Anne Frank Story & Private 2-Hour Neighborhood Tour

A Personal Journey Through Anne Frank’s Amsterdam Neighborhood

Thinking about visiting Anne Frank’s world? This private 2-hour tour takes you on a walk through South Amsterdam, away from the crowds at the museum, into the neighborhood where Anne spent her childhood. For about $176 per person, you’ll meet your guide at Merwedeplein 61, a quiet corner marked by a statue of Anne Frank, and explore the streets and landmarks that shaped her early years.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the chance to see where Anne played, went to school, and grew up—a perspective often missed in the busy museum queues. We especially appreciated the personalized attention of the guide, who brought Anne’s story to life with local insights and stories that books sometimes overlook. Plus, the tour offers an authentic neighborhood experience, giving a different view of Amsterdam’s residential side.

A possible consideration is that this tour does not include entry to the Anne Frank House, so if stepping inside her hiding place is your top priority, you’ll need to book a separate ticket. Also, since it’s about exploring the neighborhood rather than the museum itself, it’s best suited for those interested in contextual history or seeking a quieter, more relaxed experience.

This tour would be ideal for travelers who want an in-depth, personal look at Anne Frank’s life before her hiding, especially if you enjoy local neighborhoods, history, and storytelling. It’s perfect for those looking for a more intimate and less crowded experience beyond the typical museum visit.

Personalized Guided Experience: Led by knowledgeable guides who bring Anne Frank’s story to life.
Authentic Neighborhood Visit: Explore the area where Anne Frank spent her childhood, away from the crowds.
Focus on Context: Learn about her early life, her friends, and the community she grew up in.
Not a Museum Entry: This tour doesn’t include access to the Anne Frank House, so plan separately if needed.
Relaxed Pace: A 2-hour walk that allows plenty of time for questions and local insights.
Value for History Enthusiasts: Well-rated for informative commentary and authentic storytelling.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

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Starting Point: Merwedeplein 61

Your journey begins at Merwedeplein 61, a quaint spot on the corner of Merwedeplein and Biesboschstraat—an area not on the typical tourist path. Here, you’ll meet your guide, who’s usually a local expert eager to share detailed stories about Anne’s childhood. The meeting point is marked by a statue of Anne Frank holding her bag and schoolbooks, a charming landmark that sets the tone for the walk ahead.

Walking Through Anne’s Childhood Streets

Once assembled, the tour takes you through the quiet streets of Amsterdam South, a neighborhood that exudes a calm, residential charm. This part of the city offers a stark contrast to central Amsterdam’s busier streets, providing a more relaxed, authentic vibe.

Your guide will point out the homes Anne lived in, her schools, and the places she frequented as a young girl. These locations, while not grand monuments, are vivid reminders of her everyday life. Many reviewers praised guides like Saskia or Willem for their passion and depth of knowledge, which makes the history come alive. One reviewer noted that “our guide, Willem, was clearly passionate about his subject,” adding extra layers of narrative and context.

The Stories Behind the Streets

Your guide will narrate the story of Anne’s childhood in Amsterdam, weaving in details about Dutch life during the 1930s and 40s, and how the city’s social fabric shaped her experiences. They might share anecdotes about her school days, her friends, or the neighborhood’s character, providing a personalized, human touch to her story.

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What You Won’t See: The Hiding Place

It’s important to remember that this tour does not include the Anne Frank House itself. Ticketing for the museum is handled separately and must be purchased online well in advance (up to two months). This means you won’t go inside the secret annex, but you will gain a deeper understanding of her early life in Amsterdam.

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Behind the Scenes: The Diary’s Journey

The guide will also tell the story of how Anne’s diary was saved, how Miep Gies handed it to Otto Frank after the war, and how it became one of the most important documents of WWII. One reviewer remarked appreciating the storytelling of how the diary was published and its significance, which adds emotional depth to the experience.

End of Tour and Reflection

The tour concludes back at the starting point. Many guests appreciated this easy, unhurried walk, with some noting it was a good way to see a part of Amsterdam they might not otherwise explore. The opportunity to chat with the guide about related topics, such as WWII history or Dutch culture, is an added bonus.

Practical Details and Tips for Travelers

Duration, Group Size, and Price

At two hours, this tour offers a manageable, leisurely pace—not rushed, with plenty of time for questions. It’s a private experience, so your group size is limited, ensuring personalized attention. While the price of $176 per person might seem steep, considering the level of detail, a private guide, and the tailored experience, many find it offers good value—especially for history buffs or those seeking a more intimate look at Anne Frank’s life.

Meeting Point and Getting There

The meeting point is at a quiet neighborhood spot, reachable by taxi or tram (lines 4-12, stop: Waalstraat). This is about a 30-minute journey from the Anne Frank House, so plan your transport accordingly. The location’s peaceful surroundings provide a stark contrast to crowded museum queues, making the start of your journey much more relaxed.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your fee includes the private guide and a cup of coffee, perfect for warming up and settling into the walk. Tickets to the Anne Frank House are not included, so if stepping inside her world is your goal, book those separately online well in advance. The tour does not include hotel pickup, so plan your arrival at the meeting spot independently.

Accessibility and Comfort

Comfortable shoes are recommended, given the walking involved. The tour is suitable for most ages and mobility levels, but check with the provider if you have specific needs.

Authentic Experiences, Real Insights

From reviews, it’s clear that guides like Robert and Saskia are appreciated for their knowledge and caring approach. One reviewer mentioned that her guide went “beyond the tour”, offering support and extra tips after the walk—something that makes the experience feel truly personal.

The tour’s strength lies in its ability to connect visitors with the local neighborhood and Anne’s personal story. Instead of just reading about history, you get to see the streets and hear the stories directly from someone who knows the area well.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This private tour is best suited for travelers interested in personal stories, local neighborhoods, and Holocaust history. If you’re looking for a peaceful, detailed, and personal exploration of Anne Frank’s early life, this experience offers a meaningful alternative to the crowded museum. It’s particularly good for those who want an authentic snapshot of her childhood environment and appreciate guided storytelling.

While it’s not a substitute for the Anne Frank House visit, it provides valuable context and a more relaxed pace. Perfect for travelers who prefer their history served in a conversational, story-driven way, with plenty of space for questions and reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include entrance tickets to the Anne Frank House?
No, the tour does not include tickets. You need to purchase those separately online, ideally two months in advance, to guarantee entry.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable and relaxed experience with ample time for questions.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Merwedeplein 61, a quiet neighborhood spot in Amsterdam South, around 30 minutes from the museum.

Is this a private guide experience?
Yes, it’s a private guide for your group, ensuring personalized storytelling and attention.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee includes a personal guide and a cup of coffee. Tickets to the Anne Frank House are not included.

How do I get to the meeting point?
You can reach it easily by taxi or tram (lines 4-12, stop: Waalstraat).

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, it’s suitable for most ages, but comfortable shoes are recommended. Check with the provider if you have mobility concerns.

Will I see Anne Frank’s actual house or hiding place?
No, this tour focuses on her childhood neighborhood; the secret annex is part of the Anne Frank House, which requires separate tickets.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s flexibility to reserve now and pay later.

Is the tour conducted in multiple languages?
Yes, guides are available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Dutch.

This Anne Frank neighborhood tour offers a thoughtful, authentic experience that deepens your understanding of her early life, beyond what the museum can provide. If you’re a history lover, enjoy local stories, and want a quieter, more personal encounter with Amsterdam’s past, this could be a perfect fit.