The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Anne Frank, a Jewish diarist during World War II. Hiding in the Secret Annex of this 17th-century building during the Nazi occupation, her family and four others remained concealed here until their discovery. Although Anne did not survive the war, her diary was published in 1947 by her father, Otto Frank, who was the sole survivor among those hidden.

The building itself dates back to 1635. By the 20th century, it had transitioned from a private residence to a warehouse and stable and served various commercial purposes.

In 1940, Otto Frank relocated his spice business here. The building included a front goods entrance, a middle section with spice mills, and a rear warehouse for packing and dispatch. The offices above contained a radio used by the group in hiding until 1943.

The building's secluded rear extension, known as the Secret Annex, became the hidden refuge for the Frank family—Otto, his wife Edith, and daughters Margot and Anne—along with four other Jews fleeing Nazi persecution. Despite its small size (about 450 square feet), Anne Frank described it in her diary as relatively luxurious. Here, they remained concealed for over two years until their discovery and deportation by the Nazis. Only Otto survived the concentration camps.

After the arrest, the annex was emptied on Nazi orders, but the company's employees managed to salvage some belongings, including Anne's writings. After Otto Frank's return to Amsterdam in 1945, he compiled Anne Frank's diaries into a book called “The Secret Annex.”

After its publication, visitors to Anne Frank's hiding place were guided by employees who had helped hide the families, allowing access to the secret rooms. By 1955, the building faced demolition for factory construction, but a campaign initiated by a local newspaper helped declare it a protected monument. The Anne Frank Foundation was established in 1957 by Otto Frank, acquiring the building through donations and purchasing the adjacent property.

The museum opened in 1960, drawing significant attention globally. After being expanded to include more exhibition space, the museum was reopened in 2001 by Queen Beatrix. In 2007, it saw over one million visitors, becoming the third most-visited museum in the Netherlands. Among other exhibits, it displays an Academy Award won by Shelley Winters for her role in the 1959 movie “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Donated by the actress, the Oscar is housed in a bullet-proof glass case within the museum.

Tip:
Plan your visit well in advance, and be mindful that the house has numerous stairs, and photography is not permitted inside.

The Beguine Courtyard of the Begijnhof Chapel, one of Amsterdam's most ancient hidden courtyards, holds the distinction of being the sole inner court in the city founded during the Middle Ages and situated within the Singel—the innermost canal of Amsterdam's circular canal system. Adorned with manicured gardens, this courtyard sits at medieval street level, which places it a meter lower than the rest of the old city center. As the name suggests, it originally belonged to a community of Beguines—laywomen leading a semi-monastic life dedicated to prayer and charitable endeavors.

A cluster of historical edifices, predominantly private residences, surrounds the courtyard. These are tall townhouses, characterized by the distinctive Amsterdam architectural style, accentuating the court's relatively secluded ambiance. Unlike most courtyards, the buildings here are not arranged in rows connecting one dwelling to another; instead, there are 47 traditional townhouses, many adorned with facades dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. However, the structures themselves often have origins predating this period, with eighteen of them retaining their original Gothic wooden framework.

During medieval times, the courtyard was entirely encircled by canals, offering only one entrance accessible via a bridge. Today, remnants of this entrance, known as the Begijnesloot, are still visible, thanks to a restoration effort in 1907. The stone doorway prominently displays the figure of Saint Ursula, the patron saint of Amsterdam's Beguines. Meanwhile, the entrance on Spuistraat, which was constructed at a later date, underwent significant changes in the 19th century.

When you visit Amsterdam, especially during the springtime, you won't want to miss out on seeing some beautiful tulips. Even if they haven't fully bloomed or are past their prime, fear not – Bloemenmarkt has got you covered. This place has been around since the 1860s and is arguably the best, and still the most atmospheric, spot to discover (and buy) fresh flowers and bulbs.

As soon as you enter this little botanical wonderland situated along the canal, you'll be surrounded by all things floral (and sometimes more) – there's a dazzling array of souvenirs, and surprisingly, they're priced pretty much the same across various vendors. You can find a wide variety of bulbs for sale, including daffodils, amaryllis, crocus, narcissus, tulips, peony roots, and more. They even have some cacti and potted plants and herbs available for purchase.

Tip:
It you decide to buy tulip bulbs to take back home, be sure to get a "customs-cleared" stamp to avoid any issues with customs when upon arrival in your home country.

Waterloo Square near the Amstel River in Amsterdam was named after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Prominent buildings here include the Stopera complex (home to the city hall of Amsterdam and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet) as well as the Moses and Aaron Church.

Waterloo Square was created in 1882 when the local Leper's and Wood canals were filled in. The square became a marketplace when the city government decided that the Jewish merchants from the nearby areas had to move their stalls here. Thus, in 1893, the square became a daily market (operational all week long, except on Saturdays, the Jewish sabbath).

During World War II, the Jewish quarter was emptied of its residents as the Nazis rounded them up and sent them to concentration camps. The Waterloo Square market had disappeared by 1941.

