Is standing in a freezer with a drink in your hand the most Roman experience you’ll have in Italy? Maybe not, but Ice Club Roma is one of those weird finds you end up telling everyone about back home. Just around the corner from the Colosseum, this spot is a magnet for people who want something different from their night out—think Eskimo vibes right in the heart of Rome.
Basically, you walk in, throw a heavy silver parka over your shoulders, and step into a world where even the seats and cups are made of ice. They keep it at minus five Celsius, so it’s not just for show—you actually feel the chill. The best part? You don’t need to worry about dress shoes or fancy clothes. Jeans and sneakers are totally fine, and they'll give you gloves at the door so you won’t freeze your fingers off.
- Why Ice Club Roma Is a Hit
- All About That Frozen Interior
- Getting In: Location, Hours, Dress Code
- Best Drinks, Prices, and How to Score a Deal
- Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Why Ice Club Roma Is a Hit
People don’t flock to Rome and expect to find a bar that feels more like Scandinavia than Italy, but that’s exactly why Ice Club Roma is such a draw. It’s the only ice bar in Italy, running non-stop since 2011. Not just a quick photo op, this place delivers on atmosphere and novelty. Most guests stick around longer than they thought, snapping pics with friends next to the icy sculptures and neon lights. And yes, the jackets and gloves are included in your entry fee—no shivering in a t-shirt.
This bar pulls in a pretty big mix of folks. Locals swing by on quirky dates, university students love the party vibe, and tourists use it to cool off after a day schlepping through hot Roman streets in summer. It’s also open every day, usually from 5 PM until 2 AM, so you don’t have to scramble to fit it into your schedule.
| Year Opened | Temperature Inside | Average Visits per Month |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | -5°C (23°F) | 4000+ |
What really makes Ice Club Roma stand out is the full-package experience. You get a free signature cocktail with your ticket (they’ll serve it in an ice glass, obviously), and themed music keeps the energy up—sometimes it’s EDM, other nights it’s retro hits. If you’re tired of classic bars, this spot throws you way out of your comfort zone, but in a completely fun way.
On busy nights (especially weekends), it turns into a bit of a party, but early evening tends to be chill if that’s more your speed. It’s not massive, so you get this odd, cozy feeling even though you’re surrounded by ice. And because it’s so close to Rome’s big sights, you can slide in for a round or two and still make your dinner reservation nearby no problem.
All About That Frozen Interior
So what’s really inside Ice Club Roma? It’s not just a cold room—you're stepping into a full-on ice world. They actually use about 40 tons of crystal-clear ice, shipped over from northern Europe, because local ice just doesn't cut it for building frozen architecture. The whole space is around 70 square meters, which is plenty to wander and snap those goofy photos for your socials.
Every wall, bar, and even the seats are solid ice blocks. Designs change every year—sometimes you’ll see elaborate frozen sculptures, and sometimes it’s big Roman-style pillars made out of ice. One cool detail: the ice is lit up with LED lights, so the whole place glows blue and purple. At the bar, don’t expect glassware. Drinks come in chunky ice cups they mold right there. Most folks last about 30–40 minutes before needing to thaw out in the lounge.
| Frozen Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 70 m² (about 750 sq. ft.) |
| Ice Used | Approximately 40 tons |
| Temperature | -5°C (23°F) |
| Seating | Up to 50 people on ice benches and stools |
| Decor Changes | Annually with new ice carvings and sculptures |
The vibe is way more relaxed than other bars in Rome. Don’t expect table service or fancy snacks. You come for the cool factor and the bragging rights. For anyone bagging that epic photo or TikTok, the colored lighting and ice art are the backdrop you won’t find anywhere else in the city. If you want to appreciate every detail, bring your phone, but maybe keep it in your pocket between shots so the battery doesn’t freeze.
Ice Club Roma is hands-down the most unique Ice Club Roma experience in the city—and that’s not up for debate. Just don’t lick the walls. Someone tried that once. It didn’t end well.
Getting In: Location, Hours, Dress Code
Here’s what you actually need to know before you plan a visit to Ice Club Roma. You’ll find it in the Monti district, just steps from the Colosseum—so you can basically pop in before or after sightseeing. The address is Via della Madonna dei Monti, 18/19. Don’t expect to spot a massive neon sign, but the blue glow from the entrance usually gives it away.
