Ann Frank house

We did exactly that with the difference that we only had 5 hours to spare. First we had to store our luggage in short-term storage at Schiphol airport. Then took the train into the city centre which takes just 15 minutes. Walked over to the Anne Frank Huis, stood in line-ups with a few school classes for about 30 minutes before we could get in (the line went all around the block but moved fairly well). Spend a good chunk of time in the museum and then still had enough time to sit down in an outdoor cafe along one of the canals to sip a cappucino (me) and hot chocolate (my kids).

I did that as a single parent with a 8 and 10 year old in tow and we never felt stressed for time.

At the time I wasn't aware of any advance ticket sales, today you can easily order them online:
http://www.annefrank.org/content.asp?PID=754&LID=2

You might be able to do that if you purchase tickets in advance, but if you don't there is frequently a very long line (hour or more) to get in.

Do you know how long it will take by train from the airport to AF house?

Got our tickets

Hi David

You shouldn't have much of a problem and you won't regret going. There are lots of trains that run from the airport to downtown so catching one is easy. The Anne Frank Huis is amazing and the neighborhood surrounding it is very charming. The house itself flows smoothly-they have a cafe there if you're pressed for time for lunch. Otherwise, the nearby Pancake Bakery is a fun place to eat. I can't wait to go back to Amsterdam someday-Have fun!

Just be aware that your experience may not be what you imagined; I dreamed of going all my life, and when I got there, we were prodded through like cattle on speed. I did not get time to really examine the home or enjoy the experience; very disappointed. Do your best to learn all that you can about the house before you go.

I think others addressed the "do-ability" of this. I agree. If you are fortunate, you might not find crowds though. I know others liken it to a herd of cattle. But I was there last May. It was late afternoon...about 3pm on a weekday. Had returned from a day trip and on a whim, decided to swing by the AF house rather than do it the next day. Glad I did. I found absolutely NO line!!! My lucky day maybe but nevertheless...No line, not crowded and the most amazing part is that although other people were in there too...at one moment I found myself standing totally alone in Anne Frank's room and it just really was a moving moment for some reason. To be all alone somewhere so significant!! I didn't anticiapte AF house being my AMS highlight but it DEFINITELY was!!

Don't forget that this is the original house, not a building specifically designed to function as a museum. I was actually very impressed how the museum designers were able to use the little space available together with an adjacent building to provide a genuine experience for the visitor. Yes, it might feel a bit crowded at times. But guess what: how crowded it must have felt to the Frank family who couldn't leave after an hour????

The first time we went to the Anne Frank House we went about 6:30-7:00pm. Maybe 10 other folks on the tour at that time, but we were not hurried through at all. The second time, just last month, husband and 2 friends and I got there even later and there was absolutely NO line (and it was a weekday). We had the place to ourselves, altho w/o a guide.
Allow some time in the book shop afterwards.

If you can, you might also try to work in the Dutch Resistance Museum. Well worth 45 min. or so, never crowded, and you go at your own pace.