About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I’ve seen my fair share of "tourist traps" over the years, and usually, when a venue relies on a gimmick, the RevPAR is the only thing the owners care about while the guest experience chills in the basement. But the Amsterdam Icebar is a rare beast that actually delivers on its promise without feeling like a total lead-gen scheme. While most of the industry is obsessed with "authentic local experiences," sometimes you just want to drink vodka out of a glass made of frozen water while wearing a thermal poncho. It's a bit ridiculous, sure, but in a city where every canal house starts to look the same after three days, this place offers a genuine break from the norm. Just don't expect to linger—once that 20-minute timer hits, you'll realize why high turnover is the secret sauce of this business model.
About the Tour
If you're looking to escape the damp breeze of the Amstel, the Amsterdam Icebar takes "refreshing" to a whole new level—specifically minus 10 degrees Celsius. This isn't just a bar with a big freezer; it's a structural marvel where the walls, the furniture, and even the glass in your hand are carved from natural ice.
Your experience begins in the heated lounge, a cozy space where you can trade your voucher for a designated time slot. This is where you kick things off with your first included beverage—a welcome cocktail or a local beer—to get the engine running before the deep freeze.
The Cold Hard Facts:
- Thermal Gear: No need to pack your parka; the venue provides specialized winter wear to keep you from turning into an ice sculpture yourself.
- The Drinks: Your ticket includes three drinks in total. After your welcome drink, you get two more inside the Icebar. You can choose from flavored vodkas, rum, sambuca, Heineken, or orange juice for the teetotalers.
- The Atmosphere: Inside, the "cool" factor is amped up with state-of-the-art mood lighting and a soundtrack that keeps the energy high even as the temp drops.
Most visitors spend about 45 minutes for the full experience. You get a solid 20 minutes inside the actual ice chamber, which is more than enough time to snap those photos and finish your drinks before your nose starts to go numb. Afterward, you’re welcome to head back to the lounge to thaw out and perhaps try a few more cocktails from their extensive menu. It's a fun, quirky detour that proves Amsterdam isn't all about museums and pancakes.
Highlights
- Experience the cool vibes and climate of Amsterdam's Icebar
- Enjoy a welcome cocktail in the lounge
- Marvel at a bar constructed from 35 tons of ice
- Wrap up warm in the provided winter wear
- Drink from glasses made out of ice
Know before you go
- Please note it is only possible to visit the Icebar at your chosen timeslot
- Only available for those aged 18+