Amsterdam: Canal Cruise and Entrance to Xtracold Icebar

Explore Amsterdam’s iconic waterways and icy adventures with this combined tour featuring a luxury glass-topped canal cruise and entry to the Xtracold Icebar. Priced at $42 per person, this experience offers a full hour on the canals alongside skip-the-line access to the ice bar, where you enjoy 3 complimentary drinks. The tour is available for one day only, with timed slots for both activities, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a flexible and fun way to see the city.

This tour is best suited for those who want to see key landmarks like the Anne Frank House and Skinny Bridge from the water, combined with the cool thrill of ice-themed drinks in a bar entirely made of ice. It’s a great option for visitors who appreciate well-organized experiences with audio guides in 19 languages and are comfortable with a self-guided format. Be aware that wheelchair access is not available, and children under 18 cannot enter the ice bar.

Key Points

• Includes a 1-hour canal cruise with audio commentary in 19 languages
• Skip-the-line entry to the Xtracold Icebar with 3 free drinks
• Price of $42 per person offers good value for both activities
• Tour duration is flexible, with a single-day activity and timed slots
• Waterway highlights include merchant houses, houseboats, Anne Frank House, and Skinny Bridge
• Icebar experience features ice carvings and ice glasses, with clothing provided to stay warm
• Not suitable for wheelchair users and children under 18 cannot access the ice bar

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Starting Point and Booking Logistics in Amsterdam

This experience begins at the Xtracold Icebar, where your smartphone ticket grants access at specified timeslots. To participate in the canal cruise, visitors must reserve a specific timeslot upon arrival, which is only available through pre-booking. The meeting point for the canal cruise is at Damrak 26, where guests show their smartphone ticket for boarding.

The canal boats operate daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, providing ample flexibility for scheduling. Both activities conclude at the initial meeting point, making it straightforward to plan your day. Since the activities are self-guided, visitors enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace.

The Luxury Glass-Topped Canal Cruise: Seeing Amsterdam from the Water

The canal cruise lasts approximately one hour and offers panoramic views of Amsterdam’s famous merchant houses and houseboats. From the water, you can admire buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, reflecting the city’s Golden Age of trade.

The audio guide enhances the experience, explaining local landmarks, historic sites, and urban stories in 19 languages. The cruise also passes notable attractions such as the Anne Frank House and the Skinny Bridge, providing a relaxed yet informative overview of the city.

Some reviews mention occasional fumes from the boat’s exhaust, but overall, the views and commentary make this a worthwhile highlight. The pacing is comfortable, and the boat’s large glass roof ensures unobstructed photo opportunities.

Viewing Amsterdam’s Architecture and Merchant Houses from the Water

On this cruise, expect to see elaborately decorated façades that showcase Amsterdam’s trade wealth during the 16th and 17th centuries. The buildings’ intricate designs stand as a testament to the city’s prosperous past.

You’ll also pass residential houseboats, which are an iconic part of the city’s canal landscape. The boat’s panoramic windows allow for great photo moments and close-up views of the historical architecture along the canals.

The audio commentary provides context and interesting facts about the city’s urban development, making the cruise both entertaining and educational.

The Icebar Experience: An Arctic Wonderland in Amsterdam

The Xtracold Icebar is a popular attraction where everything is made of ice, including sculptures and glasses. Visitors are provided with clothing and gloves to stay warm in the minus temperatures, ensuring comfort during the ice-themed experience.

Upon entry, guests receive 3 drinks—often including Heineken in ice glasses, as highlighted in reviews. The staff create a friendly, lively atmosphere, making the ice carvings and scenic ice sculptures even more impressive.

Many visitors consider this the best Ice Bar they’ve experienced, praising the staff for being welcoming and helpful. The drinks menu features tasty cocktails and local beers, enhancing the fun in this chilly setting.

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The Unique Atmosphere and Social Vibe of the Icebar

The ice carvings and lighting set a cool, vibrant scene that guests find fun and memorable. Despite the cold environment, the friendly staff and drinks in ice glasses make it a hotspot for socializing.

Staff members like Baris go above and beyond to ensure guests have a great time, often engaging with humor and warmth, despite the cold surroundings. The bar’s lively ambiance is a key reason many consider it a highlight of their Amsterdam visit.

The clothing provided is sufficient for staying warm, but visitors should dress appropriately for the chilly temperatures. The ice sculptures and artistic carvings contribute to a distinctive environment that feels like stepping into a winter wonderland.

The Practicalities of the Combined Tour

Booking this combined experience is easy and flexible. The self-guided format allows visitors to explore each activity at their own pace, with the timed slots ensuring smooth transitions. The canal cruise needs to be reserved in advance, while the icebar admission is timed at the start.

The clothing needed for the icebar is included, simplifying preparation. The cost of $42 offers good value considering the inclusion of both activities and three drinks at the icebar.

The tour does not include a guide or transfers, meaning independent navigation is necessary. Still, easy-to-locate meeting points and clear instructions make it accessible for most travelers.

Accessibility and Limitations

This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, as mobility accommodations are not available. Children under 18 are not permitted in the Icebar, which is designed for adults.

The self-guided nature means that guidance is limited, but the audio commentary on the cruise compensates by providing informative narration.

Travelers should plan accordingly, reserving a specific timeslot for the canal cruise and being aware that the cruise does not drop off near the icebar, which involves additional travel.

Final Thoughts: An Enjoyable Way to See and Chill in Amsterdam

This combined canal cruise and icebar experience offers a balanced mix of sightseeing and fun, making it a popular choice for visitors wanting a memorable day in Amsterdam. The water tour delivers stunning views of historic architecture and notable landmarks, while the icebar provides a lively, icy environment with great drinks.

The value for money is significant, especially with three free drinks included at the ice bar. The well-organized booking process and timed activities make it convenient and easy to fit into a itinerary.

However, the lack of access for wheelchair users and the need for extra travel between activities are considerations for some. This tour is best suited for those who want a relaxed yet engaging way to experience Amsterdam’s waterways and cool environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose the timeslots for both activities?
The icebar entrance is timed at your booking, but the canal cruise requires reservation upon arrival at Damrak 26.

Is the canal cruise guided?
Yes, it includes an audio commentary available in 19 languages that explains landmarks and city history.

How long does the canal cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately one hour.

What should I wear for the icebar?
Clothing and gloves are provided, but dressing warmly is recommended given the ice environment.

Are children allowed in the icebar?
No, children under 18 are not permitted.

What’s the main attraction of the canal cruise?
You’ll see historic merchant houses, houseboats, and landmarks like the Anne Frank House.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it is not wheelchair accessible.

How much does the experience cost?
The total price is $42 per person, covering both the canal cruise and icebar entry with 3 drinks.

What do reviews say about the experience?
Reviews highlight friendly staff, stunning views, and fun drinks. Many consider it one of the best ice bars in Amsterdam and appreciate the informative canal cruise.

Is this tour a good value for money?
Yes, especially considering the included drinks and combination of activities for just $42.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

This Amsterdam: Canal Cruise and Entrance to Xtracold Icebar tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to see the city and experience its coolest bar. With good reviews and practical logistics, it’s an entertaining option for a memorable day in Amsterdam.

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