Uncover the survival stories at Anne Frank House in Amsterdam
Explore the poignant and most powerful museum of Amsterdam, where you step into history at the Anne Frank House. This is the very own building where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II.
It’s also a museum that offers a glimpse into the survival story of a young girl who touched millions worldwide. Every corner has a deep story of hope, courage and resilience amidst the hardship.
Aside from the story of Anne Frank, this place also includes important information about the Holocaust, offering visitors a broader understanding of this tragic period. That’s why you have to visit.
Where is the Anne Frank House?
Anne Frank House is located at Prinsengracht 263-267 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It sits along the famous Prinsengracht canal in the city’s historic centre, making it more accessible to all visitors who want to indulge historical essence of the museum in Amsterdam.
What is the Main Landmark near the Anne Frank House?
The distinctive landmark of Anne Frank House is the Prinsengracht canal in Amsterdam. It is a historic canal-side building with a simple facade that is recognisable. Nearby landmarks include the Westerkerk church tower, a prominent feature visible from the Anne Frank House.
How to Get to the Anne Frank House?
By Tram: Take the lines 13 and 17 from Amsterdam Central Station to Westermarkt. The rides take about 10 minutes and a 3-minute walk to the museum.
By Bike: It takes around 7 minutes from the central station. Follow bike lane rules to reach the Anne Frank House. Bike rentals are available nearby at Bike City (near Central Station) and at MacBike, one of the largest and best-known bike rental services.
By Bus: Take the 170 or 172 bus from Central Station bus terminal and stop at Westermarkt. It takes around 15 minutes, and a 3-minute walk to the museum.
By Car: Driving takes 5-10 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station. You can find street parking near the Anne Frank House or at Westermarkt.
What to Do Inside and near Anne Frank House?
Explore the world of Secret Annexe
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This is the area in the Anne Frank house where they hid from persecution during World War II. It is concealed with a movable bookcase in a canal-side building in Amsterdam.
The cramped quarters consisted of several areas, including the living room, bathrooms, and bedrooms, all kept secret from the outside world. Life was extremely challenging for Anne’s family in the Secret Annexe.
With constant fear of being discovered and limited freedom, the Secret Annexe remains preserved as it was. This allows visitors to step back in time and gain insight into the reality of the family who sheltered there.
Marvel the Diary Room
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The Diary Room is one of the significant spaces in the Anne Frank House where you can connect with Anne’s personal story through her famous diary. The room showcases original pages, excerpts, and multimedia displays that bring Anne’s words to life.
Anne began writing her diary when they were hiding at the Secret Annexe. The Diary Room helps visitors understand the importance of her writing, not just as a historical document, but as a voice of millions who suffered during that time.
Uncover the bookcase’s secret
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The iconic bookcase at the Anne Frank House is not just a piece of furniture; it serves as a secret entrance to the Secret Annexe. It is situated in the main office building on the Prinsengracht Canal, which concealed the doorway that led to Anne Frank’s and her family’s hiding place.
It was designed to blend in with the office surroundings, filled with books and files to avoid suspicion. It’s cleverly constructed and opens quietly through a swing, providing access to the concealed rooms behind it.
When you encounter the bookcase at the Anne Frank House, you’ll experience a profound connection to the past. This seemingly ordinary object served as the gateway to a hidden world, symbolising the incredible will to survive during dark times.
Gaze at the iconic Clock Tower of Westerkerk
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Website: https://www.westerkerk.nl/
Location: Prinsengracht 279, 1016 DL
Contact: +31206247766
Hours: Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Westerkerk is just a 2-minute walk from Anne Frank House. It’s one of the iconic landmarks in Amsterdam, with a stunning Renaissance-style Protestant church completed in 1631, known for its impressive 85-meter-tall bell tower.
It had a carillon that rang every quarter-hour, along with a beautifully crafted organ inside. It’s also the resting place of the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn.
You can climb the bell tower and appreciate the breathtaking vistas over Amsterdam’s canals and rooftops, making it one of the favourite spots for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.
Explore the unique shops at De 9 Straatjes
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Website: https://de9straatjes.nl/
Location: De 9 Straatjes 11558 1001 GN
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
De 9 Straatjes is also known as “The Nine Streets”, a charming and vibrant neighbourhood located just a 10-minute walk from the Anne Frank House. It’s famous for its nine arrow streets lined with historic 17th-century buildings, such as quaint boutiques.
It’s considered a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from vintage and handmade jewellery to artisanal goods and local Dutch treats. You can enjoy strolling along the canals, enjoy street art, and discover hidden courtyards.
Discover Rembrandthuis life at Het Rembrandthuis
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Website: https://www.rembrandthuis.nl/nl/
Location: Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK
Contact: +31 20 520 0400
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
This is the former home and studio of Dutch painter Rembrandt. This beautifully preserved 17th-century canal house offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the work of one of the Netherlands’ greatest artists.
The museum features original etchings, plates, personal belongings, and recreated artist studies. You can explore and discover a room furnished to reflect the 17th century, providing insights into the artist’s daily life and the Golden Age of Dutch Art.
Experience the scent of the Tulip Museum
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Website: https://amsterdamtulipmuseum.com/
Location: Prinsengracht 116, 1015 EA
Contact: +31 20 421 0095
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: €€
You can visit the Tulip Museum in just a 12-minute walk from the Anne Frank House. The museum offers a captivating exploration of the history and cultural importance of the iconic Dutch tulip.
The tulip has had a great impact on art, trade, and society since the 17th century. One of its special exhibits is “Tulip Mania”, which is typically celebrated during April. It is one of the world’s economic bubbles, showcasing rare historical bulbs and illustrations.
