XtraCold Ice Bar Amsterdam | Hours & Tips to Visit the Coldest Bar in the City

Navigating your way

Start at the main entrance

Begin your visit at the Icebar entrance on Amstel 194, where you check in for your booked timeslot. This is also where you receive your first drink before the cold chamber opens. Arriving about 20 minutes early helps you move in without rushing.

Follow the set experience flow

The Icebar visit follows a two part structure. You first spend time in the warm lounge, then staff provide a thermal coat and gloves and guide you into the ice chamber. Inside, temperatures remain at minus ten degrees and drinks are served in ice glasses.

Prioritize the highlights

Focus on the transition from the warm lounge to the frozen chamber, the ice walls and lighting effects, and the drinks included with your ticket. Since time inside is limited, it helps to explore the space and enjoy your drinks before the session ends.

Get more from your Icebar experience

The XtraCold Icebar is one of Amsterdam’s best-value attractions, offering a themed Arctic setting and three included drinks for less than most nightlife spots. The compact, immersive format makes it an easy add-on to any itinerary, giving you a fun, memorable experience without stretching your budget.

Book your tickets now!

How to make the most of your time

Visit type	Duration	Route	What you get
Snapshot visit	45 minutes	Check in → Warm lounge drink → Ice chamber session → Return to lounge	A focused experience that gives you the signature Icebar atmosphere in the shortest time.
Balanced visit	1.5 hours	Check in early → Warm lounge drink → Ice chamber session → Extra time in the lounge	A smoother visit that lets you enjoy the Icebar at an easy pace with time to settle in.

Handy tips

Reserve ahead during weekends and holidays because the busiest evening slots from 7pm to 10pm often fill up a day or two earlier.
Pick calmer windows like 3:45pm to 6pm for quicker check-ins and more space in the ice chamber.
Avoid tourist-trap upsells outside the venue because street vendors selling “instant entry” cannot get you in.
Dress smart since the thermal coat helps but light clothing means you will feel the cold after 10 to 15 minutes.
Time your photos by waiting one entry cycle because small groups enter every few minutes which gives you clearer shots.

Explore XtraCold Icebar

Warm Lounge

Walk into the warm lounge, a cozy spot decked out with nautical touches and little expedition props. It is the perfect place to relax, redeem your drinks, and get ready for the icy adventure ahead.

Frozen Ice Chamber

Step into the ice chamber and you are instantly transported to the Arctic. Everything around you, including the walls, seating, and the bar, is carved from ice and glows in shades of blue and white, creating a surreal, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Ice Sculptures & Arctic Props

Scattered throughout the room are life-size ice sculptures and themed props, from a giant polar bear to a ship’s wheel. They make the space fun to explore and perfect for snapping memorable photos.

Barentsz Expedition Theme

The Icebar is more than just ice and lights. It is inspired by Barentsz’s 1596 expedition, and the staff guide you through the story like a real crew, adding a playful narrative to the experience.

Icy Drinks & Cocktails

Gear up for the highlight of the Icebar: the drinks. Everything from cocktails to shots is served in ice glasses, making each sip feel extra crisp and refreshing. The drink selection adds another layer of fun to your Arctic escape.

Arctic Lighting Effects

Pause and admire as coloured lights bounce off the ice, shifting the mood and giving the room a magical, dynamic glow. The atmosphere changes with the lighting, so each visit feels unique.

Before you get there

About XtraCold Icebar

Learn more about Amsterdam’s unique frozen bar experience where everything is made of ice.

Timings

Get all the information on opening hours at XtraCold Icebar to plan your visit.

Directions

Find out the best ways to reach XtraCold Icebar for a seamless visit.

Things to know before booking XtraCold Icebar tickets

Booking in advance: The Icebar is a hot spot in Amsterdam, especially on weekends and during summer. To make sure you get your preferred timeslot, it’s best to book at least two weeks ahead because last-minute tickets often sell out.
Ticket options: You can go for standard skip-the-line tickets or choose a combo ticket. Standard tickets give you direct access to the Icebar, while combo tickets let you pair your visit with other experiences like a 1-hour Amsterdam canal cruise, the Heineken experience,entry to the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam lights festival cruise, or AMAZE Amsterdam.
Upgrades: If you want a little extra without booking a full combo, you can upgrade your standard ticket to include a canal cruise. It’s an easy way to add more to your day without juggling multiple bookings or lines.
Best for combos: Combo tickets are great if you want to pack more into your day. Most of the nearby attractions are close together, so you can enjoy two experiences in just a few hours without feeling rushed.

Your tickets explained

Ticket type	What's included	Best for
Skip-the-Line	Skip the line entry to Icebar, 3 drinks, coat and gloves	Quick Icebar visit without waiting
Icebar + Heineken Experience	Skip the line entry to Icebar, 3 drinks, coat and gloves, Heineken Experience entry, live presentations, audio guide, 2 Heinekens	Explore beer culture with frozen cocktails
Icebar + Canal Cruise	Skip the line entry to Icebar, 3 drinks, coat and gloves, 1-hour canal cruise, audio guide	Combine Icebar with relaxing canal views
Icebar + Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise	Skip the line entry to Icebar, 3 drinks, coat and gloves, 75-minute lights festival cruise, guided commentary	See Icebar and illuminated canals at night
Icebar + Rijksmuseum	Skip the line entry to Icebar, 3 drinks, coat and gloves, entry to all Rijksmuseum exhibitions	Mix frozen bar experience with Dutch art
Icebar + Amaze Amsterdam	Skip the line entry to Icebar, 3 drinks, coat and gloves, entry to Amaze Amsterdam with lounge access	Add playful, interactive fun to Icebar visit

XtraCold Icebar timings

Day	Timings	Last entry
Monday–Wednesday	3:45 pm – 10:45pm	45 minutes before closing
Thursday–Sunday	11:45am – 1am	45 minutes before closing

Best time to visit

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekdays (Monday to Wednesday) are quieter, especially in the mornings, allowing a relaxed visit.
Weekends (Thursday to Sunday) are busier and livelier, with more visitors and occasional wait times.

