Amsterdam Layover - Anne Frank House
 

My husband and I will arrive in Amsterdam at 7:50 a.m. on a Tuesday morning after our trip to Greece. We have over a 7 hour layover and plan to explore the city.

The first thing I would like to do is see the Anne Frank House. I understand that you can purchase tickets online to bypass the line at the main entrance.

The only problem is that in order to purchase tickets online, you have to designate what time you will be at the museum. The first time available to buy tickets is 9:30 a.m. Any chance if all goes well with the flight, we can be at the Anne Frank House by 9:30 a.m.? We will not have any luggage with us so won't have to go check luggage in a locker.

Or should I even worry about buying tickets ahead of time on a Tuesday morning? Will the lines be long?

Correction - I arrive in Amsterdam at 7:20 a.m. - not 7:50. Is 2 hours and 10 minutes enough time to get to the Anne Frank House, assuming the flight is on time?

That should be plenty of time. It only takes about 20 minutes by train from the airport to Centraal, then get a tram or walk to Anne Frank Huis. Maybe you could go for a slightly later time to be on the safe side.
You will need either coins for the train ticket machine or will have to queue for tickets and pay a little extra, The machines do not accept credit cards. They do accept debit (ATM) cards with a 4 figure PIN, but I don't know if anyone from the US has tried that.
Flights from the US usually arrive early btw - all to do with the prevailing winds, so unless you are really late taking off you will be fine.

We were there in November and went to the Anne Frank House quite early and had no trouble getting in. There were about 10 people in front of us. When we passed by later, about mid afternoon, the line was miles long so I would think if you get there early you should be OK (but no promises!)

By the way, we thought the Anne Frank House was a MUST SEE, so heartbreaking but inspiring too. I was in tears.
Kay

In the summer it fills up fast - buy your tickets to be sure of not wasting time in a queue!

Thanks everyone! I've just bought my tickets online for 9:30 a.m. Would you recommend walking or taking a tram from Centraal? If taking a tram, is it hard to figure out which tram to get on (I understand it should be either Tram 13, 14 or 17) and where/how do I buy tickets for the tram?

Becca,

I bought my tram ticket right at the train station in a machine there. I believe someone helped me. English is widely spoken in Amsterdam. I suggest you take the tram to AF. The tram system was relatively simple and well marked.

I was overwhelmed by this experience. Really hard to describe until you are there.

gruezi

It's really not a terrible walk from Central Station (maybe 15 to 20 minutes). I assume you won't be schleping luggage.

I was also overwhelmed. The House moved me more than anywhere I have visited (including Auschwitz and sites in Prague). I had to sit on a bench outside and sob.

If you have the time and the route marked out, I would walk (assuming no heavy bags). Amsterdam is such a lovely city with all the canals, you will see a lot more walking, plus it's less hassle than having to buy tickets and figure out which tram, where to get off etc.
Kay

We just got back from Amsterdam and went to the Anne Frank house. We bought our tickets on-line also and were glad we did as the lines were long everytime we passed by and it was still quite cool there. If you have a chance Becca, go on to a web site such as mapquest and put in the train station address and Ann Frank and it will print out the route for you. We did that from our hotel and found it right away. It isn't far from central station and easy to walk to if you know the directions. Everyone just about speaks English and knows where the Ann Frank house is so you should have no problem finding it. A very moving place! I read the book many years ago in school and reread it many years later. You can't imagine what it they, and all jewish people went through until you see something like this. It makes you think and remember that this did happen!