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Recommended Reviews - Anne Frank Huis
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A must do if visiting Amsterdam. ***If you plan to go, you must order tickets ahead of time. Based on where you live, you will have to make sure you purchase tickets immediately as the "window" opens for the day/time that you want to go. I had to wake up at 1am west coast time to make sure I got my tickets before they sell out. Tickets are available EXACTLY 6 weeks at 10am Amsterdam time for the day/time you want. Plan ahead! There are two tickets, one for the general tour and one that adds a presentation before the self guided tour. If you can get it, I recommend getting tickets for the presentation. It's a good intro before doing the self guided tour. But if you can't get these tickets, the general self guided tour is fine and well done. For the self guided tour you get a translator (many languages available) to guide you through the tour. You point the translator at the small round numbered placard in the wall to trigger the translator for the room/exhibit. There is a lot of walking, stairs, and standing around so be prepared. Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to do the while tour. There also a gift shop and cafe at the end of the tour. The exhibit/museum itself is very well done. It's an informative and moving experience. Be respectful as it is a memorial. Highly recommend visiting. Be prepared and plan ahead when ordering tickets online 6 weeks ahead.
A must see if you're in Amsterdam, especially if you like history! Seeing and reading everything about the experiences that Anne and her family (along with the others hiding with her) was moving in many ways. Standing in the same room where she wrote so much of her diary brought tears to my eyes. There were also other areas that had testimonies from various people and it really brought things to life for me. IMPORTANT: You need to reserve/buy tickets online well before you go. I don't think you can just walk up and buy. We woke up at in the middle of the night (our time in the U.S.) to buy tickets when it opened online in Amsterdam. You don't have to HAVE to see the presentation to explore the house/museum because everyone gets an audio device (which was well done), but I found it interesting and the presentation and presenter helped to answer some questions I had. You're not allowed to take photos inside the actual house because it's a memorial, but that was okay with me since the focus was more concentrated on taking everything in. Online it says no backpacks or large bags because there are no lockers/storage, so we left our backpacks at our hotel. But they actually did have an area for people to check backpacks/bags. So if you can't avoid having a backpack when you go, you can get it checked and stored. I'm so glad we went and now have a true visual for things when reading her diary.
I went into the Anne Frank House expecting something deeply moving, and while the history behind it is undeniably powerful, the experience itself felt more lackluster than I anticipated. The biggest issue for me was how crowded it was. The space is very small, which makes sense given the history, but paired with the constant flow of people, it created a "cattle line" feel that really took away from the experience. You're shuffled through room to room without much time to pause, reflect, or fully take in where you are. It felt more rushed than reverent. The museum itself is very minimal, which I understand is intentional, but combined with the crowding, it made it harder to connect emotionally. I was hoping for something more immersive or at least a bit more space to absorb the significance of it all. That said, the historical importance is undeniable. Standing in the actual place where Anne Frank and her family hid still carries weight, and the final section with excerpts from her diary was the most impactful part. Overall, I'm glad I went because of its significance, but the overcrowding and rushed flow made it difficult to fully appreciate the experience. I'd still recommend visiting, just be prepared for a tight, busy environment and manage expectations going in. Also pre-book in advance (far in advance)
Absolutely a must-see experience in Amsterdam if you get the chance. It was very meaningful and enlightening in terms of filling out the whole narrative of what the Frank family's experience was like. Going through Otto Frank's offices and then into the secret annex helped me visualize and empathize in a way that wasn't possible before. They had interviews with Otto Frank after his wife and daughters had been killed and they are heartbreaking. Also fearing more about the Dutch friends who helped the Franks from the outside was deeply moving. The audio tour is well put together and perfectly paced, you go through the whole thing in about an hour. The biggest challenge is purchasing tickets. They are released by the Anne Frank House website on every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Amsterdam time online for the NEXT SIX WEEKS. Due to popularity you have to select a date and time to enter and arrive within 15 minutes of the time. NO WALK-ins. Always sold out. They also will have you check in your bag if it's larger than a certain size. NO PHOTOGRSPHY ALLOWED INSIDE. I'm super grateful to have been able to experience this, and hope for many others to do the same. Highly recommend!
