The Hague on a Budget: How Home Swapping Saves You Thousands on Dutch Travel

I almost skipped The Hague entirely.

Honestly? I'd heard it was expensive, bureaucratic, full of diplomats in suits rushing between international courts. Not exactly my vibe. But then a SwappaHome member from Den Haag (that's what the Dutch call it) messaged me about swapping her apartment in the Zeeheldenkwartier neighborhood for my San Francisco place. She described morning bike rides to the beach, €3 herring from street vendors, and a hidden jazz bar where the bartender remembered everyone's name.

I booked it immediately. And that trip—where I discovered that The Hague on a budget isn't just possible, it's genuinely magical—completely changed how I think about this underrated Dutch city. Home swapping saved me over $2,400 on that two-week stay, and I'm convinced it's the smartest way to experience the Netherlands' third-largest city without emptying your savings account.

Why The Hague Costs More Than You'd Expect

Let me be real with you: The Hague isn't Amsterdam. It doesn't have the same tourist infrastructure, the same hostel scene, the same budget-friendly vibe that backpackers expect from the Netherlands. This is a city of embassies, international organizations, and the Dutch royal family. The average hotel room runs €180-280 ($195-305 USD) per night, and even basic Airbnbs in decent neighborhoods start around €120 ($130 USD).

During my pre-swap research, I nearly choked on my coffee when I saw that a standard room near the Peace Palace—nothing fancy, just clean and central—would cost me almost $4,200 for two weeks. That's not including breakfast, which most Dutch hotels charge separately (usually €18-25 per person).

The thing is, The Hague attracts a specific crowd: business travelers on expense accounts, diplomats with housing allowances, tourists doing day trips from Amsterdam who don't mind splurging for one night. The accommodation market reflects that. Budget options exist, but they're either far from the center or... let's just say I've read some concerning reviews about certain hostels near Hollands Spoor station.

How Home Swapping in The Hague Changes Everything

Here's where it gets interesting. The Hague has something Amsterdam doesn't: residents who actually want to leave.

I know that sounds harsh, but hear me out. Amsterdam locals are constantly dealing with overtourism. Many have given up on home exchange because they're exhausted by the idea of more visitors in their city. But The Hague residents? They're often professionals working for international organizations who get generous vacation time and genuinely want to explore the world. They have beautiful apartments in historic buildings, and they're eager to swap.

My host, Marieke, was a translator for the International Court of Justice. Her apartment had 12-foot ceilings, original Art Nouveau details, and a kitchen stocked with stroopwafels. She'd listed it on SwappaHome because she'd always wanted to explore California, and the credit system meant she didn't need to find someone who wanted to visit The Hague at the exact same time she wanted to visit San Francisco.

That's the beauty of it—SwappaHome's credit system means you earn 1 credit per night when you host, and spend 1 credit per night when you stay somewhere. No complicated negotiations, no direct swap logistics. Marieke hosted a family from Toronto the month before I arrived, earned her credits, and used them for her San Francisco trip. I'd earned my credits hosting guests from various countries over the previous year.

The Real Numbers: Budget Breakdown for Two Weeks in The Hague

I'm a spreadsheet person. I can't help it. So here's exactly what I spent during my two-week stay, compared to what I would have spent in a hotel:

Accommodation:

• Hotel (mid-range, central): €2,520 ($2,740 USD)
• Home swap via SwappaHome: 14 credits (earned by hosting)
• Actual cost: €0

Food:

• Hotel breakfast (14 days × €22): €308 ($335 USD)
• Cooking at home + occasional restaurant: €280 ($305 USD)
• Savings: €28 ($30 USD)

Transportation:

• Using Marieke's bicycle: €0
• What I would have spent on trams/Ubers: ~€140 ($152 USD)

Total savings: approximately €2,688 ($2,927 USD)

And honestly, the financial savings weren't even the best part. Having a real kitchen meant I could buy fresh bread from the bakery on Prins Hendrikstraat every morning, slice up some aged Gouda, brew proper coffee, and eat breakfast on the balcony while watching the neighborhood wake up. That experience alone was worth more than any hotel buffet.

Best Neighborhoods for Budget Home Swapping in The Hague

Not all Hague neighborhoods are created equal, especially if you're trying to maximize your home swap experience. Here's where I'd look—and where I'd probably avoid.

