Amsterdam: Anne Frank House Walk & Jewish Quarter Tour

Summary

Walk Amsterdam’s Jewish quarter hearing wartime stories seeing Anne Frank House and synagogues with a local guide

You’ll walk Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter with a local guide, hear stories behind hidden doors and wartime resistance, taste proper Dutch apple pie with coffee or tea, and stand outside the Anne Frank House as church bells ring nearby. There’s laughter mixed with heavier moments — and you’ll leave feeling like you’ve actually touched some part of history yourself.

What’s the experience like?

We started by the Portuguese Synagogue — it’s hard to miss, honestly, all those old bricks and the way the morning light hits them. Our guide, Jeroen, was already waiting, waving us over with this big grin. He pointed out a little detail on the doorframe I never would’ve noticed (something about how families marked their homes). The air smelled faintly of rain and bread from somewhere nearby. It was quieter than I expected for Amsterdam.

Walking through the Jewish quarter, we passed the Hortus Botanicus — not that I’m a plant expert or anything, but it looked peaceful behind those gates. Jeroen told us about families hiding in places you’d never imagine — even at ARTIS Zoo. At one point he paused by Wertheimpark, where there’s this Auschwitz memorial made of broken mirrors. I caught my own reflection in one; it felt strange and heavy for a second. The main keyword here is “Anne Frank tour Amsterdam,” but really it’s about all these small stories layered into the city.

I didn’t expect to laugh much on a day trip about such serious history, but when we stopped for apple pie (apparently “the best in town,” according to Jeroen), he teased me for not knowing how to say “slagroom” (whipped cream). The café was warm inside and smelled like cinnamon — I still think about that taste sometimes. After that we walked toward Dam Square, past people on bikes ringing their bells (I nearly got run over twice), then finally to Westerkerk where you can hear the bells Anne wrote about. They actually do chime every 15 minutes — louder than you’d think.

The Anne Frank House itself is smaller than I imagined from all those photos. We couldn’t go inside (tickets are tricky unless you book far ahead), but standing there with the canal right beside us and hearing Jeroen talk about the neighborhood made it feel real enough. He showed us how close everything was — school, church, hiding place — all within a few blocks. If you don’t get tickets in time they do this virtual reality thing instead; not quite the same but better than missing out completely.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Jewish history and Anne Frank sites

• Start at Portuguese Synagogue
• See four synagogues near Jewish Museum
• Hear about 1941 February strike
• Pass Hortus Botanicus botanical garden
• Visit Auschwitz Memorial in Wertheimpark
• Wander through Plantage neighborhood
• Learn about hiding in Amsterdam Zoo
• Enter Holocaust memorial with names
• Walk over Dam Square and see palace
• Walk around Westerkerk church and tower
• View Anne Frank House from outside

Top questions

How long is the Anne Frank & Jewish History tour?

The walking tour covers about 2 kilometers (1.5 miles) and typically lasts around 2-3 hours.

Does this tour include entry to Anne Frank House?

If booked more than 7 weeks in advance, ticket assistance is provided; otherwise a virtual reality experience is included instead.

Is lunch or food included on this tour?

You get Dutch apple pie with coffee or tea at a local café during the tour.

Can kids join this walking tour?

Yes, children aged 10 years and older can join; infants must sit on an adult’s lap if attending.

Is public transport used during the tour?

An optional tram ride may be included; public transportation options are nearby throughout the route.

Are strollers or prams allowed?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the walk.

What sites will we see on this day trip from Amsterdam?

You’ll see Portuguese Synagogue, Hortus Botanicus, ARTIS Zoo (from outside), Wertheimpark Auschwitz Memorial, Dam Square, Westerkerk, and Anne Frank House (outside).

Will we meet locals during this private walking tour?

Your guide is a local expert who shares personal stories; you’ll also pass through neighborhoods where locals live and work.

What’s included

Your day includes a private walking tour led by an Amsterdam local guide through historic Jewish sites and neighborhoods; Dutch apple pie served with coffee or tea at a cozy café; optional tram ride if needed; assistance securing tickets for Anne Frank House when available or access to an immersive virtual reality experience as an alternative; all entry fees covered along the route before returning at your own pace afterward.