hague! Vegans will love the 100% vegetarian Hortus restaurant. For pizza, head to Vincenzo’s for delicious Italian pizza. Similarly, De Groene Pearl is great for fish. For British-pub style meals, head to Van Kingsbergen.

Boutique Shopping in the Zeeheldenkwartier

In Zeeheldenkwartier vintage, hipster, original and sustainable clothes and homewares are everywhere. Go to Bar and Zo to decorate your home with local pieces or pick up some sustainable clothing in their ‘green living’ shop. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee, get plant advice or read your book in their garden.

Wauw and Present Living also sell plants and unique items to make your home your own. There are also many antique, vintage and second-hand shops around the area. [Second-hand shops are known as kringloops.] Park your bike and explore!

Natural baby clothing, yoga clothing, and products are available respectively at Achtung and Yogisha. Check out my post about yoga studios in the Hague for information on some of the (many!) yoga studios located in Zeeheldenkwartier.

If you’re feeling nostalgic and missing a specific food product that is quintessentially British, American or Australian then you may be able to find it at Kelly’s. They stock everything from pop tarts to baked beans. They even have Vegemite and Tim Tams! (If you haven’t tried Tim Tam’s before then they’re well worth the trip to Kelly’s.)

Events

Check out the Zeeheldenkwartier website for upcoming events in the area including, Peace palace garden tours and picnics, drawing clubs, cupcake workshops, the Hotel Court rooftop garden tour, clothing swaps, and tea tastings. Concerts and the annual ‘Taste the District’ (May) event are some other events worth putting in your agenda to experience in Zeeheldenkwartier.

Have you been to the Zeeheldenkwartier?

• A local’s guide to the best things to do in the Hague
• Where to eat in the Hague
• Secret Hague
• Wine bars in the Hague
• The best yoga studios in the Hague
• The best brunch spots in the Hague
• The best coffee in the Hague