Is the Minus 5 Ice Bar Worth It? 2024 Review & Visitor Guide

Standing inside a room carved entirely from ice, sipping a cocktail from an ice glass while wearing a borrowed parka — it sounds like a vacation photo waiting to happen. But between the entry fee, drink prices, and the 23°F chill, this guide weighs the costs against the novelty so you can decide before you book.

Temperature inside bar: 23°F (-5°C) year-round ·
Weight of ice used: Over 90 tons ·
Entry fee (Las Vegas): $19–$79 per person ·
Average drink price: $12–$20 per cocktail ·
Number of locations: 5+ (Las Vegas, Queenstown, others)

Here is a quick overview of the key facts about the Minus5 Ice Bar.

Is the minus 5 ice bar worth it?

Back in 2018, a family of four walked into the Las Vegas location and walked out $170 lighter, according to a Tripadvisor (family visitor review). That’s the central trade-off: the bar delivers a genuine novelty — drinking inside an ice cave — but the value depends entirely on what you’re paying and what you expect. The Minus5 Ice Bar (official site) lists entry-only tickets starting at $19, while premium packages climb to $79. The catch is that drinks add $12 to $20 each, and you’re typically inside for only 30 to 45 minutes.

Pros of visiting

• Unique, Instagram-worthy setting: over 90 tons of ice with interactive sculptures.
• Parkas and gloves included — no special gear needed.
• Cocktails served in actual ice glasses add to the atmosphere.
• Available in multiple cities for travelers.

Cons of visiting

• Short stay relative to cost: many reviewers report leaving after 20-30 minutes (Tripadvisor (visitor review)).
• Drink prices are high — $15 to $20 per cocktail per Worth Your Wallet (consumer review).
• Some visitors describe it as “a shop fitted out with icy walls” rather than a full bar experience (Tripadvisor (family visitor review)).
• Not ideal for solo visitors or small groups; better with a group (Yelp (user reviews)).

Who should skip it

If you are on a tight budget, visiting solo, or expecting a full bar experience with comfortable seating, the Minus5 Ice Bar probably isn’t for you. The experience leans heavily on the novelty factor, and once the cold sets in, most visitors are ready to leave. Travelers who prioritize value-per-minute or dislike standing around in cold environments should put their money elsewhere.

How cold is the minus 5 ice bar?

The bar maintains a steady 23°F (-5°C) year-round, according to the Minus5 Ice Bar (official site). That is cold enough to require a heavy winter coat, but not so extreme that you cannot stay comfortable for 30 to 45 minutes with the provided gear.

Temperature control and consistency

• Temperature does not fluctuate: the entire room is held at a constant 23°F (-5°C).
• Over 90 tons of ice are used to construct the walls, bar counter, and sculptures (Minus5 Ice Bar (official site)).
• The venue provides parkas and gloves at the entry — you leave your regular coat outside.

How the bar maintains the cold

Refrigeration systems keep the ice from melting, and the room is not much larger than a standard retail space. The ice is replaced or refinished periodically, but the structure stays intact. Because the floor is also ice, the cold comes from all directions — including below.

The takeaway: the temperature is real and consistent. You won’t be comfortable for hours, but you’re not meant to be. The bar is designed for short, memorable visits.

What should I wear to the minus 5 ice bar?

Most first-time visitors worry about the cold and overcompensate with layers, but the venue provides the critical pieces. What you wear below the parka determines how long you last.

Clothing provided by the venue

• Heavy winter parka (faux-fur upgrade available with premium packages).
• Thick gloves (typically fabric or fleece).
• Entry-level tickets include both items free.

Recommended personal attire

• Warm pants — jeans, fleece-lined trousers, or thermal leggings. No shorts allowed (Minus5 Ice Bar (official site)).
• Closed-toe shoes with thick socks. Sneakers are fine; sandals are not.
• A base layer if you run cold — the parka covers your torso but your legs are exposed.

Footwear and accessories

Your feet are on ice, so warmth matters. Worth Your Wallet (consumer review) notes that even with the provided parka, cold feet are the reason most visitors cut their visit short. Smart travelers bring wool socks or wear boots. The pattern: the venue solves the upper-body problem but leaves your legs and feet to fend for themselves. For a 30-minute visit, jeans and sneakers are enough. For the full 45-minute experience, add a layer.

Where is the minus 5 ice bar located?

The bar operates in at least five cities globally, but the most visited locations are in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Queenstown, New Zealand.

Las Vegas locations

• Mandalay Bay: 3930 Las Vegas Blvd South, inside The Shoppes at Mandalay Place (Tripadvisor listing).
• The Linq: Second location along the Las Vegas Strip, opened 2015.

