A complete guide to what's inside the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam holds more than just history; it preserves the spaces where Anne and her family lived in hiding. Inside, visitors can see the Secret Annex, original diaries, exhibitions, and displays that give real insight into life during the war. This guide will help you know what to see inside your Anne Frank House.

How to get inside Anne Frank House

Entrance to Anne Frank's former home in Amsterdam, part of the bike tour.

Tickets must be booked online in advance, as walk-ins are not allowed, so plan ahead before your visit. The main entrance on Prinsengracht leads into the museum, which offers accessibility options for visitors with reduced mobility. Guided tours are sometimes available, giving extra insight into the history inside your Anne Frank House. Keep an eye out to check for updated hours and special free entry days.

Visitor tips

  • Best time to visit: Morning visits give softer light through the windows, highlighting Anne’s wall decorations beautifully.
  • Quiet start in Annex: Spend the first few minutes in the Annex before crowds arrive to feel the full atmosphere.
  • Look for wall traces: Notice tiny pencil marks and folds in the walls that Anne used for sketches and notes.
  • Follow story flow: Start from the back rooms first, then move to front exhibits for a smoother storytelling flow.
  • Pause at the Courtyard: Take a moment in the courtyard to understand the building’s dual function as office and hiding place.
  • Examine the Manuscript: Look closely at the manuscripts; small edits and annotations show Anne’s thought process vividly.
  • Connect rooms to entries: Use the museum map to link rooms to diary passages for a deeper emotional understanding.
  • Listen to subtle audio clips: Hear carefully at interactive stations; some audio clips reveal survivor stories not in panels.

Frequently asked questions about what’s inside Anne Frank House

Yes, but tickets must be booked online in advance.