1. Drink Cocktails from Ice Glasses

The ultimate XtraCold experience involves sipping drinks from glasses carved entirely from ice. These thick, frozen vessels slowly melt as you hold them, creating a race against time. Choose from vodka cocktails, beer, wine, or soft drinks—all served in authentic ice glasses you'll hold with provided gloves for comfort and safety.

2. Take Instagram-Worthy Photos

XtraCold is a photographer's paradise with elaborate ice sculptures, color-changing LED lighting, and winter gear creating stunning visuals. Capture shots at the ice bar counter, with frozen artworks, and group photos. Take pictures early—phone batteries drain quickly in -10°C temperatures. Staff happily help with photos at the best angles.

3. Explore the Themed Ice Rooms

Wander through multiple themed areas featuring different ice sculptures, designs, and atmospheres. Discover arctic wildlife scenes, winter landscapes, and Dutch cultural elements created by professional Swedish ice artists. Each section features unique colored lighting and intricate carvings. Look closely at walls and sculptures for hidden details—themes rotate periodically for returning visitors.

4. Experience the Temperature Shock

Feel the dramatic contrast when entering the -10°C ice bar from normal Amsterdam temperatures. Your breath becomes visible fog instantly, and cold hits your exposed face. Within minutes, your body adapts and the provided winter gear keeps you surprisingly comfortable. The initial shock is thrilling, and returning to warmth afterward feels wonderful and rejuvenating.

5. Learn About Ice Bar Construction

Discover the engineering marvel behind maintaining a -10°C environment. All ice is imported from Sweden's pure Torne River. Ask staff about construction processes, refrigeration systems, and ice carving techniques. Touch the thick ice walls with gloves to appreciate their solidity. Learn how often structures are rebuilt and what happens to melted ice in this sustainable operation.

6. Enjoy the Warm Bar Before and After

Your ticket includes unlimited time in the normal-temperature bar area. Enjoy your first included drink before the ice session, use restrooms, and store belongings. Afterward, warm up gradually, order additional drinks, review photos, and socialize comfortably. This extends XtraCold from a 40-minute novelty into a full evening experience worth the admission price.

7. Try Different Signature Cocktails

Maximize your two included ice bar drinks by choosing wisely. Try vodka-based signature cocktails designed for the frozen environment, or opt for beer, wine, shots, or mocktails. The ice glasses slightly dilute drinks as they melt, creating a pleasant effect. Pace yourself—you have 30-40 minutes to savor both drinks in this unique setting.

8. Celebrate a Special Occasion

XtraCold is perfect for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, anniversaries, or corporate team building. The unique setting creates lasting memories and fantastic photo opportunities. Notify staff in advance for special packages or arrangements. Group bookings for 10+ people may receive discounts. Combine with dinner and Amsterdam nightlife for a complete celebration experience.

9. Challenge Your Cold Tolerance

Test your endurance in this safe, controlled arctic environment. Most people remain comfortable the entire 40 minutes with provided gear. Notice how different body parts react and how quickly you adapt. Try briefly removing gloves for photos (carefully!), race to finish drinks, or see whose phone battery survives longest in the freezing temperatures.

10. Connect with Other Visitors

The unusual shared experience naturally breaks down social barriers. Exchange photos with international visitors, toast with nearby groups, and share reactions to the cold. Continue conversations afterward in the warm bar, exchange Amsterdam recommendations, or plan to explore Rembrandtplein together. Solo travelers find XtraCold especially welcoming for making international friendships.

The Xtracold Icebar is one of Amsterdam’s most original themed attractions: a bar made almost entirely of ice. From the walls and bar counter to the glasses, everything inside is sculpted from crystal-clear ice kept at -10°C. It’s both a fun novelty and a chilled-out (literally!) experience combining drinks, music, and playful storytelling. A great stop if you’re looking for something different from the usual pubs and museums.

Wear long pants and closed shoes—even with the provided coat, your legs and feet get cold quickly. Don't bring your phone into the ice room without protection; extreme cold can damage batteries. The ice glasses are surprisingly sturdy but drink relatively quickly. Sessions are short, so it's more of a fun novelty stop than a full night out.

☀️ Morning

➡️ Amsterdam Centraal & Damrak Walk Begin at the central station, then stroll down Damrak to soak in the city’s lively atmosphere.

➡️ Body Worlds Museum Unique exhibition exploring human anatomy with real specimens, presented in an engaging way.

➡️ Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market) Browse the world’s only floating flower market, famous for tulips and Dutch souvenirs.

🌤️ Afternoon

➡️ Hermitage Amsterdam Explore art and cultural exhibitions in this elegant riverside museum.

➡️ Micropia Museum Discover the invisible world of microbes in this interactive science museum.

➡️ De Gooyer Windmill Quick stop for photos of one of Amsterdam’s iconic windmills.

➡️ Dappermarkt Local street market offering food, clothing, and everyday Dutch life vibes.

🌙 Evening & Nightlife

➡️ Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam (4.2/5) Step into a bar made entirely of ice. Enjoy cocktails served in ice glasses while bundled in provided thermal gear — a fun, immersive experience.

➡️ Rembrandtplein Stroll After the Icebar, wander through this nightlife district filled with bars, cafés, and entertainment.

➡️ Late-Night Canal Walk Finish with a calm stroll along the illuminated canals for a picturesque end to the day.