Xtracold Icebar Tours
188 Reviews
By far the coolest bar in Amsterdam, the Xtracold Icebar is kept at a chilly 14°F (-10°C) and everything from the walls and stools to the cocktail glasses are made entirely out of ice. A visit takes you on a drinking adventure based on Dutch explorers’ 1590s expeditions in search of the Northeast Passage.
The Basics
The bar’s theme is based on the story of one of Dutch navigator Willem Barentsz’s three attempts to find the Northeast Passage. The bar includes a “warm” lounge as well as the main ice bar, and tickets include three drink (options include a selection of beer and wine and a handful of signature cocktails).
Visitors can book tickets to the Icebar or a package that also includes a sightseeing canal cruise. You can also visit with an I amsterdam City Card, which offers discounted admission along with free entry to museums and use of the city’s public transportation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Icebar provides coats and gloves are provided; shorts and skirts are not recommended.
- The bar’s tickets sell out early; make sure to reserve ahead, especially on weekends.
- Visitors must be 18 or older to enter the Icebar.
- The bar offers non-alcoholic mocktails, soft drinks, and juice in addition to its more potent drinks.
- Wheelchairs can enter the bar, but they have to be lifted over a 2-inch (5-centimeter) step to enter the Icebar itself.
How to Get There
The XtraCold Icebar is located next to the Amstel River, just steps from the building housing the Dutch Opera and Ballet and Waterlooplein square. To reach the bar by tram, take the 4 or 9 from Amsterdam Central Station to the Rembrandtplein stop. Alternatively, take metro line 51, 53, or 54 and get out at the Waterlooplein station. Hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses also stop at the Icebar.
When to Get There
The XtraCold Icebar is open Sunday–Thursday, from just before noon until a little after midnight, and Friday–Saturday from just before noon until almost 3am, with extended hours during the peak tourist month of August. The Icebar closes for a few days each January or February for renovations, so check the schedule before visiting during that time.
Stranded on Nova Zembla
Xtracold Ice Bar recreates a historic arctic adventure: While searching for the Northeast Passage, the Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz became stuck between icebergs, and his ship’s crew had to wait out the winter on the uninhabited island of Nova Zembla. They took apart their boat to build a structure, endured starvation, and fended off polar bears until the ice melted enough to build a small craft and sail away.
Address: Amstel 194-196, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Admission: Adults: €19.50
Admission Tickets (1)
City PackagesSkip the Line: XtraCold Icebar Amsterdam Ticket
Grab a seat at the coolest bar in Amsterdam with a fast-track package to the XtraCold Icebar, where everything—even the glasses—is made completely of ice. Relax first in the hip warm lounge, then slip on a provided thermal jacket for an arctic drinking adventure right in the heart of the Dutch capital. Admire ice sculptures illuminated by colorful lights as you sip three included drinks in the ‘chilled-out’ atmosphere.
... More
- 45 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$25.70
Recent Reviews from Experiences in Amsterdam
Must do
Caitlin_H
, Jun 2020
Was such a great experience, the staff managed to give us a good time even when there was a pandemic going around and it was only me my friend and two other girls. Well worth it! Gave us free ice glass cube trays and a bucket, and drink was well served.
Cool experience
Tanisha
, Mar 2020
Very cool experience. Or shall I say COLD experience. It's -9 degrees so be prepared. We were already dressed warmly since it was 40 degrees outside but the little coat and gloves they give you isn't enough. We only stayed in the bar maybe 5 minutes. The free shots were good. There is a warm bar when you first come in so you could stay there if you choose but this is not a bar you will come hang out, drink and dance in.
Worth buying your ticket early
Serena_L
, Mar 2020
Buying your ticket ahead a time confirms a spot which is good, but you still have to wait in the line to check-in and receive your tokens. I would suggest you going either 30 minutes earlier than your time or staying longer after your Icebar experience so that you can enjoy your drink that they give you at the bar. They don't allow you to take your drink at the bar into the Icebar area. The Icebar is small inside so you can't really move around too much and there is not enough seating to accommodate those who are in there. I would make sure you wear a thicker jacket because the jacket they give you does not zip up and the gloves are also thin so you may want to bring and wear your own. It was a cool experience if you have never been inside an Icebar before.
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City PackagesSkip the Line: XtraCold Icebar Amsterdam Ticket
Grab a seat at the coolest bar in Amsterdam with a fast-track package to the XtraCold Icebar, where everything—even the glasses—is made completely of ice. Relax first in the hip warm lounge, then slip on a provided thermal jacket for an arctic drinking adventure right in the heart of the Dutch capital. Admire ice sculptures illuminated by colorful lights as you sip three included drinks in the ‘chilled-out’ atmosphere.
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