If you're visiting Amsterdam, please make this a priority. Out of everything I experienced in Europe, this was by far the most moving, humbling, and unforgettable. It's hard to even put into words what it feels like walking through the space where Anne Frank and her family once hid. There's a heaviness in the air, but also a quiet sense of reflection that makes you slow down and truly take everything in. I would definitely recommend doing the guided tour. The added context about Anne, her family, and everything happening during that time completely transforms the experience. It begins with about a 30 minute guided introduction, then continues into a self guided walk through the Anne Frank House. It's not just walking through rooms you begin to understand the fear, the hope, and the reality they lived every single day. The guide we had spoke with so much passion and you could really feel how much the history meant to him. Be prepared ! it's def emotional. I truly wasn't expecting how deeply it would affect me. There were moments where it just hits you all at once. I went during one of the last time slots (around 7-7:30 pm), and I actually liked that timing. It felt quieter, more intimate, and gave me space to reflect. They provide a headset with multiple language options, which makes it really accessible and the staff were incredibly kind and welcoming from start to finish. This isn't just a tourist stop, it's an experience that stays with you long after you leave. I found myself appreciating every single moment inside and it's something I'll carry with me far beyond these walls.
Visiting the Anne Frank House was a profound highlight of my time in Amsterdam, offering an incredibly moving perspective that stays with you long after you leave. Even for someone already familiar with the diary, seeing the physical space where the Frank family hid is a powerful, eye-opening experience. The tour lasts about an hour and takes you through the house and into the Secret Annex; the provided headsets are excellent, offering deeper context about the space and items on display. The logistics are straightforward but require planning: tickets are sold exclusively online and tend to sell out, so you'll want to book well in advance. While the price point might seem a bit high to some, the historical significance and the way the museum preserves the atmosphere make it entirely worth the cost. Just keep in mind that you must arrive exactly at your designated time. Also, be prepared for the physical nature of the building--the spaces are narrow and the original stairs are quite steep, requiring you to climb multiple levels. If you have the means and the opportunity to go, I cannot recommend it highly enough.
You definitely need to get tickets six weeks before your planned visit. They do sell out fast. The tickets will give you the timeframe when you can walk in. We were able to walk in without a wait at our assigned time. The museum is so worth it because you get to see more of what Anne Frank and her family had to go through. You are able to walk up into their hiding place. They have the original book case used to hide the door into their hiding spot. You will get a free audio tour in the language of your choice. I highly recommend listening to it all.
A must-visit when in Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House is a walking, self-guided tour that takes about an hour or so. Tickets are sold online only, and it's highly recommended that you book weeks in advance as it is a popular site to visit. Once inside, you can pick up a small, portable audio handset that serves as a personal narrator for you (it's activated when you scan numerical buttons placed on walls). No photos or videos are allowed in the home, however. The tour is sequenced and takes you from the ground level of the multi-level Frank residence and up to the actual secret annex that Anne, her family, and the van Pels hid from being captured. Each room has displays of photos, short films, and documents that you can browse while listening to your handset. Anne's actual diaries and journals are inside this annex. Entrance to the annex is hidden behind a bookcase and up these narrow and very steep flight of stairs. There, in these very small, concealed spaces, the group hid for two years. It is uncertain how they were discovered by the despicable, disgusting and downright evil Nazis, but the families were sent to concentration camps shortly after. Of the group, Anne's father, Otto, was the sole survivor from those camps. It's said that Anne aspired to be a writer. Now, translated and published in hundreds of languages, her diaries - and the musuem that preserves them - ensures that Anne's story and voice will never be forgotten.
This is a beautiful tribute to the life and story of Anne Frank, her family, and the people who did their best to help them. This remarkable window into a dark time in history is very tasteful in that it isn't a tourist attraction, it is a memorial and a place to truly learn. They have timed entries, which not only make it run smoothly, but also allow you to truly appreciate the experience. Please be sure to get tickets well in advance of your trip and make sure to be on time for your time slot.
This is a beautiful & emotionally heavy historic museum. There is no photography inside, but you get to do a self guided audio tour. You literally walk the same steps as Anne Frank, follow her story, and see how small the living spaces were. Worth a visit- I recommend reserving ticket time slots online because it sells out for the day.
Of course many know the story of Anne Frank therefore coming to the house is the ultimate experience or so it seemed. This was at the top of my bucket list for Amsterdam, however I was quite let down. The tour I went on had the added 30min presentation about Anne's life prior to the tour. I really enjoyed this and it was very nicely done. In the room where you listen to the presentation, you can see Anne's annex from the window. It was cool to see it from the back! The actual tour was very disappointing. Rooms were completely bare, except for a few things on the wall and the quotes/things to look at while listening to the audio guide were very underwhelming. I appreciate being able to go to the actual hiding space but overall this tour was bad. Another issue was crowding. You have to tip toe through each room because of so many people. Go if you truly want to experience the Annex in person but don't expect much!