Zeeheldenkwartier: My Personal Favorite

This is where I stayed, and I'm biased, but it's genuinely perfect for home swappers. The neighborhood is residential enough to feel authentic but close enough to the center (15-minute walk) that you're not isolated. Lots of young professionals live here, which means lots of potential swap opportunities. The streets are lined with independent shops, the Albert Heijn supermarket is affordable, and you're a 20-minute bike ride from Scheveningen beach.

Average home swap listings here: apartments ranging from studios to 3-bedrooms, most with that classic Dutch tall-and-narrow architecture.

Archipelbuurt: For Architecture Lovers

If you want to wake up feeling like you're in a period drama, Archipelbuurt is your spot. This neighborhood near the Peace Palace has some of the most stunning 19th-century mansions in the Netherlands, many of which have been converted into apartments. Home swappers here tend to be long-term residents—professors, senior diplomats, established professionals—with beautifully maintained homes.

The catch: it's quieter, more residential, fewer restaurants within walking distance. You'll need that borrowed bike.

Statenkwartier: The Beach-Adjacent Option

Want to be close to Scheveningen without paying Scheveningen prices? Statenkwartier sits between the city center and the coast, offering a nice middle ground. The neighborhood has a village-within-a-city feel, with its own shopping street (Frederik Hendriklaan) and a strong community vibe. Home swap options here often include families with kids, so you might find larger apartments or even small houses with gardens.

Where I'd Avoid for Budget Travel

Scheveningen itself is beautiful but touristy—accommodation costs spike, and you're surrounded by vacation rentals rather than real homes. The area around Den Haag Centraal station can feel impersonal, lots of office buildings and chain hotels. And while Laakkwartier is affordable, it's far from the attractions and doesn't have the neighborhood charm that makes home swapping special.

Making Your The Hague Home Swap Actually Happen

Alright, so you're convinced. Home swapping in The Hague sounds amazing. But how do you actually make it work?

Timing matters. The Hague residents tend to travel during Dutch school holidays: late April/early May (spring break), July-August (summer), and late December (Christmas/New Year). If you're flexible, aim to visit during these windows—that's when the most listings become available.

Your listing needs to appeal to Dutch travelers, too. I've noticed that Hague residents on SwappaHome are often looking for nature escapes (they live in a dense urban area), beach destinations (ironic, since they have Scheveningen, but they want warm beaches), and culturally rich cities. Make sure your listing highlights what makes your home special for someone craving those experiences.

And this is important—be specific in your initial message. Don't just say "I'd love to swap!" Tell them why The Hague interests you, ask about their neighborhood, mention something from their listing that caught your eye. Dutch people appreciate directness and genuine interest.

When I messaged Marieke, I mentioned that I was researching an article about lesser-known Dutch cities and that her description of the neighborhood jazz bar intrigued me. She responded within hours with a detailed message about her apartment, her favorite local spots, and questions about San Francisco's best coffee shops.

What €0 Accommodation Actually Gets You

I want to be specific here because "free accommodation" can mean a lot of things.

Marieke's apartment was a one-bedroom on the third floor (no elevator—welcome to the Netherlands) with a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, WiFi, and a small balcony. She left me fresh towels, a folder of local recommendations, and her bike with a note explaining which lock was finicky.

The living room had a better book collection than most libraries I've visited. The bathroom had one of those fancy rain showerheads. The bed was genuinely comfortable—not hotel-firm, but actually slept-in comfortable.

Was it perfect? No. The stairs were steep (Dutch stairs are notoriously treacherous—seriously, look it up). The kitchen didn't have a dishwasher. The WiFi was occasionally spotty during peak hours. But these are the kinds of "imperfections" that remind you you're staying in a real home, not a sanitized hotel room.

Budget Activities That Pair Perfectly with Home Swapping

Having free accommodation means you can actually afford to experience The Hague properly. Here's how I spent my savings:

The Mauritshuis (€19 / $21 USD): This small museum houses Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and Rembrandt's "The Anatomy Lesson." It's intimate, never crowded like Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, and you can see everything in 2-3 hours. I went twice.

