The Hague

"Amsterdam may be the capital, but the Dutch parliament meets in this stunning city on the North Sea. Within its Gothic-style Inner Court lie some of the country’s best museums, including an homage to M.C. Escher and the Mauritshuis (which houses Girl with the Pearl Earring). Most locals, though, flock to The Hague for its beaches: long stretches of sand lined with lively boulevards, seafood restaurants, and breezy beach clubs. How to get there: Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to The Hague in 50 minutes." - Chris Schalkx

"Amsterdammers claim that money is earned in Rotterdam, divided in The Hague, and spent in Amsterdam. The Netherlands’ third-largest city, after Amsterdam and Rotterdam, and its seat of government is home to 150 international courts, foreign embassies, and international organizations, including the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court. It’s among six cities that host the United Nations, along with New York, Vienna, Geneva, Tokyo, and Nairobi.Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring hangs in the Mauritshuis, one of The Hague’s many museums. Also worth visiting is the Japanese Garden in Clingendael Park, open just eight weeks a year. From Amsterdam Central take the Intercity train to Den Haag. The trip takes just under an hour." - MATADOR_NETWORK

"Den Haag: Where Money is Divided in The Netherlands According to a popular saying in Holland, "Money is earned in Rotterdam, divided in Den Haag and spent in Amsterdam ." To see where financial division happens in the Netherlands, head for the country's seat of government: The Hague or Den Haag, as the Dutch call it. Den Haag is a cultured city with just under 500,000 people―less edgy than Amsterdam but more sophisticated than Rotterdam. Amsterdam may be the capital of Holland, but you'll find the Dutch Parliament, Supreme Court and Council of State in Den Haag. In addition to being the seat of government, the Netherlands' third largest city (after Amsterdam and Rotterdam) also is the locale for 150 international courts, foreign embassies and international organizations. As home to the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court, it's among six major cities that hosts the United Nations, along with New York, Vienna, Geneva, Tokyo and Nairobi."