The Netherlands is one of the most dog-friendly countries in the world, and as a dog owner myself, it’s been a joy watching my rescue, Lily, explore and settle into life in The Hague after getting her from Romania. From the dunes to dog-friendly café terraces, this city makes space for dogs in a way that still surprises people who move here.
Dogs have also come to mean more than just companionship at home. More and more owners are recognising the real benefits that come with having one, from lower stress to a built-in reason to get outside and meet people. Walking Lily has certainly been mine; some of my favourite discoveries about this city have come from the places she’s dragged me into.
So here are my favourite spots to enjoy together in The Hague.
The beach. Scheveningen and Kijkduin are among the best places in the country to let a dog loose, but the rules shift with the seasons. In winter, from 1 October to 15 May, dogs are welcome on the whole of the Den Haag beach. In summer, dogs are limited to certain stretches during the day, so check the signs at each beach entrance or the municipality’s website before you go. Make sure you clean up after your dog.
If you want a reliable summer option, locals point to the Noorderstrand, beyond the last beach access at the Zwarte Pad, where dogs can run freely all day.
The dunes. The dunes of Westduinpark and the Hollandse Duinen National Park are beautiful for a long walk, but dogs must stay on the lead. Loose dogs disturb the nesting birds and wildlife that live here, so keep to the paths and read the signs at each entrance.
The Haagse Bos. For shade, space and a quieter pace, the Haagse Bos is a favourite for dog walkers. Look for the “uitrengebied” signs that mark areas where dogs may run free.
Zuiderpark. The Hague’s largest and oldest public park is a major green space, sports hub and cultural venue all in one. A few smaller areas allow off-lead running, but for the rest, it makes for a lovely on-lead walk.
Coffee with your companion
A good dog-friendly café doesn’t just tolerate your dog, it makes room for them. My favourite spots include:
Bartine – the famous bakery on Piet Heinstraat doesn’t just have great coffee, service and pastries, it also makes for a lovely spot to enjoy with your dog.
Arket’s café – the chic Swedish fashion store houses a café serving great cappuccinos and provides the perfect setting for “fika.” The staff love seeing dogs, so expect fresh water to be brought out for yours on arrival.
De Oude Tol – the classic South African lunchroom near The Peace Palace has a lovely outdoor terrace, perfect for warmer days with your furry friend.
Parkoers – housed in Zuiderpark, this makes for a delightful stop after a morning walk with your dog. The menu serves standard Dutch classics, but the atmosphere is properly gezellig.
The Story Café – this cosy neighbourhood café on Appelstraat serves up delicious meals, and they even have pup cups on the menu!
Beach clubs like Hito, De Staat and Zuid – perfect stops after a run on the beach!
Policies can change, so it’s worth a quick message or a look at the door before you go. My rule is to sit outside when the weather allows, and pick somewhere quieter in winter so your dog can settle under the table while you enjoy your meal.
What I love most about walking a dog in this city is how it shapes your day. The same park at the same hour, the same café table — these become a rhythm, and rhythms turn into community. People who would never have spoken to each other end up knowing each other by their dogs’ names.
Lily is not just a dog to me, she’s part of my family. Seeing how excited she gets to explore new places and try new things inspired me to create a dog-friendly event, which I’m delighted to share. On 31 October, I’m teaming up with The Story Cafe’s owner, Meryem Hammiche, and artist Ale, to host Dog P(ART)Y — a few relaxed hours in the morning with you, your dog, and a small group of like-minded individuals.
Here’s what to expect:
Delicious bites for you and your dog
A doggy artwork activity, where your dog gets to make art (yes, really)
A small, cosy group of other owners and their dogs
When: Saturday 31 October 2026 Where: The Story Cafe & Concept Store, Appelstraat 175 Tickets and extra info can be found here Good to know: Dogs must be friendly and socialised, and kept on a leash. You are ultimately responsible for your dog’s behaviour and safety. There will be 2 sessions – one for smaller dogs and one for larger breeds. Check out the link above for full details.
We wanted to create a space where your dog not only feels welcomed, but gets to engage with you in a fun, safe activity. Grab a ticket, bring your best boy or girl, and try something new!
Reach out to sherika@thehagueonline.com for all lifestyle topics and events
Sherika Rooplal-Clappers is a contributing writer for The Hague Online, covering culture, lifestyle, and local events. With a passion for storytelling and international perspectives, she highlights the people, places, and experiences that make The Hague a dynamic city.
In ACCESS Stories this month, Rawia Liverpool reflects on more than three decades of international life, beginning with her first move to the Netherlands in 1992. Relocation, career changes, motherhood, caregiving, bereavement and divorce repeatedly required her to adapt and rebuild her life. Along the way, she discovered the importance of community, transferable skills and asking for support. Now an NLP coach and Transactional Analysis counsellor, she draws on these experiences to support other internationals navigating relocation, identity shifts and major life transitions.
