Amsterdamliebe · Prins Hendrikkade 35
A one-hour cruise in an open boat with a licensed guide, telling Anne Frank's story as you pass the places it touched: the Jewish Quarter, the Portuguese Synagogue, the canal belt and the Anne Frank House. Pick it if you want a canal trip and the history together, at a calm pace.
The boat leaves from Prins Hendrikkade 35 and heads into the old Jewish Quarter, the Jodenbuurt. From there the guide follows Anne Frank's life through the city: how the family came to Amsterdam from Germany, and how her life changed under the occupation. On the way you pass the Portuguese Synagogue, the National Holocaust Names Memorial and, on the Prinsengracht, the Anne Frank House itself.
The wider story is Amsterdam's. Your guide explains how the Jewish Quarter grew beside the old harbour, how Jewish merchants and craftsmen shaped the city's trade, architecture and culture, and how Rembrandt lived and worked in the middle of the quarter. The route runs through the canal belt, the 17th-century canals that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The boat is small and open, which guests single out in their reviews: you hear the guide clearly and see the facades without glass in the way. The guide is licensed, the cruise lasts an hour and it runs rain or shine. There is no restroom on board. The cruise passes the Anne Frank House from the water; if you also want to go inside, book your timed slot on annefrank.org for a time after you are back on the quay.
Meet at Prins Hendrikkade 35. Look for Amsterdamliebe and ignore anyone from another company who tries to send you elsewhere.
The guide starts with the Jodenbuurt and how the Frank family came to Amsterdam.
Past the Portuguese Synagogue and the National Holocaust Names Memorial, with the story of the community before and during the war.
The UNESCO-listed canals, Rembrandt's years in the quarter and the city that trade built.
The house where the family hid, seen from the canal, with the guide's account of the Secret Annex.
The cruise returns to the meeting point.
★★★★★The best thing I did in Amsterdam. Beautiful mix of history, storytelling, and cruising through the canals. [...] I wanted to to book an Anne Frank walking tour and a canal cruise, but then I saw this tour! Did not know this was a possibility! So glad I found it, it was exactly what I was looking for! [...]
★★★★★This tour was one of the most moving and memorable experiences I’ve had in Amsterdam. Seeing the city from the canals while hearing Anne Frank’s story gave such a powerful and emotional perspective on the history of Amsterdam, especially the Jewish Quarter and the events of WWII. Our incredible guide Patrizia, was absolutely wonderful! She was also so respectful in the way they told the story. [...]
★★★★★Super moving experience! The Anne Frank story is told in such a thoughtful way while you see the city from a completely new perspective. Emma was great! [...] This was a perfect combination - beautiful and moving! Loved it!
Read next:
No. The boat passes the house on the Prinsengracht and the guide tells its story. Museum tickets are sold only on annefrank.org and are booked separately.
At Prins Hendrikkade 35. The listing warns that staff from other companies sometimes point people to the wrong boat, so check the operator name, Amsterdamliebe.
No, it is an open boat, and the cruise runs in all weather. Bring a jacket on grey days.
One hour, with a licensed guide on board throughout.
Ready to book
Anne Frank's story told from an open boat through the canals and the Jewish Quarter.
Anne Frank Guided Walking TourTwo hours from the Anne Frank monument by the Westerkerk to the Jewish Quarter, with diary passages.★ 4.9 · 2 hours · from $22
Anne Frank's Last Walk & VR Annex TourThe family's walk to the hiding place, then the Secret Annex with its furniture in a VR headset.★ 4.8 · 2.5 hours · from $49
Anne Frank Small-Group Walking TourA specialist guide, Anne's story and the Jewish Quarter in one or two hours, in a small group or private.★ 4.8 · 1 to 2 hours · from $21