Queenstown, New Zealand location

The original location is on Beach Street in downtown Queenstown. Tripadvisor (Queenstown visitor review) reports an entry cost of about $30 NZD plus additional drink charges. The location is compact but well-established as a tourist draw.

Other global locations

Past locations have included Orlando, Florida (now closed) and other seasonal pop-ups. As of 2024, the two active hubs are Las Vegas and Queenstown.

The trade-off: if you are already in Las Vegas or Queenstown, the bar is easy to add to your itinerary. If you are traveling specifically to visit an ice bar, you are better off checking local options first.

How much are drinks at the minus 5 ice bar?

Drink pricing is where the experience gets expensive fast. Most packages do not include alcohol, and buying a cocktail inside adds $12 to $20 to your tab.

Drink prices by location

At the Las Vegas location, Worth Your Wallet (consumer review) reports cocktails averaging $15 to $20 each. Tripadvisor (Las Vegas visitor reviews) mention drinks around $12 to $15. In Queenstown, prices are comparable but in New Zealand dollars.

Included drink options with entry

• $19 ticket: entry only — no drink included.
• $26 ticket: entry plus parka — still no drink.
• $29 ticket: entry, parka, gloves, and one ice mocktail (non-alcoholic) (Minus5 Ice Bar (official site)).
• $49 ticket: entry plus two ice cocktails.
• $79 premium ticket: faux-fur parka, two ice cocktails, digital photo, souvenir hat.

Non-alcoholic options

The $29 mocktail package is the only non-alcoholic bundle on the official site. Regular sodas and juices may be available at the bar, but pricing is not posted online.

The catch: the $19 entry looks like a steal until you realize most visitors buy at least one drink, pushing the real cost to $35–$50 per person. The bundling matters.

Can kids go to the minus 5 ice bar?

Yes, but with restrictions. The Minus5 Ice Bar (official site) states children must be at least 2 years old, and there is no separate child pricing — everyone pays the same entry fee.

Age restrictions and policies

• Minimum age: 2 years old.
• No maximum age, but the cold environment is not recommended for infants or toddlers under 2.
• Children pay full adult entry price.
• Those under 21 cannot consume alcohol, but non-alcoholic options are available.

Family-friendly hours and experiences

The bar operates during standard mall hours at both Las Vegas locations, making it accessible for daytime family visits. The Minus5 Ice Bar (official site) suggests the experience is family-friendly, though some Tripadvisor (family visitor review) reviewers note that younger children may get cold quickly and want to leave early.

The implication for parents: a family of four visiting the Las Vegas location is looking at a $76 to $260 outing depending on package choices. For a 30-minute activity, that is a steep cost relative to other family attractions on the Strip.

Pros and cons at a glance

Weighing these factors helps you decide if the experience is right for you.

Steps for a smooth visit

Follow this sequence to minimize cost and maximize comfort.

1. Book online in advance — walk-up prices may be higher, and time slots fill up (Minus5 Ice Bar (official site)).
2. Wear warm pants and closed-toe shoes — the venue provides the parka, but legs and feet are on their own (Worth Your Wallet (consumer review)).
3. Decide on drinks before you go — if you want a cocktail, choose a package that includes one rather than buying a la carte.
4. Bring a camera (phone is fine) — photos are allowed and encouraged inside.
5. Set a 30-minute mental timer — plan to enjoy the novelty, take photos, and leave before the cold becomes uncomfortable.

Following these steps will maximize your enjoyment.

What visitors are saying

“Fun but expensive for the short time inside.”
— User review on Yelp (2024)

“Come chill with over 90 tons of ice and interactive ice sculptures.”
— Minus5 Ice Bar (official website)

“It was $26 after tax… but the visit lasted only about 20 minutes before we left bored.”
— Review on Tripadvisor (Las Vegas, 2024)

“Worth it for an hour, but not much longer.”
— Review on Tripadvisor (Orlando, now closed)

The gap between the official marketing and visitor sentiment is striking. The venue promotes “over 90 tons of ice” and “interactive ice sculptures,” while reviewers consistently emphasize the short duration and high cost. The truth sits somewhere in the middle: the bar delivers exactly what it promises — a cold room made of ice — but the value proposition depends entirely on how much you are willing to pay for that novelty.

Frequently asked questions

For travelers in Las Vegas or Queenstown looking for a quick, memorable photo op, the Minus5 Ice Bar delivers exactly what it advertises. For budget-conscious visitors or those expecting a full bar experience, the cold reality is this: you pay for novelty, not for comfort or duration. The choice is clear — go for the ice, take your photos, have your one drink, and leave before the chill sets in.