Cold by choice, and worth the shiver. I love the sheer engineering of an ice-only bar at -10°C and the fun of sipping from ice glasses while the sculptures glow in colored light. This can be a drawback if you hate tight pacing, because some visits feel rushed and the time in the cold room is limited.

You’ll start in a warmer bar area, then get guided into the icy part for a short stretch where comfort depends on how well the provided gear works for you. If you’re sensitive to cold, or you’re expecting a long sit-down bar hang, plan differently and you’ll enjoy it more.

The experience lasts about 45 minutes total, runs in small groups (max 15), and includes three drinks through the venue’s token system. It’s a straightforward, easy add-on to a night out, even if Amsterdam’s usual bar scene is tempting.

Key things to know before you go

• -10°C is the whole point: expect real cold, not a “cute winter theme.”
• 3 included drinks via tokens: one in the main bar area, two connected to the ice-bar portion.
• Thermal clothing is included: coats and gloves help, but you may still want layers.
• Plan for short ice time: most of your experience happens faster than you’d expect.
• Small group size (up to 15): it should feel social, though it can still get crowded.

Xtracold Icebar at a glance: what you’re actually buying

This is a ticketed stop in Amsterdam’s evening rotation: you visit Xtracold Icebar and spend time inside a room kept around -10°C (about 14°F). Everything is built from ice, and you drink using ice glassware. The contrast is the thrill. You warm up first, then drop into a cold “cave” where the sculptures look dramatic under colored lighting.

At a price point of about $24.30 per person, you’re not paying for unlimited drinks. You’re paying for a time-boxed, highly specific experience: a themed ice bar with included beverages and provided protective clothing. Think of it like a “fun activity ticket” more than a typical bar tab.

You’ll also get free Wi-Fi, which is surprisingly handy if you’re coordinating meeting points or just want to keep your phone alive while your hands get cold.

The flow of your visit: main bar warm-up, then ice-bar time

Your visit typically starts in a normal-feeling bar area before you enter the cold room. That warm-up matters. In practice, it gives you a moment to get your bearings, decide what to order, and settle in before the cold really hits.

Then the experience transitions into the ice-bar portion. You’ll be guided in as a group and spend a chunk of your time in the icy room where the ice sculptures and themed details are the star. The whole experience is short enough that you can fit it into an afternoon-to-evening plan without needing a full day block.

Most visits feel like they follow this rhythm:

• short warm lounge time with included drink service
• a scheduled entry into the ice room
• ice time that’s cold enough to limit how long you’ll want to stay

One detail that affects the vibe: the drink structure uses tokens. That can make the timing feel a bit paced, especially if it’s crowded when you go in. The upside is you’re not standing around wondering what’s included.

What’s included in the 3-drink package (and what to pick)

Your ticket includes three drinks total (delivered through the venue’s token system). The package includes:

• 1 welcome cocktail or 1 large Heineken beer
• 2 freezing flavoured shots or beers

So yes, you can go the beer route, the shot route, or mix them depending on what’s available that night. What I like about this setup is you’re not forced into one drink style. If you know you prefer mild drinks, pick beer for the heavier cold-room portion. If you want the full ice-bar novelty, lean into the shots.

A practical note: some people report that the drinks aren’t especially strong for the amount you get in a short time. That’s good for keeping your night manageable. Still, three drinks in quick succession means you should hydrate and eat beforehand if you tend to get tipsy fast.

Also, the selection inside the ice room can feel more limited than in the warm bar area. If you have strong preferences, I’d pick what you want most during the main bar portion, then treat the ice-bar drinks as part of the experience.

Inside the ice room: sculptures, ice glassware, and photo reality

The ice room is the main attraction: an entirely ice-built bar where you’ll see detailed ice sculptures lit up with colorful lighting. The cold also changes your perception. The room feels sharper and more “event-like,” not like a normal pub.

The biggest fun factor is the ice glassware. You really are holding and sipping something made of ice. That’s a novelty you don’t get elsewhere in Amsterdam, and it’s what makes this feel worth doing at least once.

Photo time is also part of the deal. But here’s the practical trade-off: cold gear (coats and gloves) makes it harder to use your phone and harder to keep your hands steady. Also, the room can get crowded, so getting a perfect shot might take patience. I’d go for “good enough” photos rather than expecting a relaxed, uncrowded studio moment.

Finally, remember that ice-glass drinks start to melt. People sometimes notice that handling and timing matter once you’re inside, so take a sip soon after you receive the drink.

