Situated in the heart of Amsterdam, the Xtracold Icebar offers visitors a truly unique and chilling experience. Clad in thermal ponchos and mittens, guests sip on complimentary cocktails served in ice glasses, immersed in a mesmerizing icy environment. But the adventure doesn’t end there – after this frosty encounter, guests embark on a luxurious canal cruise, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks and providing a chance to appreciate Amsterdam’s charm in a more relaxed setting. With both activities seamlessly combined, this experience promises an unforgettable day in the Dutch capital.
Key Points
- The Xtracold Icebar in Amsterdam offers a unique combination of an ice-themed bar and a 1-hour canal cruise showcasing the city’s iconic sights.
- The Icebar experience features a temperature of 14°F (-10°C), with visitors provided complimentary thermal gear to enjoy three cocktails served in ice glasses.
- The Icebar’s cozy yet icy ambiance and visually striking venue provide a memorable experience, though opinions on its novelty are polarized among visitors.
- The canal cruise offers panoramic views of historic landmarks, including the Anne Frank House and Skinny Bridge, with an informative audio guide available in multiple languages.
- While the overall experience is praised by many, some visitors have reported issues with communication and logistics regarding the cruise portion of the activity.
Overview of the Experience
The Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam & Canal Cruise is a unique experience that combines a chilling visit to an ice-themed bar with a leisurely boat tour of Amsterdam’s iconic canals.
Located in the heart of the city, the Xtracold Icebar is made entirely of ice, offering a cozy yet icy ambiance for a one-of-a-kind drinking experience.
Accompanied by a 1-hour canal cruise, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore Amsterdam’s beautiful waterways and sights, such as the Anne Frank House and the Skinny Bridge.
With mixed reviews, the overall experience promises an unforgettable way to take in the city’s charms.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Amsterdam
Exploring the Xtracold Icebar
What makes the Xtracold Icebar in Amsterdam such a unique and captivating experience? Step into a frozen wonderland where everything, from the furniture to the glasses, is sculpted from ice. Maintained at a brisk 14°F (-10°C), the icebar envelops visitors in a cozy, icy ambiance perfect for a one-of-a-kind drinking experience. Guests receive a thermal poncho and mittens to stay warm as they sip on three complimentary cocktails served in glittering ice glasses. This immersive, visually striking venue offers a delightfully chilly respite from the bustling streets of Amsterdam.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Venue | Amsterdam Icebar Xtracold, made entirely of ice |
Temperature | 14°F (-10°C) |
Inclusions | 3 complimentary drinks, thermal poncho, mittens |
Ambiance | Cozy yet icy, ideal for a unique drinking experience |
Ambiance and Visitor Feedback
Beyond the frozen walls and icy furniture, the Xtracold Icebar creates a cozy yet distinctly chilled ambiance, ideal for a one-of-a-kind drinking experience.
Visitors are outfitted with thermal ponchos and mittens to combat the 14°F (-10°C) temperature.
While some find the icy glasses and overall concept to be a novel and enjoyable experience, others feel it’s more of a gimmick.
Opinions are mixed, with some praising the unique atmosphere and others finding it underwhelming compared to their expectations.
The Icebar offers a memorable, if polarizing, way to start an evening in Amsterdam.
Embarking on the Canal Cruise
After the icy adventure at the Xtracold Icebar, visitors embark on a 1-hour sightseeing cruise along Amsterdam’s iconic canals. The luxury glass-topped boat provides panoramic views of the city’s historic landmarks, including the Anne Frank House, Skinny Bridge, and Golden Bend. An audio guide, available in multiple languages, offers captivating stories and facts about these notable sights. Departing every 15-30 minutes, the cruise allows travelers to sit back, relax, and enjoy the charming atmosphere of Amsterdam’s waterways.
Cruise Highlights | Audio Guide | Departure Frequency | Boat Type | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|
Anne Frank House | Multi-lingual | Every 15-30 minutes | Luxury glass-topped | 1 hour |
Skinny Bridge | Informative stories | Dependent on season | Sightseeing | – |
Golden Bend | Engaging commentary | – | – | – |
Cruise Highlights and Audio Guide
What highlights do travelers enjoy during the 1-hour canal cruise in Amsterdam?
The cruise takes passengers on a sightseeing journey along the city’s historic canals, offering views of iconic attractions like the Anne Frank House, the Skinny Bridge, and the Golden Bend.
An audio guide, available in multiple languages, provides interesting facts and stories about the landmarks.
