Anne Frank Story and Neighborhood Small-Group Walking Tour

Explore Anne Frank’s Childhood Neighborhood in an Intimate Group Setting

The Anne Frank Story and Neighborhood Small-Group Walking Tour offers a focused journey through the streets where Anne Frank spent her early years in Amsterdam. Priced at $45.68 per person, this 1-hour 30-minute tour is ideal for those interested in her life before she went into hiding. With a small group capped at 15 travelers, the experience provides a personal, engaging way to learn about her family, her environment, and the local history that shaped her story.

This tour is particularly appealing for visitors who want more context around Anne Frank beyond the well-known diary. It covers key locations from her childhood, including her family’s residence, school, favorite ice cream spot, and the bookstore where her father bought her diary. While it does not include entry to the Anne Frank House itself, it deepens understanding of her early environment and the neighborhood that influenced her.

Practical Details: Starting Point and Tour Duration

The tour begins at Merwedeplein 61 at 2:30 pm, with all logistics handled via a mobile ticket for ease of access. The overall duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable addition to a day of sightseeing. The small group format ensures a more personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities for questions and interaction with the guide.

Participants should note that the tour involves walking around the neighborhood, visiting various locations at a relaxed pace. It is suitable for most travelers, although not recommended for those with walking difficulties. The tour is conveniently located near public transportation options, helping visitors plan their route efficiently.

Key Points

• Focused visit to Anne Frank’s childhood neighborhood in Amsterdam
• Includes stops at her family’s former residence and local sites
• Led by a professional guide with in-depth knowledge of Anne Frank’s early life
• Small group size for a more intimate experience
• Price of $45.68 per person, with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Tour duration approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, perfect for a half-day activity

Discovering the Starting Point at Merwedeplein 61

The tour kicks off at Merwedeplein 61, where the guide welcomes guests and sets the tone for the journey into Anne Frank’s early life. The meeting point is near public transportation, making it easy to access from various parts of Amsterdam. Starting here, the guide begins by explaining the neighborhood context and what life was like during Anne’s childhood.

From this initial step, the focus is on providing a personalized narrative that situates visitors in the environment Anne knew before her family went into hiding. The small group size ensures that questions can be answered comfortably, creating a welcoming atmosphere to learn more about this historic area.

Visiting the Family’s Home at Merwedeplein 37

A key highlight is Merwedeplein 37, where Anne Frank lived with her family before escaping into hiding. This location is free to visit during the tour, and the guide emphasizes history, architecture, and the significance of the residence in Anne’s life.

Standing outside this residence gives a tangible sense of where Anne grew up, and the guide provides insights into her family life and daily routines before the Nazi occupation. This stop helps visitors visualize her childhood environment and understand how her early years laid the foundation for her later diary.

Exploring Anne’s School at Jekerstraat 16

Next, the tour visits Jekerstraat 16, the school attended by Margot Frank, Anne’s older sister. This Jewish school is another free stop that highlights the educational environment Anne experienced. The guide discusses her schooling, friendships, and the cultural backdrop of her early years.

Walking through this site, visitors gain a clearer picture of Anne’s social life and the community she was part of. It’s a simple but meaningful stop that connects her personal story with the broader Jewish history in Amsterdam.

Visiting the Former Ice Cream Spot at Geleenstraat 1

The Geleenstraat 1 location was once home to a popular ice cream salon frequented by Anne and her friends. Though the ice cream shop no longer exists, the building now houses a Japanese and Peruvian restaurant, where the owner painted a large portrait of Anne on the wall.

This stop captures a more personal, everyday aspect of Anne’s life—her favorite treats and leisure moments. The guide shares stories about her visits here, adding depth to her youthful experiences in the neighborhood.

Learning About Anne’s School at Niersstraat 41-43

The former 6th Montessori school at Niersstraat 41-43 represents another educational chapter in Anne’s life. This free stop offers context about her schooling and the academic environment she was part of before her family went into hiding.

Understanding where Anne learned and played helps paint a fuller picture of her childhood, making her later experiences more relatable and humanized.

The Bookstore Where Anne’s Diary Was Bought at Rooseveltlaan 62

A visit to Rooseveltlaan 62 highlights the bookstore where Anne’s father purchased her diary. This location is important because it connects directly to her most famous work and the family’s personal history.

The guide describes the significance of this site and its role in Anne’s life, emphasizing the personal connection between her family and the neighborhood’s literary history. It’s a meaningful stop that links her childhood to her enduring legacy.

The Synagogue at Lekstraat 61

At Lekstraat 61, visitors see the synagogue where Jews in the neighborhood bought the stars they wore for identification. This site illustrates the Jewish community’s presence and the increasing restrictions before the family went into hiding.

The guide explains the synagogue’s role in local Jewish life and how it fits into the broader historical context of Anne’s neighborhood during that time.

Visiting the House of Miep Gies at Hunzestraat 28

The tour concludes with Hunze straat 28, the home of Miep Gies, one of the helpers who assisted the Frank family during their time in hiding. As a key figure in the story, her house offers insight into the network of support behind Anne Frank.

The guide shares stories about Miep Gies’s efforts and her importance in preserving Anne’s diary, adding a human touch to the historical narrative.

Tour Closure and Reflection at Merwedeplein 61

The tour wraps up back at Merwedeplein 61, where participants can reflect on what they have learned. The guide answers remaining questions and offers further context about Anne Frank’s legacy, rounding out an engaging and informative experience.

Additional Features and Practicalities

Included in the tour are a professional guide, all taxes, fees, and handling charges, and a small group setting that fosters a more personalized experience. The tour does not include entrance tickets to the Anne Frank House but complements a visit to the museum with contextual neighborhood insights.

The tour is scheduled for 2:30 pm, allowing for a relaxed afternoon exploration. It’s suitable for most travelers, with the exception of those with walking difficulties. The maximum group size of 15 ensures a comfortable and interactive environment.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This walking tour appeals especially to those who want to understand Anne Frank’s early years and her neighborhood environment in depth. It’s perfect for visitors seeking a personalized, relaxed pace and who are interested in local architecture, Jewish history, and everyday life in Amsterdam’s Jewish quarter during the 1930s.

While it does not include entry to the Anne Frank House, it offers valuable contextual knowledge that enriches any visit to the city’s most iconic story.

The Sum Up: A Thoughtful, Personal Journey into Anne Frank’s Childhood

The Anne Frank Story and Neighborhood Small-Group Walking Tour offers a focused look into the early life of one of history’s most well-known figures. Its affordable price point, intimate group size, and well-chosen stops make it a compelling choice for visitors interested in her personal story beyond the museum.

While it doesn’t cover the hiding place itself, the tour provides rich insights into her neighborhood, family, and community, making her story more tangible. It’s best suited for those who want a more nuanced understanding of Anne Frank’s environment and who appreciate personalized guided discussions.

Overall, it’s a highly rated experience that balances history, personal connection, and local culture, creating a meaningful addition to any Amsterdam itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include entrance tickets to the Anne Frank House?
No, the tour does not include entrance tickets to the Anne Frank House. It focuses on her childhood neighborhood and related sites.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Merwedeplein 61 and ends back at the same location.

Is the tour suitable for people with walking difficulties?
It is not recommended for people with walking problems due to the walking involved.

What is the group size limit?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for outdoor walking through the neighborhood.

Is this tour appropriate for children?
Most travelers can participate, making it suitable for families, though age-specific considerations are not specified.

Are there any food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Can I book this tour in advance?
Yes, booking typically occurs 42 days in advance on average.