Amsterdam at the Herengracht ()
As youngsters, many of us read “The Diary of Anne Frank” in school and wondered about how strange it would be to live in hiding. We then essentially carried on with our days, without a further thought to the matter. As adults, understanding the tragedy that was occurring in Amsterdam and around Europe during WWII is an entirely different story. Though it is nice to travel purely for pleasure, it is also important to take the opportunity living in Europe presents to learn a little bit more about the world’s history. A trip to the Anne Frank House is an eye-opening experience you won’t soon forget. Here are a few things to know before you travel to this historic area.
Tickets are available online only and are for certain dates and times. Eighty percent of tickets are released exactly two months before their admission date. The remainder of the tickets are released on the website the day of. Unfortunately, the demand for tickets often exceeds tickets available. It is advised that you get your ticket with plenty of time to spare, with holidays and weekends being most popular. Up to 14 tickets can be purchased at once. Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded and are non-transferable to another date and time. Admission prices are 10 euros for adults, 5 euros for children ages 10 - 17 and free for children ages 0 - 9. There is a .50 euro booking fee for each ticket.
Opening hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Exceptions are listed on the website. Please research openings dates and times prior to travel.
For an introductory program about the history of Anne Frank, before you enter the museum, there is an optional 30-minute presentation you can book. It is in English and is five additional euros per person. You can purchase tickets that include the program. Be sure to arrive five minutes early.
There are many flights of steep stairs in the museum. If you have limited mobility, it may be difficult to climb the steps. Visitors using a wheelchair can only visit the modern part of the museum. Disabled patrons can park at Westermarkt.
Guide dogs are not allowed inside the museum.
Audio tours are available for the visually impaired. Hearing-impaired visitors can find written versions of the audio tour at the entrance.
There is no room for luggage storage. Coats, bags, umbrellas and strollers can be checked at the cloakroom.
The museum cafe is available to ticket holders only and has various snacks and drinks.
The museum shop has a variety of trinkets. Proceeds go to the conservation of the museum and toward the museum’s educational activities.
Photography is not allowed.
Opening hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Exceptions are listed on the website. Please research openings dates and times prior to travel.
Take the stress out of visiting a new place by preparing and knowing the rules before you go. Planning on hitting the museum right before your flight with all of your luggage in tow? That’s probably not a good idea. Thinking a last-minute tour is for you? Better check for tickets online first. With all this knowledge in tow, you’re sure to have a pleasant experience (at least logistically) at the Anne Frank House.
