Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam, 3 Drinks Included

An ice bar at -10 C sounds nuts. This short, 45-minute stop mixes ice sculptures with three included drinks, plus a warm lounge first.

I love that you get thermal clothing so you do not have to guess what to wear, and I like the practical fun of drinking from ice glasses.

The main drawback is timing. The ice bar part is small and can feel crowded, so you might end up feeling a bit rushed.

Key things to know before you go

• You will feel the cold fast, because the ice bar stays around -10 C (14 F)
• Three drinks are included, including a welcome cocktail or a large Heineken, then two more freezing shots or beers
• Thermal gear is provided, but some coats have been reported as not warm enough for everyone
• Expect a short, set experience, with limited time inside the ice area
• Drinks in the ice bar are more limited, and the ice glasses can start melting
• It can get busy, and crowds can add waiting or a tight feel in the ice section

Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam: ice sculptures, drinks, and a quick cold shock

If you like doing one unusual, high-impact thing in Amsterdam, this fits the bill. The whole premise is simple: you start in a normal bar area, then you head into a real ice environment at about -10 C (14 F). It is a fun mix of novelty and photo ops, with drinks that make the cold part more bearable.

I also like how it is built for time. At roughly 45 minutes total, you are not signing up for a half-day commitment. You get enough time to enjoy the ice art, sip your drinks, and warm back up.

Still, this is not a slow, loungey experience. The ice bar section tends to be tightly managed, so you should go with the mindset of a quick, themed stop rather than a long night out.

Price and value: what $24.30 buys you (and what it does not)

At $24.30 per person, you are paying for three things: access, drinks, and cold-weather gear. The ticket includes:

• 1 welcome cocktail or 1 large Heineken beer
• 2 freezing flavoured shots or beers
• Special thermal clothing for the ice-bar visit
• Free Wi-Fi

Transportation is not included, so you will still need to handle getting there and back on your own. That matters if you are comparing this to other activities that include transport.

For value, the big win is that you get your drink count planned in advance. In many bars, your evening cost drifts upward fast. Here, your ice-bar drinks are bundled, and you also get the warm-up lounge time before you head into the cold.

The other value point is the gear. If you show up underprepared, the cold experience can feel miserable. Thermal clothing is provided for the ice-bar portion, which means you can travel lighter and still have a realistic chance at enjoying the ice section.

How the timing actually works in the ice bar (and why it feels short)

The experience is designed around a quick flow. You spend time first in the more comfortable lounge or bar zone, then you enter the ice area for a limited period.

From what you should expect, plan on about 20 to 25 minutes in the ice bar area. The reason is simple: it is cold enough that comfort drops quickly, especially once you are seated in a tight space without much to do besides look and sip.

This is where your expectations matter. If you want to linger and take your time, you may feel a little squeezed. But if you want a focused, themed experience with clear boundaries and a guaranteed moment to cool off, that time limit keeps it fun instead of exhausting.

One more practical detail: in the ice bar, ice glasses start warming and melting. If you get a drink and then chat too long, the glass can thin out. Keep an eye on your glass and take a few sips right away so the drink stays easy to hold.

Step-by-step itinerary: what happens from warm lounge to ice sculptures

Stop 1: Amsterdam ice bar, from normal bar to -10 C ice room

Your first stop is the Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam. The venue is kept at a constant temperature around -10 C. Everything in the ice-bar space is made of ice, and you get to see the ice sculptures lit in color as you sip.

A lot of the enjoyment here is about pacing:

• You arrive and start in a warmer bar area.
• You mix, mingle, and get a feel for the theme.
• Then you head into the ice area, where the cold hits quickly.

What the ice bar looks like once you enter

You are there for the art, not just the gimmick. The ice sculptures are detailed and light up in bright colors, which makes even quick photos look better than you might expect in the cold.

Some people also describe the theme as pirate-themed, which can make it feel more like an attraction than a silent exhibit. If you like costumes and playful decor, you are likely to enjoy the vibe.

What it feels like to drink in the ice area

Your drinks are served in ice glasses, which is both the fun part and the fragility part. You get ice glasses made for that space, but they will still change as they sit in your hands and warm air.