Every time someone close to me mentions they are going to Amsterdam, I say, "You NEED to visit the Anne Frank House!" It is without a doubt one of the top things to do on your visit, and it is very important to keep the knowledge and teach people the experiences that the Holocaust brought to the Jewish people. Ticket Purchase Experience: I stayed up until 4:00AM EST for 4 Tuesday's in a row to get tickets to the Anne Frank House. It was like being in the ticket queue for your favorite concert hoping to get tickets. ** Just a warning to everyone **, once you do get past the online queue and it's time to pick your tickets, for me, Google was unable to translate the website while I was scheduling and purchasing my ticket so I recommend navigating the website before hand. Also know the time you would like to attend before hand and have a back-up as well. I visited Amsterdam on a cruise and needed to schedule my time accordingly. The tickets weren't that pricey, but you do have to round up through the conversion to USD so expect the price to be a little more than listed. Museum Visit: Overall the museum is a must-visit. They do not allow photography, and if you bring in a back-pack they ask you to wear it in front of you, or put it in a locker. I am very glad to have visited and I learned so much more than what I knew previously about Anne Frank, the Frank family and the Nazi Regime in Amsterdam.
This was an amazing experience top to bottom. HIGH kudos to the staff who work here, the way in which the management has preserved the evidence of what happened here. Be advised, it can be a bit rigorous so come prepared.
Amsterdam, Netherlands I was glad I was able to secure a spot to visit this historical place. We arrived on time for our reserved slot, and there was already a line outside, but it was organized. Staff checked everyone's reservation and reminded visitors about sticking to their assigned time. Visiting the Anne Frank House was a powerful experience. The space is preserved in a way that makes you feel the weight of history, and walking through the rooms where the family hid is both emotional and humbling. It's a reminder of how important their story is, and why it continues to be told. Walking through the actual hiding place brings the story to life in a way books and films can't. A must‑visit if you're in Amsterdam. It is incredibly impactful but be prepared for crowds and tight spaces. Despite that, the experience is worth it -- the history is powerful and the exhibits are beautifully done. Note: The steps in the house are quite steep, so wear a comfortable shoes or consider skipping the tour if you have difficulty with stairs. Photos or videos are not allowed inside. The audio and video presentations are available in several main languages, and they provide an audio guide for the tour. read more
1 month ago
Go, just go! Better yet read the book and then go. It is an incredible piece of history that should never be forgotten. There are no pictures allowed inside. Also make sure you pre-purchase tickets online before going. They open up on Tuesdays. The website will tell you when they go on sale. Plan on having at least an hour to go through the self guided tour. The stairwells can be steep and narrow, so please be aware of that prior to booking. read more
A must do if visiting Amsterdam. ***If you plan to go, you must order tickets ahead of time. Based on where you live, you will have to make sure you purchase tickets immediately as the "window" opens for the day/time that you want to go. I had to wake up at 1am west coast time to make sure I got my tickets before they sell out. Tickets are available EXACTLY 6 weeks at 10am Amsterdam time for the day/time you want. Plan ahead! There are two tickets, one for the general tour and one that adds a presentation before the self guided tour. If you can get it, I recommend getting tickets for the presentation. It's a good intro before doing the self guided tour. But if you can't get these tickets, the general self guided tour is fine and well done. For the self guided tour you get a translator (many languages available) to guide you through the tour. You point the translator at the small round numbered placard in the wall to trigger the translator for the room/exhibit. There is a lot of walking, stairs, and standing around so be prepared. Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to do the while tour. There also a gift shop and cafe at the end of the tour. The exhibit/museum itself is very well done. It's an informative and moving experience. Be respectful as it is a memorial. Highly recommend visiting. Be prepared and plan ahead when ordering tickets online 6 weeks ahead. read more
A must see if you're in Amsterdam, especially if you like history! Seeing and reading everything about the experiences that Anne and her family (along with the others hiding with her) was moving in many ways. Standing in the same room where she wrote so much of her diary brought tears to my eyes. There were also other areas that had testimonies from various people and it really brought things to life for me. IMPORTANT: You need to reserve/buy tickets online well before you go. I don't think you can just walk up and buy. We woke up at in the middle of the night (our time in the U.S.) to buy tickets when it opened online in Amsterdam. You don't have to HAVE to see the presentation to explore the house/museum because everyone gets an audio device (which was well done), but I found it interesting and the presentation and presenter helped to answer some questions I had. You're not allowed to take photos inside the actual house because it's a memorial, but that was okay with me since the focus was more concentrated on taking everything in. Online it says no backpacks or large bags because there are no lockers/storage, so we left our backpacks at our hotel. But they actually did have an area for people to check backpacks/bags. So if you can't avoid having a backpack when you go, you can get it checked and stored. I'm so glad we went and now have a true visual for things when reading her diary. read more
