Historic Anne Frank Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam
Follow WWII history through the Jewish Quarter past Dam Square and the Synagogue with an expert
Discover the life of Anne Frank in 1940s Amsterdam on a poignant walking tour through the old Jewish Quarter. Guided by an expert, hear about Anne’s life from a young girl seeking refuge to her family’s perilous years in hiding. Along the way, explore vital World War II landmarks like the Portuguese Synagogue, the National Holocaust Memorial of Names, and Dam Square and hear accounts of the February Strike and Nazi occupation before concluding outside the Anne Frank House.
What You Get With This Tour
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Connect Anne's story of powerful human resilience
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Walking tour of the Old Jewish Quarter
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Pass the Hollandsche Schouwburg Musem, Portuguese Synagogue, Dam Square & more
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World War II & Anne Frank History
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Monument entry
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet Your Guide Outside the Jewish Museum
Meet your guide outside the Jewish Museum, steps away from the Dokwerker monument in the square named after Jonas Daniel Meijer, the Netherlands' first Jewish lawyer. Your guide sets the stage with an introduction to pre-war Jewish life in Amsterdam and the early backstory of the Frank family, explaining why Otto and Edith Frank fled Frankfurt, Germany in 1933 to seek safety in Amsterdam, where young Anne began primary school. -
2
Walk Through the Old Jewish Quarter
Walk through the historic streets of the Jewish Quarter as your guide traces the onset of the Nazi occupation in May 1940. Learn about the anti-Jewish decrees that gradually restricted daily life for children like Anne, forcing her to transfer to a segregated Jewish school, hand in her bicycle, and wear a yellow Star of David, and how these escalating threats led the Frank family to begin secretly preparing a hiding place. -
3
View the Portuguese Synagogue
Stop outside the grand 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue. Discover how this iconic sanctuary miraculously survived the occupation while learning about the broader plight of Amsterdam's Jewish population during the early 1940s, including the constant threat of roundups that hung over families across the city. -
4
Reflect at the Hollandsche Schouwburg Museum
Gather outside the Hollandsche Schouwburg, a former theater turned main deportation assembly point. Hear the poignant connections to Anne's story: when her older sister Margot received a direct notice to report for labor transport in July 1942, the family was forced to go into hiding earlier than planned, moving into the Secret Annex the very next morning. -
5
Pause at the National Holocaust Memorial of Names
Visit the National Holocaust Memorial of Names to reflect on the 102,000 Dutch victims of the Holocaust. Your guide explains the architectural symbolism of the brick memorial, pointing out how victims' names, dates of birth, and ages are individually etched—a solemn reminder of the tens of thousands of young people who shared Anne Frank's tragic fate. -
6
Walk Across Historical Dam Square
Cross historic Dam Square while listening to pivotal moments of wartime resistance and hardship. Hear about the 1941 February Strike, when everyday Dutch citizens protested anti-Jewish roundups, and the brutal Winter of Famine (1944–1945), reflecting on what conditions were like across Amsterdam while Anne, her family, and the Van Pels family remained trapped in complete isolation. -
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Your tour ends outside the Anne Frank House
Finish the tour along the Prinsengracht canal directly outside the Anne Frank House. Learn about the family's 25 months spent in hiding, the brave Dutch helpers (like Miep Gies) who risked their lives to supply food and news, and how Otto Frank, the family's sole survivor, returned to retrieve Anne’s red-checkered diary and publish it to share her voice with the world.
Additional Information
Discover what to expect, what’s included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Accessibility: This tour is unfortunately not wheelchair or mobility accessible due to the cobblestone walking paths.
Please Note: This an exterior only guided walking tour. Entry tickets to the Anne Frank House, Jewish Museum, and Portuguese Synagogue are not included on this tour and must be purchased separately in advance.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Walking tour of the Old Jewish Quarter
Exterior visits to historical World War II sites: Hollandsche Schouwburg Museum, Portuguese Synagogue, etc.
Detailed narration on World War II history and Anne Frank
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Weather-appropriate clothing
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Customer Reviews
Our guide was very knowledgeable and congenial! However, he was relatively soft spoken and at times it was somewhat difficult to hear him from the rear of the group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is access to the Anne Frank House, Jewish Museum, or Portuguese Synagog included on this tour?
No this tour does not include monument entry. It is an exterior only walking tour.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
This tour is unfortunately not wheelchair or mobility accessible. We recommend considering a canal cruise as an alternative.
How comprehensive is the Anne Frank House portion of this tour?
While ticketing to the Anne Frank House is not included in this walking tour, the expert tour guide still goes deep into the location’s history to give guests a thorough understanding of Anne Frank’s history.
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
No, food and beverages are not included on this tour.
Is this tour family friendly?
This tour is suitable for families with older children who are interested in learning about World War II history in an educational and respectful environment.
