Amsterdam: Anne Frank Walking Tour & Jewish Quarter Tickets

Summary

Walk the streets of Anne Frank’s Amsterdam and feel history close

You’ll walk through Amsterdam’s Jewish Cultural Quarter, wander candlelit halls of the Portuguese Synagogue, and hear personal stories at the Jewish Museum before joining an Anne Frank walking tour with a local guide. Expect moments of quiet reflection—and maybe even laughter—as you explore history on foot.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the quiet in the Portuguese Synagogue to hit me like that. Hundreds of candles flickering against old wood, not a single electric light—just this soft waxy smell and the shuffle of someone’s shoes on stone. Our guide, Pieter, told us it’s been like this since the 1600s. He kept his voice low, almost out of respect, I guess. The way he described families sitting here during Shabbat made it all feel less like a museum and more like stepping into someone else’s memory.

The Jewish Museum was next—so many little stories tucked into glass cases. I got stuck reading about Pesach traditions; there was this display with a child’s drawing from wartime Amsterdam. It looked so normal at first glance, but then you notice the tiny suitcase in the corner. I found myself slowing down, trying to imagine what it must have felt like for kids back then. You get these audio guides (super easy to use), and there was one bit where a woman talked about baking with her grandmother before things changed. Smelled faintly of cinnamon near that exhibit—maybe my mind playing tricks.

After wandering on our own for a while (the ticket lasts all week, so no rush), we met up again at Waterlooplein for the Anne Frank walking tour. It started right outside the Jewish Museum—Pieter again, waving his umbrella so we wouldn’t get lost in the market crowd. He pointed out where Anne used to buy sweets before everything closed down during World War II. There was this moment near Hollandsche Schouwburg—the old theater turned memorial—where nobody spoke for a while. Just bikes rattling past and someone humming nearby. I still think about that silence.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Jewish Cultural Quarter and Anne Frank Tour

• Visit Jewish Museum
• Visit Portuguese Synagogue
• Visit National Holocaust Museum
• Visit Hollandsche Schouwburg memorial
• Join 2-hour Anne Frank walking tour

Top questions

How long does the Anne Frank walking tour last?

The guided walking tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Where does the walking tour start?

The English-language tour starts in front of the Jewish Museum; other languages start at the Portuguese Synagogue.

Are entry tickets to museums included?

Yes, your ticket includes entry to all venues in the Jewish Cultural Quarter and is valid for one week.

Is lunch or food included on this tour?

No meals are included; you can explore nearby cafes during your visit.

Is hotel pickup provided?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are available nearby.

Can I bring children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during your visit.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

What language options are available for guides?

Tours are offered in English, French, German, Spanish (at 2pm), and Italian (at 2:30pm).

What’s included

Your experience includes entry tickets to all venues in Amsterdam’s Jewish Cultural Quarter—the Jewish Museum & Junior section, Portuguese Synagogue lit by candles, National Holocaust Memorial at Hollandsche Schouwburg, and National Holocaust Museum—plus a two-hour Anne Frank walking tour with a professional guide in your chosen language.