Why Take Our Free Walking Tour?
To see the world through Anne Frank’s eyes…
Perhaps the most famous account of World War II was not documented by a military expert, a war correspondent, or even a great historian – it was written by a clever German girl! While it is a tragic tale of persecution and sacrifice, Anne’s incredibly optimistic and insightful writing also revealed the brave humanity of her situation, and her story extends well beyond her hiding space in Amsterdam.
Visitors to the city’s Jordaan quarter will find themselves in Anne Frank’s world, and our walking tour is the perfect way to bring her old neighborhood to life. Through insightful memories, engaging stories and even Anne’s own words, your tour master will explain the reality of Jewish life during the occupation. Once most people see the reality of her situation firsthand, the full scope of her sacrifice and suffering becomes painfully clear.
“The Diary of a Young Girl” has been required reading for millions of students worldwide over the last 80 years. It’s not surprising that many travelers to Amsterdam are again reminded of this poignant story – one that has affected countless lives around the globe for generations. The book has become not only a testament to the resilience of the Jews, but an inspiration for persecuted peoples worldwide. Anne Frank’s famous journal has since become the most-read diary in history, a story known to nearly a third of the world’s population by 1970!
See this chaotic world through the eyes of a child, and walk in the footsteps of her heroes. Honor their legacy by experiencing the Free Anne Frank Tour in Amsterdam.
For a step-by-step walk through of a tour in detail – click here!
During this 2 hour tour, we cover
Anne Marie Frank
Who was this precocious young girl and how did she get here? What was her personality like? How did she get along with her parents and siblings? What were her actual religious beliefs and how did that affect her? You’ll discover all this and more as we trace her old stomping grounds.
Nazi Rule in Holland
How did the Germans occupy and run a city like Amsterdam? How did they enforce their will and control the citizens? How did martial law change the lives of not just Jews, but all Dutch people. Through historic timelines, stories and recorded events, we try and bring the reality of occupied life into focus.
Signs & War Symbols
What are the ‘stumbling stones’ in Amsterdam and why are they important? What is the full story of the Star of David that Jews were forced to wear and why was it yellow? How was the Swastika used and why was the eagle the symbol of the Third Reich? Get these answers on the tour!
Wehrmacht Verboten
Literally ‘forbidden military areas”. While Jewish people were forbidden to go many places in Amsterdam, German soldiers were also restricted from certain areas at certain times. Find out more about these complicated regulations and other rules Nazi’s used to further control local people and Dutch society.
Meeting Point 
National Monument on Dam Square
War came to Amsterdam in 1940, when Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands. The city was occupied for five long years, during which Amsterdam’s Jewish community was decimated. Families were torn apart and sent to concentration camps.
The streets were patrolled by German soldiers and any dissent was met with punishment. But there was also resistance, Amsterdam had a strong and determined resistance movement that provided shelter and assistance to Jews in hiding. The war took a heavy toll on the city and its people, but they remained resilient. Today, the Anne Frank House serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and persecution.
The memory of the war and its victims is honored throughout the city, and it serves as a reminder to always be vigilant against hate and discrimination.