Binnenhof and Ridderzaal: The historic parliament buildings are free to walk around, and the reflection in the Hofvijver pond at sunset is genuinely breathtaking. I spent several evenings just sitting on the benches, watching the light change.

Scheveningen Beach: Free, obviously. I biked there almost every day, sometimes just for a coffee at one of the beach pavilions (around €3.50). The pier has a Ferris wheel and bungy jumping if you're feeling adventurous, but honestly, just walking along the sand costs nothing and feels like a vacation.

Haagse Markt: Europe's largest outdoor market, open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. I bought fresh produce, Dutch cheese, and Indonesian spices for a fraction of supermarket prices. The people-watching alone is worth the trip.

Madurodam (€23.50 / $26 USD): Okay, this is touristy, but it's also delightful. A miniature park featuring tiny versions of Dutch landmarks. I went ironically and left genuinely charmed.

The Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions (And How to Avoid Them)

Let me be honest about some things that can catch budget travelers off guard in The Hague.

Grocery costs: The Netherlands isn't cheap for food. Expect to pay €60-80 ($65-87 USD) per week for basic groceries if you're cooking at home. Albert Heijn is the standard supermarket; Lidl and Aldi are cheaper but have fewer locations in central neighborhoods.

Coffee culture: Dutch people drink a lot of coffee, but café prices reflect that. A cappuccino runs €3.50-4.50 ($3.80-4.90 USD). I saved money by making coffee at home in the morning and treating myself to one café visit per day.

Museum cards: If you're staying two weeks and plan to visit multiple museums, the Museumkaart (€64.90 / $71 USD for adults) pays for itself after 3-4 visits. It covers most major museums in The Hague and throughout the Netherlands.

Bike rental vs. borrowing: If your home swap doesn't include a bike, you'll want one. Rental shops charge €10-15 ($11-16 USD) per day, which adds up fast. Always ask your swap host if they have a bike you can use—most Dutch people have at least one spare.

What I Wish I'd Known Before My First Hague Home Swap

A few things caught me off guard:

Dutch directness is real. Marieke's instructions were blunt: "The toilet sometimes needs two flushes. Don't use the blue towels, those are for guests. The neighbor's cat will try to come in—don't let him." I appreciated the clarity, but if you're used to American politeness, Dutch communication can feel jarring at first.

Everything closes on Sundays. Well, not everything, but enough that you should plan ahead. Stock up on groceries Saturday, and don't expect to do any serious shopping on Sunday.

The weather is... variable. I visited in late May and experienced sunshine, rain, hail, and something that can only be described as "aggressive mist" all in the same day. Layers are essential. So is a rain jacket.

Bikes are sacred. Seriously. Don't mess with the bike lanes. Don't walk in them, don't stand in them, don't let your attention wander while crossing them. Dutch cyclists will not stop for you, and they will let you know exactly how they feel about your presence.

Building Trust Before Your Swap

I get asked about safety a lot. How do you trust a stranger with your home? How do you trust staying in theirs?

SwappaHome's review system helps—I always check previous reviews before agreeing to a swap, and I make sure my own profile has plenty of positive feedback. The verification system adds another layer of confidence. But honestly? The biggest trust-builder is communication.

Marieke and I exchanged probably 30 messages before the swap. We video-called once so she could show me around the apartment and I could show her my place. By the time I arrived, I felt like I knew her, even though we'd never met in person.

I'd also recommend getting your own travel insurance that covers home stays. SwappaHome connects you with hosts, but it's a platform, not an insurance company. I use a policy that covers personal liability and my belongings wherever I'm staying—it costs about $40 per month and gives me peace of mind.

The Intangible Value of Living Like a Local

Here's the thing about home swapping that's hard to quantify: it changes how you experience a place.

In a hotel, you're a tourist. You eat breakfast in a dining room with other tourists, you ask the concierge for recommendations (which are usually the same recommendations every tourist gets), you exist in a bubble designed for visitors.

In Marieke's apartment, I was—temporarily—a resident. The bakery owner started recognizing me by day three. I learned which tram stop was closest for getting to the city center (it's Groot Hertoginnelaan, not the more obvious Prins Hendrikplein). I discovered that the best Indonesian restaurant in the neighborhood wasn't on any tourist list—it was a tiny place called Warung Mini where the owner's grandmother's recipes were served on mismatched plates.

