Amsterdam: Canal Cruise and Entrance to Xtracold Icebar

If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and want to get a taste of the city’s unique character, a combined canal cruise and icebar visit might be just the ticket. While I haven’t personally done this tour, I’ve gathered plenty of honest insights from travelers who have, and I think it’s worth considering for your itinerary.

What stands out about this experience is how it offers a relaxed way to see the city from the water—gliding past historic merchant houses and iconic sights like the Anne Frank House—and then cooling off in an ice-cold bar where everything is made of ice. The combination seems perfect for those who want a mix of sightseeing and fun, without the fuss of planning a bunch of different tickets.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a self-guided experience, which means you’ll need to organize your own timing and be comfortable exploring at your own pace. It’s a flexible and budget-friendly way to enjoy some of Amsterdam’s highlights, especially if you’re into unique experiences or want to add a bit of quirky fun to your trip. This tour would suit travelers looking for an easy, well-organized activity that blends sightseeing with a memorable, cool adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Affordable and value-packed at around $42, including drinks and skip-the-line access
• Flexible timing allows you to enjoy each part at your own pace
• Beautiful canal views and historic architecture showcase Amsterdam’s Golden Age
• Fun, immersive icebar experience with complimentary drinks and ice glasses
• Audio commentary available in 19 languages to enrich your sightseeing
• Note: Not suitable for wheelchair users and children under 18 cannot enter the icebar

The canal cruise is a perfect way to see Amsterdam without rushing. You’ll hop aboard a luxury glass-topped boat that offers panoramic views of the city’s famous waterways. As you glide smoothly past the stately merchant houses, houseboats, and bridges, you’ll get a fresh perspective on Amsterdam’s distinctive layout.

Travelers mention the interesting commentary available in multiple languages, which adds a layer of context to what you’re seeing. Sitting back, you get to enjoy the beauty of the architecture from the water, which is often the best vantage point.

One review notes, “The canal cruise was interesting and showed some good areas of Amsterdam,” highlighting how this is not just a photo opportunity but an educational experience too. However, some travelers do mention the fumes from the boat’s engines as a minor drawback, which is typical of small boats in busy waterways. Still, the views and relaxed pace tend to outweigh these small inconveniences.

The cruise runs from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, giving you lots of options to fit it into your schedule. It’s ideal to pre-book a timeslot, which you show on your phone, and then enjoy the peaceful, scenic ride. The audio guide makes the experience more engaging, especially if you’re curious about the city’s history and architecture.

After the cruise, the next stop is the Xtracold Icebar, a place that consistently earns high praise. Everything, from the walls to the glasses, is made of ice, creating a truly immersive experience. You’ll get 3 complimentary drinks, served in ice glasses, which adds a fun twist to your typical bar visit.

Many travelers, including those quoted in reviews, describe the experience as “brilliant” and “a must-do” in Amsterdam. One enthusiastic traveler said, “This is by far the best Ice Bar I’ve been to,” and appreciated how easy it was to find. The staff are often described as friendly and welcoming, making the experience even better.

The clothing provided—including coats and gloves—is necessary to handle the cold, and it’s worth grabbing some extra drink tickets or shots if they’re available (as some reviews noted). Just keep in mind, children under 18 aren’t allowed, and the environment is very cold, so it’s not suitable for everyone.

The skip-the-line tickets are a real plus, saving you time and frustration, especially during busy hours. Plus, the included drinks give you a good value for your money—many find it more affordable than other icebars, especially considering the overall experience.

• Duration: The canal cruise lasts about 1 hour, and the icebar experience is usually around 30-45 minutes, making this a half-day activity.
• Price: At $42, the package offers solid value, especially with drinks included and the skip-the-line feature.
• Timing: You can enjoy the tour in one go or split it across different days—flexibility is a key benefit.
• Meeting Point: For the icebar, you enter with your smartphone ticket at your chosen time. The canal cruise requires a pre-booked timeslot at Damrak 26, so plan accordingly.
• Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible, so consider this if you have mobility challenges.
• Children: No under-18s allowed in the icebar, but the canal cruise is suitable for all ages.

The reviews paint a pretty positive picture. Travelers love the stunning views, the friendly staff, and the fun atmosphere of the icebar. Many mention that it’s great value—especially when combining the two activities in one ticket—and that both parts are well-organized.

Some travelers point out minor inconveniences, like the boat’s fumes or the need to plan carefully because the water and ice experiences are separate — not a combined trip, but two activities you do back-to-back. The cold environment of the icebar is a highlight for some, but a challenge for others, especially if you’re sensitive to cold or visiting during winter.

This experience is particularly loved by those looking for a leisurely, well-rounded day of sightseeing and fun. It’s suitable for travelers who appreciate unique locales, good value, and a relaxed pace.

If you’re after beautiful city views, enjoy learning about local history, and love cool, quirky experiences, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wanting a snapshot of Amsterdam’s highlights without too much hassle.

If you’re traveling with friends, partners, or even on your own, you’ll find this combo fun and straightforward. Just keep in mind the cold environment of the icebar and plan accordingly—wear warm clothes, and be prepared for a fun, chilly adventure.

Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s a self-guided experience, so you’ll explore at your own pace after the initial booking.

Do I need to pre-book everything?
Yes, you should pre-book the timeslot for the canal cruise and the icebar experience to ensure your spot.

Can I visit the icebar if I am under 18?
No, children under 18 are not allowed in the icebar. The canal cruise, however, is suitable for all ages.

What should I wear for the icebar?
The tour provides clothing needed for the icy environment, but it’s a good idea to wear warm layers under the provided coat.

Are there any accessibility restrictions?
Yes, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

What is included in the price?
The package covers the canal cruise with audio commentary, skip-the-line entry to the icebar, and 3 drinks at the bar.

This experience offers a smooth blend of sightseeing and fun, especially if you’re after a unique way to see Amsterdam. It’s a good pick for those who want to keep things simple, enjoy beautiful views, and indulge in some icy drinks without fuss. Whether you’re here for the views, the drinks, or just a little adventure, this combo is likely to add some memorable moments to your trip.