The Peace Palace (Vredespaleis) is the symbolic home of international law in The Hague, a Neo-Renaissance palace built between 1907 and 1913 with a US$1.5 million gift from steel magnate Andrew Carnegie and inaugurated on 28 August 1913. It houses the UN's International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), the Hague Academy of International Law and the Peace Palace Library, earning it the nickname 'the seat of world peace and justice.' As of 2026 it is a living, working institution where cases are still heard, so the grounds and interior can only be seen via the free Visitors Centre or a pre-booked guided tour. Come less for the building alone than to feel the ideal of settling disputes through law.
The World Peace Flame monument at the entrance, ringed by stones donated from countries around the world
The Neo-Renaissance clock tower, red-brick facade and the formal Carnegieplein gardens (designed by Thomas Mawson)
The Great Hall of Justice, seen on the inside tour, where the ICJ actually holds its public hearings
Gifts of art donated by nations — Russia's monumental jasper vase, Japanese silk wall hangings, a Danish fountain, British stained glass and more
The free Visitors Centre audio tour (about 30 minutes, 10 languages) with views over the palace and gardens
Good to know
RulesThe interior and grounds can only be entered on a pre-booked guided tour. Tickets are released on the official website roughly two weeks ahead and sell out fast, so book the moment your dates are fixed. If you only want the Visitors Centre, no booking is needed and entry is free.
RulesA valid original ID (passport, EU ID card or EU driving licence) is mandatory to enter; photos or copies are not accepted. Non-EU visitors should carry their passport — without ID you will be refused entry even with a ticket.
MannersThis is a functioning international court, so expect airport-style security screening and note that photography inside is generally restricted. Keep quiet, dress respectfully and arrive 15–20 minutes before your tour.
SeasonThe garden tour is best in spring and summer, while the Visitors Centre may run shorter hours in winter. The Hague is windy and rainy near the coast, so bring a waterproof layer and dress in layers.
SafetyWatch for pickpockets around tram stops and busy tourist routes such as nearby Scheveningen beach, and keep your bag in front of you on public transport.
CautionBuy tickets through the official vredespaleis.nl, which is cheapest and safest. Third-party tour resellers may add mark-ups or charge for the (free) Visitors Centre, so check what you are actually buying. Ride the tram with OV contactless or a local transit card for the best fare.
Practical info
The address is Carnegieplein 2. From Den Haag HS station take tram line 1 (toward Scheveningen) to the 'Vredespaleis' stop, or bus 28 from Central Station. There is no parking on site, so public transport is strongly encouraged. The Visitors Centre is free (Wed–Sun 12:00–17:00, closed Mon and Tue); the grounds and interior are seen only via a guided tour booked online about two weeks in advance. Prices, hours and tour types change, so confirm the latest details on the official website before you go.
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