Travelers can sit back and relax in the luxury glass-topped boat as they float through the picturesque waterways, taking in the charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere of Amsterdam from a unique perspective.
Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam: Luxury Canal Cruise Unlimited Drinks & Snacks Option
- Amsterdam Classic Saloon Boat Cruise, Drinks and Cheese Option
- All-Inclusive Amsterdam Canal Cruise With Drinks and Dutch Bites!
- 2 Hour Small Group Canal Cruise W/ Dutch Snacks & Onboard Bar
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise on a Small Open Boat (Max 12 Guests)
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Open Boat With Hot Drinks
Meeting Points and Ticketing
Where exactly do travelers meet for the Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam & Canal Cruise experience? Participants can select from several convenient meeting points around the city.
Once at the meeting spot, they’ll receive their smartphone ticket for the Icebar entry. As for the canal cruise, travelers must reserve a specific time slot upon arrival at the starting point.
This is important, as the cruises depart every 15-30 minutes, depending on the season. The activities end back at the original meeting location, making for a seamless experience.
Tickets and reservations are essential for this popular Amsterdam duo.
Visitor Experiences and Issues
While the Xtracold Icebar and canal cruise experience received positive feedback from many visitors, some participants encountered issues and found aspects of the activity underwhelming.
Common complaints included:
- Poor communication regarding cruise logistics, with some travelers missing the cruise due to unclear directions.
- Confusion about the cruise timing and location, leading to uncertainty and frustration.
- The Icebar experience being perceived as underwhelming compared to expectations, with some finding the novelty wearing off quickly.
Despite these drawbacks, the unique ambiance of the Icebar and the enjoyable sightseeing cruise continued to delight many visitors.
Cancellation Policy and Group Size
As a key consideration for travelers, the Xtracold Icebar and Canal Cruise experience offers a flexible cancellation policy.
Visitors can cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the start of the activity without incurring any fees. This allows for last-minute schedule changes or unforeseen circumstances.
The tour also accommodates groups of up to 30 travelers, making it suitable for both small parties and larger gatherings.
Whether visiting the icy wonderland of the Icebar or cruising along Amsterdam’s iconic canals, the experience caters to a range of group sizes with its convenient cancellation terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Upgrade My Drink Options at the Icebar?
Visitors can upgrade their drink options at the Icebar by purchasing additional drinks beyond the complimentary offerings. This allows them to further enjoy the unique ice glass experience and explore the bar’s specialty cocktails.
Can I Bring Food and Drinks Into the Icebar?
No, guests are not allowed to bring their own food or drinks into the Icebar. The experience includes three complimentary drinks, and additional beverages can be purchased on-site. Bringing outside items is not permitted.
Do I Need to Make a Reservation for the Canal Cruise?
Yes, a time-slot reservation for the canal cruise must be made upon arrival. The cruise departs every 15-30 minutes, so reserving a spot ensures you don’t miss the next available boat.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Booking Both Activities Together?
Yes, booking the Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam and 1-Hour Canal Cruise together can provide discounted pricing. Bundling the two activities can save up to 15% compared to booking them separately.
Can I Leave and Re-Enter the Icebar During My Visit?
Visitors cannot leave and re-enter the Icebar during their visit. Once inside, they must remain for the full 1.5-hour experience to maintain the desired temperature and atmosphere. Exiting the Icebar would disrupt the environment and is not permitted.
The Sum Up
Visitors to Amsterdam can’t miss the chance to experience the unique combination of the Xtracold Icebar and a relaxing canal cruise. The Icebar’s icy ambiance and complimentary cocktails provide a thrilling start, followed by a tranquil boat tour showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks. This unique pairing offers a memorable and well-rounded adventure in the heart of Amsterdam.
More Drinking Tours in Amsterdam
More Nightlife Experiences in Amsterdam
More Tour Reviews in Amsterdam
Still browsing? Here are more Amsterdam experiences we've covered recently
- Amsterdam Winter Wonder Walk
- Historical tour of Amsterdam with Italian guide
- Amsterdam Highlights Small-Group Walking Tour
- Amsterdam Walking Tour and Cruise with Drinks and Cheese Tasting
- Exclusive Cheese Walk & Dutch Wine Discovery
- Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour in EN/DE/IT
- Amsterdam Private BBQ and Drinks Cruise With Onboard Chef
- Amsterdam Open Boat Sightseeing Canal Cruise
- Private Walking Food Tour in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam local transfers
- Amsterdam Light Festival: Canal Cruise Covered Saloon Boat
- Amsterdam Landscape Windmill Private Bike Tour