The Ice Bar in Amsterdam: prices, opening hours, info

❄️ The Ice Bar in Amsterdam: prices, opening hours, info

In the centre of Amsterdam’s vibrant cityscape lies a frosty oasis that is second to none – the Amsterdam Ice Bar. From the moment you step through the icy portal, you are transported into a realm where the embrace of winter knows no bounds.

When you step inside, you are immediately enveloped by the cold air with temperatures around -10°C (14°F). But don’t worry, because you’ll be kitted out with cosy thermal clothing to guarantee your comfort on this icy adventure.

The interior is a true marvel, a glacial wonderland sculpted entirely from pristine ice. Every surface shimmers with crystalline lustre, from the walls decorated with intricate ice carvings to the bar counter, which glistens in the dim, frosty light. Even the seats and tables are carved from blocks of ice, inviting you to take a seat and immerse yourself in the frosty ambience.

Where is the Ice Bar in Amsterdam?

The Ice Bar is located right in the centre of Amsterdam, just a few minutes from the famous Rembrandtplein. To get there, you can take almost any bus or tram that runs through Rembrandtplein. Alternatively, you can take the metro 51, 53 or 54 to Waterlooplein.

✅ Tip: If you have a ticket for a canal cruise, you can get off at “The Starboard Dock” stop. You can also book the ICE BAR directly as part of a combined offer with a canal cruise!

Admission prices

You can find the admission prices for the ICE BAR in Amsterdam in the table below. There are also some exciting combined offers. It’s worth it!

Admission for children under 18 years

Unfortunately, children under 18 are not admitted to the facilities. Even though the ICE BAR is often referred to as one of the busiest attractions, it should not be forgotten that it is still a bar that serves alcoholic drinks. If in doubt, the bar regularly checks the ID of those wishing to enter the bar.

But let’s look on the bright side. If entry to the bar is not possible due to age, what better excuse to come back to Amsterdam in a few years and visit the ICE BAR? 🙂

Duration of the experience and what it includes

The ticket includes access to the ICE BAR. Once in the ICE BAR, you then get three free drinks. Here, it is essential to look a little closer, as it is a welcome drink with two more shots!

If possible, arrive 20 minutes before the booked time slot and enjoy the first free drink in the bar. It would help if you planned to stay in the bar for around 20 minutes before enjoying the two other complimentary beverages.

🕒 You can’t stand the temperatures in the bar for much longer. Apart from that, there is no time limit for how long you can stay in ICEBAR. But don’t worry: you’ll get cold quickly enough and want to get out again voluntarily.

Arriving early is advantageous, as a queue can form in front of the bar, especially at peak times such as Easter or on various public holidays. It is best to book a ticket online in advance with a fixed time slot to avoid unnecessary waiting times.

How should I dress in the bar?

Of course, the ICEBAR has thought of this problem. At the entrance, every visitor is provided with an oversized jacket and a pair of gloves to keep them warm – all included in the price of the experience if you wish. It’s easy to imagine that this could cause major problems in summer if visitors turn up wearing just a T-shirt!

✅ But here’s a good tip for the summer: a T-shirt may suffice, as you will eventually be given a jacket at the entrance, but it will be difficult in shorts. The experience will not be pleasant, otherwise you will quickly get too cold!

Opening hours

The exact opening hours of the ICE BAR can be found in the following table.

Can I take photos in the bar?

It is not only allowed but even recommended. The ICE BAR is happy to have you take photos in the bar. Great memories with friends or family!

You can also post these pictures on Instagram or other social networks. A good idea is to leave an honest review on websites such as Google Maps or Tripadvisor. The ICE BAR team will be delighted with every positive review!

However, if you want a professional photo taken of you, the bar also offers this service, and you can buy the pictures when you leave the bar!

History of the ice bar concept and its origins

The concept of ice bars originates in the frosty landscapes of Scandinavia, where the sub-zero temperatures and abundant ice formations inspired the creation of unique drinking establishments. The first ice bar, the so-called Icehotel, was opened in 1990 in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. Built entirely out of ice and snow, the Icehotel allowed guests to experience the enchanting beauty of winter in a truly immersive way.

Following the success of the Icehotel, the ice bar concept spread around the globe, capturing the imagination of visitors with its frosty charm. In 2006, the Icebar by Icehotel in Stockholm, Sweden, opened the world’s first permanent ice bar, paving the way for similar establishments in cities worldwide.

What drinks are available at the Ice Bar?

The offer sounds tempting. The entrance fee not only includes entry to the bar, but also 3 free drinks.

🍹 There are 2 differences: The drinks are in the FRONT LOUNGE in front of the bar. Here, you can exchange your token and choose from several fantastic beverages. These include, for example, a mojito, Amsterdamned, or the house specialty Artic ICEBAR. Beer and non-alcoholic drinks are, of course, also available.

In the ICEBAR itself, you can enjoy two more free drinks in the freezing temperatures. You can choose from Heineken beer, Sprite, orange juice, or shots such as Sambuca or various vodka shots!

If you want to spend a longer time with friends in the ICEBAR, you can buy more drinks at the counter in front of the bar at any time before or after your visit.

Safety measures, temperature control and maintenance

🌡️ The ICE BAR in Amsterdam naturally operates under very strict security measures.

The inside of the bar must be kept at an exact temperature so that the visitor can experience an authentic temperature! But it doesn’t get too cold either, so there is no health risk for the visitor!

The slightest anomaly could cause the bar to close its doors, so safety and temperature control are top priorities for the bar.

Collaboration with local artists

If you’re lucky, you might be able to visit the ICE BAR on a day when there is a collaboration with a local artist.

🎶 This may be the case, for example, when a DJ is holding a session in the ICE BAR. At other times, there may be a small exhibition.

Whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple or with friends and family, it’s always a good idea to go to the ICE BAR, because when you’re there, you can be in for a pleasant surprise when the ICE BAR collaborates with a local artist on the day!

Where is the nearest car park?

🅿️ The nearest car park is Parking Waterlooplein at Valkenburgerstraat 238, 1011 ND Amsterdam.

Example of a customer comment on the ICEBAR

As proof that this is a unique experience in Amsterdam, here is an excellent comment from a customer for the ICE BAR.

We were greeted enthusiastically and given a coat and gloves to wear inside! The temperature is pleasant when you enter the ice bar; it’s cold but not too extreme. We were given our drinks in cups made of ice and had plenty of time to take photos and enjoy our drinks! We left the ice bar as soon as we finished both our drinks! My hands, in particular, were freezing cold! We were then invited to relax in the main bar before returning to the hotel! It was a fantastic experience. The staff are brilliant and enthusiastic and an absolute must in Amsterdam!

Conclusion – Is a visit to the Icebar worthwhile?

The Ice Bar has become very popular in recent years. It has almost become one of the most important tourist attractions in Amsterdam. Tickets sell quickly; sometimes, a queue exists to enter the bar.

👍 It’s safe to say that a visit to the ICE Bar is a great experience and well worth the money!