Visiting the Anne Frank House: Guide and Tips
Visiting the Anne Frank House is one of the most important attractions to see in the Netherlands. Anne’s story is one of the most well-known among the six million Jews who were killed in the Holocaust. Today, it is a museum that allows visitors to explore the hiding place of Anne and seven others for two years, and where the famous Diary of Anne Frank is on display. In this post, we will cover all the essential details for visiting the Anne Frank House.
1. Who Was Anne Frank
Anne Frank was a German girl of Jewish descent. She was born in Frankfurt on June 12, 1929, but only lived there until the age of five. Due to the escalating persecution of Jews in Germany by Hitler, her father decided to move the entire family to the Netherlands. Amsterdam became the new home for the Franks. Anne grew up in the Rivierenbuurt neighborhood, made friends with her best friend Hannah Goslar, and attended a public school. When Anne was 10 years old, World War II erupted with the Nazi invasion of Poland. Despite the war, her life seemed normal as her father shielded his daughters from the harsh realities.
Unfortunately, exile in Amsterdam was not sufficient to escape the Nazis. On May 10, 1940, the Netherlands was invaded, marking the beginning of a nightmare for Jews in the country, including the Frank family. Restrictions for Jews continued to tighten and worsen.
Gradually, Jews were banned from places such as cinemas, parks, and even regular schools. Anne had to be separated from her friends and attend a Jewish school. Her father was even stripped of his company.
Anne and her sister’s final destination was Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. There, they lived in appalling conditions, performing forced labor. Without adequate food, crowded and in extreme cold, a typhus epidemic swept through the camp. In February 1945, both Margot and Anne died from the disease, with Anne passing away at just 15 years old. Two months later, the camp was liberated by British troops. Of the 8 people who hid in the secret annex, only Otto Frank survived.
2. The Diary of Anne Frank
Her full name was Annelies Marie Frank, but she is known worldwide as Anne Frank. She became famous because of the diary she kept while hiding with her family. The diary was a gift on her 13th birthday, nearly a month before they went into hiding. Anne meticulously documented everything that happened in hiding, the news they heard about the war and Jews, as well as her feelings and thoughts.
The last date Anne wrote in her diary was August 1, 1944, three days before the hiding place was discovered. Otto’s secretary, Miep Gies, assisted the family during their time in hiding and collected some belongings after their arrest, including Anne’s diary. Gies gave it to Otto, the sole survivor of the annex, after learning about the death of his wife and daughters.
As Otto read Anne’s diary, he discovered the detailed and profound account of his daughter’s experiences. Anne’s dream, as she expressed in her diary, was to become a famous writer. So her father decided to publish it. In 1947, Anne’s diary was released under the title “The Diary of a Young Girl.”
Following its publication, the diary gained worldwide popularity thanks to a stage adaptation in 1955. It has since been translated into nearly 70 languages and became one of the most read books. It is also considered the most significant and inspiring record of the persecution of Jews.
The original diary, written in Dutch, is exhibited at the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. It is a treasure for history and literature!
3. What is the Anne Frank House?
The Anne Frank House was the hiding place for 8 people for two years. Otto Frank had built it some time ago behind his company’s building. It wasn’t until July 6, 1942, that they had to go into hiding earlier than planned.
The day before, Anne’s sister Margot received a notice to report to work in Nazi Germany. Uncertainty and distrust led them to the decision to hide without anyone suspecting. They even left a note at their former home to make it seem like they had fled to Switzerland.
In the hiding place, the eight people were entirely dependent on six helpers, employees, and friends of Anne’s father. They provided food, clothes, books, magazines, and newspapers. Their help was vital!
Among them were the Frank family, the Van Pels family, and Fritz Pfeffer. The main facade you see from the street is not actually the hiding place. It’s an extension at the back of Otto Frank’s company building, covering 46.45 square meters. What’s most impressive is that the small hiding place was concealed behind a bookcase, completely unnoticed!
In the hiding place, as Anne describes in her diary, they had to be very cautious during the day. Below them were workers of the company who were unaware of their existence. Their days had to be spent in absolute silence, avoiding walking or even talking to prevent being heard. For instance, Anne spent her days reading books, studying, and writing in her diary.
The hiding place operated for two years until it was discovered by the German police on August 4, 1944. Everyone was arrested and deported to concentration camps. To this day, it’s not exactly known how the German police found the hiding place. There are various theories: some say someone betrayed them, while others suggest it was during a routine raid.
This historic site was slated for demolition after the company moved and the building was sold. Fortunately, a Dutch newspaper campaign saved the building, designating it a protected property. There was a protest on the demolition day, leading to its suspension. Thus, Anne’s father established the Anne Frank Foundation to raise funds to purchase and restore the building.
Ultimately, the building’s owners decided to donate it to the foundation. The Secret Annex, or Achterhuis as Anne called it in her diary, officially opened its doors on May 3, 1960.
4. Where is the Anne Frank House?
To visit the Anne Frank House, it’s important to know its location. Otto Frank’s former company, which houses the secret annex, is located at 263 Prinsengracht Street, in central Amsterdam.