How cold is it, really, and what clothing you get

This isn’t a mild cold-room gimmick. The venue is kept at around -10°C, and your comfort depends on two things:

1) how well the provided thermal clothing works for you

2) how quickly you adapt after entering the ice room

You get special thermal clothing for the duration of your visit to the ice bar. In practice, that means coats and gloves are provided. Some reviews say it’s enough for most people, while a few mention the coats don’t always feel warm enough for extended time inside.

So I’d treat the provided gear as helpful, not magical. Wear layers under your coat. If you tend to get cold hands, consider bringing a warm layer under the gloves (like thin liners) if you’re the kind of person who shivers easily. And skip flimsy summer footwear if you’re sensitive to cold.

Also keep in mind: once you’re in the ice room, your body will tell you when it’s time to move on. You can like the experience and still feel ready to warm back up.

Price and value: why $24.30 can make sense

At about $24.30, you’re paying for a single, guided, time-limited activity plus included drinks and gear. That can be good value because you’re not guessing the final cost like you would at a typical bar.

Here’s the value logic I’d use:

• If you want the novelty of ice-built everything plus themed lighting, your best bet is this kind of fixed-price ticket.
• If you just want drinks, Amsterdam has cheaper options—and you’d probably feel shortchanged by the limited selection and short ice time.

The reviews overall lean positive about fun and atmosphere, especially when you go in expecting an experience rather than an all-night drinking venue. A few people feel the price is high compared to other bar options, but that comparison misses the main point: ice bars are a specialty, and specialty comes with a fixed ticket.

Crowds, timing, and why the vibe can swing

This is a small-group activity (maximum 15 travelers), but that doesn’t guarantee calm. At busy times (especially popular evening slots), the ice room can feel cramped and the drink pacing can feel strict.

Some people loved the lively buzz and called it great fun. Others felt rushed or said staff energy wasn’t welcoming. I can’t predict the exact mood of a specific night, but I can tell you what reduces the risk of disappointment:

• go in with patience for a fast timeline
• keep your expectations realistic about crowding
• decide early how you want to split beer vs shots

If you want a calmer experience, aim for a time when the venue is less packed. Also, get comfortable with the idea that you’ll spend most of your time moving between zones rather than lounging for long stretches.

Who this suits best (and who should think twice)

This works best for:

• people who like quirky, photo-friendly stops
• groups who want a shared “we did something different” activity
• couples on a city break who need a break from walking and want a short indoor wow-factor

It may not be your best fit if:

• you hate cold and don’t like short time limits
• you expect a long, table-based hangout
• you’re sensitive to alcohol-heavy novelty drinks (shots, flavoured options) and prefer slower sipping

For mixed groups with different ages, the small-group feel can help. One review included an older visitor who enjoyed it, but another review suggested the vibe can skew toward younger party energy. If your group prefers quiet wine-bar pacing, you might be happier elsewhere.

Quick practical tips that make a difference

• Eat before you go so the cold-room shots feel less intense.
• Bring a phone-friendly plan for gloves and cold fingers.
• Choose your “main” drink in the warm bar part if the ice-room menu feels limited.
• Don’t treat this like an hour-long lounge; it’s built around a short ice experience.

Should you book Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam?

If you’re the type who likes experiences that feel slightly absurd—in a good way—book it. I’d especially recommend it if you want a short, contained activity with included drinks, provided thermal gear, and that one-of-a-kind -10°C ice-bar environment.

Skip it if you mainly want value in the form of lots of drinks for cheap, or if cold rooms make you miserable. Also, if you’re going on a night when you expect crowds and you already dislike being rushed, set your expectations low and focus on the ice sculptures and novelty.

FAQ

FAQ

What is included with the Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam ticket

Your ticket includes 1 welcome cocktail or 1 large Heineken beer, plus 2 freezing flavoured shots or beers. It also includes free Wi-Fi and special thermal clothing for the ice-bar visit.

How long does the experience take

The duration is about 45 minutes.

How cold is the ice bar

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

What is the minimum age to attend

The minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Do I need to print anything, or is a mobile ticket enough

You use a mobile ticket.

What’s the maximum group size

This activity has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is transportation included

No. Transportation to and from attractions is not included.

Can I stay longer than the ice-bar time

You’ll have a limited amount of time inside the cold ice-bar portion, and you can warm up in the lounge area. The experience is still time-boxed overall.

What should I wear

Dress in layers and be ready for very cold temperatures. Coats and gloves/thermal clothing are provided.

Can I cancel for a full refund

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount paid is not refunded.