Anne Frank Tour

Amsterdam’s Jewish history began long before Anne Frank put her thoughts to paper.

On our tour, you will learn why Jewish communities sought refuge in Amsterdam at the end of the 16th century and how, over the years, they profoundly shaped the city’s appearance and character.

During the Dutch “Golden Age”, Jewish merchants and traders helped turn Amsterdam into one of Europe’s wealthiest trading cities. It was during this period that the Jodenbuurt – the Jewish Quarter with the famous “Jewish Triangle” – came into being.

Travel into Amsterdam’s Jewish past

Your tour begins at the Anne Frank Monument, just around the corner from the famous Anne Frank House by the Westerkerk – a church to which Anne felt a special connection.

As you walk through Amsterdam’s historic centre, you will pass several of the city’s most important landmarks that are closely linked to its Jewish history. Your guide will explain how greatly the Jewish community contributed to shaping the Amsterdam we see today.

You will explore the Jewish Quarter, where most of Amsterdam’s Jewish population once settled, and hear fascinating stories about why the community chose to live in this particular area. Jews were not the only residents here, however – the famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn also lived in the heart of the neighbourhood.

During the tour you will see the Portuguese Synagogue, Amsterdam’s Stolpersteine (stumbling stones) and memorials commemorating the horrors of the Second World War. You will hear moving stories about the events that took place in Amsterdam and the Netherlands during this time, and learn how both Jews and non-Jews risked their own lives to save others. You will also discover how the Jewish community lives in multicultural Amsterdam today.

Important information regarding your Anne Frank Tour

Please note that this tour does not include entry to the Anne Frank House. Today it is extremely difficult to obtain tickets, as the building is simply too small for the large number of visitors from around the world.

However, our tour is ideal for those who were unable to get tickets, as well as for visitors who have already been to the Anne Frank House and would like to explore the wider context of Jewish life in Amsterdam.

Our tour focuses not only on Anne Frank’s life, but also on Jewish life before and after the Holocaust, making it particularly suitable for school groups. You do not need to have read Anne Frank’s diary in order to follow the tour.

We look forward to welcoming you!