I went into the Anne Frank House expecting something deeply moving, and while the history behind it is undeniably powerful, the experience itself felt more lackluster than I anticipated. The biggest issue for me was how crowded it was. The space is very small, which makes sense given the history, but paired with the constant flow of people, it created a "cattle line" feel that really took away from the experience. You're shuffled through room to room without much time to pause, reflect, or fully take in where you are. It felt more rushed than reverent. The museum itself is very minimal, which I understand is intentional, but combined with the crowding, it made it harder to connect emotionally. I was hoping for something more immersive or at least a bit more space to absorb the significance of it all. That said, the historical importance is undeniable. Standing in the actual place where Anne Frank and her family hid still carries weight, and the final section with excerpts from her diary was the most impactful part. Overall, I'm glad I went because of its significance, but the overcrowding and rushed flow made it difficult to fully appreciate the experience. I'd still recommend visiting, just be prepared for a tight, busy environment and manage expectations going in. Also pre-book in advance (far in advance) read more
Absolutely a must-see experience in Amsterdam if you get the chance. It was very meaningful and enlightening in terms of filling out the whole narrative of what the Frank family's experience was like. Going through Otto Frank's offices and then into the secret annex helped me visualize and empathize in a way that wasn't possible before. They had interviews with Otto Frank after his wife and daughters had been killed and they are heartbreaking. Also fearing more about the Dutch friends who helped the Franks from the outside was deeply moving. The audio tour is well put together and perfectly paced, you go through the whole thing in about an hour. The biggest challenge is purchasing tickets. They are released by the Anne Frank House website on every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Amsterdam time online for the NEXT SIX WEEKS. Due to popularity you have to select a date and time to enter and arrive within 15 minutes of the time. NO WALK-ins. Always sold out. They also will have you check in your bag if it's larger than a certain size. NO PHOTOGRSPHY ALLOWED INSIDE. I'm super grateful to have been able to experience this, and hope for many others to do the same. Highly recommend! read more
3 months ago
6 months ago
If you're visiting Amsterdam, please make this a priority. Out of everything I experienced in Europe, this was by far the most moving, humbling, and unforgettable. It's hard to even put into words what it feels like walking through the space where Anne Frank and her family once hid. There's a heaviness in the air, but also a quiet sense of reflection that makes you slow down and truly take everything in. I would definitely recommend doing the guided tour. The added context about Anne, her family, and everything happening during that time completely transforms the experience. It begins with about a 30 minute guided introduction, then continues into a self guided walk through the Anne Frank House. It's not just walking through rooms you begin to understand the fear, the hope, and the reality they lived every single day. The guide we had spoke with so much passion and you could really feel how much the history meant to him. Be prepared ! it's def emotional. I truly wasn't expecting how deeply it would affect me. There were moments where it just hits you all at once. I went during one of the last time slots (around 7-7:30 pm), and I actually liked that timing. It felt quieter, more intimate, and gave me space to reflect. They provide a headset with multiple language options, which makes it really accessible and the staff were incredibly kind and welcoming from start to finish. This isn't just a tourist stop, it's an experience that stays with you long after you leave. I found myself appreciating every single moment inside and it's something I'll carry with me far beyond these walls. read more
Visiting the Anne Frank House was a profound highlight of my time in Amsterdam, offering an incredibly moving perspective that stays with you long after you leave. Even for someone already familiar with the diary, seeing the physical space where the Frank family hid is a powerful, eye-opening experience. The tour lasts about an hour and takes you through the house and into the Secret Annex; the provided headsets are excellent, offering deeper context about the space and items on display. The logistics are straightforward but require planning: tickets are sold exclusively online and tend to sell out, so you'll want to book well in advance. While the price point might seem a bit high to some, the historical significance and the way the museum preserves the atmosphere make it entirely worth the cost. Just keep in mind that you must arrive exactly at your designated time. Also, be prepared for the physical nature of the building--the spaces are narrow and the original stairs are quite steep, requiring you to climb multiple levels. If you have the means and the opportunity to go, I cannot recommend it highly enough. read more
You definitely need to get tickets six weeks before your planned visit. They do sell out fast. The tickets will give you the timeframe when you can walk in. We were able to walk in without a wait at our assigned time. The museum is so worth it because you get to see more of what Anne Frank and her family had to go through. You are able to walk up into their hiding place. They have the original book case used to hide the door into their hiding spot. You will get a free audio tour in the language of your choice. I highly recommend listening to it all. read more
10 months ago
A must-visit when in Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House is a walking, self-guided tour that takes about an hour or so. Tickets are sold online only, and it's highly recommended that you book weeks in advance as it is a popular site to visit. Once inside, you can pick up a small, portable audio handset that serves as a personal narrator for you (it's activated when you scan numerical buttons placed on walls). No photos or videos are allowed in the home, however. The tour is sequenced and takes you from the ground level of the multi-level Frank residence and up to the actual secret annex that Anne, her family, and the van Pels hid from being captured. Each room has displays of photos, short films, and documents that you can browse while listening to your handset. Anne's actual diaries and journals are inside this annex. Entrance to the annex is hidden behind a bookcase and up these narrow and very steep flight of stairs. There, in these very small, concealed spaces, the group hid for two years. It is uncertain how they were discovered by the despicable, disgusting and downright evil Nazis, but the families were sent to concentration camps shortly after. Of the group, Anne's father, Otto, was the sole survivor from those camps. It's said that Anne aspired to be a writer. Now, translated and published in hundreds of languages, her diaries - and the musuem that preserves them - ensures that Anne's story and voice will never be forgotten. read more
This is a beautiful tribute to the life and story of Anne Frank, her family, and the people who did their best to help them. This remarkable window into a dark time in history is very tasteful in that it isn't a tourist attraction, it is a memorial and a place to truly learn. They have timed entries, which not only make it run smoothly, but also allow you to truly appreciate the experience. Please be sure to get tickets well in advance of your trip and make sure to be on time for your time slot. read more
This is a beautiful & emotionally heavy historic museum. There is no photography inside, but you get to do a self guided audio tour. You literally walk the same steps as Anne Frank, follow her story, and see how small the living spaces were. Worth a visit- I recommend reserving ticket time slots online because it sells out for the day. read more
Of course many know the story of Anne Frank therefore coming to the house is the ultimate experience or so it seemed. This was at the top of my bucket list for Amsterdam, however I was quite let down. The tour I went on had the added 30min presentation about Anne's life prior to the tour. I really enjoyed this and it was very nicely done. In the room where you listen to the presentation, you can see Anne's annex from the window. It was cool to see it from the back! The actual tour was very disappointing. Rooms were completely bare, except for a few things on the wall and the quotes/things to look at while listening to the audio guide were very underwhelming. I appreciate being able to go to the actual hiding space but overall this tour was bad. Another issue was crowding. You have to tip toe through each room because of so many people. Go if you truly want to experience the Annex in person but don't expect much! read more
1 year ago
Every time someone close to me mentions they are going to Amsterdam, I say, "You NEED to visit the Anne Frank House!" It is without a doubt one of the top things to do on your visit, and it is very important to keep the knowledge and teach people the experiences that the Holocaust brought to the Jewish people. Ticket Purchase Experience: I stayed up until 4:00AM EST for 4 Tuesday's in a row to get tickets to the Anne Frank House. It was like being in the ticket queue for your favorite concert hoping to get tickets. ** Just a warning to everyone **, once you do get past the online queue and it's time to pick your tickets, for me, Google was unable to translate the website while I was scheduling and purchasing my ticket so I recommend navigating the website before hand. Also know the time you would like to attend before hand and have a back-up as well. I visited Amsterdam on a cruise and needed to schedule my time accordingly. The tickets weren't that pricey, but you do have to round up through the conversion to USD so expect the price to be a little more than listed. Museum Visit: Overall the museum is a must-visit. They do not allow photography, and if you bring in a back-pack they ask you to wear it in front of you, or put it in a locker. I am very glad to have visited and I learned so much more than what I knew previously about Anne Frank, the Frank family and the Nazi Regime in Amsterdam. read more
This was an amazing experience top to bottom. HIGH kudos to the staff who work here, the way in which the management has preserved the evidence of what happened here. Be advised, it can be a bit rigorous so come prepared. read more
2 months ago
People who think this is a good museum are out of their minds. If you're *actually* interested about the history of Anne Frank, read her diary. Read it more than once. Then, go down the wikipedia and youtube rabbit hole. You'll get so much more out of that, and you will get almost nothing new out of the "museum", except maybe you get to see some artifacts, including diaries, encased in glass. Tickets are sold ahead of time by a general time slot. I guess the idea is to space out crowds, but let me tell you, it won't make a difference. They sell out weeks in advance, and even if you go to the evening spots, as I did, they still cram people in like... well, you know what like... and you'll be moving at a snails' pace. If they cared about maintaining the integrity of the memory of Anne Frank, they need to halve (at minimum) the people they let in at a time... they just want your money. Just as bad, that they push the audio guides on you pretty hard, saying you'd not know a thing without listening to the guides as you go by scanning these numbered stations. Let me tell you, it looked dystopian. As if we're not addicted to our devices enough, every room you'll hear *beep* *beep *beep* followed by often full-volume in half a dozen languages coming from every speaker device in every corner of the claustrophobic rooms. Barely any redeeming factors here. Anne is one badass mofo, but it pains me to say this abomination of an over-touristed location has really let her down. read more
2 years ago
I think this was a very well done museum with the information and storytelling presented well. It's a must to order tickets online. We ordered 2 months in advance so we could pick our arrival time with ease. We were a large group of 12 too. They are strict about the time you can go in. There is one section where you are waiting in line for a bit but it's where you go behind the secret staircase to see the hidden rooms. Overall, the museum is very thoughtfully laid out. You get to know the others hiding with Anne's family in the annex as well. Would recommend! read more
1 year ago
If this experience doesn't bring tears to your eyes, nothing in life will. The original building now has this incredible museum built around it. If doesn't hit right to say that the museum is incredible, but it is. It pays honor to a young girl and her family. It preserves the heartache and sadness in a meaningful way. Photography on the inside isn't permitted. The staff is lovely, and incredibly helpful. You may elect for an audio or self-paced tour. The audio tour provides a very detailed account of this horrendous time in history. The attic that the family lived in, is now sealed. Tickets must be pre purchased. They don't offer refunds or adjustments. The gift stores are really bookstores with numerous language variations of each book. It's lovely. The museum has a lovely cafe with a few reading corners and books. I found myself enjoying a mocha and a book for quite some time. I will say that I enjoyed every moment of it, even with the realization that I was sitting in history. It definitely felt painful. The exterior of the building and the surrounding areas certainly bring a sense of calmness to the experience. If you find yourself in Amsterdam, this is an absolute must. Cafe People are amazing read more
"It's really a wonder that I haven't dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart." ― Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl Imagine. Moving your family from Germany to Amsterdam in 1934 to try to keep your family safe from the Nazi party. Just because you are Jewish. Applying for a visa to emigrate to the US, but due to the bombing of Rotterdam, the paperwork is never processed. Planning a place to hide if needed. Just because you are Jewish. Then getting trapped in Amsterdam as the Germans occupied The Netherlands. This is what happened to Anne and the Frank family in 1942. Booked an introductory program to learn more about Anne Frank, her family and the other families that occupied the Secret Annex as well as the Righteous Among the Nations who took personal risks yet loyally helped the families hide from 1942 to 1944. "I've found that there is always some beauty left -- in nature, sunshine, freedom, in yourself; these can all help you." ― Anne Frank Anne was given a red diary on her birthday in 1942. This was a valuable possession that she brought with her when her family went into hiding amidst the Nazi persecution. The family went into hiding in rooms concealed behind a bookcase in the building where Anne's father, Otto Frank, worked. Anne documented her everyday life from her family's hiding place in the Amsterdam attic. "Those who have courage and faith shall never perish in misery" ― Anne Frank Imagine living in an attic. One bathroom shared as you go through adolescence. No light for fear of getting caught. Keeping still and quiet for fear of getting caught. The hiding place is referred to as the Secret Annex. Until the family's arrest by the Gestapo on August 4, 1944, Anne regularly wrote in her diary. She was in the process of rewriting her diary when the family was caught. She was sent with her sister Margot on the last train from Amsterdam to the concentration camps. First to Auschwitz