ACCESS is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation that has supported the international community in the Netherlands since 1986. English-speaking volunteers provide free, independent information and guidance on living, working and settling in the Netherlands, via a helpdesk, email support and partnerships across the country.
On Saturday, September 26, the largest BurenDag ever will be celebrated. During the 21st edition, with over 10,400 registered neighbourhood activities, the 10,000 activity mark will be broken for the first time and a new record set. With over 600,000 expected participants, BurenDag, an initiative of Douwe Egberts and the Oranje Fonds, has grown into one of the largest social events in the Netherlands.
On BurenDag (National Neighbours’ Day), neighbours come together to get to know each other better and do something positive for their street, neighbourhood, or village. Throughout the Netherlands, residents organise a wide variety of activities, such as neighbourhood barbecues, coffee mornings, game afternoons, street play days, cleanup campaigns, greening projects, neighbourhood bingo, communal meals, and gatherings for young and old.
Since the first edition in 2006, BurenDag has brought people together to make their neighbourhood more pleasant, social, and stronger. The initiative by Douwe Egberts and the Oranje Fonds continues to grow every year and shows how much value people place on good contact with their neighbours.
The record number of activities underscores how important neighborhood connection is. In a time when many contacts increasingly take place digitally, Neighbors’ Day offers people the chance to meet each other in person. Strong neighborhood networks contribute to greater trust, livability, and mutual support in the neighborhood. From neighborhood barbecues and greening projects to street play days and gatherings for young and old: residents throughout the Netherlands are rolling up their sleeves.
Connection close to home “The fact that at least one activity is taking place in virtually every Dutch municipality this year is fantastic,” says Sandra Jetten, Director of the Oranje Fonds. “It shows how deep-seated the desire to look out for one another is. Change starts with small, local initiatives on the street. It is precisely these encounters between neighbors that create a greater sense of connection and contribute to a society where people feel seen and involved. As the Oranje Fonds, we are incredibly proud that we can give neighbors across the country that helping hand to make their neighborhood a nice place.”
“At Douwe Egberts, we have believed in the power of a good conversation for generations. It is special to see how a cup of coffee can grow into new contacts, friendships, and neighborhood initiatives. The fact that a record number of neighborhoods are now participating proves that people still have a need for real-life encounters. We are incredibly proud of that,” says Kathelijne Malcontent, who works at Douwe Egberts.
Registration is still possible Although the record has already been broken, the organisation calls on neighborhoods to keep getting involved. Initiators can register their neighbourhood activity up until the day itself via the Burendag website.
In ACCESS Stories this month, Beata van Velzen reflects on a relocation journey that began when she left Poland for London at the age of 24 and eventually led her to the Netherlands. Although she appeared well integrated, it was the care and compassion she experienced during her premature daughter’s hospital stay that made the Netherlands truly feel like home. She also explores the unexpected challenges of returning to your country of origin, and how moving abroad can reshape your identity, sense of belonging and understanding of what home means.
ACCESS is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation that has supported the international community in the Netherlands since 1986. English-speaking volunteers provide free, independent information and guidance on living, working and settling in the Netherlands, via a helpdesk, email support and partnerships across the country.
Join us at The Social Hub to hear a regenerative talk by our speaker Akash Kumar, who is a regenerative designer, researcher and an educator working with textiles, craft, folklore and storytelling.
Growing up in a farming family in Jharkhand, India, he developed a deep connection with land, natural materials and the knowledge hidden in the things we create and pass on through generations. In his hands-on projects and workshops, he links traditional knowledge to contemporary life, exploring how making can become a tool for collective learning, ecological care and regeneration.
This talk could not be more timely, as Akash and his work offers a perspective on current global concerns surrounding our environment and the planet we cohabit. He invites us to consider how the ways we make and create can contribute to ecological regeneration. We hope to see you there!
In ACCESS Stories this month, Maryam Mollaei reflects on her first months in the Netherlands after moving from Iran, and the unexpected emotional and practical challenges of becoming a newcomer again. From navigating unfamiliar systems to rebuilding her professional and social identity, she discovered that finding a sense of home was less about paperwork or place, and more about the people around her. Through friendships, shared meals, conversations and new connections, the Netherlands gradually began to feel less like a destination and more like a community.
ACCESS is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation that has supported the international community in the Netherlands since 1986. English-speaking volunteers provide free, independent information and guidance on living, working and settling in the Netherlands, via a helpdesk, email support and partnerships across the country.
