Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam, 3 Drinks Included

Ice bars are a novelty, yes, but this one is built like a mini production. You start in a warm lounge, then you head into a cold ice cave where your drinkware is literally made from ice and the room is kept at around -10°C. I love the mix of a social pre-bar hangout plus the fast, theatrical cold zone, and I love that your 3 included drinks make it feel like more than just paying for entry. The only real drawback is simple: the ice space is small and time is limited, so if you want long, slow sipping in a comfy setting, this is not that.

The format is straightforward. You get special thermal clothing for the visit, enjoy ice sculptures lit in color, and then you’re back out into Amsterdam reality. Just remember there’s an 18+ minimum drinking age, and even with coats and gloves, the cold can feel sharp if you’re underdressed or you keep your hands out for too long.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Real ice drinkware: your glasses and mugs are made of ice, not plastic props
• Warm lounge first: you get a social start before the cold zone
• Color-lit ice sculptures: the room is designed to look dramatic, not just cold
• Limited time in the ice bar: plan for a quick visit rather than a long hang
• Small groups: maximum size is listed as 15 travelers
• 3 drinks included: welcome drink plus two freezing shots or beers, served with ice serving rules

What You’re Walking Into at Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam

This ice bar is set up as a full experience, not just a room with ice walls. The venue runs at a constant temperature around -10°C, so the cold is part of the deal, and everything in the ice section is made out of ice, from the bar styling to the serving pieces. The idea is that you step into a themed, designed space, then drink at temperatures that would make your fingertips protest.

Before you hit the ice cave, there’s a warmer area where you can settle in. That matters because the ice bar itself is not the place for lingering. It’s more like a cold show with drinks than a sit-down bar.

You’ll see detailed ice sculptures lit up in color, and the overall atmosphere tends to feel playful and busy. One review even notes a pirate-themed vibe, including a Captain Sparrow reference, which fits the way the room is styled to get people in the mood fast.

The 45-Minute Timing, Tokens, and How to Avoid Feeling Rushed

The full experience is listed at about 45 minutes, and that time is used on purpose. You typically get a start in the main bar area with your welcome drink, then you move as a group into the ice section. In practice, the ice portion is short, with multiple visitors describing around 20 to 30 minutes in the cold zone, and some comments about having to watch the clock for additional drinks.

Here’s the practical upside. Because your drinks are built into the package, you do not have to stand there deciding what to order while everyone else is queueing. The not-so-great downside is crowd control. This place can get packed, and that can turn the experience into a bit of a conveyor belt, especially at popular times like early evening.

Also note an important detail about how the drinks work in the ice part. People report that you’re allowed one glass inside at a time, so your choice of beer versus shots can affect what you end up finishing during the cold segment. If you want maximum flexibility, start by ordering strategically in the main bar so the ice segment feels smooth.

Drinks Included: Welcome Beer or Cocktail Plus Two Cold Shots or Beers

Your ticket includes 3 drinks total:

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

So you’re not just paying entry. You’re paying for a packaged drinking experience designed for the environment, where drinks are served in ice glasses. Some visitors describe the options inside the ice bar as being more limited than what you might find in the warm bar area, which makes sense because the ice section follows strict serving rules to keep things safe and keep the line moving.

In real terms, think of the included drinks as part of the entertainment. The ice bar experience is the product, and the drinks are there to make the cold more fun. If you’re the kind of person who wants a wide menu of cocktails and long conversation energy, you may feel that the drink selection in the cold zone is not the point.

Dress Like You’re Going to a Cold Weather Show, Not a Night Out

The biggest practical tip is not about fashion. It’s about comfort. The venue provides special thermal clothing for the ice-bar visit, and that usually includes a coat and gloves. Multiple reviews emphasize that gloves and coats are important and that taking them off for pictures can be annoying because the cold bites quickly.

So dress in layers and treat the ice bar like you’re stepping into a cold cave. Avoid heavy bare skin exposure. One visitor explicitly warns that shorts and sandals are a bad idea. Another points out that if the coats don’t fully suit your body, you might feel cold faster than expected.

Time in the ice bar is manageable for many people when you wear the provided gear and keep your hands protected. But some visitors report the coats not being warm enough for them or that they had trouble lasting through. That’s the main caution: if you have a lower cold tolerance, you should plan to spend more time in the warm lounge and not try to brute-force the ice section.

Also, photos are part of the fun, but gloves make them harder. One review notes that gloves are provided but make taking pictures awkward, so plan on a few quick photo moments rather than a long photo session.

The Ice Sculptures and Themed Atmosphere You Should Expect

The ice bar is designed visually. Ice sculptures are lit up in color, and the whole space is meant to look like an event. You’re walking into a controlled environment, so you’ll feel the contrast immediately, warm lounge to icy chamber, then back out again.

