Planning a trip to Las Vegas often means balancing neon lights, crowded casinos, and 40°C desert heat — so stepping into a room carved entirely from ice at a frosty -5°C feels almost surreal. Minus 5 Ice Bar offers exactly that contrast: a frozen cocktail lounge where everything, from the walls to the glasses, is made of ice, with three Strip locations and packages starting at $26 per person.
Temperature: -5°C (23°F) ·
Las Vegas locations: 3 (Mandalay Bay, LINQ, Venetian) ·
Typical entry fee: $20–$30 per person ·
Opening hours: Varies by location, e.g. Mandalay Bay 11am–12am
Quick snapshot
- Ice bar chain with three Vegas locations (Minus5 Ice Experience (official locations page))
- Temperature constant at -5°C; parka and gloves provided for all guests (Minus5 Ice Experience FAQ)
- Exact pricing across all locations and package variations (Minus5 Venetian page)
- Whether all three locations serve the same cocktail menu (Minus5 Venetian page)
- Availability of mocktail packages at every location (Minus5 Venetian page)
- Late-night hours: LINQ open until 2am Fri-Sat, Mandalay Bay until 1:30am (Minus5 Locations page for LINQ and Mandalay Bay) (Minus5 Venetian page)
- Venetian closes at 11pm (Minus5 Venetian page)
- Indoor walk-in path at Venetian, no outdoor exposure (Vegas Day Night guide)
- Reservations recommended, especially for peak hours (Minus5 FAQ)
- Photos allowed, but camera may fog immediately (Minus5 FAQ)
- Guests ages 7+ admitted before 9pm with parent (Vegas Day Night guide)
The following table confirms key details from Minus5’s official sources.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Temperature | -5°C (23°F) – Minus5 FAQ |
| Las Vegas locations | 3 – Minus5 Locations |
| Typical admission | $20–$30 per person, packages up to $79 – Minus5 Venetian page |
| Opening hours | Varies by location (e.g. Mandalay Bay 11am–12am) – Minus5 Locations |
| Provided gear | Parka & gloves – Minus5 FAQ |
| Age policy | Ages 7+ before 9pm with adult – Vegas Day Night guide |
What is Minus 5 Ice Bar?
Minus 5 is a chain of ice bars kept at a constant -5°C (23°F). Guests are served cocktails in glasses carved from ice while surrounded by frozen sculptures and ice-block furniture. The concept originated in Queenstown, New Zealand, and expanded to Las Vegas and other destinations. According to the Minus5 Ice Experience FAQ, the attraction is designed to let visitors enjoy a “sub-zero” cocktail experience without leaving the Strip.
Where are Minus 5 Ice Bars located?
- Mandalay Bay – inside the Shoppes at Mandalay Place, right above the escalators by Starbucks and House of Blues (Minus5 Locations)
- LINQ Promenade – between Brooklyn Bowl and In-N-Out Burger (Minus5 Locations)
- Venetian – inside the Grand Canal Shoppes on Level 2, across from Skechers (Minus5 Venetian page)
Each location is accessible from the Strip without stepping outside, making it a convenient stop during a casino-hopping evening. The Venetian path, in particular, is entirely indoors — a detail noted by the Vegas Day Night guide as a plus for hot-weather visits.
For travelers hitting multiple attractions, the indoor walk at Venetian means you never break the air-conditioned bubble – a small advantage when Las Vegas summer temperatures routinely exceed 40°C.
What is the concept behind the ice bar?
- Walls, bar, tables, and even glassware are all made of ice.
- Temperatures are kept at a uniform -5°C to keep everything frozen solid.
- Guests receive a thermal parka and gloves upon entry – included in every ticket package (Minus5 FAQ).
The catch: The novelty is a core part of the appeal, but the experience is entirely dependent on how long you can tolerate the cold. Most groups spend about 30–45 minutes inside.
How Cold Is a Minus 5 Ice Bar?
The temperature inside every Minus 5 location is maintained at exactly -5°C (23°F). That’s colder than most walk-in freezers. Unlike a refrigerator, the ice bar’s climate is designed to keep the structural ice from melting – the same reason guests are given parkas and gloves before entering.
What is the exact temperature inside?
- -5°C (23°F) – verified across all locations on the Minus5 FAQ
- The temperature does not fluctuate: the bar is built as a room-sized insulated freezer.
