Last Updated: June 17, 2026 This post was originally published in 2012 and has been updated to reflect current recommendations and travel conditions.

The Amsterdam Series (Part 2): A Moving Guide to the Anne Frank House

There are countless reasons to put Amsterdam at the top of your travel bucket list—the picturesque canals, the vibrant nightlife, the world-class museums, and the historic charm. But if there is one definitive, unmissable stop you must make in the Dutch capital, it is the Anne Frank House. The actual house in Amsterdam where Anne Frank and family lived in secret during World War 2.

Located in the heart of the city, this historic building preserves the actual canal warehouse where a young Jewish girl named Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II.

The History: Inside the Diary of Anne Frank

The Diary of Anne Frank was written within these very walls. Born in Germany in 1929, Anne and and her famil emigrated to the Netherlands in 1933 to escape Jewish anti- semitism in Nazi Germany. In 1940, the Netherlands was invaded by Germany and the Frank family was forced into hiding. From July 1942 until their betrayal in August 1944, Anne collected her deepest thoughts, fears and hopes within the diary. But she never finished her work.

“I don’t want to have lived in vain like most people. I want to be useful and bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death!” Anne Frank.

The Museum Experience: What to Expect Inside the Secret Annex

In 1944, everyone hiding in the Secret Annex was arrested. Of the eight people who hid there, only Anne’s father, Otto Frank, survived the war and concentration camps. Upon his return, he dedicated his life to publishing his daughter’s diary and preserving their hiding place.

The hiding place and annex have been preserved as a museum that visitors discover room by room with audio and short video. The hidden staircase, artifacts, and the actual diary are all here. You are taken through her short life- the early years in Germany; emigrating to Holland; the German invasion; the hiding place; the arrest; the return of Otto Frank; and the publishing of the diary. It’s an emotional experience that will bring tears to your eyes!

Today, the museum allows you to walk through the historic rooms step-by-step. The experience is very moving and includes:

• The Movable Bookcase: See the original, unassuming wooden shelf that concealed the secret entrance to the annex.

• The Secret Annex: Walk through the cramped, darkened rooms where the families lived in complete silence during daylight hours.

• Original Artifacts: View Anne’s authentic, red-checkered diary alongside family photographs and historical documents.

• Audio & Video Guides: Immersive multimedia elements guide you through Anne’s short life—from her childhood in Germany to the enduring legacy of her words.

It is a profoundly emotional journey that frequently brings visitors to tears, offering a heavy but necessary reflection on history.

Essential Travel Tips for Visiting the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is more than a standard tourist attraction; for many, it is a historical pilgrimage. The museum welcomes more than one million visitors annually. Because demand is incredibly high, proper planning is essential to ensure you get through the front doors.

1. Book your tickets well in advance

Crucial Update: You cannot buy tickets at the door (you could in the past). All tickets must be purchased online via the Official Anne Frank House Website. Tickets are released in specific blocks ahead of time (often up to six weeks in advance), so check their calendar the moment you start planning your Amsterdam itinerary.

2. How to avoid the crowds

If you are trying to minimize wait times, keep these tips in mind:

• Go Early or Late: Aim for the first morning slots or later evening entries when foot traffic slows down.
• Embrace the Rain: Amsterdam is famous for its sudden rain showers. A rainy afternoon often thins out the immediate surrounding crowds, making for a quieter neighborhood experience.

Summary

The Anne Frank House should be on your travel bucket list (and you get the vibrant city of Amsterdam as a bonus). It is very much a pilgrimage – there are approximately 1 million visitors per year. Be there well before you time slot. Idaelly, go early in the morning when there are normally fewer people. You will never forget the experience.

Author Bio

Mark Crone is the traveller and storyteller behind Mark’s Travel Journal, where he shares practical tips, destination guides, and real experiences from his adventures around the world. Based in Canada, he aims to help others travel smarter and discover meaningful moments on the road. Explore more of Mark’s work:

See More of the Amsterdam Series

Planning a bigger trip to the Netherlands? Don’t miss the rest of my curated travel guides to the city:

The Amsterdam Beer Guide: Heineken Experience & Local Breweries

Exploring Amsterdam Nightlife: A Journey Into “The Dark Side”

The Complete Amsterdam Canal Guide: Cruising a UNESCO World Heritage Site