and then to Bergen-Belsen where they both died in February or March, 1945. She was only fifteen. Heartbreaking. "I want to write, but more than that, I want to bring out all kinds of things that lie buried deep in my heart." ― Anne Frank Her father Otto was the only Holocaust survivor in the Frank family. He returned to Amsterdam after the war. His secretaries, Miep Gies and Bep Voskuijl, who had helped the families hide and survive in the Secret Annex had found and saved Anne's diary. At first, he did not want to read his daughter's private thoughts, but eventually he did. Anne always wanted to be a writer. "I wish to go on living even after my death." ― Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl Moved by his daughter's repeated wishes to be an author, Otto Frank published her diary in 1947. It was translated from its original Dutch version and published in English in 1952 as "The Diary of a Young Girl." Since then it has been translated into over 70 languages. It documents the fears, the dreams, the realities of a young girl living in hiding. It has been read by millions. Such a powerful experience climbing up the narrow stairs to the Secret Annex. It was left as Otto Frank wanted others to see. So tragic. So sad. A lot has changed since the first time I visited the Secret Annex, when I was 15 years old. For this most recent visit, I was wisely advised to book tickets which are released six weeks in advance on Tuesdays at 10 AM. By the time I booked, many time slots were already sold out. I highly recommend the introductory tour which gives a lot of insight into the chronology of the Frank family. Photography is not allowed inside the annex. An audio tour is provided via headphones. Visit to remember Anne Frank and the six million children, men and women who were murdered during the Holocaust just because they were Jewish. Millions of other people were also murdered during World War II. Tears flowing. Anne Frank. 1929 -1945. Never forget how so many lives extinguished. Prematurely. Their hopes and dreams denied. read more
8 months ago
8 months ago
2 years ago
~~Awake again. Another morning after having the same nightmare. One missed step on the ladder and then the fall. Is the arm broken? Will a whimper later in the day be heard by the workers in the warehouse below? The church bells sound so close, and yet they are a world away. Life has been reduced to an incarceration within 4 walls and as many rooms. The luxuries of movement or personal space are but illusions. The faces all broadcast messages of fear and despair, but none of those expressions bear the fruit of an exchange of words. Today's sole activity shall once again be limited to the odd chore of interpreting the sounds emanating from a neighboring and expansive alternate universe. The repetitive thought is silent, but expectedly persistent. Is today the day of exposure?~~ Those are not the words of Anne herself, but I couldn't help but imagine the thoughts that commonly flowed through her mind. You see touring the Anne Frank House is not so much an activity, as much as it is an experience. The irony is inescapable that this small refuge maintained its secrecy for 2 years, but now hosts a million visitors a year from around the world. Reservations are required and can only be obtained at www.annefrank.org. All photography following the orientation is prohibited and only hushed and limited words are exchanged in a solemn environment. The number, grade, and narrow nature of the stairs and ladder make touring the home inaccessible for those with mobility concerns. Visits take approximately 2 hours and deep and inspired conversations typically follow. And that's...Henry's Take. #annefrank read more
My two biggest recommendations would be to buy your tickets online in advance, and to do the 30 minutes history briefing before your tour. I knew the initial story that everyone knows about Anne Frank but I never read the book in a school like most people have so the history before the tour really explained a lot more that I never knew. The tour itself is self guided, there are some parts where you climb up and down narrow stairways so make sure you have comfortable shoes. I'll keep this short by just saying this tour should be on your "must do" list if you're visiting Amsterdam. read more
2 years ago
If you're visiting Amsterdam, make the time to visit the Anne Frank Huis. It is an extremely important part of history and we cannot forget the atrocities that were committed during WWII. Tickets: Tickets are only sold online and are released 6 weeks in advance. They go on sale every Tuesday at 10 am local time. When I purchased my ticket, I woke up at 4 am to buy it. I had to refresh the ticket page for 15 minutes before I was finally able to purchase and the first available time was 4:15 pm. I felt like I was buying concert tickets. The website actually worked better on my phone compared to desktop. The tickets go extremely fast so have a plan and be ready so you do not miss out. Ticket Options: You can purchase a ticket for just the tour or you can add the 30 minute introductory program which is what I did. It was nice to have some of the information presented beforehand. We were able to learn a little bit about the Franks, Van Pels, and Dr. Pfeffer. I didn't realize that Anne wanted to be a writer. I also didn't know she had two diaries and was in the process of transferring entries from one diary to the other when they were discovered. The program also covered the helpers who brought food and supplies to them and