★☆☆☆☆ Save Your Money – Go to a Real Bar Instead
We paid £19 per person for the promise of a cool, unique experience with three drinks included. What we got was a chaotic, overcrowded tourist trap that left us cold—but not in the way you’d expect.
First, you’re herded into a dark, stuffy bar packed with way too many people. There’s a briefing about how the drink tokens work (which feels more like a scam explanation than anything), and then good luck trying to get your “free cocktail” at the bar. A row of people is permanently glued to the stools in front of the bar, so ordering is a fun game of trying to shout over heads and hope someone notices you. When your drink does arrive, it’s basically juice and ice—no trace of alcohol, unless you believe in homeopathy.
Before entering the main event—the so-called “ice bar”—you’re forced to watch a bizarre, low-budget video involving pirates… or possibly sailors? Honestly, I stopped paying attention out of sheer confusion and second-hand embarrassment.
Then begins the real cattle-herding experience: you’re gathered behind a curtain, handed a one-size-fits-nobody jacket and a pair of grubby gloves. If you’re not built like a stick insect, good luck squeezing into those coats. Once dressed, you’re shouted at to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in a line like you’re about to be sorted into the Hunger Games.
Inside the actual “ice bar”? It’s a tiny freezer with metal floors, fake ice, and the air con turned down to “mildly chilly.” You’re told you can now get your two remaining drinks—but only if you like beer or vodka. If you don’t, tough luck. And don’t be fooled: if you choose two beers, one’s a full pint and the other is a thimble-sized “beer shot.” The portion control is sneaky, and not in a clever way.
You queue again in this freezing shoebox for drinks served with zero enthusiasm. The staff clearly want you in and out as fast as possible. We left after 10 awkward minutes, embarrassed we’d fallen for it.
Verdict: This isn’t an ice bar. It’s a bad themed attraction with overpriced squash, cold air, and all the charm of a queue at airport security.
Avoid. Go to an actual bar where you can sit, relax, and get...
Read moreIf I’m honest I was a bit disappointed with the Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam - I wouldn’t say it was awful but I wouldn’t say it was particularly good either. We arrived at the Icebar with not much time to spare before the time it was meant to start (6pm) we were given 3 tokens; 1 welcome drink and 2 drinks in the Icebar. We didn’t have time to get our welcome drink so the bartender told us we would be best to get it after the Icebar because we couldn’t take our glasses in. To keep you warm in the Icebar you are given a coat and gloves before entering. In the Icebar you are able to use your 2 remaining tokens to get yourself a drink, disappointingly there was not much of a selection of drinks in the Icebar, it was Heineken beer, Vodka - Cream, Vodka - Nuts & Nougat, Vodka - White, Sambuca or Vodka Coconut. It would have men much better if there was more of a selection even if it was pre-made cocktails like they do in the London Ice Bar. The theme of the Xtra Cold Icebar was pirate themed and it didn’t really make sense and the actual interior of Icebar was also disappointing - it was very small and there weren’t many sculptures. You could have your photo taken in the Icebar but it was €7.50 to buy 1 photo after. The overall experience wasn’t great and I found it pretty boring and if I’m honest a waste of money but I think this is probably bias because I had been to the London one so was comparing it to that and the London one in my opinion is a lot better. Like I said I wouldn’t say it was bad but wasn’t great. After the Icebar we had our welcome drink and my boyfriend and I had a mojito which again wasn’t great. My boyfriend also didn’t think much of the experience and I wouldn’t pay to...
Read moreChilling Adventure at the Amsterdam Ice Bar - A Unique Experience!
I recently had the opportunity to visit the Amsterdam Ice Bar and it was a fantastic experience! The bar consists of two distinct sections - the cozy waiting area and the thrilling icebox itself.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a warm waiting area, where they can enjoy delicious cocktails while waiting for their designated timeslot. The atmosphere here is relaxed and inviting, with a diverse menu of cagoules drinks to choose from.
Once it's time to enter the icebox, visitors are provided with warm clothing and gloves to ensure comfort in the sub-zero temperatures. Inside, everything from the walls to the furniture is made of ice, creating a truly unique and immersive environment. Even the glass you receive for your drinks is made of ice! Guests are allowed one refill with a choice between shots and beer.
While the experience was undoubtedly memorable, I would have appreciated the inclusion of the delicious cocktails from the waiting area into the icebox menu. Offering these delightful concoctions in the icebox would further enhance the overall experience.
In conclusion, the Amsterdam Ice Bar is a must-visit for those looking for a one-of-a-kind, chilling adventure. The entire experience is enjoyable, from the cozy waiting area to the exciting icebox. However, expanding the icebox menu to include the delightful cocktails from the waiting area would elevate the experience even further. Don't miss out on this unique,...
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