Haagsche Bluf | The Hague

Information

Landmark: Haagsche Bluf
City: The Hague
Country: Netherlands
Continent: Europe

Haagsche Bluf, The Hague, Netherlands, Europe

Haagsche Bluf is a secluded, upscale shopping courtyard in the center of The Hague, located between the streets of Dagelijkse Groenmarkt, Vlamingstraat, and Venestraat.

Visual Characteristics

The area is noted for its architectural eclecticism. While it appears historic, much of the courtyard was constructed around 2000 using authentic 17th- and 18th-century facades rescued from demolished buildings across the Netherlands. This results in a dense concentration of ornate step-gables, French balconies, and diverse masonry styles. The courtyard is paved with traditional bricks and features modern design elements integrated with the faux-historic facades.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Haagsche Bluf, 2511 CN Den Haag.

Access: Entry is via narrow, easily missed passages from the surrounding shopping streets.

Public Transport: A 5-minute walk from the Grote Markt tram tunnel station (Lines 2, 3, 4, 6).

Parking: The nearest facility is the Parking Grote Markt.

Accessibility: The courtyard is on a single level and wheelchair accessible, though some individual boutiques have small steps at their entrances.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The name "Haagse Bluf" refers to a traditional Dutch dessert made of whipped egg whites and berry juice, literally translating to "The Hague's Bluff." Architecturally, the name is a double entendre: the area "bluffs" its age by using salvaged historical elements on modern structures. It was developed to revitalize a previously neglected inner-city block into a high-end retail and dining destination.

Key Highlights & Activities

Grand Café Haagsche Bluf: Features a large rooftop terrace providing a unique perspective of the surrounding Grote Kerk and city skyline.

Loetje Den Haag Centrum: A prominent restaurant known for its traditional Dutch steaks, situated within the courtyard.

Boutique Shopping: Houses independent fashion labels, high-end interior design stores, and specialty shops like Scallywags (an English-style tea room).

The Hotel Haagsche Bluf: A boutique hotel integrated into the diverse facades of the square.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The courtyard is a pedestrian-only zone with high-speed 5G coverage. Public restrooms are available within the restaurants and the central hotel. The area is entirely cashless at most retail and hospitality points.

Best Time to Visit

Photography: The architectural variety is best captured during the "blue hour" or on bright mornings when shadows emphasize the gables.

Atmosphere: Saturday afternoons are the most active, while weekday mornings offer a quieter experience for architectural study.

Facts & Legends

A verified technical oddity is that one of the facades in the courtyard is a replica of a building that still exists elsewhere, while others are genuine historical artifacts transported from cities like Deventer and Delft. The "bluff" extends to the interior of the buildings, which are modern, high-tech retail spaces despite their 17th-century appearances.