Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam & 1-Hour Canal Cruise

Introduction

The Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam & 1-Hour Canal Cruise offers visitors a chance to enjoy two distinctly different sides of this vibrant city. Whether you’re fascinated by the idea of sipping drinks from glasses carved out of ice or want to glide past iconic sights like the Anne Frank House and the Skinny Bridge, this combo promises a memorable outing.

One thing we particularly appreciate is how the experience balances quirky fun with sightseeing, making it suitable for a range of travelers—from first-timers eager for something different to groups celebrating special occasions. But, a potential consideration is that the canal cruise occasionally faces logistical issues, as some reviews mention confusion about booking and timing.

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a lighthearted, visually appealing activity that offers great value for the price. It’s especially ideal for those who want a quick but immersive taste of Amsterdam’s unique charm, with the bonus of a cool ice experience.

Key Points

• Unique ice experience with full ice decor, glasses, and thermal gear.
• Scenic canal cruise offering views of top landmarks like Anne Frank House and the Skinny Bridge.
• Clear value with three complimentary drinks included.
• Navigation and timing can sometimes be confusing, so planning ahead helps.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the cruise with interesting commentary.
• Best suited for those who enjoy quirky attractions and city sightseeing in one package.

The Overall Experience: Icebar & Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

The Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam is often highlighted for its distinctive cool factor—pun intended. Constructed entirely from ice, it features ice walls, furniture, and even glasses, creating an environment that’s simultaneously frosty and cozy. The experience begins with a friendly greeting, where staff provide a thermal poncho and mittens—crucial accessories since the bar is kept at a brisk 14°F (-10°C).

Inside, you can relax and enjoy your three complimentary drinks, which, depending on your choice, might include cocktails, beers, or shots. Reviewers like Niklas_H appreciated the professional and friendly staff helping with scheduling, making the process smooth. Others, like Danielle_A, found it a “fun, cold, and memorable” experience, especially as a kickoff to a night out. The novelty of drinking from ice glasses and snapping photos adds to its appeal, particularly for visitors wanting that perfect Instagram shot.

However, some mention that the Icebar is relatively small, and the experience lasts only about 40 minutes, which might leave some craving more. While the price is around $42.42 per person, many feel that the novelty justifies the cost, especially considering the included drinks and the instagram-worthy ambiance.

What to Expect at the Icebar

Expect a chilly welcome—literally. Once inside, you’re stepping into a frosted wonderland. The decor is all ice, with intricately carved sculptures and furniture. The staff are well-trained to ensure everyone stays comfortable and safe, explaining the rules clearly.

The three drinks are served in ice glasses, which is both fun and Instagrammable. Some reviews mention that the experience is over quite quickly, about 40 minutes, but it’s enough time to take photos and enjoy the cool atmosphere. The staff has been praised for being helpful and professional, making sure everyone’s experience is smooth.

The Canal Cruise: Scenery and Stories

Just a short walk from the ice bar, near Amsterdam Central Station, is the starting point for the 1-hour canal cruise. To avoid confusion, travelers should book their cruise time upon arrival at the local office at Damrak 26, as instructed. The cruise departs from Prins Hendrikkade 25, with departures every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the season.

The boat itself is a luxury glass-topped vessel, designed to give unobstructed views of Amsterdam’s famous canals. You’ll pass by gabled houses in the Gouden Bocht (Golden Bend) neighborhood, the historic Anne Frank House, and cross under the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge).

A key feature of this cruise is the audio guide in multiple languages, which provides interesting anecdotes and historical context. This adds depth to the sightseeing, as some reviewers highlighted the knowledgeable guides and engaging narratives.

Many visitors find the cruise a relaxing way to see the city’s highlights, especially on a rainy day or if you prefer an indoor vantage point. The cruise tends to be quiet and laid-back, with some reviews describing it as a peaceful contrast to the lively city streets.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Icebar Visit

• Arrival & Check-In: You arrive at your pre-scheduled time, greeted with a warm smile and your thermal gear.
• Frosty Interior: The ice decor and sculptures are a visual treat, perfect for photos.
• Drinks & Atmosphere: Enjoy your three complimentary drinks, served in ice glasses, while soaking in the cozy yet chilly ambiance.
• Duration: About 40-45 minutes, with staff ready to answer questions or take photos.

