Visiting the Anne Frank House is a must when you’re in Amsterdam. However, due to its popularity and limited capacity, tickets often sell out quickly, leaving many travelers disappointed. But don’t worry — even if it seems like all hope is lost, there are still clever ways to gain access or enjoy the experience differently. This guide breaks down 13 smart, proven strategies for how to get Anne Frank House tickets if sold out, plus helpful tips and alternatives to make the most of your visit.
Why the Anne Frank House Sells Out Quickly
The Anne Frank House is one of the most visited museums in the Netherlands. The diary of Anne Frank resonates globally, and her hidden life during World War II is both heartbreaking and enlightening. This emotional experience is housed in a relatively small building, with limited hourly capacity, which is why:
- Tickets sell out days — sometimes weeks — in advance
- Only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside each hour
- Tickets are released exactly six weeks in advance on the official site
With millions of tourists visiting Amsterdam each year, the demand far outweighs the supply.
Official Ticket Rules & Availability
According to the Anne Frank House official website:
- All tickets are only sold online
- Tickets are non-transferable and linked to a name
- Tickets are released 6 weeks ahead at noon (CET)
- No walk-in sales are allowed
That’s why you’ll want to plan proactively or rely on alternative ways if you miss the release window.
Best Time to Book to Avoid a Sell-Out
Want to secure a ticket the easy way? These tactics can help:
- Set a calendar reminder for 6 weeks before your visit
- Book at exactly noon (CET) when tickets drop
- Opt for weekday mornings — fewer tourists mean higher availability
- Avoid summer holidays, weekends, and school vacation periods
Now let’s dive into what to do if you didn’t manage to snag one.
1. Check the Official Website Daily
People cancel bookings. That’s your golden opportunity.
Why This Works:
- Tickets occasionally become available due to cancellations or failed payments.
- A quick check daily may reward you with an open slot.
Even 1-2 extra tickets sometimes pop up for the same day or the next.
2. Book Early Mornings or Late Evenings
Even if your travel date seems sold out now, try searching for non-peak time slots.
Why This Helps:
- Less competition for early (9 AM) or late (7 PM) time slots
- Many tourists skip these hours due to flights or dinner plans
Pro Tip:
Plan your day around the museum visit. You’ll appreciate starting or ending your day with a reflective experience.
3. Sign Up for Email Alerts
Some platforms and blogs track ticket releases and cancellations. Signing up means you’ll be notified if tickets open up.
Where to Sign Up:
- Tour aggregator sites
- Amsterdam travel blogs
- Forums like Reddit or TripAdvisor
Make sure the site is reputable to avoid scams.
4. Explore Last-Minute Ticket Drops
Some travelers report success by checking 24 to 48 hours before their intended visit.
Strategy:
- Be online and ready to book
- Look for single-ticket drops — they’re more common
If you’re flexible, this method could pay off.
5. Use Guided Tours That Include Access
Some private walking tours partner with the museum and may offer official access as part of their package.
Where to Look:
- Reputable platforms like GetYourGuide, Viator, and WithLocals
- Book well in advance — these sell out fast too
Bonus:
You get a knowledgeable guide and context to enhance your visit.
6. Ask Your Hotel Concierge
Believe it or not, local hotels sometimes have priority booking windows or insider contacts.
Why It Works:
- Amsterdam hotels often help guests plan museum visits
- They may know local guides or tour agencies with access
Don’t hesitate to ask. They want you to have a good stay.
7. Visit the Museum Shop Without a Ticket
While you can’t enter the house, you can still visit the official Anne Frank House Museum Shop located nearby.
What You’ll Find:
- Anne’s diary (multiple languages)
- WWII and Jewish history books
- Ethical souvenirs and postcards
It’s a meaningful way to honor her story, even if you miss the tour.
8. Combine With a Walking Tour Nearby
If you can’t go inside, do the next best thing: walk through Anne’s neighborhood with a historian.
These Tours Often Include:
- Exterior of the Anne Frank House
- Jewish Quarter
- WWII resistance sites
This option helps you deeply connect with her story even without entering the museum.
9. Try Ticket Resale Communities (With Caution)
Disclaimer: Reselling is not allowed officially. However, in desperate situations, some travelers turn to forums.
Where You Might Look:
- Reddit threads
- Facebook groups for Amsterdam tourists
- Couchsurfing or Nomad groups
Important: Only trust verified people. Never pay via unprotected means like direct bank transfer.
10. Use a Local Booking Service
Some Amsterdam-based tour companies work with time-slot booking partners. They may offer help with:
- Navigating last-minute access
- Buying a bundled itinerary
- Small group tours with museum stops
It may cost more, but for many travelers, it’s worth it.
11. Explore Anne Frank Walking Tour Alternatives
When access is impossible, try these similar experiences:
| Alternative | Location | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch Resistance Museum | Plantage | WWII-era exhibits |
| Jewish Cultural Quarter | Amsterdam Centrum | Anne’s historical background |
| Hollandsche Schouwburg | Jewish Quarter | Holocaust remembrance |
You’ll gain insight into the broader history that surrounded Anne’s life.
12. Visit Other Holocaust Sites in Amsterdam
Besides the Anne Frank House, these important sites honor Holocaust victims:
- Wertheimpark Holocaust Memorial
- National Holocaust Museum
- Auschwitz Monument
Each is moving, educational, and free or low-cost. Include them in your itinerary if you’re passionate about history.
13. Plan for the Next Day or Trip
If none of the options work, don’t feel discouraged.
Consider:
- Checking for next-day ticket drops
- Adjusting your itinerary to stay one more night
- Planning your return to Amsterdam with a guaranteed ticket
Anne’s story will still be there. And now, you’ll be ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I buy Anne Frank House tickets at the door?
What’s the best time to book Anne Frank House tickets?
Are third-party sites selling Anne Frank tickets legit?
Can children enter the Anne Frank House?
Is the Anne Frank House included with the Amsterdam Pass?
Can I visit other Holocaust museums in Amsterdam if tickets are sold out?
Conclusion
Getting tickets to the Anne Frank House when it’s sold out may seem impossible, but with persistence, timing, and smart alternatives, you still have options. Whether you snag a last-minute ticket, join a guided tour, or honor Anne’s memory through nearby experiences, you won’t leave Amsterdam without a deep and lasting impression.