Also, the drink experience inside the ice bar is more limited than in the warmer area. You might find it is harder to switch orders once you are inside, so it helps to decide what you want before you move into the cold.

Finally, the ice bar can get crowded at peak times. When the space is tight, you will feel it. Expect your time to be managed by staff, and you might get in and out in a more organized way than you would at a typical Amsterdam pub.

Drinks included: cocktails, Heineken, and the flavoured shots factor

The ticket includes 1 welcome cocktail or 1 large Heineken beer, plus 2 additional freezing flavoured shots or beers. That is a lot of alcohol coverage for one set price, and it is also a nice way to keep the experience moving.

Two practical points you should know:

1. The selection in the ice area can feel limited. You may see more choice in the warm bar zone, then get fewer options once you are inside the ice part.
2. Shots can be intense, and you are drinking fast. People who want a relaxed pace might feel it is a bit concentrated. On the other hand, several reviews also note the drinks are not super strong, which can make the experience less stressful.

If you are not a big shot person, this is where the value turns into a risk. The included drinks lean toward shots, especially the freezing flavoured options. You may still be happy with it if you treat it as a novelty, not as a craft-cocktail crawl.

I also suggest timing your first drink in the warmer area if you want a smoother start. That way, when you go into the ice, you are already warmed up and your body is not playing catch-up.

Comfort and clothing: making -10 C actually enjoyable

The ice bar is cold enough that comfort comes down to clothing choices. Thermal clothing is provided, and you also get gloves as part of the gear setup.

Still, I would not rely on the provided items alone. Some people have said the coats were not warm enough or were awkward, like not fastening properly. If you feel cold easily, bring layers under the thermal clothing if you can.

My go-to approach for cold attractions:

• Dress in layers you can remove if the warm lounge feels too hot
• Wear shoes you can stand in for 20 minutes without suffering
• Avoid sandals or bare legs, because you will regret it once you commit to the ice part

Gloves can make photos harder, because you might need to take them off to tap your phone camera. Plan for that. Also, after a short time in the ice bar, your fingers feel it, even with gloves.

If you get photos offered, they can be a fun add-on. A couple of people mentioned that pictures are available from inside the ice bar portion for purchase. If that matters to you, do it quickly before you are herded back out.

Service and vibe: where the experience can swing

This place is mostly about the concept, but staff and flow matter, because the visit is time-limited.

On the positive side, many reviews highlight staff who are friendly and make it feel like a group event. People also praise the bartenders for keeping things lively, especially once the ice bar session starts.

On the negative side, there are complaints about rude or overly pushy service in some cases. There are also mentions of feeling rushed, pressure to finish drinks, and an uncomfortable vibe if the staff interactions do not match your group’s energy.

My advice: go in with a relaxed, playful mood. You are stepping into a managed attraction at cold temperatures, so you will likely be guided through steps and queues. If you go expecting a slow, personal bar service, you may judge it too harshly.

Should you book Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam?

Book it if you want:

• A short, different Amsterdam activity that takes about 45 minutes
• The included convenience of three drinks plus thermal gear
• A strong visual payoff from ice sculptures lit in color
• A fun, themed stop that works even if you are not a bar expert

Skip it or rethink your expectations if:

• You hate cramped spaces or do not like waiting in lines
• You get very cold and worry the provided coats or gear may not be enough
• You want a big drink menu and a slow, unhurried evening
• You are sensitive to a more managed, time-structured experience

FAQ

How long is the Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam experience?

It runs for about 45 minutes (approximately).

What drinks are included with the ticket?

Your ticket includes 1 welcome cocktail or 1 large Heineken beer, plus 2 freezing flavoured shots or beers.

How cold is the ice bar?

The ice bar is kept at about -10 C (14 F).

Do I need to bring a coat or thermal clothing?

Special thermal clothing is provided for the duration of your ice-bar visit.

What is the minimum drinking age?

The minimum drinking age is 18.

Is there a maximum group size?

This activity has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is Wi-Fi included?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is included.