Prime Time Saturday Night Comedy
Enjoy a night of top-tier Dutch stand-up comedy at ComedyCity The Hague every Saturday.
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Ridderzaal The Hague
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Highlights of 2026
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Prime Time Saturday feat. Eric Goossens
Eric Goossens and Mino van Nassau lead a lineup of great comedians at ComedyCity The Hague.
Prime Time Saturday feat. Sidney Schmeltz
Sidney Schmeltz and Steven Stol take the stage for a night of non-stop laughter at ComedyCity The Hague.
Prime Time Saturday feat. Chris van der Ende
Join Chris van der Ende, Hans Heuvelmans, and more for a hilarious night of comedy in The Hague.
The Ridderzaal (Knights' Hall) in The Hague is the centerpiece of the Binnenhof and a symbol of Dutch statehood. This imposing Gothic structure was built in the 13th century under the reign of Count William II of Holland and his son Floris V. Originally intended as a banquet hall for the count's residence, the hall features a massive timber roof structure resembling an upside-down ship, spanning 18 meters across. Every year on the third Tuesday of September, known as 'Prinsjesdag,' the monarch delivers the Speech from the Throne here before the joint session of Parliament. The Ridderzaal serves as the solemn setting for official state visits and major national ceremonies. Its architecture, with distinctive twin corner towers and large arched windows, reflects the grandeur of the medieval Dutch counts. Over the centuries, the building has undergone several restorations, with many Gothic details meticulously reinstated during the 19th century. It is not merely a monument but a living site of political history, embodying the continuity of Dutch democracy. Visitors can explore the surrounding Binnenhof and experience the medieval atmosphere of this unique center of power.
- Location: South Holland, Netherlands
- Top sights: Binnenhof · Stadhouderspoort · Ridderzaal
- Nearby: Scheveningen (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 77 | 66 | 55 | 38 | 56 | 62 | 78 | 87 | 70 | 79 | 81 | 85 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Ridderzaal is part of the Binnenhof complex and can be visited on guided tours. Access is only possible at certain times.
Typical hours
Guided tours are typically offered several times daily; exact times vary by season. The Binnenhof itself is freely accessible during the day.
Photography
Photography is allowed during guided tours in the Ridderzaal without flash. In some areas of the Binnenhof, photography may be restricted.
Time needed
A guided tour of the Ridderzaal lasts about 30-45 minutes. Allow extra time for the rest of the Binnenhof and the surroundings.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk through The Hague's historic center. The Peace Palace and Mauritshuis are also just a few minutes away.
Getting there
Ridderzaal is centrally located in The Hague and accessible by tram (lines 1, 15, 16) or bus. It is about a 15-minute walk from The Hague Central Station.
Insider tip
Book your guided tour in advance as spaces are limited. Combine the visit with a stroll by the nearby Hofvijver pond for a nice view.
Geography
Facts
- Construction was completed around 1280 under Count Floris V.
- The hall measures 40 by 20 meters with a ceiling height of 26 meters.
- The timber roof is made of oak and resembles the hull of a ship.
- Site of the annual royal Speech from the Throne on Prinsjesdag.
- Originally served as the Great Hall for the Counts of Holland.
- The stained-glass windows display the coats of arms of Dutch cities.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Ridderzaal The Hague (10)
Uitzichtpunt Binnenhof
Uitzichtpunt Binnenhof is a viewpoint in The Hague overlooking the Binnenhof.
Mauritspoort
Mauritspoort is a gate at the Binnenhof in The Hague, a listed structure.
Mauritshuis🏰 castle
Mauritshuis is an art museum in The Hague, featuring Dutch Golden Age paintings.
Rijksmuseum de Gevangenpoort🏛 museum
Rijksmuseum de Gevangenpoort is a museum in The Hague, showcasing prison history.
Galerij Prins Willem V🏛 museum
Galerij Prins Willem V is a building and museum in The Hague, a picture gallery.
Museum Bredius🏛 museum
Museum Bredius is a museum in The Hague with a collection of Dutch art.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ridderzaal used for?
For the King's Speech from the Throne on Prinsjesdag.
Where is the Ridderzaal located?
In the center of the Binnenhof in The Hague.
Can you visit the hall?
Yes, guided tours are offered via ProDemos.
How old is the building?
It dates back to the 13th century.
What does 'Prinsjesdag' mean?
The day of the opening of the parliamentary year.
Ridderzaal The Hague: where is it located?
Ridderzaal The Hague is located in South Holland, Netherlands.
Ridderzaal The Hague: what is there to see?
Highlights include Binnenhof, Stadhouderspoort, Ridderzaal.
Ridderzaal The Hague: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Ridderzaal The Hague: why is it worth visiting?
The Ridderzaal (Knights' Hall) in The Hague is the centerpiece of the Binnenhof and a symbol of Dutch statehood.
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