i_am_kane

We (2) will be in Amsterdam from November 1 - 5, 2007, and plan to visit the Anne Frank House.

I don't know how big the tourist crowds are at that time of year, so I'm undecided if I should pre-buy online or buy at the entrance.

Any advice?

P_M

Does pre-booking commit you to a certain date and time? In any case, I don't pre-book anything unless it's absolutely necessary. Furthermore, November is not the high season so IMO there's no reason to pre-book.

Girlspytravel

If you were going in the summer, I'd say yes, but November, no you wouldn't have to then.

i_am_kane

P_M, yes pre-booking would pin us down to a specific date and time, which I prefer not to do.

Since you and Girlspytravel gave me the answer as to the tourist crowds at that time of year, I will not pre-book.

Also, I was thinking (if it is necessary to book ahead), I may be able to go to the ticket office on our first day and buy tickets for the next day or so.

P_M

I went to the Anne Frank House over a holiday weekend in late May 1992. Although it was a busy time in Amsterdam, I don't recall a terribly long wait in line for tickets or entry. Granted a lot can change in 15 years, but it seems to me you can just buy your ticket when you are ready to go.

P_M

PS If memory serves, we got there right as they were opening. That might be a good way to avoid a long wait.

Girlspytravel

Actually, a lot HAS changed at Anne Frank house in the ensuing years-the Queen re-opened the AF House in 1999, renovated, with a cafe, and other developments-they also bought the canal house next door. It gets quite crowded there in the summer, however, Anne Frank House is visited mostly by Americans and Brits, and that during high summer season, so November should not be a problem at all.

sandi

We arrived mid-morning with a line, it moved quickly and we were inside within 10-15/min. This was in November.

Either get there first thing in the morning, on opening. Or, mid- to late-afternoon. Give yourself 1.5/hrs (some go thru quickly, others take their time).

ParisAmsterdam

We were there in early August. The line
was around the corner and about half way
up the block beside the church.

But the line moves quickly and we were inside within 30 minutes.

In November I can't imagine more than a few minutes wait.

Rob

mcnyc

My limited experience was the same as ParisAmsterdam. The line was long, but it moved real fast. We were there right before Queen's Day in April, a couple of years back.

I, too, don't like my time tied down. I never know where I'll be roaming.

kismetchimera

I was happy that I bought my tickets on the internet, and while many people were waiting in an extremely long line, I just walked in.

i_am_kane

Oh, if we only had a crystal ball...

I usually don't take a gamble, but I'm willing to bet the first week of November there will not be long lines as compared to "high season." (I will avoid the weekend.)

kismetchimera, you didn't indicate the time of year you visited the Anne Frank house - I'm curious.

ms_go

We went a few weeks later last year (Thanksgiving weekend) and walked right in--we went in the morning not long after it opened. I recall seeing a short line later in the day.

trsny

We went Thanksgiving weekend as well, late morning, and walked right in. As we were leaving, I noticed a small line.

i_am_kane

Everyone has been so helpful. I guess we will "play it by ear."