Amsterdam: Anne Frank & Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

Summary

Walk Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter and hear Anne Frank’s story up close

You’ll walk through Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter with a local guide, hearing stories of Anne Frank and WWII as you pass landmarks like the Portuguese Synagogue and Holocaust Memorial. Feel history in quiet moments on cobbled streets and learn how families survived during Nazi occupation. The tour ends near Nieuwmarkt Square—leaving you thoughtful long after it’s over.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how quiet Waterlooplein felt that morning — just the sound of bikes rattling over cobbles and someone laughing in Dutch nearby. Our guide, Eva, waved us over with this bright blue scarf. She started right away, pointing out the old market stalls and how this square had changed so much since before the war. I kept glancing at the buildings, trying to imagine what it looked like when Anne Frank was alive. It’s strange, you know? You can still feel something heavy in the air here, even with all the trams going by.

We wandered past the Portuguese Synagogue — huge doors, golden stone, sunlight catching on the windows. Eva told us about families who used to gather there, and I tried to picture it: voices echoing inside, maybe kids sneaking sweets (she smiled at that). Then we stopped at the National Holocaust Memorial. There was this moment where nobody said anything for a while — just birds overhead and a few leaves blowing around. I didn’t expect to feel so much just standing there.

Later we walked along narrow streets where Eva pointed out places people hid during the Nazi occupation. She mentioned the February strike and hunger winter — things I’d read about but never really pictured until now. At one spot she showed us a doorway where families once slipped out at night. Someone in our group asked about Anne Frank’s diary; Eva explained how her father published it after the war. Li laughed when I tried to say “dagboek” in Dutch — probably butchered it.

The tour finished near Nieuwmarkt Square under this gray sky that felt right for the story somehow. People hurried past with groceries while Eva talked quietly about resistance and hope. Even after two hours my head was full of questions — honestly, I still think about that view down Rokin street, wondering what else these walls remember.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Anne Frank and Jewish Quarter tour

• Meet guide at Waterlooplein
• Learn history of Jewish community
• Visit Portuguese Synagogue
• See Jewish deportation monument
• Hear about Jewish resistance
• Visit National Holocaust Memorial
• Explore Plantage area history
• Learn about Spinoza monument
• Walk past Dam Square and Royal Palace
• Hear Anne Frank story at Nieuwmarkt

Top questions

How long is the Anne Frank & Jewish Quarter walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Where does the walking tour start in Amsterdam?

The meeting point is at Waterlooplein in central Amsterdam.

What sites are included on this Amsterdam walking tour?

You’ll visit places like the Portuguese Synagogue, National Holocaust Memorial, Dutch Resistance Museum, Rokin street, Plantage area, Spinoza monument, and Nieuwmarkt Square.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with strollers?

Yes—infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during the walk.

Will we go inside Anne Frank House on this tour?

No—the tour focuses on outdoor sites related to Anne Frank and WWII history but does not enter Anne Frank House.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes—service animals are welcome throughout the route.

Does this day trip include entry fees or lunch?

No—this is a guided walking tour; entry fees or meals are not included.

What’s included

Your two-hour experience includes a knowledgeable local guide leading you through Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter with stops at major WWII landmarks—no tickets or meals needed—and begins conveniently at Waterlooplein so you can join easily by public transport or on foot.