Anne Frank House

About this guide

Anne Frank House: A Historic Museum in Amsterdam

The Anne Frank House is one of the most famous museums in the world, located in the heart of Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. It is dedicated to the life and legacy of Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl who went into hiding during World War II and wrote a diary that has since become one of the most important books in history. Visiting the Anne Frank House offers a chance to learn about her story and the history of the Holocaust, all while experiencing the atmosphere of the very place where Anne and her family spent two years in hiding.

Location Overview

The Anne Frank House is situated at Prinsengracht 263 in Amsterdam, along one of the city's beautiful canals. The museum is housed in the building where Anne Frank and her family, along with four other Jewish people, hid from the Nazis during the war. The house is located in a vibrant and historical part of Amsterdam, making it easy for tourists to explore nearby attractions.

Amsterdam itself is a city with rich history, beautiful architecture, and a lively atmosphere. The Anne Frank House is in the heart of the city, close to many other cultural and historical sites.

Connectivity: Local and International Access

The Anne Frank House is easily accessible for both local and international tourists. If you are arriving from within the Netherlands, Amsterdam’s central train station, Amsterdam Centraal, is just a short 15-minute walk from the museum. You can also take a tram, which has several stops near the museum. Public transportation in Amsterdam is well-connected, making it easy to reach the Anne Frank House from different parts of the city.

For international visitors, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the main airport and is approximately 30 minutes from the museum by taxi or public transport. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Amsterdam Centraal Station and then walk to the museum.

Things to Explore Around the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is located in one of Amsterdam’s most attractive neighborhoods. Once you’ve visited the museum, there are plenty of other things to explore nearby:

The Jordaan District: This historic and charming district is full of narrow streets, independent shops, and cozy cafes. It is just a short walk from the Anne Frank House and offers a great place to explore Amsterdam's local culture.
The Westerkerk: This large Protestant church is located close to the Anne Frank House. It is a great spot to visit for its stunning architecture and panoramic views of Amsterdam from its tower.
The Rijksmuseum: Located a short tram ride away, the Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam's most important cultural landmarks, housing an extensive collection of Dutch art and history.
The Van Gogh Museum: Also close by, this museum is home to the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, including famous paintings like "Sunflowers" and "The Bedroom."
Canal Cruises: Amsterdam is known for its picturesque canals, and a canal cruise is a wonderful way to see the city from the water. These cruises pass through the canal system near the Anne Frank House.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Amsterdam is well-connected to other cities in the Netherlands and Europe, making it easy to plan day trips to and from the Anne Frank House. Here are the approximate distances from nearby cities:

Rotterdam: About 1 hour by train (80 km).
Utrecht: Around 30 minutes by train (35 km).
The Hague: Approximately 1 hour by train (60 km).
Brussels, Belgium: Around 2 hours by train (200 km).
Paris, France: Approximately 3.5 hours by high-speed train (500 km).

Food Options

After visiting the Anne Frank House, you’ll likely want to sit down for a meal or snack. There are many food options around the museum, catering to various tastes and budgets. Here are some nearby options:

Café de Klos: Known for its delicious ribs and Dutch comfort food, this cozy restaurant is a great spot for a hearty meal after your visit.
Pancake Bakery: Amsterdam is famous for its Dutch pancakes, and this restaurant serves some of the best in the city. Located near the Anne Frank House, it's a great place to try a traditional Dutch pancake.
Bakery ‘t Stoepje: A quaint bakery offering fresh pastries, cakes, and sandwiches. It's perfect for a quick snack or coffee break.
The Hummus Bistro: For a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option, this bistro serves tasty Middle Eastern dishes, including hummus, falafel, and pita bread.

Public Transport Options

Amsterdam has an excellent public transport system that makes it easy to get to the Anne Frank House. Here are the key options:

Tram: Tram line 13 and 17 have stops near the museum, and you can take them from various parts of the city.
Bus: Several bus routes pass near the museum, including bus lines 21, 170, and 147.
Walking: If you’re staying in central Amsterdam, walking to the museum is a pleasant and easy option. The museum is about 15 minutes’ walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station.
Bicycle: Amsterdam is known for being a bike-friendly city, and renting a bike is a great way to get around. Many bike rental shops are located near the Anne Frank House.

Unique Selling Points of the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is unique in many ways, making it a powerful and emotional place to visit. Some of the key selling points of the museum include:

Historical Significance: The museum is located in the very building where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis. The rooms where Anne wrote her famous diary are preserved, offering a rare glimpse into her life.
Interactive Exhibits: The museum features multimedia exhibits that help visitors understand Anne Frank’s story in a deeper way. You can read excerpts from her diary, see photographs, and learn about her family’s life during the war.
Inspiring Story: The story of Anne Frank resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. Her diary is a testament to human resilience, hope, and the importance of standing up for what’s right.
Preserved Hiding Place: The Anne Frank House is one of the few places where you can see a preserved hiding place from the time of the Holocaust. Walking through the secret annex where Anne and her family lived gives visitors a sense of what life was like during that time.

Best Time to Visit

The Anne Frank House is a popular tourist destination, and it can get crowded, especially during the summer months. If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to visit in the early morning or later in the afternoon.

The best time to visit Amsterdam, in general, is during the spring (April to May) or fall (September to October), when the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists. The Anne Frank House is open year-round, so you can visit at any time.

Average Time to Visit

A visit to the Anne Frank House typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The museum is relatively small, but it offers a deeply moving and educational experience. Be sure to take your time as you walk through the rooms where Anne and her family lived and experience the various exhibits.

Contact Information

For more information or to plan your visit, you can contact the Anne Frank House directly:

Phone Number: +31 (0)20 620 2525
Website: www.annefrank.org

The staff at the museum are knowledgeable and can assist with any questions you might have about your visit.

Opening and Closing Hours

The Anne Frank House is open every day of the year, except for major holidays. Here are the general operating hours:

March to October: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
November to February: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Closed on December 25th and January 1st (exceptions may apply during special events)

It's a good idea to check the website for any changes to the hours before your visit.

Menu Options

While there are no restaurants inside the Anne Frank House, you can find various cafés and eateries nearby. Here are some options:

Café Menu: At nearby cafés, you can enjoy coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and other light snacks.
Full Meals: Many restaurants near the museum offer more extensive menus, including Dutch and international cuisine.
Children’s Menu: Some nearby eateries have special kids’ menus with familiar options like pasta, pizza, and sandwiches.