World War II in Amsterdam Private Guided Tour

If you’re interested in understanding how World War II shaped Amsterdam, this private guided tour offers a detailed look at the city’s wartime history. Priced at $227 per person, it provides options for 2 or 4 hours to explore key sites with the expertise of a history guide fluent in your language of choice. Starting next to the Anne Frank House, this tour takes you through Amsterdam’s Old Town, revealing stories of Jewish persecution, resistance, and liberation.

What makes this tour especially appealing is its flexible duration—whether you choose the 2-hour option or the extended 4-hour experience, you gain a nuanced understanding of the wartime events that affected the city. The 4-hour tour goes further by including a visit to the Jewish Historical Museum, with skip-the-line tickets included, making it an educational highlight. Though the tour is private and tailored to your pace, keep in mind that the Jewish Museum tickets are only included in the longer option.

Key Points

• Private guided tour in Amsterdam’s Old Town focusing on WWII history and Jewish persecution
• Tour prices start at $227 per person with options for 2 or 4 hours
• Expert guide fluent in multiple languages, including English and Dutch
• The 2-hour tour covers highlights like Anne Frank’s house, the National Monument, and the Homomonument
• The 4-hour tour includes a visit to the Jewish Historical Museum with skip-the-line tickets
• Meets next to the Anne Frank Monument at Westermarkt 74

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point Next to the Anne Frank House

The tour begins next to the Anne Frank Monument at Westermarkt 74. This central location offers immediate access to one of the most symbolic sites of WWII in Amsterdam. The guide, knowledgeable and fluent in your chosen language, leads the way through the Old Town streets, providing context and stories at each stop. The meeting point is easy to find and convenient for those staying in or near the city center.

The starting point’s proximity to the Anne Frank House allows for a seamless transition into the tour’s historical narrative. It also means you can dive straight into the story of one of the most famous victims of Nazi persecution. The tour ends back at this same spot, making it simple to plan your day afterward.

Exploring the Old Town’s WWII Sites in 2 Hours

The 2-hour private tour offers a focused look at Amsterdam’s wartime history. The guide takes you on a walking route that highlights sites like the Homomonument, which commemorates the persecution of homosexuals during WWII, and the Magna Plaza, which served as a post office during the occupation.

In the heart of Dam Square, you’ll see the National Monument and learn about the 1945 shooting that took place just two days after German capitulation. The final stop features the Hotel Sofitel Legend The Grand, which served as the City Hall when German troops arrived in 1940. Throughout this walk, the guide explains how Amsterdam was affected by the occupation, resistance, and eventual liberation.

While the 2-hour tour covers many important sites, it does not include the Jewish Museum unless you opt for the 4-hour version.

The Extended 4-Hour Tour with Jewish Museum Visit

Opting for the 4-hour experience unlocks additional layers of history. You visit the Jewish Quarter and see monuments like the Monument to Jewish Resistance and the National Holocaust Names Monument. The skip-the-line tickets to the Jewish Historical Museum are included, allowing quick entry into its extensive exhibits.

This museum showcases stories from the Holocaust and explores Jewish life in the Netherlands during WWII. The combined visits provide a comprehensive understanding of the persecution, resistance efforts, and resilience of the Jewish community during the war. The tour offers a deep dive into both public monuments and personal stories, making it ideal for those wanting a thorough overview.

The extended tour respects the pace of the group, allowing ample time at each site without feeling rushed.

Visiting WWII Monuments and Resistance Sites

Throughout the tour, you’ll see several key monuments dedicated to victims and heroes of WWII. The National Monument in Dam Square commemorates those who lost their lives, while the Dokwerker Memorial honors the February strike, a symbolic act of protest against Jewish deportations.

The Monument to Jewish Resistance and the Names Monument in the Jewish Quarter highlight the courage and sacrifice of Dutch Jews during the occupation. The Homomonument along the route pays tribute to persecuted homosexuals. These sites are carefully explained by your guide, offering insights into their significance and the stories behind them.

More Great Tours Nearby

Stories of Anne Frank and Her House

The Anne Frank House remains the central focus of the tour’s opening, where a young Jewish girl hid from the Nazis and recorded her thoughts in her famous diary. Although the tour does not include a visit inside the house unless you choose the 4-hour option with skip-the-line tickets, the monument outside and the surrounding neighborhood tell a powerful story of survival and persecution.

The guide shares true stories about Anne Frank, her family, and the broader context of Jewish life in the city during the war. This creates a vivid understanding of the personal impact of the occupation that is both moving and educational.

Visiting the Jewish Historical Museum

The Jewish Museum is a key highlight of the 4-hour tour. The skip-the-line tickets allow you to bypass long queues and explore the permanent exhibition dedicated to Holocaust history and Jewish culture in the Netherlands.

Inside, you’ll find exhibits that deepen your understanding of Jewish resistance, deportations, and survivors’ stories. The museum’s collection offers a nuanced perspective on life during WWII, complementing the outdoor monuments and street stories you encounter during the tour.

Logistics and Group Details

This is a private tour designed to accommodate groups of up to 15 people comfortably, with larger groups requiring additional guides. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs. You can reserve and pay later, offering flexibility in planning your trip.

The tour operates with an expert guide, fluent in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, ensuring clear, informative commentary. Check your email the day before for important information and instructions.

Why Choose This WWII Tour in Amsterdam

This tour’s strength lies in its focus on both public monuments and personal stories, giving a well-rounded understanding of Amsterdam’s wartime history. The private guide ensures a tailored experience, and the skip-the-line tickets for the Jewish Museum** make the longer tour more seamless.

The 2-hour option provides an excellent overview, perfect for those with limited time or a general interest, while the 4-hour option is ideal for visitors wanting to explore Jewish history in depth. The price of $227 is fair considering the private guidance, access to significant sites, and in the longer version, the museum tickets.

For history enthusiasts or those interested in WWII’s impact on Amsterdam, this tour offers a compelling, educational experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for visitors with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides are fluent in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

Are tickets to the Jewish Museum included?
Tickets are included only in the 4-hour tour option. The 2-hour tour does not include museum tickets.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins next to the Anne Frank Monument at Westermarkt 74 and finishes at the same location.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is the group size?
The tour is a private experience for groups of up to 15 people, with larger groups requiring additional guides.

This World War II in Amsterdam Private Guided Tour offers a detailed, personal look at the city’s wartime history, ideal for those looking to connect the stories of the past with specific sites in the city. Whether opting for the shorter overview or the more detailed museum visit, this tour delivers a thorough and engaging experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby