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If the summer’s scorching heat feels relentless, and air conditioning isn’t doing the trick—or if you're eagerly awaiting winter's chilling embrace—you might find solace in the idea of visiting an ice bar. Picture sipping a cold drink from an ice-carved glass, all while wearing a thermal coat and gloves that have been passed down from countless visitors. Ice bars aren't a new phenomenon—the first one opened in the '90s—but their novelty continues to thrive, with these frosty establishments sprouting up worldwide, from Miami's heat to Alaska's freeze. Here are 14 of the best.
1. ICEBAR // JUKKASJÄRVI, SWEDEN
By L'Astorina - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Jukkasjärvi, located above the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden, is the birthplace of the ice hospitality craze. The world’s first ice hotel, ICEHOTEL, was established here in 1989 and is reconstructed annually using snow and ice from a nearby river. In 1994, the ICEBAR was introduced, and like the hotel, it’s designed and built by a different artist every year.
2. ICE BAR // SINETTÄ, LAPLAND, FINLAND
In the similarly frigid Finnish Lapland, the Arctic SnowHotel boasts its own ice bar experience. The essentials are the same—ice glasses, ice tables, and seats atop reindeer pelts. The hotel also features glass igloos, perfect for observing the Northern Lights. Even if you're not staying overnight, the ice bar is open for day visits.
3. HÔTEL DE GLACE ICE BAR // QUEBEC, CANADA
Quebec's Hôtel de Glace also invites visitors to enjoy drinks at its stunning ice bar without needing to stay in the ice hotel. Although it doesn't operate as long as its Nordic counterparts, being open only from January to March, this timeframe aligns perfectly with the Quebec Winter Carnival, making it an ideal time for a visit.
4. ICE KUBE BAR // PARIS, FRANCE
KUBE Hotel - Paris/Facebook
Not all ice bars are housed in ice hotels. Ice Kube Bar is part of a stylish yet conventional hotel in central Paris. With its chic yearly redesign, Finlandia vodka-based cocktails, and “custom-made soundtrack,” it offers a vibe that feels less touristy and more effortlessly cool. (But yes, you’ll still need to borrow the not-so-stylish thermal jacket and gloves.)
5. ICEBAR LONDON // LONDON, ENGLAND
The same river that supplies the ice for Jukkasjärvi also shapes the ice surroundings and cocktail glasses at ICEBAR's London location. Open throughout the year, the bar features ever-changing themes. The latest 'rock' theme includes an impressive six-foot ice skull, which could be a gentle reminder to not overstay your 40-minute limit.
6. ICE CLUB ROMA // ROME, ITALY
Ice Club Roma/Facebook
Although England’s ice bar imports its ice from Sweden, it’s a bit surprising that Ice Club Roma, located near the Colosseum, sources its ice from England. Featuring a dynamic sound and light show, this venue leans more towards a club than a traditional bar, but with a constant temperature of five degrees, it’s unlikely to keep you out all night.
7. CHILLOUT ICE LOUNGE // DUBAI, UAE
Dubai never misses out on a trend, and in 2007, Chill Out Dubai opened in this glamorous city. This ice bar has an edge, offering more than just icy vodka shots by serving hot bowls of soup and mugs of comforting hot chocolate to help you warm up.
8. ICE BAR AT SOHO SQUARE // SHARM EL-SHEIKH, EGYPT
While most visitors flock to the Egyptian beach destination of Sharm el-Sheikh to relax on the sands, for a different experience, head to Ice Bar at SOHO Square. Entry includes a round of chilly vodka shots to kick off the cool adventure.
9. DRINKHOUSE FIRE & ICE // MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA
Drinkhouse Fire & Ice/Facebook
For those who’ve experienced the heat of Miami, the latest ice bar in town might pique your interest. Created by “master ice sculptor” David Berman, Miami’s Fire & Ice bar offers an “authentic” experience—whatever that means. While you’re limited to 45 minutes inside, you can warm up afterward in the cozy fire lounge.
10. MINUS 5° ICE BAR // NEW YORK, NEW YORK
New York’s sweltering summer heat has a cool escape. Minus 5° Ice Bar, favored for corporate events, sits in Midtown Manhattan with additional locations in Las Vegas and Orlando. If your company is picking up the tab, the Total VIP Experience includes a plush faux fur coat and a keepsake hat.
11. ICEBAR ORLANDO // ORLANDO, FLORIDA
ICEBAR Orlando
boasts the title of the largest permanent ice bar in the world. On arrival, you're greeted by an "Ice Princess"—a possibly underdressed staff member who’ll help you into borrowed thermals, and after your icy adventure, you can warm up in the FIRE lounge nightclub.
12. ICEBAR MELBOURNE // MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
IceBar Melbourne/Facebook
Down under, IceBar Melbourne offers more than just a chilly experience—it’s a lively party destination. The bar hosts unique themed nights such as “Menopause Mondays” and dares guests to take a chili-based HOT SHOT. If they endure 10 minutes without reaching for milk or water, they win a prize.
13. ICE BARILOCHE // BARILOCHE, ARGENTINA
Situated in the Argentine Patagonian town of Bariloche, Ice BarIloche (a clever name, right?) is South America’s inaugural ice bar. Ice sculptures crafted by local artists adorn the venue, and it’s a family-friendly spot with a resident yeti for photo opportunities.
14. AURORA ICE BAR // FAIRBANKS, ALASKA
After visiting Alaska’s Aurora Ice Museum, open throughout the year at Chena Hot Springs Resort, you can unwind at the Aurora Ice Bar with one of their signature appletinis while cozying up by the ice fireplace. If you’re fortunate, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