The facade of the hiding place cannot be seen from the streets outside, nor from inside the museum. The museum entrance is around the corner, at Westermarkt 20.
5. How to Get to the Anne Frank House
Getting to the Anne Frank House is straightforward. It’s located in the city center, and you have several options for transportation.
5.1. On Foot
If you walk from Amsterdam Central Station, it will take you about 20 minutes to reach the museum. The distance is 1.5 kilometers, which is not far at all!
5.2. By Tram
Another option is to take the tram. From Amsterdam Central Station, you can take tram lines 13 or 17 that will get you closer to the Anne Frank House. You’ll need to get off at Westermarkt stop and walk about 3 minutes.
5.3. By Metro
If you take the metro from Central Station, you’ll need to get to Rokin station on line 52. From there, it’s a 14-minute walk to the Anne Frank House.
6. How much does it cost to visit the Anne Frank House: schedules and prices
6.1. Price
Keep in mind that you can only buy tickets online to visit the Anne Frank House. The museum offers two ticket options, one covering entry to the place and another including a 30-minute introductory program in English.
6.1.1. Normal ticket
Adult: €16
Ages 10-17: €7
Ages 0-9: €1
6.1.2. Ticket + introductory program
Adult: €23
Ages 10-17: €14
Ages 0-9: €8
6.2. Opening Hours
The museum is open daily from 09:00 to 22:00. However, there are certain exceptions on some days of the year, which you can check on the official website.
The last entry to the Anne Frank House is at 20:45 – 21:00.
7. How to visit the Anne Frank House
To visit the Anne Frank House, we recommend arriving about 20 minutes before your ticket time. The place tends to receive many tourists, so don’t risk being late. Remember, the entrance to the museum is at Westermarkt 20, not at the main facade of the building at Prinsengracht 263. Don’t get confused!
Everything is well-organized. If you have a normal ticket, are in a group, or paid for the introductory program, museum staff will provide instructions for entry. You can present the E-ticket that will arrive in your email, which includes a QR code. You don’t need to print it!
If you bought the ticket with the introductory program, you will proceed to a separate room. Here, museum staff will tell you the story of Anne Frank and the context of World War II. This is also the only room where you can see the actual facade of the hidden annex. This session takes about 30 minutes before your visit begins.
Every ticket price includes an audio guide. It’s very easy to use! Simply scan the codes on the walls as you move through the museum. The place is quite peaceful and quiet.
There’s no time limit to visit the Anne Frank House, although the average visit duration is about an hour. It took us around two hours as we took our time, appreciating every detail of the place. Visiting the Anne Frank House was very interesting!
8. What to see in the Anne Frank House
Here are the highlights of the museum. You can also take a virtual tour to explore the Anne Frank House, though experiencing it in person is highly recommended! Before reaching the annex, you’ll pass through the offices of what used to be Anne’s father’s company.
The entire tour is well-signposted. If you have a backpack, you’ll be asked to carry it in front of you because the space is somewhat narrow. Due to the high number of visitors, maintaining order during your visit is essential. Remember, everyone wants to see the same things as you!
8.1. The Bookcase, Entrance to the Hideout
After touring Otto Frank’s factory and offices, you’ll arrive at a small room. Here lies the bookcase that concealed the entrance to Anne Frank’s secret annex, where she, her family, and four others hid. This famous bookshelf is one of the few original items preserved, protected behind glass and not to be touched. It’s a historical relic!
This part of the tour was particularly impactful for us. Reflecting on how a group of 8 people hid behind this bookcase for two years, only to tragically perish except for Otto Frank, is sobering. Their daily efforts and caution ultimately couldn’t save them from Nazi hatred. Visiting the Anne Frank House prompts deep reflection!
8.2. The Narrow Annex Stairs
Get ready to navigate several unusual and narrow stairs. They require careful ascent and you’ll notice people lining up at each step. It’s best to wait for one person to go up or down at a time.
Anne wrote about these annex stairs in her diary, using them to distract herself from the fear induced by German artillery sounds, bombings, and air combat. On June 2, 1944, Anne wrote:”At the first loud bangs, one runs to the nearest wooden staircase, climbs up and down it and ensures, in the course of these repetitions, to fall at least once, even if only gently. The cuts, scratches and the noise of running and falling make one too worried to hear the gunfire and think no more about it…”
8.3. More Than a Living Room
This is the first room you’ll enter in the secret annex. Though empty now, imagine it was once shared by Otto, Edith, and Margot Frank—quite cramped when you think about it! During the day, it also served as the living room for everyone in the annex.
8.4. Anne Frank’s Room
Visiting Anne’s room is incredibly poignant, with some of the pictures she had hung still visible. Though empty, one can imagine everything she experienced and wrote about in her diary within these small walls.
The room wasn’t just Anne’s; it was also shared by Fritz Pfeffer, a man of her father’s age who was also allowed refuge in the secret annex. In her diary, Anne describes the tensions she felt sharing the room with this stranger.
