The Hague offers a diverse set of neighbourhoods for expats relocating to the area to choose from. The city is divided into eight districts, each of which is further partitioned into different neighbourhoods.

In general, the more prosperous neighbourhoods are found in the northwest of the city, while less affluent areas are typically located in the south and east.

The Hague is comprised of eight districts:

The area defined by the ArchipelStatenkwartier and Duinoord neighbourhoods is an extremely desirable and central place to live. Embassies, luxury villas, apartments and mansions are nestled amongst shops, restaurants and cafes, resulting in an exciting urban atmosphere.

  • Archipel: The Archipel neighbourhood in the Centrum district is close to the town centre, museums and parks. The beautifully renovated, old style houses found here are full of character and historic atmosphere. Prices reflect the area’s desirability and limited space makes parking a challenge.
  • Statenkwartier: Located in the city centre, the Statenkwartier neighbourhood in the Scheveningen district is filled with beautiful, spacious homes built in the early 1900s. The area’s plentiful Art Nouveau architecture, specialty shops and cafes make it a popular destination.
  • Duinoord: Homes in the Scheveningen district’s Duinoord neighbourhood are typically smaller than those found in the Statenkwartier, but are charming and full of character. Much of the architecture dates from the late 19th century and today the area is known for its somewhat bohemian atmosphere.

Those looking for a less urban environment can find larger living spaces and more ‘green’ within the Haagse Hout district. This area is typically popular amongst families with children, as it provides easy access to downtown amenities while offering a quieter, more natural setting.

  • Benoordenhout: The Benoordenhout neighbourhood in the Haagse Hout district is a quiet mixture between urbanity and nature. It’s woodland setting on the north and east sides belies its close proximity to the city centre and easy access to the motorways. Parking is plentiful.
  • Mariahoeve: The Mariahoeve neighbourhood is also located in the Haagse Hout district and offers a similar set of 1930s architecture, green surroundings and easy parking. The British Junior School is located here.

Other neighbourhoods popular with expats include Bezuidenhout (Haagse Hout), Marlot (Haagse Hout), Vogelwijk (Segbroek), the beach resort areas of Kijkduin and ScheveningenVan Stolkpark (Scheveningen), Westbroekpark/Duttendel (Scheveningen), Belgisch Park (Scheveningen) and Zeeheldenkwartier (Centrum). For housing, search through these available rental apartments in your preferred neighbourhood.

Several of the neighbourhoods where many expats are located have English-language websites. These include:

Amsterdam has some worth-visiting markets which can be a nice alternative for the standard shopping rituals. These atmospheric markets offer the best way to pick up some bargains for you or your friends. They offer a taste in the local life and give visitors a other view of Amsterdam. Some of these markets open daily, others open on certain days. Here’s an overview of some of the best markets:

Bloemen market – Famous flower market

This is Amsterdam’s famous floating flower market, the only one of its kind in the world. The stalls are indeed “floating” on houseboats, but they are semi-permanent fixtures now. It caters to tourists, who flock to see thousands of blooms of every color and buy Dutch bulbs to take home. Location: Singel, between Koningsplein and Muntplein. Open: Year-round, Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Waterlooplein Flea Market – Amsterdam’s best Flea and Antiques market

Amsterdam’s largest flea market is like 200 garage sales going on at once and the “neighborhood” is home to the posh and the tacky. It’s easy to browse for hours in the maze of second-hand clothes, African drums, tie-dye shirts, antique rugs and furniture and bric-a-brac of all kinds. Unlike most markets in Amsterdam, bargaining isn’t necessarily frowned upon here. Location: Waterlooplein. Open: Year-round, Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Albert Cuyp market – Amsterdam’s famous market in the Pijp

This experience is a must for Amsterdam visitors who love bustling markets. The 100-year-old, open-air street market (the city’s largest) features nearly 300 vendors selling everything from fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, spices, chocolate, cheese, flowers and plants to clothes, jewelry, shoes, bike accessories, bedding, fabrics and cosmetics – basically everything. Prices are dirt-cheap, but product quality often reflects this, so beware. Flowers are less expensive here than at the famous Bloemenmarkt. Location: Albert Cuypstraat. Open: Year-round, Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Spui Book Market

Bibliophiles will marvel at the endless tables and tents of this used and antique book market. Dealer collections run the gamut from biography, literature, poetry and fantasy-fiction to art, history, psychology and geography. While most books are from the Netherlands, some English and international titles are for sale, as well as antique maps, prints and records. Location: Spui. Open: Year-round, Fridays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Spui Art Market

Also known as “Art Plein Spui,” this favorite Amsterdam market in the heart of the city showcases the work of up to 25 professional artists from a rotating group of 60, whose media include everything from oil, acrylic, watercolor and etching to photography, sculpture, ceramics and jewelry. Location: Spui. Open: March – December, Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Thorbeckeplein Modern Art Market

Paintings are the features of this Eastern Canal Belt market, which caters to those who prefer an abstract or modern look. Location: Thorbeckeplein. Open: Mid-March – October, Sundays 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Noordermarkt Flea Market

Wares at this popular market range from tote bags made from old World War II army gear to fine Asian antiques. Die-hard flea-market shoppers get here quite early, especially on Mondays. Location: Noordermarkt, Jordaan. Open: Year-round, Mondays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Boerenmarkt on Noordermarkt – Amsterdam’s organic market

Alongside the popular flea market on Noordermarkt is one of Amsterdam’s biggest organic farmers’ markets. Local and regional growers sell fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, while organic bakers offer all-natural breads, cookies and pastries. There are even stalls dedicated to organic olive oils, whole grains and various spice pestos. All these ingredients make for a beautiful, bustling display of color and smells. It’s a must if you’re in the Jordaan on a Saturday. Location: Noordermarkt, Jordaan. Open: Year-round, Saturdays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

While you visit these markets, of course keep an eye on your personal belongings. Markets tend to attract pickpockets, and Amsterdam is no exception. Be warned! If you’re planning a visit to Amsterdam, check these short-stay apartments. For longer stays, look into these long-stay apartments in Amsterdam.