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Plan your visit to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam

The Anne Frank House isn’t just the Secret Annex: it’s the original canal-side home, the preserved hiding rooms, the main museum spaces, and thoughtful exhibitions that trace Anne’s life and legacy. The route through the house moves through narrow corridors and small rooms, and visitor slots often sell out weeks ahead. With limited entry times and a compact layout, having a solid plan helps you move through the museum smoothly and focus on the details that matter most.

Navigating your way

Start at the Anne Frank House’s Westermarkt entrance. The visit follows a fixed one-way route through the front house, the Secret Annex, and the museum exhibitions before you exit onto Prinsengracht.

Enter via Westermarkt 👉

This is the only public entrance for all visitors, including those with pre-booked slots. Expect a brief security check and strictly timed entry, so arriving 10 to 15 minutes early is ideal.

Move through the historic house 👉

The route takes you from the front house into the Secret Annex via the original bookshelf doorway. Spaces are narrow, stairs are steep, and all movement is one-way, keeping the flow steady.

Continue into the main exhibitions 👉

After the Annex, you’ll reach the museum’s exhibition rooms, where Anne’s diaries, documents, and personal objects are displayed. This area also includes the museum shop and restrooms.

Optional: Explore the neighbourhood afterwards 👉

Once you exit onto Prinsengracht, many visitors pair their visit with a walking tour of the surrounding neighbourhood. These tours trace Anne’s daily world—her school, local shops, and important wartime sites—giving extra context to what you’ve just seen inside.

Understand more with a local expert

The museum shows the Annex, but the story continues around the neighbourhood. A guided walk connects Anne’s school, local shops, and wartime sites, giving extra context to your visit.

Check out walking tour options!

How to make most of your time

Visit typeDurationRouteWhat you get

Quick visit

1–1.5 hours

Entrance → Secret Annex → Original Diary & Exhibits → Exit

A concise tour of the main highlights, perfect for those short on time but wanting to see Anne’s story.

Full experience

3–4 hours

Entrance → Secret Annex → Original Diary & Exhibits → Neighbourhood walk (Anne’s school, shops, wartime sites) → Exit

The most immersive way to experience Anne Frank’s story, connecting the museum with the wider historical context of Amsterdam.

Handy tips

Plan ahead

  • Book your timed-entry tickets on the official Anne Frank House website; walk-ins face 60 to 90 minute waits, especially in summer and school holidays.
  • Avoid third-party resellers on the street because many are overpriced or invalid. Only use official or trusted partners.
  • Early morning slots (around 9am-10am) are quieter, giving more space to read exhibits and linger in the Annex. Late afternoons are busier, but the last entry often has smaller crowds inside the museum itself.

Explore smarter

  • The museum is compact but emotionally intense so don’t try to rush. Focus on the Secret Annex, diary excerpts, and personal artefacts to get the full impact.
  • Take time in the neighbourhood: Anne’s school, local shops, and wartime sites are just minutes away and add depth to the museum experience. Walking tours usually take 45-60 minutes.
  • Photography is prohibited inside the Annex. Bring a notebook or mental snapshots to reflect later rather than relying on pictures.
  • Audio guides or official apps are useful. They provide context for exhibits and artefacts without queuing for on-site rentals.
  • The main entrance has step-free access, but parts of the Annex are narrow and not wheelchair-friendly. Plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.

Practical tips

  • Arrive early to use nearby lockers for coats or bags because large bags are not allowed inside.
  • Bathrooms are limited, so use restroom facilities nearby before entering.
  • Expect a lot of visitors during school holidays. If possible, visit mid-week or in shoulder months (March to May, September to November) for a calmer experience.

Before you get there

Here are the things you need to check before you visit Anne Frank House.

Timings

See when the historical House is open for a visit.

Location

Find the fastest way to reach the Anne Frank House.

Walking tours

Go on a guided walking tour around the neighbourhood.

About Anne Frank

Learn about Anne Frank in detail.

Know before booking your Anne Frank House tickets

Choosing the right experience depends on whether you want guided neighbourhood context, museum entry, a self-paced tour, or a combined sightseeing experience.

