Anne Frank House, Amsterdam (must see)

The name Anne Frank must have rung a bell somewhere. Just to revive your memories, Anne Frank was a 13-year-old Jewish girl residing in the Netherlands with her family. Originally residents of Germany, after the Nazis gained power in Germany and life started getting difficult for the Jews, she and her family sought shelter in the Netherlands. However, little did the family know that soon the Nazi terror would come and haunt them even in their asylum.

The Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht Canal was where the Frank family along with the Van Pel family went into hiding for over 2 years. The house was built in 1635 and throughout its existence, it served as a residence, warehouse, stable and office. In 1940, Otto Frank, Anne’s father bought the premises as an office for his spice business. Soon the office became a hideout from the German troops who were rounding up Jewish families and sending them to concentration camps. The Anne Frank House is a haunting, tragic and overwhelming experience that gives you a glimpse of how the inmates tried to live their lives in the midst of horror.

Today the premise has become a museum, which gives the viewer a peek into the lives of those in hiding. A definite recommendation whether or not you’ve read the book.

Why You Should Visit:
The museum does a beautiful job of preserving Anne and her family's memory, while also teaching the atrocities of the Holocaust.

Tip:
Make sure you book early; also, be aware that there are lots of stairs and no pictures allowed in the house as it is a memorial.

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am-10pm