helped to keep them concealed. Tour: Photos are only allowed in the main lobby and in the room where the introductory program is held. The self guided tour takes about an hour. You are given an audio guide and you are able to listen to the narration as you make your way through the Annex. If you have limited mobility, I would not recommend visiting. It is not wheelchair accessible and the staircases are extremely steep. The Annex is three stories and one of the staircases was so steep, it felt like I was climbing a nearly vertical ladder. I've had multiple people ask me how this experience was and I'm finding that I can't remember much of it. I think I was overwhelmed by the experience. It was very sobering walking through the Annex. I remember small things like hearing the floor creak as we walked. It made me realize how difficult it must have been for the inhabitants to not move around during the day. I also recall the bathroom; I'm sure it was so difficult for 8 people to share one bathroom consisting of a toilet and sink for two years. It made me realize how dire the situation was and how much we take for granted. Misc: They have a cafe where you can purchase food and drinks. There's also a gift shop. I'm so glad I was able to visit and I hope that one day I will be able to go back to Amsterdam and visit the museum again. read more
1 year ago
WOW!!!!! What an amazing tour! I recommend doing the preview and then audible. The preview, you get a presenter who spends 30 minutes in another room talking about her time line with photographs before the tour begins. I had tears in my eyes throughout the tour because it was so moving. read more
1 year ago
Although photography is not allowed inside for obvious reasons The Anne Frank House resonates in a way few historic sites can. Best toured with the audio guide this space where Frank and other Jewish families hid from the Nazis for 2 years is powerful but displayed in a touching manner. Navigated via stairs the confines are as stark as the story is rich, including Anne's final days and her father's story of survival. read more
Purchasing tickets in advance is required in order to visit here. Also, you can only get tickets 6 weeks in advance. They release them at 10 a.m. CET on Tuesdays for the next open week. This is 4 a.m. EST. I logged in an hour after they went live, and the only tickets left were for after 6 p.m. in the evening. So, you should probably log in right when they begin in order to get a good selection. Their website has details about the sale. We had tickets for a Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. The house is about a 20-minute walk from the Central Station. They have guests form two lines for 2 successive entry times. We were the first ones in our queue. The website warns you about tickets selling out and about limits on how large a bag you can check. Still, we observed people show up with huge suitcases in tow. They were directed to some 3rd party shop who will check larger items. We also saw one woman who just walked up and asked if there were tickets available. That seemed wildly optimistic to me. They politely told her no. When your time arrives, you are ushered into the building. You can include an introductory lecture in your ticket (I think it cost marginally more) and we opted for that. It was worth it, I think. You sit in a wide room with about 50 people. A docent gives an overview of events that led up to the Frank family's need to hide and the general environment of Germany in the 1930s and 1940s, as well as WWII. It is a good starting point for the tour. I thought her presentation was helpful. This is also the last place where you can take photos, as none are allowed in the tour itself. You then check any backpacks and begin the tour. Audio devices trigger when you point them at numbered locations along the way. You begin in the public space of the business / warehouse and progress eventually up to the hidden doorway. There is no audio within the 'hiding area'. I think this is partly to give the individual time to reflect on this space, as well as to keep things moving. You snake through this area in a slow line. This is made slightly easier as the Germans confiscated and removed almost all of the furniture when the Franks were arrested, and the space remains in this barren state now. Once you emerge back into the open spaces, the tour wraps up with things that happened post-war which led to the creation of the museum. I found this to be an impressive and thought-provoking experience. I was also quite impressed at the efficiency of their operation - they manage to get over 3000 people a day through the tour! I was glad we were able to book a slot for this while in Amsterdam. Definitely recommended. read more
I had an 8 hour layover in Amsterdam so I booked my tickets to the Anne Frank House well in advance. Tickets typically sell out. You can buy them up to 6 weeks in advance. Since I had to be back at the airport by 1pm, I booked the first option at 9am. I got there a little early so I was at the front of the line. This is a place not to miss when visiting Amsterdam. Plan ahead and reserve tickets online. To see where the family lived and learn more about the family as an adult was so impactful. Pictures are not allowed inside. There is a bookstore and coffee shop inside the building. read more
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Prinsengracht 267
1016 GV Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Centrum
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