Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam & 1-Hour Canal Cruise

Discover the Cool Side of Amsterdam: Xtracold Icebar & Canal Cruise

Imagine stepping into a frosty ice palace where everything, from the walls to the glasses, is made of ice. That’s what awaits you at Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam, a unique experience that costs around $42.42 per person for approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. The package includes admission to the Icebar plus a 1-hour luxury canal cruise with an audio guide, making it a fantastic way to see some of the city’s top sights.

What we love about this experience is how it combines a quirky, memorable photo opportunity with the charm of Amsterdam’s scenic waterways. The ice bar’s design is both playful and surprising, and the canal cruise offers a relaxing view of the city’s iconic gabled houses and historic bridges. The staff at both locations generally earn high marks for their friendliness and professionalism.

A potential consideration is the complexity of booking and timing, as reviews suggest some confusion regarding scheduling the canal cruise—it’s not immediately clear that you need to reserve your cruise time separately. If you’re tight on time or prefer a seamless experience, this is something to plan ahead for.

This combo tour suits travelers who enjoy a bit of fun and novelty—perfect for first-time visitors wanting a quick taste of Amsterdam’s highlights, or groups celebrating special occasions. If you’re after an authentic, light-hearted experience that combines visual delights with scenic views, this tour is worth considering.

Key Points

• Unique ice experience: Everything inside the Icebar—including glasses—is made of ice, creating a memorable setting.
• Good value for the price: Includes three complimentary drinks and a scenic canal cruise, making it a well-rounded experience.
• Separate booking needed for the cruise: The cruise departs near Central Station, but you must reserve your time slot at Damrak 26.
• Mixed reviews on the experience: While most praise the staff and views, some found the Icebar small and crowded or were disappointed by poor communication regarding the cruise.
• Ideal for casual sightseeing: Suitable for those wanting a fun, Instagram-worthy experience combined with a relaxed boat ride.
• Weather-friendly activity: The covering boat makes it a good option even on rainy days.

An In-depth Look at the Experience

When you arrive at Amsterdam Icebar Xtracold, you’re greeted in a setting that’s as much a work of art as it is a bar. Constructed entirely from ice, the space features frozen furniture, walls, and even drinking glasses, creating an environment that feels like stepping into a glacier cave. The temperature inside is a brisk 14°F (-10°C), so don’t forget the thermal poncho and mittens provided—they’re essential to stay comfortable.

It’s worth noting that several reviewers mention the small size of the Icebar, which can lead to a crowded feeling. Yet, this intimacy also means you’re surrounded by fellow adventurers, making it easy to strike up conversations or snap fun photos. The complimentary cocktail upon entry is a nice touch, and you’re allowed to enjoy two more drinks on the house, which helps justify the price.

The highlight for many is drinking from glasses carved from ice, which is just plain cool, pun intended. Some reviewers like Gareth O. mention that the ice glasses are awesome, making the experience feel more special than a typical bar visit. However, a few comment that the ice room is quite small, and during busy times, it can feel cramped, so manage your expectations accordingly.

Once you’ve had your fill of frosty fun, the next stop is the canal cruise. You’ll head to Prins Hendrikkade 25 near Amsterdam Central Station, where you’ll board a luxurious glass-topped boat for a one-hour sightseeing trip. It’s a relaxed way to see key landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), and the Golden Bend neighborhood. The audio guide provides interesting tidbits about the city’s history and architecture, adding depth to the experience.

What makes the cruise appealing is its slow, scenic pace—you’ll glide past gabled houses, historic bridges, and hidden corners of Amsterdam. It’s a great way to get your bearings and see the city from a different perspective. Some reviews, however, mention confusion around booking the cruise and lack of clear instructions, which could be frustrating if you’re not prepared or arrive unorganized.

The cruise tends to be peaceful and laid-back, with passengers appreciating the view of the city’s architecture. The audio guide is available in multiple languages, providing a well-rounded narration that can turn a simple boat ride into an educational and enjoyable activity.

What the Reviews Say

Reviewers offer a balanced view—many praise the fun and novelty of the Icebar, calling it a “must-do” for an Instagram-worthy experience. Several highlight the friendly staff and good value. For instance, Niklas H. mentions the “awesome service,” appreciating the helpful scheduling.

On the flip side, some reviews point out disappointments. A few found the Icebar small and underwhelming, with Maxine R. describing it as a “dirty, expensive rubbish” and not worth the cost, especially if expecting a more extensive ice experience. More notably, many reviews mention poor communication about the canal cruise, with some missed their scheduled rides or found directions confusing—a real bumble for those expecting a seamless package.

Another common concern revolves around timing. Some travelers say they were told to do the cruise first, but the lack of clear instructions led to missed slots or long waits. This suggests that if you’re considering this tour, planning and early booking are essential, as well as confirming your cruise times upon arrival.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Duration and Schedule: The Icebar visit lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, including time to enjoy drinks and take photos. The canal cruise is 1 hour long, with departures every 15 or 30 minutes depending on the season.

Booking and Timing: You’ll need to reserve your canal cruise separately at Damrak 26 before heading to the pier. The Icebar time slot is booked in advance, but the cruise requires a separate reservation. Several reviews recommend arriving early or confirming your times to avoid missing out.

Cost and Value: At $42.42, this package offers a mix of fun and scenery, with three free drinks at the Icebar plus the scenic cruise. Some feel it’s good value—especially if booked in advance—while others think the ice experience is overpriced or small considering the crowded environment.

Weather and Accessibility: Because the boat is covered, it’s suitable for rainy days. The Icebar is very cold, but all necessary clothing is provided, making it accessible regardless of the season.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a quirky ice experience and enjoy relaxed sightseeing from the water, this tour is perfect. It’s especially suitable for groups or couples celebrating special moments, or first-timers eager to tick off two classic Amsterdam activities in one go.

However, if you prefer larger, more elaborate ice bars or straightforward, well-organized tours, you might find this experience a bit disappointing or confusing. Be prepared for small spaces, crowds, and the need to manage your own timings.

The Sum Up

The Xtracold Icebar and Canal Cruise combo offers a lighthearted, memorable taste of Amsterdam’s charm. The frosty ice bar provides a fun photo-op and a cool break from the city’s hustle, while the scenic canal cruise lets you see the city’s highlights at a relaxed pace. Both parts are enhanced by friendly staff and great views, making it a solid choice for those wanting a blend of fun, scenery, and authenticity.

It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy quirky experiences and don’t mind some logistical planning. The value for money is fair, considering the included drinks and scenic tour, though expectations should be adjusted based on the size and crowded feel of the Icebar. If you’re prepared for some booking nuances and crowd considerations, this tour can be a highlight of your Amsterdam visit.

FAQs

Is the Icebar suitable for all ages?
No, the minimum age is 18 years due to alcohol restrictions.

Do I need to book the canal cruise separately?
Yes, you must reserve your time slot at Damrak 26 before heading to the pier.

How long does the Icebar experience last?
The inside visit, including drinks, lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Can I enjoy the canal cruise on a rainy day?
Absolutely. The cruise is covered, making it a good option regardless of weather.

Are the drinks included?
Yes, you get three complimentary drinks at the Icebar, with additional drinks available on the house.

Is the experience worth the price?
Most travelers find it good value for the fun and scenic combination. However, some find the Icebar small and crowded, so manage your expectations accordingly.

This tour offers a quirky, fun way to experience Amsterdam’s top sights with a cool twist. Just be sure to confirm your cruise times and prepare for small spaces. If you’re after authenticity, scenic views, and good value, this package might be just what your trip needs.