There's nearly always something going on culturally. Spui, just behind Centraal Station, is the city's modern cultural square. Here you find the Dr. Anton Philips Concert Hall, Spui 150 (tel. 070/360-98-10), home to the Residentie Orchestra; and the AT&T Dance Theater, Spui 152 (tel. 070/360-49-30), where the three companies of the renowned Netherlands Dance Theater perform their virtuoso contemporary productions. If you're more into jazz and pop music, check out 't Paard, Prinsengracht 12 (tel. 070/360-16-18). For 3 days during the second weekend in July, the Nederlands Congreszentrum (Congress Center), Churchillplein 10 (tel. 070/900-98-10), hosts the world-famous North Sea Jazz Festival, which features star performances by internationally acclaimed musicians. The monthly The Hague Agenda, available at the VVV offices and many hotels and restaurants, lists up-and-coming concerts and other cultural events.

The Hague hasn't got a big student population, and the city's natural formality subdues its nightlife somewhat, but there is a thriving bar and cafe culture. The Plein, a large square in front of the Tweede Kamer (lower house of Parliament), is a favorite for recess with politicians and civil servants. If you want to combine eating and drinking, and hide from the masses in a quiet walled garden, head for close-by Schlemmer, Lange Houtstraat 17 (tel. 070/360-90-00). The Grote Markt square is lined with busy bars and restaurants, ranging from traditional brown cafes to trendy designer spots. De Zwarte Ruiter, Grote Markt 27 (tel. 070/364-95-49), is a popular drinking and eating place that makes a good starting point. Another lively area is the narrow Maliestraat, just off Denneweg, behind the Hotel Des Indes, where you find great bars such as Ca l'Emile, De Maliestraat 16 (tel. 070/365-54-00), in which a more mature but lively professional crowd likes to greet the evening. One of The Hague's oldest lesbian and gay bars, Cafe De Landman, Denneweg 48 (tel. 070/346-77-27), also is close by.

For a casino and other nightspots, head to nearby Scheveningen.