Inside Amsterdam’s Diamond City Tour: VIP Gassan Diamonds Factory Experience

Read the full experience

Diamond City Tour: glitter and grit in Amsterdam. Located in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands, the Diamond City Tour traces the city’s long relationship with gemstones, moving from canal-front workshops to a VIP factory visit at Gassan Diamonds. On this roughly three-and-a-half-hour walk-and-visit, guides open a chapter of urban industrial history that blends technical craft and personal drama. You're likely to stand beside polishing wheels and laser tables, watch cutters translate rough octahedra into brilliant facets, and hear stories that range from clandestine wartime survival to postwar reinvention. Amsterdam’s diamond trade - shaped by merchants, craftsmen, and diasporic communities - left marks on streets and ateliers; this tour makes those marks legible. The highlight is the Gassan Diamonds factory VIP experience. Behind the showroom glass, master cutters demonstrate steps of cleaving, bruting, and the precise symmetry that creates optical fire. The experience finishes with a champagne toast in the showroom, a brief ceremonial moment that lets visitors appreciate how geology (carbon formed under immense pressure) meets human precision to create objects that hold cultural and economic weight. What makes this trip a standout in Amsterdam’s outdoor-recreation scene is its intimacy with craft. Unlike museum displays, you're looking into working spaces where light, tool noise, and a steady hand define outcomes. The setting - canal-lined streets and compact workshop rooms - anchors the craft in the city’s fabric. Guides link geological background to local history and point to scandalous episodes and inspiring recoveries: wartime seizure and later industry rebirth, labor stories, and the evolution of ethical sourcing. Practical notes: expect a mix of walking on cobbles and standing during demonstrations; comfortable shoes and a weatherproof layer matter. The group size for VIP sessions is limited, making advance booking essential. Photography policies vary inside the factory - follow the guide and be ready to put phones away during sensitive demonstrations. This tour suits curious travelers who want more than postcards: it's for anyone who appreciates technical skill, wants a closer look at a historically significant trade, and enjoys stories that reveal how cities repurpose craft and commerce. Whether you're a gem enthusiast, a history-minded visitor, or simply seeking a distinctive Amsterdam experience, the Diamond City Tour connects the sparkle to the people and processes that earned the city an international reputation in diamonds. Plan to budget time for a post-tour stroll: cross the canals toward the Museumplein or wander the quieter lanes of the Jewish Historical Quarter to see vestiges of trade-era architecture and small ateliers still marking Amsterdam’s commercial past. The tour is also a thoughtful gift: a mix of spectacle and education that rewards close attention. Book early for VIP access through the provided reservation link; limited slots fill fast, especially during peak travel months. Take a canal cruise afterward for another city perspective.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

3–4 hours.

Fitness level

Light walking on city streets and standing during factory demonstrations; suitable for most fitness levels.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Gassan Diamonds factory visit included?

Yes. The tour includes a VIP visit to Gassan Diamonds with a showroom demonstration and a champagne toast as described.

How long is the tour?

The experience is approximately 3.5 hours, combining walking between sites and the factory visit.

Are tours suitable for children?

Families are welcome, but younger children should be able to tolerate standing and follow safety instructions during demonstrations.

Are there photography restrictions?

Yes. Photography policies vary inside the factory—follow the guide's directions and respect restricted zones.

What languages are the tours offered in?

English is commonly available; check the booking link for options or special-language requests.

Can I buy diamonds at the end of the tour?

Yes; the showroom offers pieces for sale. Buy decisions should consider certifications and your personal research.

Local insights

Wildlife

Canal swans
Urban pigeons and ducks

History

Amsterdam's diamond trade grew over centuries and includes notable firms such as Gassan Diamonds; the industry shaped neighborhoods and labor networks.

Conservation

Ask about ethical sourcing when considering purchases and support small local ateliers to help keep traditional craft alive; travel light and respect working spaces.

About Badass Tours

Badass Tours is a Amsterdam-based tour operator located in Noord-Holland that highlights overlooked stories across the city. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Badass Tours offers self-guided and guided experiences focused on women's, Jewish, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC histories, plus private custom tours and special Rijksmuseum guided visits led by expert Tanja Bladt‑Cohen. Tours include a two‑week Self‑Guided Tour unlocked by phone for flexible group exploration, the Hidden Gems Tour visiting sites such as the Artist's Resistance Monument and the Portuguese Synagogue, and focused walking tours that explore Women's History, Jewish History, and LGBTQ+ History. Many walking experiences run rain or shine; several exclusive options add wheelchair accessibility and private customization. A Customized Private Tour lets visitors tailor routes and themes to specific interests. Badass Tours emphasizes accuracy and accessibility. The company highlights verifiable historical sites across Amsterdam's historic center and integrates context about four centuries of Jewish presence, local LGBTQ+ landmarks including early drag venues, and stories of influential women and BIPOC figures. The Shifting the Frame Rijksmuseum tour reframes canonical collections to include female, LGBTQ+, Jewish, and BIPOC artists, led by a named expert. Practical booking features include phone-unlocked self-guides, private reservations, and small-group walking formats. These options make Badass Tours suitable for solo travelers, groups, and visitors seeking themed, educational experiences. Bookings are offered online, via partners, for private events, small groups, solo travelers, and educational visits too.

Base locationAmsterdam, Noord-Holland

Tours offered17+

Specialty

Adventure tips

Wear comfortable shoesExpect cobblestone streets and standing during demonstrations; closed-toe walking shoes help you stay comfortable for 3.5 hours.

Bring photo etiquettePhotography rules vary inside the factory—ask the guide before shooting and put phones away during sensitive demonstrations.

Carry ID or passportBring ID if you plan to purchase jewelry or for any security checks at the factory.

Book VIP access earlyVIP factory slots are limited; reserve in advance through the booking link to secure the Gassan visit and champagne toast.

Recommended gear

Comfortable walking shoes: Support for cobbles and standing during demonstrations.
Light rain jacket: Amsterdam weather changes quickly—stay dry between sites.
Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated during the walk portions; refill at cafes.
Passport or ID: Required for purchases and sometimes requested for security at factories.