  • Anne Frank Neighbourhood Walking Tour + Anne Frank House Tickets lets you explore Anne’s story on a guided walk through the Jewish Quarter and receive your Anne Frank House ticket from the guide. Perfect for visitors wanting guaranteed museum entry after a rich, contextual tour.
  • Small-group guided walking tours explore Anne Frank’s life, the Jewish Cultural Quarter, and key WWII sites, with a maximum of 15 participants for personalized attention. The main difference between the two walking tours is that one focuses on streets, stories, and offers optional paid upgrades including entry to the Jewish Cultural Quarter, Jewish Museum, Children’s Museum, Portuguese Synagogue, and Holocaust Memorials, while the other includes these sites as part of the experience. 
  • Anne Frank Story Self-Guided Walking Tour lets you explore at your own pace using an AI-powered audio and video guide on your smartphone. Covers a 7 km route with 12+ stops, combining archival stories, historical research, and immersive storytelling. Ideal for visitors who prefer flexibility and lesser-known sites rarely covered in traditional tours.
  • Anne Frank Story and WWII Walking Tour + 1-Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise combo pairs a guided walking tour of the Jewish Quarter with a relaxing canal cruise. On the walk, hear passages from Anne Frank’s diary and stories of Jewish migration and resistance. The cruise offers panoramic canal views with multilingual audio guides and headsets. Ideal for visitors who want a single, streamlined experience covering history and Amsterdam’s iconic canals.

Anne Frank House ticket types explained

Ticket TypeWhat’s includedBest forPrice range
Walking Tour & House Entry

Guided 2-hour walking tour of Anne Frank’s neighbourhood, skip-the-line Anne Frank House entry, English-speaking guide

Visitors wanting guaranteed House entry with guided context

From €70.50

Small-Group Walking Tour

1.5–2 hour guided walking tour, small group (max 15), multilingual guide, optional paid upgrades: Jewish Cultural Quarter, Jewish Museum, Children’s Museum, Portuguese Synagogue, Holocaust Memorials

Visitors wanting personalized storytelling and WWII context, without House entry

From €23.99

Jewish Quarter, Synagogue Tour

2-hour guided walking tour, entry included to Jewish Museum, Portuguese Synagogue, Children’s Museum, Holocaust Memorials, multilingual guide

Visitors who want full access to Jewish Cultural Quarter landmarks and WWII history

From €62.50

Self-Guided Walking Tour

2.5-hour AI-powered audiovisual walking tour, 12+ stops, English/Dutch, immersive historical storytelling via smartphone, step-by-step route

Visitors who prefer exploring at their own pace and discovering lesser-known locations

From €12

Walking Tour + Cruise Combo

2-hour guided walking tour of Jewish Quarter + skip-the-line Anne Frank House ticket, 1-hour canal cruise with multilingual audio guide and complimentary headsets

Visitors who want a streamlined, combined historical and scenic Amsterdam experience

From €38.20

Anne Frank House timings

  • Opening hours: Daily from 9am to 10pm for most of the year, including December 2025 up to December 24.
  • Exceptions: 9am to 5pm on December 25 and December 31, and 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM on January 1.
  • Closed on: Yom Kippur and occasional holidays. Check the official site for the latest updates.

Best time to visit

Weekday vs Weekend

Visiting on a weekday usually means calmer halls and shorter waits. If a weekday is not possible, Sunday is the better choice since Saturdays draw the biggest crowds. Skip the opening hour and aim for evenings or the last few hours before closing for a smoother visit.

Peak vs low season

March to October brings the heaviest crowds because the weather is pleasant. For a quieter visit, choose November to February. The city is colder but lines are shorter and travel costs are usually lower, making the experience easier and more budget friendly.

Where is the Anne Frank House located?

Address: Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands

​Find on Maps

You’ll find the museum along the Prinsengracht canal in the Jordaan area, right beside Westerkerk. Several tram stops are within a short walk, so getting here from most parts of the city is simple and quick.

Closest attraction: Embassy of the Free Mind (350m)

Getting to the Anne Frank House

By public transportation

  • Tram: Take Tram 13 or 17 from Amsterdam Centraal to Westermarkt, which is a one-minute walk from the museum. Trams to Dam Square (2, 4, 12, 14, 17) also leave you within a ten-minute walk.
  • Bus: From Centraal Station, buses 18, 21, 305, 347, 357, and 397 stop at Marnixplein or Dam, both a short walk from the Anne Frank House.
  • Metro: Ride the metro to Amsterdam Centraal on lines 52, 53, or 54, then walk or transfer to a tram. You can also take Line 52 to Dam Square and walk about ten minutes.

By car

  • From Amsterdam Centraal Station, drive south toward Dam Square and continue through the canal belt toward the Westermarkt area. The route covers roughly 2 to 3 kilometers and usually takes about ten to fifteen minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Parking facilities: There is no dedicated parking at the Anne Frank House because of its central historic location. Visitors must use nearby public car parks or limited on-street disabled parking.
  • Nearby parking: Q-Park Europarking on Marnixstraat 250 or Prins & Keizer on Prinsengracht 927.