Canal Cruise

• Booking & Check-In: You must reserve your time slot at the local office upon arrival.
• Departure Point: Near Prins Hendrikkade 25, close to Amsterdam Central Station.
• Cruise Route: Passing under the Magere Brug, alongside historic gabled houses, and past top landmarks.
• Guide & Commentary: An audio guide enhances the experience with stories about the city’s history and architecture.
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour, with departures every 15-30 minutes depending on the season.

Final Stop

• The cruise concludes near Amsterdam Central Station, making it easy to explore further or head back to your accommodation.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer noted that the guide on the canal cruise was great, adding an extra layer of enjoyment. Others appreciated that they could book the canal tour for any day or time, which made planning flexible.

However, some reviews point out logistical issues—particularly around booking and directions. Several travelers mentioned that they weren’t clearly informed about needing to reserve the canal cruise separately or where exactly to find the boat. For example, one reviewer shared that they waited for an hour on the dock, unsure if they were in the right place, and another said staff were unhelpful in providing directions.

Despite these hiccups, most agree that the combined experience is fun and worth it—if you’re prepared to plan ahead and stay attentive to the instructions.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Experience

• Book your canal cruise slot early upon arriving in Amsterdam to avoid disappointment.
• Arrive at the Icebar on time—the experience is timed, and late arrivals may miss their slot.
• Wear warm clothing underneath the thermal poncho—especially if you plan to spend extra time taking photos.
• Bring your camera or smartphone for great shots of the ice decor and scenic canal views.
• Check the timing of the boat departures; the cruise is a relaxing, seated experience, ideal on a rainy or cold day.
• Compare the prices—some reviews mention that the canal cruise can be booked separately, which might offer more flexibility or better timing if you want to customize your schedule.

The Sum Up

The Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam & 1-Hour Canal Cruise offers a fun mix of novelty and sightseeing that appeals to travelers seeking a different way to experience the city. The ice bar is a quirky highlight with its frosty ambiance and ice glasses, delivering a quick but memorable adventure. Meanwhile, the canal cruise provides a serene view of Amsterdam’s historic neighborhoods, complete with insightful commentary from guides who know their city well.

While some logistical issues around booking and directions have been noted, most visitors find that with a bit of planning, the experience is well worth the price. The tour offers good value, especially considering the three free drinks at the ice bar and the chance to relax on a luxurious glass-topped boat with incredible views.

This combo is particularly suited for first-time visitors wanting a taste of Amsterdam’s playful side and iconic scenery, or groups looking for a lighthearted activity that’s both fun and visually stunning. It’s a great way to tick two memorable experiences off your list in a single afternoon.

If you’re after an authentic, fun-filled day in Amsterdam with great photo opportunities and a leisurely cruise, this tour hits the mark. Just remember to book your canal slot early and arrive on time for the icebar for the smoothest experience.

FAQs

Do I need to book the ice bar and canal cruise separately?
No, they are combined in this tour, but you must reserve your canal cruise time upon arrival at the local office at Damrak 26 to avoid missing it.

How long does the ice bar experience last?
The ice bar experience is approximately 40 to 45 minutes, giving you enough time to enjoy your drinks, take photos, and soak in the icy atmosphere.

Are the drinks included in the tour?
Yes, you get three complimentary drinks at the icebar, served in ice glasses, which is part of the package price.

Is the canal cruise suitable for all weather conditions?
Yes, since the boat is glass-topped, it’s comfortable to enjoy even if the weather isn’t perfect, making it a versatile sightseeing option.

Can I choose the time for the canal cruise?
You need to reserve your cruise slot upon arrival; the departure times depend on the season and availability.

What should I wear to the icebar?
Bring warm clothes and layers underneath the thermal poncho, especially if you want to stay longer or take more photos in the frosty environment.

Overall, the Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam & 1-Hour Canal Cruise offers a lively, visually appealing way to experience some of what makes Amsterdam unique. With a little ahead planning and flexibility, it can turn into a highlight of your trip—full of fun, views, and stories to tell.