Visiting the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam takes planning, because the museum sells tickets online only, for timed slots, and they go fast. This guide explains how to book, how to reach the entrance at Westermarkt, what to expect inside and how to shape the rest of your day in the neighbourhood around it.
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Anne Frank House Tickets and What You Need to Know First
The house stands on the Prinsengracht, one of the three great canals of Amsterdam’s seventeenth-century ring. From July 1942 to August 1944, Anne Frank, her family and four others lived hidden in the rear annexe of the building. Anne’s diary, first published in 1947 after her father Otto returned as the only survivor of the group, has reached readers around the world. Today the museum keeps the annexe open to visitors and tells the story of the family through objects, photographs and Anne’s own words.
Most visitors need about an hour. The museum says you can take as long as you like, so do not rush the rooms. Many people find the visit quiet and heavy, so plan something gentle for afterwards rather than a packed afternoon.
How to Book Anne Frank House Tickets
Get this part right and the rest is easy. The museum’s own website says tickets are available online only, and it does not sell them at the door. It also states that tickets are valid only through its official site, so book there and nowhere else.
When tickets are released
According to the museum’s ticket page, checked in November 2026, tickets go on sale every Tuesday at 10am CET for visits six weeks later. If you know your Amsterdam dates, mark the Tuesday six weeks earlier in your calendar and book as soon as the release opens. Popular slots, especially at weekends and in school holidays, disappear quickly.
Rules that catch people out
- Timed entry applies to everyone. Children aged 0 to 9 and visitors with discount cards also need a ticket for a specific time slot.
- Tickets are personal. The museum says you cannot transfer them. They are valid only for the stated date and time, and the museum does not exchange or refund them.
- Check prices on the official page. Fees change, so we do not quote them here. Open the museum’s ticket page to see the current amount.
Arrive a little before your slot. Late arrivals risk losing their place, so allow time for the walk and the queue.
Getting to the Anne Frank House
The entrance sits at Westermarkt 20, around the corner from the Prinsengracht building itself. From Amsterdam Central Station the walk takes about 20 minutes through the canal belt, which is a pleasant way to arrive. If you are travelling in by rail, our guide to travelling the Netherlands by train explains how to reach Central Station from the airport and other cities.
The museum notes that no tram stops at Westermarkt from 15 February 2025 until February 2028. Trams still serve Dam Square, and from there you walk about 10 minutes to the entrance. Check the museum’s practical information page before you go, because transport changes can run past their planned dates.
What to Expect Inside
Stairs and accessibility
The building has many steep stairs. Visitors who find walking difficult may struggle with them, so read the museum’s accessibility page before you buy tickets and contact the team if you need advice.
Bags, photography and audio tours
You may bring only bags smaller than an A4 sheet of paper inside. Staff ask you to leave large bags, backpacks and suitcases at your hotel or at Central Station. A cloakroom takes coats, small bags and buggies.
Photography and filming are not permitted, and that rule includes smart glasses and other camera glasses. Put your phone away and give the rooms your full attention. The audio tour comes in nine languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish. A separate audio tour called Anne’s Story suits young visitors.
Visiting With Children
Families often ask whether the museum suits younger children. The museum offers Anne’s Story for young visitors, and it makes sense to read through the museum’s own advice before you decide. Talk with older children about the history beforehand, and leave time afterwards for a walk by the canal so they can ask questions. Children often take in more than adults expect, and a calm, unhurried afternoon helps the day settle.
Plan the Rest of Your Day Around the Prinsengracht
The house sits at the edge of one of the loveliest corners of Amsterdam, so build a slow day around your slot.
- Walk through the Jordaan. The streets just west of the canal ring hold small cafés, brown bars and quiet courtyards. Our Jordaan neighbourhood guide maps a relaxed route.
- See the canals from the water. A boat trip gives you a different view of the same canal belt. Read our Amsterdam canal cruise guide to choose and book one.
- Add a museum. The Museumplein sits a short tram ride away. Our Rijksmuseum visitor guide and Van Gogh Museum guide help you pick a second stop without overloading the day.
Practical Tips for a Calm Visit
- Book your ticket the moment your slot opens, six weeks ahead.
- Travel light. Leave your rucksack at the hotel.
- Arrive early, and walk if you can, since the route through the canal belt eases you into the visit.
- Read about the family beforehand. Visitors who know Anne’s story get more from the rooms.
- Keep the afternoon gentle. A coffee on a quiet canal side suits the mood.
Plan Your Netherlands Trip
The Anne Frank House works best as one thoughtful part of a longer trip. Our Start Here page links every guide on the site, from Amsterdam to the far north, so you can build the rest of your itinerary in one place.
You Might Also Enjoy
- The Jordaan, Amsterdam: The Complete Neighbourhood Guide (2026)
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise: A Complete Guide to Choosing and Booking
- Rijksmuseum Amsterdam: Complete Visitor’s Guide (2026)
Anne Frank House FAQ
Can you buy Anne Frank House tickets at the door?
No. The museum states that it sells tickets online only, through its own website. Book ahead for a specific time slot.
How far ahead should you book Anne Frank House tickets?
The museum releases tickets every Tuesday at 10am CET for visits six weeks later. Book on release day if you have fixed dates.
How long does a visit to the Anne Frank House take?
The museum says a visit takes about an hour on average. You can take as long as you need.
Can you take photos inside the Anne Frank House?
No. The museum forbids photography and filming, including with smart or camera glasses.
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