The club usually runs every day. From Sunday to Thursday, doors open around 5:30pm and last call is typically a bit after midnight. Fridays and Saturdays? They keep the party going until 2am. This is a lifesaver if you want a chilly escape after a hot Roman day, or you just want to hang somewhere different after dinner.
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday-Thursday | 17:30 | 00:30 |
| Friday-Saturday | 17:30 | 02:00 |
Here’s the scoop on dress code: Totally relaxed. You don’t need anything fancy. You could be coming from a sightseeing day, wearing jeans, sneakers, a t-shirt, and you’re good. The club provides thick silver parkas and gloves as you walk in, so don’t stress about being cold. You just put your stuff in a locker and you’re set.
A practical tip: it gets super crowded on weekends, especially after 9pm. If you’re not into waiting, try going earlier in the evening or on a weeknight. There’s usually a cover charge (expect €15–€18), but that usually includes your first drink. If you want to skip the queue, booking online never hurts—plus, you might stumble on bundle deals or discounts for groups.
Best Drinks, Prices, and How to Score a Deal
One thing that gets everyone talking at Ice Club Roma: you drink out of glasses carved from solid ice. Seriously, it’s half the experience just seeing your cocktail slowly freeze to the side. The menu covers the basics—think classic vodka-based mixes—but you’ll also spot some local twists with Italian liqueurs. The top seller is the "Colosseo Shot," a mix of limoncello, vodka, and blue curaçao that glows under the neon lights. If you like it stronger, order the "Arctic Mule," which is basically a Moscow Mule but colder (and yes, it somehow tastes even crisper in the frozen glass).
Here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Item | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Entry + 1 Drink | 15 |
| Extra Drink | 8 |
| Shots | 5 |
The entry covers your parka and gloves, so you only pay extra for additional drinks. Prices haven’t changed much over the years, and you won’t get charged for staying—your time inside just depends on how long you can handle the cold (most people last 40 minutes to an hour).
Want the best deal? Show up before 9 p.m. when it’s less crowded, since the club sometimes runs "early bird" offers where an extra drink is thrown in for the same entry fee. Got a group of friends? Booking online can score you a discount for groups of four or more. Also, birthdays get a little shot on the house, so if it’s your day, tell the bartender—he’ll take care of you.
Tip: Save money by sticking to cocktails included with entry, and if you’re still thirsty, stick to shots after. They pack a punch and keep your hand from freezing around a bigger glass. Plus, you’re not there for fancy sipping; it’s all about the fun and the freeze.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Let’s get real—nobody wants to wander into a place like this unprepared. If you want your night at Ice Club Roma to actually be fun (and not just cold), there are a few tricks to keep in mind before and during your visit.
- Show up early to avoid crowds. Ice Club Roma is open from 5pm till 2am, so if you hit it right at opening—especially on weekends—you’ll have more space to snap photos and chill (pun intended) without someone photobombing with a selfie stick.
- Dress for it, but don’t stress. You don’t need special winter gear. The club gives you a thermal parka and gloves. Just wear your usual street clothes—jeans, a tee, sneakers—and you’ll be good. Skip short skirts and open-toed shoes, though. Remember, you are basically in a walk-in freezer.
- Skip dinner—grab a snack after. The drinks come with your entry, but food? Not so much. There’s no real food served inside, just the drinks. Grab a slice of pizza or gelato nearby on your way out.
- Photo ops are everywhere. The ice sculptures and the colored LED lights make every corner Instagram-worthy. Just keep your phone warm in a pocket close to your body—batteries die quicker in the cold.
- Entry deals are all over the internet. Buying your ticket online or checking platforms like GetYourGuide: sometimes you can snag discounted entry, or a package that includes a drink. Standard walk-in price is about €15–€18, depending on the night—it always includes at least one cocktail in an ice glass.
- Don’t overstay inside. Most people last about 30–40 minutes before the cold gets to them. Take breaks—if you’re with friends, challenge each other to stay the longest, but honestly, when your fingers start tingling, it’s time to head out for something hot. There’s a regular bar area outside where you can warm up and keep the night going.
Follow these steps and you’ll look like a veteran on your first visit. There’s nothing worse than freezing your toes off because you thought flip-flops were a vibe, or missing a killer photo because your phone quit. Plan ahead and you’ll leave Ice Club Roma with great stories (and warmer hands).
