This heat is killing me! With yet another heatwave in the Hague, I sorely miss living in a place where airconditioning is standard in houses, offices, and general buildings. To survive the few random days (with the occasional heatwave!) without AC, I’ve rounded up the best places in the Hague with air conditioning to escape the heat! Some are free to visit without a purchase while others will require a purchase to visit. Stay cool and hydrated!
cafes in the hague with air conditioning
central library
The airconditioning at the Central Library in the Hague is surprisingly decent. Come browse books, enjoy the cold air, and maybe also stop for a cold drink at the cafe! It’s a surprisingly decent place to stop off! It’s free to visit, even without a library card. You can browse the various levels for books and find seating on one of the top floors.
brody’s
This American-style beer bar has amazing air conditioning if you’re itching for a cold beer and cold air at the same time. During the last heatwave, I came here with my laptop to work together with a beer and it was an incredibly productive afternoon. I like to think that the craft beer inspired me!
de Bijenkorf cafe
Right in the middle of the Centre, you’ll find the Bijenkorf Cafe. I always thought of it as too fancy for me, but the coffee is good, the cakes are fantastic, and the air conditioning is surprisingly effective. There are usually seats available and it’s a great quiet place to work. It’s a popular meeting place for friends, so it’s usually not too loud in here.
House of Tribes
This coworking space and cafe that is free to enter with the purchase of a drink has decent airconditioning. The only downside is that most of the chairs here are stools, so if you wish to sit in a proper chair, this might not be for you. I really like their coffee!
starbucks
We had to mention Starbucks. Starbucks has some of the best air-conditioned spots in the Hague. I particularly recommend the one close to Grote Markt where the upstairs area is incredibly cool. It’s usually moderately crowded here, but it’s a good place to work due to the comfy chairs, many outlets, and general murmuring that comes with coffee shops. I also have a weakness for a Frappucino on a warm day!
other places in the hague with decent airconditioning
pathe spui
If you’re really tired of sitting at home, I strongly suggest going to the movies. The air conditioning at Pathe Spui, one of the main movie theatres in the Hague with English movies, is seriously sublime. I also love their slurpee-esque machine for that extra dosage of coldness after being outside in the heat. My house has been very warm and it’s always a treat to come here. The wifi is surprisingly good!
McDonald’s
I’m not the biggest fan of McDonald’s, but the airconditioning is decent. I have come into McDonald’s occasionally to pick up a cold drink with ice, sit, and enjoy the Wifi. It’s always noisy and I’d prefer not to be in a McDonalds, but the heatwave made me do it!
world trade center
I recently discovered the airconditioning at the World Trade Center! This business building is generally open to the public during the day. Within the WTC, you’ll find a Coffee Company with good airco, an Albert Heijn to-go for budget drinks and food, fast wifi, and some seating with a place for your laptop. Last time that it was really hot in my office, I headed to the Coffee Company for the day simply to enjoy the respite from the warm.
the hilton
If you don’t mind hanging out in hotel lobbies (or dressing up a bit!), I recommend heading to the swanky Hilton for some of the best air conditioning in the Hague. Within the Hilton, you’ll find a Starbucks with limited hours. If you miss your window to visit the Starbucks, consider heading to their slightly pricey bar for a drink while you enjoy the cold.
mauritshuis
Fancy a day at the museum? The Maurithuis is always a great place to visit in the Hague whether it’s to see the girl with the Pearl Earring or admire the work of other Dutch masters. Within the museum, you’ll find good airconditioning and a cozy cafe where you can sit down without purchasing a ticket. If you have the Museumkaart, it is free to visit the Mauritshuis, otherwise, you will need to pay the admission fee. It is certainly worth it, especially when it’s this warm!
albert heijn
Before you plan to open up all the freezers, most Albert Heijns have sufficient air conditioning, especially larger ones. I’d recommend taking it slowly enjoying doing your grocery shopping before pausing slowly at the freezer section before venturing outside.
shops along grote markt*
Many of the shops along Grote Markt and Spui have great and airconditioning. I recommend stepping inside even if you don’t need anything! Enjoy the cool breeze!
Note: I did not include gyms although you should certainly consider utilizing your gym subscription if your gym happens to have air conditioning! You can get a trial day at many gyms for free.
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