El Retiro, an iconic park in Madrid, was once reserved exclusively for Spanish royalty, but it became accessible to the public in the late 19th century. Covering 350 acres, it is one of the largest parks in the city and is often referred to as 'the lungs of Madrid' due to its vast green spaces. It's a popular spot for leisure, sports, and outdoor activities, with wide avenues and flat terrain perfect for running, cycling, and skating. You can also rent rowboats to paddle around the pond or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride. The park is home to several architectural and historical features, including the Velázquez Palace and the Crystal Palace, as well as remarkable sculptures and fountains, such as the statue of the Fallen Angel, the only sculpture in the world to represent the devil, Lucifer. The park also boasts a Puppet Theatre, which offers a unique program every weekend and is one of a kind in Europe.

This 13th-century Gothic cathedral, which peers straight over the Binnenhof is a standout landmark of The Hague. Although the original structure of the ‘Great Church’ is built from wood, the 2,200 square metre area that the church now takes up includes stone, marble and iron features as well as impressive touches such as intricate mechanistic clocks, detailed stained glass windows and 51 carillon bells, which were added over the years as the edifice grew in prominence. There are lots of events taking place in the Grote Kerk all year round, so it is worth checking the agenda on their website ahead of time to see what’s on. Book a tour and climb the 288 steps to the top where the entire city centre can be seen.

The main square, or Plein, of The Hague is a great place to start upon arrival in the city as it is the focal point of the city and acts as a conduit for many prominent bars, restaurants, historical buildings and active government institutions. The square will be buzzing with life more often than not and sometimes key political figures as well as celebrities can be seen wandering about.