Peak vs Off-Peak Season

Peak season (May to August) is the busiest, with heavier crowds at the Icebar.
Shoulder months (March, April, September, October) offer fewer visitors and easier access.
Off-peak season (November to February) has the lowest visitor numbers, creating a calm experience, though it is colder.

Where is XtraCold Icebar located?

Address: Amstel 194, 196, 1017 AG Amsterdam, Netherlands

XtraCold Icebar Amsterdam is located at Amstel 194 in the city center, right by the Amstel River. It is within easy walking distance of Rembrandtplein and well connected by public transport, making it simple to reach from anywhere in the city.

Closest landmark: Rembrandtplein, 250 m away

Know more

How to get there

Travel time: Around 10 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal Station
Closest stop: Rembrandtplein, about 300 meters away
Take night bus N85 from Centraal Station and get off at Rembrandtplein. From there, it’s a short walk along the Amstel River to reach the Icebar.

Travel time: About 8 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal Station
Board Metro line 52 at Centraal Station and ride to Rokin. From the station, a quick stroll through Amsterdam’s central streets brings you to the Icebar.
Closest stop: Rokin, roughly 750 meters away

Travel time: 5–7 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal Station
Distance: 2 km
Drive along Prins Hendrikkade straight to the Icebar, the fastest route from the city center. Parking is not available on-site, but nearby options include Parking Waterlooplein, Q-Park Rokin, AP Parking Rembrandtplein, and Interparking Stopera.

Facilities & Accessibility

Coats & gloves: You will receive a warm coat and gloves at entry to stay warm inside the ice chamber.
Three drinks: Every ticket includes three drinks served in real ice glasses, one in the lounge and two in the ice chamber.
Free Wi‑Fi: Internet access is available throughout the venue.
Restrooms: Toilets are available on-site.
Wheelchair accessible entrance: The entrance and lounge areas are ground level and accessible for wheelchairs.
Service animals: Guide and assistance dogs are allowed inside the Icebar premises.

Rules

Entry is restricted to guests aged 18 and older and a valid ID is required.
Maximum time inside the ice chamber is 20 minutes and lounge access has no time limit.
Smoking is not allowed inside. You may step outside to smoke and return with the same ticket.
Only small bags or purses can be brought inside and there are no lockers on-site.
Additional drinks can be purchased in the lobby not inside the ice chamber.
Pets are not permitted on the premises. Only service dogs are allowed inside.
Open shoes and exposed legs are not recommended due to the cold temperatures.

Where to eat

The area around XtraCold Icebar offers several nearby dining options with diverse cuisines and atmospheres.

Cafe‑Restaurant de Plantage

Seasonal and sustainable ingredients with a terrace and garden, serving dishes like Scottish diamondback hare, chowder with fried red mullet, and risotto with fried chanterelle.

De Nachtwacht

European cuisine in the city centre, featuring French onion soup, carpaccio, beef satay, and grilled salmon in a cozy, intimate setting.

Frenzi

Italian cuisine in a modern, stylish interior, offering Pizza Tartufi, sweet potato gnocchi, and wild mushroom risotto for casual dinners or nights out.

Where to stay

XtraCold Icebar is centrally located, making nearby accommodations convenient for visitors.

Budget hotels

Rembrandtplein Hotel (from €50 | 300 m)
The Arcade Hotel (from €56 | 1.4 km)
The Alfred Hotel Amsterdam (from €57 | 2.4 km)
ITC Hotel Amsterdam (from €60 | 480 m)

Mid-range hotels

Nova Hotel & Apartments (from €108 | 860 m)
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – City Hall (from €114 | 720 m)
Hotel Amstelzicht (from €115 | 220 m)
Dream Hotel Amsterdam (from €116 | 540 m)

Luxury hotels

Art'otel Amsterdam (from €198 | 1.3 km)
Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center (from €205 | 280 m)
Rembrandt Square Boat (from €230 | 270 m)
W Amsterdam (from €273 | 980 m)

Insider tips

Arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before your slot so you can enjoy the first drink in the warm lounge without feeling rushed.
The actual ice chamber stay lasts about 20 minutes. Anything longer can get uncomfortably cold even with the provided coat and gloves.
Carry warm socks and closed shoes. The ice floor gets chilly quickly and some visitors feel cold feet.
For better photos with fewer crowds, choose an early afternoon timeslot. These tend to be quieter compared with busy evening hours.
After the icy part, spend extra time in the warm lounge. Lingering with an included drink makes the visit more comfortable.

Frequently asked questions about planning your visit to XtraCold Icebar

How long does a typical visit last?

The full experience is about 45 minutes total, with roughly 20 minutes in the ice chamber and the rest in the warm lounge.

What are the opening hours?

On Monday to Wednesday, the Icebar is open from 3:45pm to 10:45pm and Thursday to Sunday from 11:45am to 1am. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing.

Is there an age limit?

Yes, all guests must be 18 or older and show a valid ID for entry.

Can I bring small bags or backpacks?

Small bags or purses are allowed. There are no onsite lockers, so avoid bringing large luggage.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

The entrance and warm lounge are accessible. The ice chamber itself has a small step and may be challenging for some mobility devices.