Make your summer trip cool at the Icebar in Amsterdam
Visiting the Icebar in Amsterdam was such a cool experience—literally! It was like walking into a winter wonderland where everything is made of ice.
We were amazed that even the glass we drank from was carved from ice. Sipping a special cocktail in that freezing environment was a truly unique and enjoyable experience.
So, if you’re looking for something different and memorable to do in Amsterdam, we highly recommend this space. Don’t know what to expect? This guide highlights things you need to know about it.
Where is the Icebar?
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Amsterdam Icebar is located in the heart of the city centre at Amstel 194-196. It’s easily accessible, as it’s located right on the Amstel River in central Amsterdam.
What is the main landmark of the Icebar?
The main landmark near the Amsterdam Icebar is the Amstel River itself, as the bar is located directly on its banks at Amstel 194-196. The Icebar’s unique facade, with its icy design, also makes it a distinctive landmark in the area.
How to get to the Icebar?
By Tram: The trip takes 10-15 minutes. From Central Station, take tram lines 4, 9, 16, or 24 to Rembrandtplein. Walk north along the Amstel River for about 5 minutes, and you’ll find the Icebar on your right at Amstel 194-196.
By Metro: Take metro lines 51, 53, 54 from Central Station to Waterlooplein Station. Walk west towards the Amstel River, turn left, and you’ll find the Icebar on your right. The whole trip takes 15 minutes.
By Taxi: The journey takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes by taxi. Just provide the address ‘Amstel 194-196’ to the driver, and they will drop you off directly in front of the Icebar.
By Car: Driving to the Icebar is possible, taking approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic. However, parking in the city centre is limited and expensive. Navigate to Amstel 194-196 and be prepared to use the parking garage, similar to the Stopera parking.
What to Do inside the Icebar?
Watch the ice sculptures
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Walking into the Amsterdam Icebar is like stepping into a frozen dream. You’ll see amazing ice sculptures, such as famous Amsterdam buildings, canal houses, and cool Arctic creatures.
Everything is even more magical with colourful lights. As we walked around, we were amazed by the artwork made in ice. This isn’t just a bar, it’s like exploring an icy museum of art and culture.
Uncover the ice-cold cocktails
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The Icebar’s cocktails offer thrilling liquid adventure. We chose the ‘Frozen Canal’, a themed drink that invited us to the flavours of Amsterdam. The combination of the cold glass and the tasty cocktails made us feel excited.
We recommend trying the Amsterdam Iced Tea or the Polar Punch for a unique experience. Don’t be afraid to ask the bartenders for recommendations.
Where to Visit near the Icebar?
Hortus Botanicus
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Website: https://www.dehortus.nl/
Location: Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD
Contact: +31 20 625 9021
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pricing: €€
We walked along the peaceful paths, admired the diverse flora. We also enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere—an ideal complement to the excitement of our earlier icy experience.
Inside, we were captivated by the giant water lilies. Seeing their massive leaves up close was truly impressive, a testament to nature’s power.
Don’t miss the Butterfly House, it’s a small space. It’s a mini-global butterfly convention with colourful butterflies from America, Asia, and Africa fluttering around you. We recommend allowing at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the gardens.
ARTIS Royal Zoo
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Website: https://www.artis.nl/nl
Location: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ
Contact: +31 20 523 3670
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: €€
The most memorable part of ARTIS was the aquarium. Walking through the tunnel with sharks swimming overhead was a breathtaking, truly impressive experience.
We were amazed by the colourful coral reefs and the variety of marine life. It’s like stepping into another world, a vibrant and bustling ecosystem.
If you’re travelling with children, be sure to visit the petting zoo. It’s a great opportunity to get up close and personal with some friendly farm animals.
NEMO Science Museum
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Website: https://www.nemosciencemuseum.nl/
Location: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX
Contact: +31 20 531 3233
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Pricing: €€
NEMO offers a range of unique services designed to enhance the learning experience for visitors of all ages.
One of the standout features is the hands-on learning laboratory. Here, guests can immerse themselves in science by conducting activities such as DNA decoding and exploring the wonders of chain reactions.
Another highlight of NEMO is the rooftop terrace, which provides stunning panoramic views of Amsterdam. It’s a perfect opportunity for capturing memorable photos.