The themed tone is playful. A pirate theme came up in reviews, including mention of Captain Sparrow. That kind of styling is the reason this works well for groups, birthdays, and teams, because it gives you something to talk about while you warm up and while you queue.

One more practical point about the look of the place: the ice bar can feel crowded because it’s compact. That affects photos and personal space. If you care a lot about having room to move, aim for a calmer time slot when possible.

Value for Money at About $24.30 for 3 Drinks

At $24.30 per person, the value depends on what you want from the night. If you’re comparing this to a normal bar, it will never win on drink variety or the length of sitting time. If you’re comparing it to paying for the novelty of a real ice bar with included drinkware and gear, then it starts to make sense.

Here’s why the price can feel fair:

• You get 3 drinks included, including a large Heineken or a cocktail
• The ice portion is a special environment you cannot recreate in a typical bar
• You get thermal clothing for the visit
• You’re booking a time-based experience, not an open-ended night

Your best mental math is this: the ticket is partly about the experience itself, and partly about making sure you get a drink experience that fits the cold zone. If you go in expecting a high-end cocktail menu, you’ll feel shortchanged. If you go in expecting a fun cold gimmick with included drinks, it’s easier to feel satisfied.

Small Groups Mean Better Control, But You Still Need Patience

This activity lists a maximum of 15 travelers, which usually helps. Smaller groups mean less chaos than giant bus groups. Still, the ice bar setup creates its own bottlenecks because the cold area and the service flow need structure.

Some visitors describe time pressure around getting their second drink in the ice section. Others describe crowding and a lack of seating while you start in the warm bar. There are also complaints from a minority about staff being rude or the atmosphere feeling wrong for the group vibe.

What you can do with that information:

• Go with a group mood that matches a party-style setup
• Keep your expectations realistic about how long you’ll stay in the ice cave
• If you don’t like fast service and queue flow, consider booking an earlier time slot if that’s available to you

Good service is not guaranteed everywhere, but the venue is clearly built to run smoothly as an experience. Your job is to show up prepared, not frazzled.

Who This Is Best For in Amsterdam (And Who Might Skip It)

Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam is a great pick if you want a memorable, unusual activity that’s easy to book and simple to understand. It’s especially suited for:

• Couples looking for a different date moment
• Groups who like trying something together
• People who enjoy themed venues and photo moments
• Anyone who likes beer and shots and doesn’t need a huge cocktail menu

It may be less ideal if:

• You hate crowds or hate queueing
• You’re very sensitive to cold and do not believe coats and gloves will be enough
• You’re expecting a long sit-down bar experience with lots of seating
• You want a serious, slow-paced tasting menu

Also, the minimum drinking age is 18, so it’s an adult outing by design.

Practical Stuff You Should Know Before You Go

A few details help you plan smoothly.

• Mobile ticket: you’ll use your ticket on your phone.
• Free Wi-Fi: the venue includes Wi-Fi, which is handy while you’re waiting in the warm area.
• Transportation not included: you’re responsible for getting there and back.
• Duration: plan around 45 minutes total for the full experience.
• Cold reality check: even when it’s “manageable,” you will feel cold quickly if you keep your hands uncovered.

One more tip for comfort and timing: make peace with the idea that the ice bar portion is not where you settle in. Treat it like a timed adventure, then enjoy the warm bar environment as your decompression zone.

Should You Book Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam?

Book it if you want a short, high-impact, low-planning experience built around ice sculptures and ice-glass drinks at about -10°C. If it’s your first ice bar, this is the kind of place that delivers that wow factor fast, and the included drinks help you feel like you got more than just a photo stop.

Skip it if you want:

• long sitting time
• lots of drink choice in the cold zone
• a calm, uncrowded space
• strong tolerance for cold temperatures

For most people, the sweet spot is simple: dress warm, keep expectations realistic about how quick the ice segment is, and treat it like a themed Amsterdam night activity rather than a substitute for a full bar crawl.

FAQ

How cold is the Icebar inside?

The ice bar is kept at a constant temperature of about -10°C (14°F).

What drinks are included with this ticket?

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

How long does the experience take?

It lasts about 45 minutes (approx.).

What is the minimum drinking age?

The minimum drinking age is 18.

Is the ice bar visit accessible for most people?

The info says most travelers can participate.

Does the ticket include warm clothing?

Yes. Special thermal clothing is included for the duration of the ice-bar visit.

Are there Wi-Fi and a mobile ticket?

Yes, Wi-Fi is included, and you receive a mobile ticket.

Is transportation included?

No, transportation to and from attractions is not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

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