The Anne Frank House is one of the most moving museums in Europe, and one of the hardest tickets to get in Amsterdam. Here’s how to get one without stress.
Official tickets: annefrank.orgHow tickets work
The museum limits the number of visitors per time slot to keep the small rooms bearable and the visit respectful. Each ticket is for one date and time. Some visits start with an introductory programme, a short talk on the background, which is especially worth it if you’re visiting with teenagers. See the ticket page for current options, prices and the release schedule.
If it’s sold out
- Check again regularly. Returned or cancelled tickets come back on sale.
- Be flexible on time. Early morning and evening slots are often the last to go.
- Do the history walk instead. A guided walk through the Jordaan and the former Jewish Quarter tells the story outside the museum. Combine it with the National Holocaust Names Memorial and the Jewish Museum. You don’t need an Anne Frank House ticket for these.
What to expect inside
You’ll walk through the front house, where Otto Frank’s business was, and past the movable bookcase into the Secret Annex, where eight people hid for more than two years. The rooms are empty, at Otto Frank’s request, with quotes, photos and the original diary on display. The visit is quiet and emotional. Plan some time afterwards: a walk along the Prinsengracht or a coffee in the Jordaan.
Practical info
- Address: Westermarkt, on the Prinsengracht, next to the Westerkerk.
- Getting there: tram to Westermarkt or a 15–20 minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal.
- Accessibility: the historic house has narrow, steep stairs, and the Secret Annex isn’t wheelchair-accessible. Check the museum’s accessibility page for alternatives.
- Bags: large bags and suitcases aren’t allowed.
It’s in day 1 of our 3-day Amsterdam itinerary, along with the canal ring.