The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum in the heart of Amsterdam dedicated to the life of Jewish teenage diarist Anne Frank. It attracts millions of visitors from around the world and is one of Amsterdam’s most visited attractions.
In this article, you’ll learn more about the Anne Frank House, what to expect during your visit, opening hours and tickets, as well as practical travel tips to help you plan ahead.
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Historical Context: Jews in Amsterdam During WWII
Before World War II, Amsterdam was home to a large and vibrant Jewish community. When the Nazis occupied the Netherlands in 1940, anti-Jewish measures were gradually introduced. Jewish citizens were excluded from public life, forced to register and eventually deported. Of the approximately 140,000 Jews living in the Netherlands before the war, more than 100,000 were murdered.
Anne Frank and her family were among them. The story of Anne Frank is one of the most personal and well-known accounts from this tragic period and helps visitors better understand the wider history behind the house.
About Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is a canal house that was originally built in the 17th century. In the 19th century, the building was used as a warehouse. On December 1, 1940, Otto Frank, Anne’s father, began using the building for his business.
In 1942, after Amsterdam was occupied by the Germans during World War II, Otto Frank moved his family from an apartment in a different part of the city into hiding in the annex at the back of the warehouse of his company, also known as the Secret Annex. When the family went into hiding, the front part of the building (the warehouse and offices) continued operating as usual. Employees worked there during the day. Some of them were trusted helpers to the family and helped supply food and news to the people hiding at the back of the building. This hidden space was concealed behind a movable bookcase at the back of the building. It measured only about 42 m² (450 square feet) and became the family’s home (8 people) for more than two years.
When Anne Frank and her family were discovered and arrested in 1944, their hiding place was left empty. After the arrest, Otto Frank’s employees, Miep Gies and Bep Voskuijl, who had helped hide the family, returned to the Secret Annex and saved several of Anne’s personal belongings, including her diary.
The historic building was preserved and later turned into a museum, which has since become one of Amsterdam’s most important and popular historical attractions.
It’s important to know that the Anne Frank House has been preserved in a very sober and authentic way. The rooms are largely empty, as the intention was to maintain the space exactly as it was found after the family’s arrest. This lack of furnishings is intentional and helps visitors focus on the story rather than recreated interiors.
Things to See at Anne Frank House
During your visit, you can see the original hiding place where Anne Frank and her family lived in secrecy. Several of Anne’s personal belongings are on display, including her famous diary, notebooks and other writings. The Anne Frank House is the actual building where Anne lived in hiding, which makes the experience especially moving.
Keep in mind that the Frank family did not occupy the entire house. They lived only in the hidden rooms of the annex, located behind the main building.
One of the most iconic objects on display is the hinged bookcase that concealed the entrance to the Secret Annex. This bookcase played a crucial role in keeping the hiding place secret during German raids.
You’ll also see Anne Frank’s collection of pictures and postcards, as well as video installations in which people from around the world reflect on Anne Frank’s legacy and the impact of her story.
If you’d like to go beyond the museum and learn more about Amsterdam during World War II and the city’s former Jewish Quarter, we recommend joining an Anne Frank Walking Tour or Anne Frank Bike Tour. These guided tours are led by professional guides and are available in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.
Is Anne Frank House Worth It?
In our opinion, the Anne Frank House is well worth a visit. While the house represents a dark chapter in history, it also tells a powerful story of resilience, courage and hope. You’ll learn how ordinary people risked their lives to protect others and gain insight into a father’s devotion through Otto Frank’s efforts to fulfill Anne’s dream of becoming a published writer.
Travel Planning Tips
Opening Hours
The Anne Frank House is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. There are a few exceptions throughout the year. On certain public holidays, the museum may open later or close earlier. These changes are clearly shown when booking tickets online.
The only day the museum is closed each year is Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday. In 2026, it falls on 21st September, and the museum will be closed on that day.
Tickets & Admission
Tickets for the Anne Frank House are not sold on site and must be booked online in advance. As of 2026, ticket prices are €16.50 for adults, €7.00 for visitors aged 10 to 17.
Due to the museum’s popularity, tickets are limited. On the first Tuesday of each month, tickets for the following six weeks are released. We strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
If you have a Dutch Museum Pass (Museumkaart), admission costs €1.00. Unfortunately, the Anne Frank House is not included in the I amsterdam City Card, so full-price tickets apply.
Best Time to Visit
Due to its popularity and relatively small size, the museum is usually busy. However, because tickets are limited, it never becomes overwhelmingly crowded. Time slots often sell out quickly, although early morning and evening visits tend to be slightly less hectic.
Most visits last around one hour.
How to Get There
Address: Prinsengracht 263. Note that the museum entrance is located around the corner at Westermarkt 20.
- By public transport: The closest tram stop is the Westermarkt stop, a two-minute walk from the museum. Note that From 15th February 2025 to February 2028, there will be no tram running up to the Westermarkt stop. Get down at Dam Square tram stop, a 10-minute walk from the museum.
- On foot: Walking from Amsterdam Central Station to Anne Frank House takes about 20 minutes. From Dam Square, the walk is only 10 minutes.
- By car and parking: We do not recommend driving in Amsterdam when sightseeing. Parking is limited and expensive, and public transport or cycling is usually faster and more convenient. The closest car parks are near Dam Square (e.g. Q-Park Nieuwendijk).
Nearby Attractions
The Anne Frank House is located in the Jordaan district, one of Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhoods. After your visit, consider taking a walk along the nearby canals, visiting the Westerkerk next door or exploring the small cafés and boutiques in the Jordaan district.
FAQ on Anne Frank House
Where is the Anne Frank House?
The Anne Frank House is located in the Jordaan district in central Amsterdam, at Prinsengracht 263. The museum entrance is around the corner at Westermarkt 20, close to tram stops and within walking distance of Amsterdam Central Station.
Is the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam the real house?
Yes. It’s the real house where Anne Frank lived in hiding for two years to escape Nazi persecution during WWII. Please note that since Anne Frank and her family were in hiding, they did not live in the whole house but in its hidden rooms.
What is the Anne Frank House interior like?
The interior of the Anne Frank House is intentionally kept sober and authentic. The rooms in the Secret Annex are unfurnished, just as it was found at their arrest, to reflect the reality of life in hiding. Visitors walk through the original spaces where Anne and her family lived, alongside exhibitions with personal objects, photographs and historical context.
What to expect at Anne Frank House?
Anne Frank’s original diary, journals and letters.
The hinged bookcase used as a secret door to the Secret Annex.
Photographs, postcards and personal artifacts.
Video exhibitions explaining Anne Frank’s life and impact.
How long is the Anne Frank House visit?
A visit usually lasts one hour.
Are photos allowed inside the Anne Frank House?
No, photography and filming are not allowed inside the Anne Frank House. This rule helps preserve the museum’s atmosphere and protects the historical objects on display. Photography is allowed outside the building.
Is the Anne Frank House included in the I amsterdam City Card?
Unfortunately, the Anne Frank House is not included in the I amsterdam City Card’s list of attractions.
What to do if Anne Frank House tickets are unavailable?
Because the Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions, tickets often sell out weeks in advance. If your desired date is fully booked, don’t worry, there may still be options. First, check the museum’s official ticket page frequently, as additional timeslots can be released or canceled tickets may become available. Be flexible with your visiting hours and consider a timeslot in the early morning or late afternoon, when demand is often lower and last-minute availability is more likely. Finally, consider booking an Anne Frank walking or bike tour, some of which include skip-the-line entry (check the tour details carefully).
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