Dating in The Hague (Den Haag): Best Free Sites & Apps for English Speakers

An international city by the sea

The Hague is not the capital of the Netherlands, but it is the seat of the Dutch government and parliament, and it hosts a remarkable number of international institutions: the International Court of Justice in the Peace Palace, the International Criminal Court, dozens of embassies and many international organisations and NGOs. As a result, it has one of the largest expat communities in the country, and English is heard everywhere, from offices to supermarkets.

The dating scene reflects that. Many singles are internationally minded professionals in law, diplomacy and policy, often on postings of a few years. That makes for interesting conversations and a lot of open-minded people, but also for a certain transience. The Hague also has a large Dutch population that has nothing to do with the international world, and its pace is calmer and more residential than Amsterdam’s. The sea is part of daily life too: Scheveningen beach is only a tram ride from the centre.

Sites and apps for The Hague

The ranking above follows our Netherlands ranking. Here is what each partner offers:

• Lexa, our number one, is aimed at serious relationships for people aged roughly 25 to 59. You can build a profile, browse and send likes for free; messaging is paid. The site is in Dutch.
• Ourtime is for singles over 50: free profile, browsing and likes, with paid messaging, in Dutch.
• Parship focuses on long-term relationships for ages 30 to 70, with a free personality test, match suggestions and smiles. Seeing photos and messaging are paid, and the interface is Dutch.

Among internationals in The Hague, Hinge is a favourite for dating with intent: limited daily likes, free chat with matches, and an English interface. Tinder and Bumble, also in English, offer free matching and chat and reach a wider crowd. If you are settling in The Hague for good and speak some Dutch, Lexa and Parship are the places to meet Hagenaars who are not part of the expat bubble.

From Plein to Scheveningen: where to meet people

The city has several distinct social centres:

• Plein and the Grote Markt: the two main squares for drinks, right in the centre near the Binnenhof parliament complex.
• Zeeheldenkwartier: a characterful neighbourhood with independent cafés and restaurants, popular with young professionals and internationals.
• Statenkwartier: elegant and residential, close to the Peace Palace, with a quieter café culture.
• Scheveningen: beach bars and the boulevard in summer, ideal for a sunset drink.

For green space, the Haagse Bos woods and the dunes along the coast are perfect for walking dates. The Hague’s international community is very organised: InterNations, embassy and alumni networks, Meetup groups, international sports clubs, English-language theatre and countless language exchanges. Students at the Leiden University campus in The Hague, The Hague University of Applied Sciences and the Royal Conservatoire add a younger crowd.

Dating etiquette in The Hague

The Hague is a little more formal than Amsterdam, partly because of its diplomatic world, but Dutch norms still dominate: punctuality, honesty and splitting the bill on early dates. A drink on Plein, coffee in the Zeeheldenkwartier or a walk on the beach at Scheveningen make easy first dates.

Some people who work for international institutions are discreet about their jobs, so do not push if your date stays vague at first. As everywhere, meet in public, tell a friend about your plans, and be wary of anyone who asks for money or personal documents.

Which site fits you in The Hague?

The Hague is an international city by the sea, home to many people working for international organisations. Dutch sites in our ranking are in Dutch, while the free apps work in English.

Expat who doesn’t speak Dutch yet

Bumble and Hinge both work in English and offer free chat with matches. Free tip: on Hinge the daily like limit nudges you to send fewer, better messages.

Busy professional, 30+, looking long term

Parship sends match suggestions after a personality test. It is in Dutch. Free tip: complete the test and check your suggestions for free; you pay to see photos and message.

Over 50 and starting again

Ourtime is dedicated to over-50s and runs in Dutch. Free tip: create a profile, browse and send likes for free before subscribing.

Something casual

Sexbook is our casual pick for 25-50, in Dutch. Free tip: chat is pay-as-you-go with credits, so there is no subscription. Tinder works in English for free.

Dating in The Hague: FAQ

Is it easy to date in The Hague as an expat?

Yes. The Hague has a very large international community and English is widely spoken, so dating without Dutch is easy. Many people are on temporary postings, so it helps to discuss plans early.

Which dating app do internationals use in The Hague?

Hinge, Tinder and Bumble are the most used, all in English with free chat with matches.

Which dating site is free in Den Haag?

Lexa, Parship and Ourtime are free to sign up for and browse, but messaging is paid.

Where do singles go out in The Hague?

Plein, the Grote Markt and the Zeeheldenkwartier in the centre, and Scheveningen’s beach bars in summer.