Walk through the area around the Secret Annex and the historic heart of Amsterdam, where Anne Frank went into hiding during the Second World War. This small group walking tour provides historical context and personal stories that help you understand the wider story behind her diary.
As you travel through the streets of the city you’ll discover Anne Frank’s Amsterdam as it was during the lead-up to World War II. Your guide will explain how the Frank family came to live in Amsterdam and what led them to go into hiding in 1942. As you walk in Anne’s footsteps along the final part of the route she took with her family on their journey to the secret annex. Anne’s own words illuminate and give context to the walk via quotes read from her world famous diary.
The tour also brings to light the bravery of those who stood against the Nazis, particularly the Dutch resistance members who risked everything to help others. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of what life was like for ordinary people during the Nazi occupation, from fear and hunger to unexpected acts of kindness.
Please note:
This tour does NOT include tickets or entrance to the Anne Frank House. How to get tickets for the Anne Frank House.
As we walk through the Jordaan neighbourhood, we’ll stop by the Westerkerk. It was the bells of this church that featured in the diary, as the family could hear them from their hiding place, giving them a vital connection to the outside world.
We’ll also see the outside of Otto Frank’s office, which became part of the family’s hiding place on the Prinsengracht. Behind the regular looking green doors, the family hid for over two years in the famous Secret Annex.
Standing nearby, we’ll reflect on Anne’s view of the world, what little of the world outside she could see from behind the covered windows, and how her diary has become a global symbol of resilience, tolerance, and hope.
Though rooted in one of the darkest chapters of history, Anne’s words continue to inspire: “Don’t think of all the misery, but of all the beauty that still remains.”
This isn’t only a story of hiding and hardship. It’s also a story of human resilience. Amidst the weight of war, this tour reveals moments of humour, courage, and compassion, as we pass by some of Amsterdam’s quirkier features. Even in darkness, people found ways to connect, to resist, and to hope.
As Anne so wisely said: “Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.”
This is not a standard city walk. It is a carefully structured historical narrative that connects real locations around the Secret Annex with diary passages, historical context and personal stories. Rather than focusing only on the hiding period, we explain the broader story of Jewish life in Amsterdam before and during the occupation.
This tour is ideal for visitors who want deeper historical understanding before or after visiting the Anne Frank House. It is suitable for adults and teenagers with an interest in history. Because of the sensitive subject, it is less suitable for very young children.
Price Includes
We will meet by the small statue on Max Euweplein in front of Wagamama restaurant. At the other side of the square you can see the Hard Rock Cafe.
No. This tour takes place outside and explores Anne Frank’s neighbourhood and historical context. Entry tickets to the Anne Frank House are not included. If you want a tour of the Anne Frank House, look at this private tour.
Tickets must be purchased directly through the official Anne Frank House website. They sell out quickly and are released in timed batches. Click here for tips how to get tickets for the Anne Frank House.
Many guests combine this walk with their museum visit to better understand the historical background and the wider story of Jewish Amsterdam during the war.
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and covers a manageable walking distance of about 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) through central Amsterdam.
The subject matter is sensitive. We recommend it for teenagers and adults who can engage with historical context.