One evening, I was sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine when the neighbor across the way waved and shouted something in Dutch. I had no idea what she said, but I waved back, and she laughed, and for a moment I felt like I actually lived there.

That feeling? You can't buy it. You can't book it through a hotel website. It only happens when you stay in someone's real home, in a real neighborhood, living a real life.

Planning Your Own Budget Trip to The Hague

If I were doing this trip again, here's exactly what I'd do:

Three months before: Create or update my SwappaHome listing with great photos and detailed descriptions. Start browsing The Hague listings to get a sense of what's available. Message 2-3 potential hosts to gauge interest.

One month before: Confirm the swap, exchange detailed information about the homes, set up a video call if possible. Book any activities that require advance reservations (some museum time slots fill up).

One week before: Final communication with host, exchange emergency contact information, confirm key handoff logistics. Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly (spoiler: pack layers and rain gear regardless).

During the stay: Embrace the local rhythm. Shop at neighborhood stores, cook at home most nights, splurge on one or two nice restaurant meals. Use the borrowed bike religiously. Talk to neighbors if they seem open to it.

The Hague rewards slow travel. It's not a city you can "do" in a day trip from Amsterdam. It reveals itself gradually—the hidden courtyards, the quiet museum corners, the neighborhood bars where regulars gather on Thursday nights. Home swapping gives you the time and the base to discover all of it.

Is The Hague Worth It on a Budget?

Absolutely.

This city surprised me in ways I didn't expect. It's sophisticated without being snobby, historic without being stuffy, international without losing its Dutch character. The beach is right there. The art is world-class. The Indonesian food scene is arguably better than Amsterdam's.

And with home swapping, you can experience all of it without spending thousands on accommodation. My two weeks cost me 14 credits I'd already earned, plus around €400 ($435 USD) in food, activities, and the occasional treat. That's roughly $30 per day for a life-changing trip.

If you're on the fence about home swapping, The Hague is a perfect place to try it. The community is welcoming, the homes are beautiful, and the savings are real.

Marieke and I still exchange messages occasionally. She loved San Francisco, especially the coffee shops I recommended. She's already planning her next swap—somewhere warm, she says, maybe Portugal or Spain. And me? I'm already looking at The Hague listings again, thinking about a winter visit this time. I hear the city looks magical in the snow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save with home swapping in The Hague?

Home swapping in The Hague typically saves travelers €2,000-3,000 ($2,200-3,300 USD) on a two-week stay compared to mid-range hotels. With average hotel rates of €180-280 per night and home swaps costing only credits you've earned by hosting, the savings are substantial. Add in kitchen access for cooking and often a borrowed bicycle, and your daily budget drops dramatically.

Is home swapping in The Hague safe for solo travelers?

Home swapping in The Hague is generally very safe for solo travelers. The city itself has low crime rates, and SwappaHome's verification and review system helps build trust between members. I recommend video calling your host beforehand, reading all previous reviews carefully, and getting personal travel insurance for additional peace of mind. The Dutch are known for being direct and trustworthy hosts.

What's the best time of year for home swapping in The Hague?

The best availability for home swaps in The Hague coincides with Dutch school holidays: late April through early May, July through August, and late December. These are when local residents travel most, creating more swap opportunities. Weather-wise, May through September offers the mildest conditions, though The Hague's coastal location means you should always pack layers and rain gear.

How do I find home swap listings in The Hague?

To find home swap listings in The Hague, create a SwappaHome profile and search for "Den Haag" or "The Hague" in the location filter. Focus on neighborhoods like Zeeheldenkwartier, Archipelbuurt, and Statenkwartier for the best local experience. Start browsing 2-3 months before your intended travel dates and message multiple potential hosts to increase your chances of finding a match.

Can I home swap in The Hague without speaking Dutch?

Yes, you can absolutely home swap in The Hague without speaking Dutch. The Netherlands has one of the highest English proficiency rates in the world, and virtually all SwappaHome hosts in The Hague communicate fluently in English. Signs, menus, and public transportation information are also widely available in English. Learning a few Dutch phrases like "dank je wel" (thank you) is appreciated but not necessary.