After the war, the deserted Jewish quarter's Waterloo Square market transformed into a bustling flea market. Popular among tourists and locals, it was revived to offer a rustic bazaar atmosphere, providing a space to shop, haggle, and browse a diverse selection of goods.

The market has some 300 stalls and is open every day except Sunday. Given the wide variety of merchandise on offer, it is not meant for rushed browsing. Making quick decisions can be challenging, so be sure to allocate generous time for your visit.

Tip:
If you're inclined towards saving money, take a preliminary tour of the market before making any purchases. Many items, such as hats and sunglasses, can be found at multiple stalls, with prices varying from one vendor to another.

Positioned prominently on a small square just outside the Portuguese Synagogue, the Dockworker statue, crafted by Dutch sculptor Mari Andriessen, pays tribute to the laborers of Amsterdam, not limited to dockworkers alone. This poignant monument commemorates the courageous actions of the city's workers during February 1941, when they staged a strike in protest of the Nazi treatment of Amsterdam's Jewish population. The catalyst for this historic strike was a series of arrests and violent pogroms instigated by the Germans in the old Jewish quarter of Amsterdam, in retaliation for the injury of several Dutch police officers during a street skirmish.

Regarded as the first public protest against the Nazi regime in occupied Europe, this subsequent strike was orchestrated by the outlawed Communist Party and led by the city's transportation employees and dockworkers. It endured for a remarkable two days, drawing a staggering 300,000 participants to the streets on February 26. On the third day, the German occupiers brutally suppressed the strike, but its memory lives on through an annual observance on February 25. This somber event includes the laying of wreaths and a procession past the Dockworker statue. Notably, representatives from all political parties, along with the city's public transportation authorities and organizations representing Holocaust survivors, partake in this solemn commemoration.

The prospect of enjoying religious freedom is what attracted a significant number of Jews from across Europe to Amsterdam. Over the years, the city has earned a reputation for its tolerance and its commitment to equal rights for individuals of all backgrounds.

The Jewish community first sought refuge in Amsterdam in the late 15th century, escaping persecution in Spain and Portugal to find a haven of religious liberty in the Netherlands. During this period, the Dutch Republic was engaged in a conflict with Spain, prompting the refugees to adopt the moniker "Portuguese Jews" to avoid further complications.

The community thrived, and approximately a century later, in 1665, the majestic Portuguese Synagogue, also known as the Esnoga, was designed in the prevailing Neoclassical fashion popular in the Netherlands at the time, complete with pilasters and a concealed balustrade. Notably, during its construction, it held the distinction of being the largest of its kind worldwide and took inspiration from the architectural magnificence of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem.

Remarkably untouched by the passage of time, the edifice stands sentinel over one of Amsterdam's busiest thoroughfares. Its design and interiors have remained virtually unaltered since the 17th century, allowing visitors to bask in the timeless beauty of its antiquities and grand décor. At night, the entire space is illuminated by approximately 1000 candles, eschewing electric lighting.

Why You Should Visit:
To experience the second-oldest continuously used synagogue in Europe.
Admission also grants access to the Jewish Historical Museum across the street.

Tip:
Don't miss exploring the various annexes connected to the main building, including the board room, winter synagogue, baths, office, candle room, mourning room, and rabbinate. Make sure to descend to the treasure chambers, which house exquisite items such as precious 16th-century manuscripts and tapestries adorned with gold thread, among other treasures. You'll also have the opportunity to view books from the oldest Jewish library in the world.

In striking contrast to the serene surroundings of Wertheimpark, Jan Wolkers' 1977 Auschwitz memorial, titled "Never More," incorporates a shattered glass slab. These fragmented pieces reflect a distorted view of the sky, symbolizing the profound damage inflicted upon humanity by the Holocaust.

During the Second World War and the Nazi occupation, a significant number of Jews were systematically transported to concentration camps in Poland. Among these camps, Auschwitz gained a notorious reputation. Out of the approximately 140,000 Jews residing in the Netherlands before the war, a staggering 107,000 had been deported to concentration camps by 1944. Among them, over 95,000 were sent to Auschwitz, with only 500 surviving until the war's end.

The monument, commissioned by the Dutch Auschwitz Comité, was initially located in a municipal cemetery. Every year, on January 27th, Memorial Day is observed to commemorate the countless lives lost in Auschwitz during the Holocaust.

Amsterdam's most renowned and adorable of swing bridges is undoubtedly the Magere Brug, or the "Skinny Bridge." Initially constructed in the 1600s, this bridge has spawned numerous urban legends in Amsterdam, including one about two sisters who resided on opposite sides of the River Amstel and grew tired of the long trek to visit each other. However, the more likely tale is that a narrow bridge over the Amstel made more economic sense than a stone one. Over the years, the bridge has undergone multiple reconstructions, with the current iteration dating back to 1969. It is now exclusively for pedestrians, offering a picturesque view of Amsterdam's skyline.

The Magere Brug is a beloved spot among couples and has also made appearances in films, including the James Bond movie "Diamonds Are Forever." According to local lore, sharing a kiss with someone on the bridge or beneath it on a boat guarantees eternal love. At night, the bridge is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, making it a delightful destination for a romantic evening stroll.