For over 15 years we have been welcoming guests to The Hague. Because we were born and raised here we know the city not only by its highlights but by its everyday rhythms. The streets where locals do their shopping. The squares where people linger longer than planned. In this series we share those stories around our BizStay locations. Let us begin with BizStay Walden.

BizStay Walden is located on the Waldeck Pyrmontkade right on the edge of one of the most loved neighbourhoods of The Hague the Zeeheldenkwartier. A neighbourhood best explored on foot without hurry and preferably with an empty BizStay bag at the start.

Step outside BizStay Walden and turn left. Within minutes the calm of the Waldeck Pyrmontkade slowly blends into the gentle buzz of the Prins Hendrikstraat. This street is lively and slightly unpolished in the best possible way. A mix of shops cafes and food spots where something new seems to appear every now and then. It is a street where you naturally slow down. Where you pop in somewhere for coffee and walk out with an extra bag you did not plan on.

This is the perfect place to start collecting treats for later. One of our favourites is Bakkerij Maxima. The smell alone will guide you inside. Fresh Turkish bread sweet pastries savoury snacks everything looks tempting and tastes even better. Along the street you will find several cosy coffee spots. On sunny days people sit outside right on the pavement. Coffee in hand eyes on the street watching the neighbourhood pass by.

If you are looking for something fresh and healthy to take back to your apartment Karsten and Kuiper is an easy favourite. Every day they prepare wholesome meals that travel well and taste even better at your own dining table. With the fully equipped kitchen in your BizStay apartment cooking or plating something nice feels effortless.

A very local tradition worth trying is the pastry from Maison Kelder available at the COOP supermarket on the Prins Hendrikstraat. The pastries and cakes are kept in the freezer. Take them home let them defrost on your kitchen counter for about an hour and enjoy. Simple and very 'Haagsch'. Locals have been doing this for years.

As the street gently opens up you arrive at Prins Hendrikplein. A friendly square where time seems to move a little slower. Every Thursday there is a biological market and on other days the terraces invite you to sit down and stay a while. Especially in summer this is one of those places where one drink easily turns into two.

From here it is lovely to wander a little without a strict route zigzagging through the elegant streets until you reach Anna Paulownaplein. Many say this is one of the cosiest squares in the city and it is hard to disagree. Surrounded by cafes and restaurants it feels welcoming in every season. Come for wine come for dinner or simply for the atmosphere. Every place around the square has its own charm which makes it a spot you happily return to more than once.

The walk continues via the Anna Paulownastraat towards the Piet Heinstraat. On the way a small but memorable stop is the Zalmhuis. Here you will find beautifully smoked salmon. Perfect with a slice of bread you may already have tucked into your BizStay bag earlier.

The Piet Heinstraat itself is made for strolling. Independent shops small boutiques places to lunch and to drink coffee. There is always something happening here from local events to seasonal festivals such as the Mussel and Asparagus Festival. It is lively without ever feeling rushed.

Before heading back a final stop is worth making at Marius Wijncafe. Enjoy a glass if you feel like it or choose a bottle to take back to your apartment. Something to open later in the evening when the walking is done and the table is set.

At the end of the Piet Heinstraat turn right into the Zoutmanstraat which brings you back to Prins Hendrikplein. You could return the same way but a nicer option is to turn left and then immediately right towards the Albert Heijn XL. Right next door you will find a true highlight Ridders Kaashuis. If you love cheese this is where you want to be. The selection is impressive and the advice even better. Trust it. With a perfect piece of cheese added to your BizStay bag you are ready to head home.

BizStay Walden is perfectly located to experience the city slowly and on foot. Today we turned left. If you turn right there is just as much to discover. That is a story for next time.

For more tips in the Zeeheldenkwartier simply ask us. Our team in the office downstairs is always happy to share their favourites and help shape your stay.

Your story, your stay