Oude Kerks
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Website: https://oudekerk.nl/
Location: Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX
Contact: +31 20 625 8284
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday: 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Pricing: €
The Oude Kerk’s most striking feature is its stained glass windows. The light streaming through them creates a magical atmosphere, filling the space with colour.
We were also amazed to know that this was once a cemetery. As the city grew, they simply built the church on top of the graves. We felt both frightened and fascinated when we saw some tombstones embedded in the floor.
Also, take a moment to visit the grave of Rembrandt’s wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh. It’s a reminder of the human stories woven into the fabric of these ancient buildings.
Where to Eat and Drink near the Icebar?
Wok to Walk
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Website: https://www.woktowalk.com/nl/restaurants/
Location: Kolksteeg 8, 1012 PT
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: €€
If you’re craving a quick and customizable meal, Wok to Walk is worth checking out. It’s a fast-food style restaurant where you build your own stir-fry.
The noodles we ordered were cooked well. The sauce we chose, Tokyo Teriyaki, was decent. The vegetables were also fresh, but the overall experience was pretty standard.
They offer takeaway and delivery services with a cost of €2.50 to €5.00, making it a convenient option for a quick lunch or dinner.
Café De Koningshut
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Website: https://www.cafedekoningshut.nl/
Location: Spuistraat 269, 1012 VR
Contact: +31 20 894 4988
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM | Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM | Sunday: 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Pricing: €€
Cafe De Koningshut is exactly what you’d expect from a traditional Dutch ‘brown cafe.’ It’s dark and filled with locals, but don’t expect anything fancy.
The beer selection is decent, like Grolsch and Heineken. But the bitterballen? It’s a must-try. They are served with a tangy mustard.
It’s also a great place to soak up the atmosphere and experience a bit of Dutch culture. Just be aware that the restaurant may have a smoky environment due to its cooking methods, such as grilling and frying.
Siam Thai Restaurant
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Website: https://siamthairestaurant.nl/
Location: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 105, 1012 RG
Contact: +31 20 422 9018
Hours: Monday to Sunday (except Tuesday): 1:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Pricing: €€
Siam Thai Restaurant offers a genuine taste of Thailand, focusing on fresh ingredients and authentic recipes. It’s a great spot to escape the crowds of Amsterdam.
Additionally, their menu features classic dishes alongside unique specialities. Consider trying the Tom Yum soup for a spicy kick or the Massaman Curry for an aromatic and flavorful experience.
Their user-friendly online system enables you to browse the menu and place orders from home with ease.
Pasta Factory
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Website: https://pastafactory.site/
Location: Muntplein 7, 1017 CK
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM | Friday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Pricing: €€
Pasta Factory stands out for its focus on fresh, handmade pasta and its customizable menu. You can choose your pasta shape, sauce, and toppings to create your perfect dish.
Unlike other pasta restaurants, they offer a unique selection of pasta shapes, including squid ink spaghetti and truffle ravioli. Their sauces range from classic marinara to creamy pesto with a modern twist.
We love their build-your-own bruschetta bar. It allowed us to create our own appetiser with a variety of toppings. It was really worth it.
Where to Shop near the Icebar?
G-Star
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Website: https://www.g-star.com/nl_nl/stores/nl/g-star-store-amsterdam-kalverstraat
Location: Kalverstraat 175, 1012 XB
Contact: +31 20 237 6554
Hours: Monday 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Tuesday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Thursday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM | Friday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM | Sunday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pricing: €
G-Star offers more than just jeans, providing a complete denim experience. Their Denim Tailor Shop provides expert alterations, repairs, and customisation for a perfect fit. Their online style advisor offers personalised denim recommendations from the comfort of your home.
Additionally, their recycling program promotes sustainability and offers customers discounts on future purchases. They also have eco-denim workshops that teach customers how to care for and repair their denim.
Costes
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Website: https://www.costesfashion.com/nl-nl/service/shops?store=Costes+Amsterdam-Kalverstraat
Location: Kalverstraat 168-170, 1012 XE
Contact: +31 20 345 9530
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Costes excels in providing personalised style services for women. They focus on making wardrobe building effortless and enjoyable.
Their core services are one-on-one style consultations and curated outfit suggestions. We love that stylists help in defining your needs, while pre-styled outfits simplify shopping.
With their personal shopper service, they offer a comprehensive shopping experience that makes it easy to find exactly what you need.