8.5. A Bathroom for Eight
This bathroom had only one sink and toilet, the latter of which you’ll see on display is original. Sharing a single bathroom among eight people was challenging, so each had a designated time. Anne’s night shift was from 21:00 to 21:30.
Mornings were another story. Between 08:30 and 09:00, the toilet and sink were off-limits because the pipes passed directly through the warehouse. Workers, unaware of the hiding place, started earlier than the helpers in the offices. Extreme caution was necessary!
Once the helpers began their workday promptly at nine o’clock, those in hiding could use the toilet. Even so, they couldn’t do so frequently to avoid suspicion!
8.6. The Kitchen
The kitchen furniture displayed here is also original. Here, the eight people in hiding cooked, ate together, and listened to the radio in hopes of hearing encouraging news. This was the largest room in the annex but also served as the bedroom for Hermann and Auguste van Pels.
8.7. Anne Frank’s Diary
Anne Frank’s diary is one of the most precious items in the museum. She wrote her thoughts and documented everything that happened in the hideout within its pages. The original diary was rescued by one of the helpers after Anne and her family’s arrest. Today, it’s on display in part of the museum. You can see Anne Frank’s writings up close!
During our visit, this was the only place where we queued to observe Anne’s loose-leaf writings and diary. Everything is well-explained and every second is worthwhile!
9. Tips for Visiting the Anne Frank House
Here are some very useful tips for visiting the Anne Frank House. If you’re in Amsterdam, this is a must-visit attraction.
9.1. Purchase Tickets Well in Advance
We recommend buying your tickets well in advance. Waiting until the last minute risks them being sold out. There are several time slots throughout the day, but demand to visit the site is high. So, don’t take chances!
9.2. Avoid Bringing Large Luggage
While the museum has a cloakroom, it’s not suitable for large luggage. Leave your bags at the hotel. Only small backpacks are allowed, which you’ll carry in front of you to avoid accidents. Remember, the Anne Frank House has narrow spaces.
9.3. Arrive 20 Minutes Before Your Scheduled Time
If you’re late for your appointment, refunds are not possible. Aim to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled time to account for any unforeseen delays.
9.4. Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes
The secret annex is narrow, especially the stairs. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes to navigate the place easily. For women, it’s advisable to avoid dresses and skirts due to the steep stairs and narrow spaces. Some areas have glass-covered floors, so pants are more suitable for visiting the Anne Frank House.
9.5. Consider Booking a Tour for Detailed Insights
Booking a tour is a great option to learn more about Amsterdam, Anne Frank, and the Jewish quarter. Note that tour prices do not include entry to the Anne Frank House; tickets must be purchased from the museum’s website.
9.6. Read Anne Frank’s Diary Before Your Visit
Reading Anne Frank’s Diary before your visit is a great idea. It provides context and enhances your connection to every corner of the museum. If you don’t have time, reading this post will suffice to inform you before visiting the Anne Frank House.
9.7. Utilize the Audio Guide
Unlike other museums, the audio guide at the Anne Frank House is well-made, easy to use, and very informative. It’s available in 9 languages and will greatly enhance your understanding of Anne Frank and the secret annex.
FAQs for Visiting the Anne Frank House
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about visiting the Anne Frank House. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask in the comments.
Is it worth paying extra for the ticket with the introductory program at the Anne Frank House?
Honestly, it’s not worth paying an additional 7 euros for this ticket. We bought it because the normal tickets were sold out for the date we wanted to visit. The issue is that the introductory program covers the same information as the audio guide.
The main difference is that from the room where you receive this introduction, you can see the facade of the secret annex, which is the only place in the museum where this is possible.
What is the recommended age for visiting the Anne Frank House?
While there’s no strict age restriction, the museum itself recommends a minimum age of 10 years, at the discretion of parents. Remember, this is a historical and important place that requires seriousness and respect.
Are photos allowed in the Anne Frank House?
Taking photos is prohibited to preserve the original objects in the Anne Frank House. It’s best to focus on admiring every corner of the place and listening to its history!
Is the Anne Frank House accessible for people with physical disabilities?
Unfortunately, the old part of the museum and the secret annex are not accessible for wheelchair users. The stairs are old and very steep, and there is no elevator. People with difficulty walking or in wheelchairs can only visit the modern part of the museum, the temporary exhibition, the café, and the museum shop.
Visiting the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is a profoundly moving and thought-provoking experience. From the humble bookcase that concealed their refuge to the poignant artifacts and Anne’s own diary, every detail resonates with the resilience and tragedy of those who sought safety during one of history’s darkest times.
Preparing for your visit with these tips—booking tickets early, dressing comfortably, and using the audio guide—will ensure you make the most of your time at this historic site. Remember, while exploring the Anne Frank House, reflect on the courage and endurance of Anne and those who hid with her, and let their story inspire a commitment to tolerance, understanding, and remembrance.
Visiting the Anne Frank House is not just a tour of a building; it’s a journey into the past that leaves a lasting impact on all who walk through its doors.
Tags: Amsterdam, Metro, the Anne Frank House