How does the cold experience feel?
- Skin contact with ice surfaces can feel uncomfortably cold within seconds.
- Breath fogs visibly, and fingertips are the first to feel the chill even with gloves.
- Most visitors report staying comfortable for 20–40 minutes with the provided parka.
If you have circulatory issues or sensitivity to cold, the 30-minute average stay may feel much longer. The bar does not have a warm-up area mid-visit — stepping out means your time is done.
The implication: The cold is the main experience, not a backdrop. Anyone looking for a casual lounge atmosphere should adjust expectations — you’ll be shivering within ten minutes without proper gear.
How Much Does Minus 5 Ice Bar Cost?
Pricing at Minus 5 is package-based, not a flat admission fee. The cheapest option starts at $26 per person for entry and gear only, while premium packages include cocktails, photos, and souvenir hats. A key contrast: the official Minus5 Venetian page lists the standard adult package at $49 with two ice cocktails and a premium at $79.
What is the entry fee?
- Basic package (entry + parka + gloves): $26 per person – Minus5 Venetian page
- Adult package (entry + 2 ice cocktails): $49 per person – Minus5 Venetian page
- Premium package (faux-fur coat + 2 cocktails + digital photo + souvenir hat): $79 per person – Minus5 Venetian page
- Mocktail package (1 ice mocktail + souvenir hat): $29 per person – Minus5 Venetian page
Are drinks included?
Drinks are not included in the base $26 entry. The $49 adult package includes two ice cocktails, and the $79 premium includes two cocktails plus extras. The mocktail package is the only non-alcoholic option. Third-party resellers like Vegas.com (ticketing partner) list Venetian admission as low as $24 including tax.
Are there discounts?
- No official discount code is published on the Minus5 site.
- Third-party sites (e.g., Vegas.com) may offer slightly lower base prices.
- Group rates or private events are available by inquiry, but no transparent pricing is listed.
The trade-off: Paying $26 to stand inside a freezer for 20 minutes is a polarizing value proposition. For cocktail lovers, the $49 adult package makes more sense: two drinks at a typical Strip bar already cost around $30–$40, so the ice experience becomes a bonus.
What to Wear to Minus 5 Ice Bar in Las Vegas?
According to the Minus5 FAQ, there is no official dress code. But common sense says you are going into a -5°C room after walking through 35°C hallway. A practical guide from Vegas Day Night recommends closed-toe shoes and avoiding skirts or dresses.
What clothing is provided?
- Parka – insulated, hooded jacket (all packages include it).
- Gloves – basic knit or fleece gloves (included).
- Premium packages include a faux-fur coat instead of the standard parka at the Venetian location (Minus5 Venetian page).
“There is no dress code at the attraction.”
— Minus5 Ice Experience FAQ
What should you bring yourself?
- Closed-toe shoes – sandals or flip-flops will cause serious discomfort within minutes.
- Long pants – jeans or trousers, not shorts or skirts.
- Thin socks – the provided boots are not standard; most guests wear their own shoes.
- A smartphone or camera – photos are allowed, but beware that lenses fog immediately upon entering the cold (Minus5 FAQ).
Tips for staying comfortable
- Wear layers under the parka – a sweater or fleece helps retain warmth.
- Avoid wearing anything wet or damp – it will freeze against skin.
- If you plan to sit on ice furniture, wear something insulated (the parka covers the torso).
- Consider bringing your own thin gloves if you plan to handle the camera frequently – the provided gloves are bulky.
For women over 50, the official guidance is the same: no dress code, but closed-toe shoes and long pants are strongly recommended. The cold hits differently at lower circulation, so extra layers are wise.
With the provided parka and common sense attire, most visitors find the cold manageable.
Which Minus 5 Ice Bar in Vegas Is Best?
