Private Tour: Anne Frank Walking Tour of Amsterdam

Explore the Heart of Anne Frank’s Childhood in Amsterdam

The Private Tour: Anne Frank Walking Tour of Amsterdam offers an intimate look into the early life of one of history’s most iconic figures. Priced at $179.25 per person, this 2-hour private experience is perfect for those interested in understanding Anne Frank’s background beyond the famous attic. Starting at Merwedeplein, the tour guides you through the neighborhood where Anne lived before going into hiding, with stops at her family home, her school, and the bookstore where she purchased her diary. It’s a personalized journey led by a private guide, allowing you to set your own pace and dive deep into her formative years.

While the tour does not include access to the Anne Frank House Museum itself, it provides valuable context about Anne’s childhood environment. This tour suits visitors who want a meaningful, tailored experience that complements a visit to the Anne Frank House or those who prefer exploring less crowded, more personal sites associated with her early life.

Key Points

• Private, customizable walking experience lasting around 2 hours
• Visit Anne Frank’s family home, her school, and the bookstore where she bought her diary
• Led by a knowledgeable private guide providing personalized commentary
• Tour starts at Merwedeplein and ends at the same meeting point
• Coffee and tea included, but no entrance to the Anne Frank House
• Suitable for most travelers with good walking shoes

Starting Point at Merwedeplein: Meeting Your Private Guide

The tour begins at Merwedeplein 61, where you’ll meet your private guide next to the Anne Frank Statue. This meeting spot is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to access from central Amsterdam. The private nature of the tour ensures that only your group participates, allowing for a more relaxed and tailored experience compared to larger group tours.

Travelers can confirm their booking immediately, with options for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so bringing good walking shoes and appropriate attire is recommended.

Visiting Anne Frank’s School and the Walls with Diary Excerpts

One of the highlights is walking past the school where Anne Frank attended, with diary excerpts displayed on its walls. This gives a tangible connection to her daily life and education. The guide explains her experiences at school, giving insights into her childhood personality and environment. The school stop allows a deeper understanding of her formative years, setting the stage for her later life in hiding.

This stop is especially meaningful for those interested in personal stories and the environment that shaped Anne. It offers a quieter, less commercialized perspective compared to the famous Anne Frank House Museum.

The Bookstore Where Anne Bought Her Diary

Another key site is the bookstore where Anne Frank purchased her famous diary. The guide shares stories about her selection of the journal, and visitors get to see the shop’s exterior. This connection point humanizes her story, emphasizing her youthful curiosity and love of writing.

While the tour does not include inside access to the bookstore, seeing this location helps to contextualize her story and the significance of her diary in her life and history.

The Frank Family’s Past Residence: A Window into Their Life

Walking by the Frank family home, the tour reveals the neighborhood where Anne spent her childhood. The guide offers background on the Frank family’s life in Amsterdam-Zuid, their daily routines, and how the community around them was affected during WWII. This stop provides a more personal view of Anne’s early environment before her family went into hiding.

Travelers appreciate the personalized commentary provided here, which enriches the experience and helps connect the dots between her childhood and her later writings.

The Personalized, Flexible Tour Experience

Unlike larger group tours, this private tour allows you to set your own pace and focus on the sites that interest you most. The guide’s commentary is tailored to your questions and preferences, making the tour more engaging and relevant.

The tour is designed to be humanizing and educational, offering both historical facts and personal stories about Anne Frank’s early life. It’s suitable for most visitors who enjoy walking and want a deeper understanding of her childhood environment.

Practicalities and Logistics for a Smooth Experience

The tour starts and ends at Merwedeplein, with clear instructions for meeting your guide. It does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, and food is not provided, but coffee and tea are included at the start or end of the tour.

Since there are no entrance tickets to the Anne Frank House Museum included, this tour is best combined with a visit to the museum itself if desired. The activity is accessible in all weather conditions, and most travelers can participate comfortably. It’s advisable to wear good walking shoes because of the areas covered.

How This Tour Differentiates Itself from Visiting the Anne Frank House

This walking tour focuses exclusively on the places Anne Frank knew in her childhood, without entering the Anne Frank House Museum. Some reviewers mention that it provides additional context and humanizes her story more than a standard visit to the museum.

However, others note the importance of managing expectations, as it does not include access to the attic or interior of the house. It’s a complementary experience that enhances understanding but does not replace the museum visit.

The Guide’s Role and Quality

The private guide plays a central role in this experience, offering personalized stories and insights. Many reviews praise guides like Daphne and Esther, describing them as knowledgeable, personable, and excellent storytellers. Guests often comment on their ability to bring history to life and answer questions thoroughly.

One review highlights that their guide, Renada, was an absolute sweetheart who provided an interesting and informative presentation about the Nazi infiltration of Amsterdam and the Frank family’s history.

Potential Downsides and Critical Feedback

Some reviews mention confusing directions or difficulty in locating the meeting point, which can lead to missed tours. For example, one group was unable to find the meeting point at the Anne Frank Statue and was disappointed. It’s crucial to follow the provided instructions carefully.

Others have expressed dissatisfaction when the tour was misleadingly described or when guides spent too much time on unrelated topics. It’s important to clarify that entrance to the Anne Frank House Museum is not included, which could be a disappointment for some.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most

This private walking tour is ideal for those who want a personalized, in-depth look at Anne Frank’s early life, especially if they prefer off-the-beaten-path locations. It suits history enthusiasts and families seeking a more humanized story without the crowds of the museum.

It’s also a good option for visitors who already plan to visit the Anne Frank House Museum and want additional context about her childhood environment.

Final Words on the Private Anne Frank Walking Tour

The Private Tour of Anne Frank’s early life in Amsterdam offers a thoughtful alternative or complement to visiting the Anne Frank House. Its strength lies in the personalized guidance, fascinating stops, and the chance to learn about the pre-hiding life of Anne Frank in a relaxed setting.

While it doesn’t include inside access to the famous attic, it provides meaningful background about her childhood neighborhood, school, and early diary purchase, making it a valuable experience for those interested in her personal story.

Most importantly, the tour is well-suited for those who appreciate guided storytelling and want a more intimate exploration of Anne Frank’s life in Amsterdam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include a visit to the Anne Frank House Museum?
No, it only shows the area where Anne Frank grew up. Entrance tickets to the museum are not included.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at Merwedeplein 61 in Amsterdam, with the guide meeting you at the Anne Frank Statue.

What is included in the tour?
A private guide and coffee and/or tea are included. Entrance to the museum and food are not.

Is the tour suitable for all weather?
Yes, the tour operates in all weather conditions. Proper walking shoes are recommended.

Can I customize the tour?
Yes, being a private tour, it allows you to set your own pace and focus on the sites that interest you most.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
Most travelers can participate, but good walking shoes are recommended. No specific accessibility info is provided.

How do I cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time. Less than that, the full amount is non-refundable.

Who operates the tour?
The tour is provided by HTG Services.

What if I get lost or need help?
An emergency contact number is provided, but some reviews note that it may not always be operational. It’s best to follow directions carefully.

Would you recommend this tour?
Yes, especially for those seeking a personalized experience and a deeper understanding of Anne Frank’s childhood environment.