Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam & 1-Hour Canal Cruise

This Tour Combines a Frosty Icebar Experience with a Relaxed Canal Cruise

For those visiting Amsterdam, the Xtracold Icebar combined with a 1-hour canal cruise offers a fun and diverse way to explore the city’s highlights. At $42.42 per person, this 2.5-hour tour is a popular choice, often booked about 31 days in advance. The tour includes three complimentary drinks at the Icebar and a luxury glass-topped canal cruise that provides a laid-back view of Amsterdam’s picturesque waterways and iconic sights.

While the Icebar is known for its chilly ambiance and ice-made furniture, the canal cruise offers a scenic ride past famous landmarks like the Anne Frank House and the Skinny Bridge. This tour is particularly suitable for visitors looking for a mix of unique indoor activity and public sightseeing, although some reviews highlight potential logistical hiccups with scheduling and communication.

Key Points

• Combination of Icebar and Canal Cruise for a diverse Amsterdam experience
• Price of $42.42 per person with three free drinks at the Icebar
• Tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Icebar made entirely of ice, with frozen furniture and glasses
• 1-hour canal cruise offers views of top attractions like Anne Frank House and Magere Brug
• Booking about 31 days in advance is common, with free cancellation available

Location and Booking Details for the Tour

This tour departs from central Amsterdam and is accessible via public transportation, making the meeting points convenient for most travelers. The Icebar Xtracold is located in a frosty venue where everything, including drinking glasses, is crafted from ice. The canal cruise begins near Prins Hendrikkade 25, close to Amsterdam Central Station, and requires booking your timeslot at the local office at Damrak 26 upon arrival.

Guests receive a smartphone ticket for entry into the Icebar and must reserve the canal cruise upon arrival. The cruise departs every 15 or 30 minutes depending on the season, with the timing of each activity being crucial for a seamless experience.

Inside the Icebar Xtracold: Immersed in a Chilly Wonderland

The Icebar Xtracold is fully constructed from ice, featuring frozen furniture, walls, and even the glasses used for drinks. Upon arrival during your pre-booked time slot, you are greeted with a complimentary cocktail. To keep warm, visitors are provided with thermal ponchos and mittens before stepping into the minus 10 degrees Celsius environment.

Inside, the atmosphere is both cozy and frosty. The temperature of 14°F (-10°C) is kept consistent, and visitors can relax at their leisure while enjoying their drinks. You’ll find two additional free drinks included, making it a good photo opportunity and a fun start or end to a night in Amsterdam.

The Canal Cruise: Viewing Amsterdam from a Glass-Topped Boat

The 1-hour canal cruise takes place on a luxury boat with a glass top, providing panoramic views of the city’s waterways. The departure point is near Amsterdam Central Station, but travelers must book their specific timeslot at the local office. The audio guide offers commentary in several languages, pointing out famous sights such as the Golden Bend, the Seven Bridges of Reguliersgracht, and the magical gabled houses.

The passage under the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) is a highlight, giving a classic view of this iconic wooden structure. The cruise is described as relaxed, letting passengers take in the scenery without feeling rushed. However, some reviews mention that viewing from a covered boat can be less impressive on some days, especially if the weather is less favorable.

The Stops and Key Sights on the Canal Tour

The cruise begins near Prins Hendrikkade 25, where guests board their glass-topped boat at the scheduled time. The first stop is a passage beneath the Magere Brug, one of Amsterdam’s most famous old Dutch wooden bridges. Passengers then glide past the Anne Frank House, a notable highlight of the cruise.

The end point is close to Amsterdam Central Station, providing easy access for continuing your day. The itinerary ensures travelers see gabled facades along the canals, the wealthy Golden Bend neighborhood, and other scenic landmarks. The audio guide enriches the experience by sharing stories and historical insights about these sites.

What Makes the Icebar Xtracold Unique

The Icebar Xtracold stands out because everything inside is made of ice, from the walls to the furniture. The environment is designed for a short but memorable experience. Visitors enjoy three free drinks, with the ice glasses being a notable photo opportunity.

Guests also appreciate the professional staff and the thermal clothing provided, which help make the experience comfortable despite the freezing surroundings. It’s a distinctive activity perfect for ice lovers or those wanting something different from the usual bar scene.

Practical Aspects and Considerations for Booking

The tour includes a flexible booking process, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The Icebar has a limited group size of up to 30 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience. Travelers must reserve the canal cruise upon arrival and are advised to arrive early to avoid long queues.

While most travelers find the Icebar fun and visually impressive, some reviews point out that the experience is brief (around 40-45 minutes) and the environment is very cold, so dressing appropriately is recommended. The canal cruise can be less engaging if views are obscured by weather or cover.

Common Challenges and How to Prepare

Some reviews mention confusing instructions and communication issues, particularly regarding timing and meeting points for the canal cruise. It’s advisable to confirm your timeslots early, arrive at the designated locations, and clarify directions if needed.

Visitors should note that the canal cruise departs from a different location than the Icebar, which can cause disappointment if not properly informed. Also, the duration in the Icebar is short, so managing expectations helps ensure satisfaction.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a quick taste of Amsterdam’s scenery combined with a fun indoor ice experience. It suits adventurers who enjoy cold environments and are interested in photos with ice glasses.

It’s also a good option for groups or couples looking for a relaxed, scenic activity with a bit of quirky fun. However, those seeking a lengthy or highly detailed tour might find the 1-hour canal cruise too brief, and some may feel disappointed if logistics aren’t clearly communicated.

The Sum Up: A Refreshingly Different Way to See Amsterdam

The Xtracold Icebar & 1-Hour Canal Cruise offers a distinctive combination of chilly fun and scenic sightseeing in Amsterdam. The ice experience is memorable, especially with three free drinks and ice glasses, while the canal cruise provides a relaxed view of the city’s picturesque waterways.

Despite some logistical challenges noted in reviews, the experience delivers on its promise of fun and unique sights. It’s particularly well-suited for visitors who want a quick, engaging activity that adds a cool twist to their trip. Advance booking and clear communication are recommended to maximize the experience and avoid disappointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit for this tour?
Yes, the minimum age is 18 years due to alcohol regulations.

How long do I spend inside the Icebar?
The experience generally lasts around 40 to 45 minutes, which includes enjoying three free drinks and taking photos.

Can I visit the canal cruise without booking in advance?
The canal cruise requires booking your timeslot upon arrival at the local office. It does not seem to be automatically included with the Icebar entry, so planning ahead is advisable.

What should I wear for the Icebar?
While thermal ponchos and mittens are provided, dressing warmly in layers is recommended, especially warm gloves.

Are there any significant restrictions?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but the tour is not suitable for children under 18. Also, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity.

How accessible is this experience?
The tour is near public transportation, but specific accessibility details are not provided. It’s best to check directly if special accommodations are needed.