Facilities

  • Cloakroom: Store coats, buggies, and larger bags here since only small A4-size bags are allowed inside the museum.
  • Audio guides: Pick up multilingual audio guides that walk you through the museum and enrich your visit with clear storytelling.
  • Museum café: Visit the canal-side café after your tour for drinks and snacks, with all payments made through card only.
  • Museum shop: Browse books, teaching materials, and Anne Frank–related items to continue learning after your museum experience.
  • Information program: There is a paid 30-min English introductory program for groups about Anne Frank’s life during the Second World War, the persecution of Jews, and the museum.
  • Secret Annex: Walk through the preserved Secret Annex featuring original elements, empty rooms, wall photos, and Anne’s diary pages.
  • Toilets: There are toilets in the new section of the museum, on the ground floor, as well as one accessible toilet.

Accessibility

Physical disabilities

  • The historic house and the Secret Annex are not wheelchair accessible due to steep stairs and narrow passages.
  • The modern museum building is wheelchair friendly and includes the temporary exhibition, café, and shop.
  • A dedicated accessible entrance leads directly into the modern wing.

Hearing impairments

  • Textual guides matching the audio tour can be collected at the information stand near the entrance.
  • These written guides cover the full museum route and help visitors follow along in quiet spaces.

Visual impairments

  • An audio tour is available in several languages including Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish.
  • Guide dogs are allowed only in the modern part of the museum, as the old house has steep, narrow stairs.

Other considerations

  • The spaces inside the original house and Secret Annex are very small, so visitors with claustrophobia may find certain areas uncomfortable.

Visiting with family

  • Accessibility: The modern museum building is stroller friendly, but the historic house and Secret Annex are not suitable for strollers due to steep, narrow stairs. Families can use the accessible entrance for the modern wing if needed.
  • Facilities: Baby strollers cannot be taken into the old house, but they can be left at the cloakroom. Baby changing facilities are available in the modern section of the museum.
  • Activities: There are no child-specific activity sheets or trails, but older children and teens often connect well with the audio tour and introductory program. The exhibitions are best suited for children aged 10 and above due to sensitive historical content.
  • Dining: The museum café at the end of the route offers light snacks, drinks, and simple meals, with seating overlooking the Prinsengracht canal. Families can also find several kid-friendly cafés and restaurants around the Jordaan neighborhood.

Rules & restrictions

Woman biking near Anne Frank statue in Amsterdam.
  • Arrive on time: Reach before your scheduled slot. Late arrivals or missed time windows are not allowed inside the museum.
  • No photography: Photography is prohibited throughout the museum to preserve the atmosphere and protect sensitive spaces.
  • Cashless payments: Entry tickets, the museum café, and the shop only accept bank or credit card payments.
  • No smoking: Smoking is not permitted anywhere within the museum complex.
  • Sobriety required: Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be denied entry.
  • Adult supervision: Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult during the visit.
  • No outside food: Food and drinks are not allowed inside. Items from the museum café must be consumed in the café area only.

Where to shop?

The Anne Frank House has a museum shop that you reach at the end of the tour. It sells books including Anne Frank’s diary, catalogues, postcards, magnets, puzzles, and cotton bags with quotes. You can also buy many of these items through the official online shop.

Where to eat

Black and Blue (160m)

This stylish steakhouse offers premium cuts, crisp salads, and a polished yet approachable dining experience. With its serene canal-side setting and highly rated dishes, it is perfect for a more elevated meal after your visit.

Sefa Grill Restaurant (180m)

Sefa is popular for its Turkish grills, flavorful meats, and generous portions. The restaurant’s friendly service and affordable pricing make it a great pick for a quick, satisfying lunch in a lively, laid-back setting.

De Reiger (250m)

A long-time neighborhood favorite, De Reiger serves classic Dutch dishes including beautifully cooked seafood and rich sauces. Its authentic ambience and well-loved menu make it ideal for anyone craving traditional local flavors near the museum.

Cafe Sonneveld (300m)

This cozy Dutch spot is known for juicy burgers, fresh toppings, and warm service. Visitors love its relaxed atmosphere, hearty plates, and local charm, making it an easy choice for a comforting meal after your museum visit.

Where to stay?

The Anne Frank House is in the Jordaan neighborhood, a charming and historic area with narrow streets, canals, and boutique shops. It’s a perfect base to walk to the museum and nearby attractions, while still offering a quiet, local vibe.

  • Hotel Estheréa (10-min walk)
    • 4★ boutique hotel with cozy decor right along the Singel canal
    • Hotel room with double bed, desk, and seating area included in central Amsterdam package.
  • NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky (15-min walk)
    • 5★ luxury hotel, family-friendly, overlooking Dam Square.
    • Luxury hotel room with elegant furnishings, plush bed, and modern amenities.
  • The Hoxton, Amsterdam (12-min walk)
    • 4★ hotel with stylish interiors and canal-side views.
    • Modern Amsterdam apartment living room with sofa, dining table, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
  • Airbnb Jordaan Studio (8-min walk)
    • Contemporary apartment, perfect for couples or solo travelers.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Anne Frank House

Most visitors typically spend an hour at the Anne Frank House. However, you can stay as long as you like.