With this museum, you can also learn how to cultivate tulips, bulb-growing techniques, and the role of flowers in Dutch traditions and festivals.
Wander at Houseboat Museum
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Website: https://houseboatmuseum.nl/
Location: Prinsengracht 296K, 1016 HW
Contact: +31 6 42893868
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
This museum offers an intimate glimpse of a distinctive lifestyle, housed in a traditional 1914 wooden houseboat moored on the Prinsengracht canal.
It traces the evolution from humble beginnings to modern floating homes, featuring vintage furniture, nautical equipment, and personal stories from past residents.
Visitors can explore a fully furnished interior that showcases how people live on water with limited space.
Where to Eat and Drink near Anne Frank House?
Winkel 43
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Website: https://winkel43.nl/
Location: Noordermarkt 43, 1015 NA
Contact: +31 20 623 0223
Hours:
- Monday: 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM | Tuesday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM | Sunday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Pricing: €€
Winkel 43 is the haven of perfect apple pie in Amsterdam. It’s a towering slice of cinnamon-spiced heaven, served warm with a dollop of whipped cream that will make you weep with joy.
They are iconic for serving pie in a cosy atmosphere, evoking the charm and feeling of stumbling upon a local gem.
Here, you can also order their tasty Ditch snack, the bitterballen, hearty sandwiches and a decent selection of beers. It can be a perfect spot for a casual lunch or a cosy afternoon treat, or a pre-dinner snack.
Restaurant Anna
Website:http://www.restaurantanna.nl/
Location: Jean-Paul Sartre, Warmoesstraat 111, 1012 JA
Contact: +31 20 428 1111
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Restaurant Anna is Amsterdam’s hidden gem. It’s an escape from the crowd’s serving up modern European cuisine with a personal touch.
Also, elevate your dining with culinary experiences. Their cooking class lets you learn Dutch Cuisine secrets from their chefs, followed by a delicious lunch.
Throughout the year, they also offer wine & dine deals where guests can enjoy a multi-course meal with expertly selected wine pairings at a reduced price.
Moeders
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Website: https://moeders.com/en/home
Location: Rozengracht 251, 1016 SX
Contact: +31 20 626 7957
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Pricing: €€
A heartwarming and utterly unique restaurant, Moeders (Mothers), is a place not just to eat, but also to experience. The restaurant pays tribute to mothers, with walls adorned by photos of actual mothers donated by patrons over the years.
It creates a cosy, surreal and undeniably charming atmosphere. The home-style Dutch cooking is one of the unforgettable experiences to be had here.
Their menu makes you forget about trendy fusion, with dishes like Hutspot, made from mashed potatoes, carrots, and onions. And if you’re not fond of those veggies, you can still have one—the Stamppot.
Cafe ‘t Smalle
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Website: https://t-smalle.nl/
Location: Egelantiersgracht 12, 1015 RL
Contact: +31 20 786 7748
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday & Saturday: 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday: 1:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Pricing: €€
This spot is not a fine dining experience, but it offers surprisingly tasty bites with simple pleasures. It’s all set against a view, thanks to its ridiculously narrow canal-side spot.
You can savour their unique serving of bitterballen accompanied by mustard. Not a fan? You can even try a broodje gezond, a healthy sandwich with cheese, egg, ham, and fresh veggies.
While not a Michelin-starred venue, this cafe offers simple, fresh, and flavourful Amsterdam charm.
Cafe de Prins
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Website: https://deprins.nl/
Location: Prinsengracht 124, 1015 EA
Contact: +31 20 624 9382
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday & Sunday: 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Pricing: €€
More than just a coffee shop, Cafe de Prins’ oozes local charm and a relaxed vibe. They serve Dutch pea soup, one of the locals’ favourites, a speciality during cold days.
They also offer a Dutch open-face sandwich with fried eggs, ham, or cheese- a hearty and satisfying meal. Also, be sure to never miss the opportunity to order a dish paired with their local beer, or opt for a strong coffee instead.
Where to Shop near Anne Frank House?
Episode
Website: https://episode.eu/
Location: Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 37H, 1017 DC
Contact: +31 228 544 466
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday (except Friday to Saturday): 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Episode is more than a vintage store; it’s a carefully curated collection of clothing spanning multiple eras. Here, you can discover a diverse selection, ranging from 70s disco dresses to 90s grunge flannels.
Plus, they’re champions in sustainability, where you can give their pre-loved clothes a new lease on life.
Laura Dols
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Website: https://lauradols.nl/
Location: Wolvenstraat 7, 1016 EM
Contact: +31 20 624 9066
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Laura Dols is a home for unique finds, like jewellery by Atelier Sukha, garments made by Signe, and leather goods from O My Bag.
Unlike typical retailers, the Laura Dols boutique is a champion for its independent designers and limited-edition collections. Here, you can find a one-of-a-kind collection made from sustainably sourced materials, including recycled fabrics and organic cotton.
You can experience your personalised styling session with Laura herself, helping customers cultivate distinct fashion identities.
Tenue de Nimes
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Website: https://tenuedenimes.com
Location: Elandsgracht 60, 1016 TX
Contact: +31 20 320 4012
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM | Monday: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Tenue de Nimes offers a curated retail experience for the discerning denim enthusiast. It goes beyond traditional style with an exclusive collaboration with Red Wing for limited-edition boots.
You can find here a rare vintage Levi’s jeans sourced globally, as well as the Tenue de Nîmes Lot 22, a selvedge denim collection. They are legendary in providing quality denim with exclusive offers.