With three locations within a few miles of each other on the Strip, choosing one requires comparing atmosphere, hours, and convenience. Here’s a breakdown:
| Feature | Venetian | LINQ Promenade | Mandalay Bay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location within property | Grand Canal Shoppes, Level 2 | Between Brooklyn Bowl & In-N-Out | Shoppes at Mandalay Place, above escalators |
| Indoor path from Strip | Yes, fully indoors (Vegas Day Night guide) | Outdoor promenade, exposed to elements | Indoor through Mandalay Place |
| Typical hours | 11am – 11pm daily (Minus5 Venetian page) | Sun–Thu 11am–12am, Fri–Sat 11am–2am (Minus5 Locations) | Sun–Thu 11am–12am, Fri–Sat 11am–1:30am (Minus5 Locations) |
| Unique feature | Faux-fur coat upgrade available (Minus5 Venetian page) | Late-night hours | Largest venue by square footage |
| Overall vibe | Intimate, elegant shopping-mall setting | Lively, outdoor bar-hopping atmosphere | Spacious, family-friendly during day |
“The Venetian walk-in path is indoors the whole way.”
— Vegas Day Night (Sub-Zero in the Desert guide)
What are the differences between locations?
- Venetian is the only location with a faux-fur coat upgrade, making it popular for photo-focused visits. It’s in a quieter part of the Grand Canal Shoppes.
- LINQ has the latest closing hours (2am on weekends) and sits in the middle of a buzzing entertainment district with easy access to the High Roller observation wheel.
- Mandalay Bay is the largest venue, often less crowded, and is connected to the Mandalay Bay hotel and its pool area.
Do you need reservations?
Reservations are recommended for all locations, especially on weekends and holidays. The Minus5 FAQ notes walk-ins are accepted but may face longer waits during peak hours.
Can you take photos?
Photos are permitted, but camera lenses fog immediately due to the temperature differential. The Minus5 FAQ suggests waiting a minute for the lens to adjust. Premium packages at Venetian include a digital photo taken by staff.
Upsides
- Unique experience – no other attraction in Vegas has structural ice bar.
- Provided parka and gloves means you don’t need special clothing.
- Three convenient Strip locations with different vibes.
- Reasonable base price ($26) for a tourist novelty.
- Indoor path at Venetian keeps you cool before entering.
Downsides
- Limited duration – most visitors stay 20–40 minutes before getting too cold.
- Drinks not included in cheapest package; adding cocktails doubles the cost.
- No transparent pricing for groups or private events.
- Camera fog can ruin photo opportunities.
- Age restriction (7+) and limited hours may exclude some families.
Clarity check: What we know and what’s still murky
Confirmed facts
- Temperature is -5°C (23°F) – Minus5 FAQ
- Las Vegas has three Minus 5 locations: Mandalay Bay, LINQ, Venetian – Minus5 Locations
- Parkas and gloves are provided with every entry package – Minus5 FAQ
What’s unclear
- Exact pricing across all locations – each package may vary by site and season
- Whether all three locations serve identical cocktail menus
- Duration limits – official policy does not specify maximum stay time
- Mocktail package availability at LINQ and Mandalay Bay not confirmed
minus5experience.com, yelp.com, yelp.com, minus5experience.com, minus5experience.com, yelp.com, vegas-guide.pro
Frequently asked questions
How long can you stay inside Minus 5 Ice Bar?
There is no posted time limit, but most visitors stay between 20 and 45 minutes. The cold becomes uncomfortable after that, even with the provided parka.
Is Minus 5 Ice Bar worth the cost?
For a first-time visitor to Las Vegas, it is a unique photo opportunity. The $26 basic entry is a low price for a Strip attraction, but the $49 adult package offers better value if you factor in the cost of two cocktails elsewhere on the Strip.
Can children visit Minus 5 Ice Bar?
Yes, children aged 7 and older are welcome before 9pm when accompanied by an adult. No infants or toddlers are permitted due to cold safety.
Do you need reservations for the Queenstown location?
This guide focuses on Las Vegas. For Queenstown, check the official Minus5 New Zealand site. In general, reservations are recommended for all locations.
What cocktails are available?
Minus5 serves a rotating menu of frozen cocktails and standard spirits. The most popular is the “Arctic Cosmo” served in an ice glass. Exact menu varies by location.
Is there a dress code for women over 50?
No dress code applies. However, closed-toe shoes and long pants are strongly recommended. The cold affects circulation more with age, so extra layers under the provided parka help.
For travelers planning a broader US road trip, the Best Scenic Road Trips USA guide can help you connect Las Vegas to other must-see destinations. And if you enjoy detailed visitor guides like this one, the Things to Do in Christchurch article offers the same practical, information-first approach to planning a trip.
Editor’s note: Prices and hours are as of the date of publication. Always confirm directly with the venue before visiting, especially during holidays or special events.