Cutting-Edge Cool

At the peak of skating season, the chilly capitals of Europe (and some warmer metropolises beyond the Continent, too) compete to serve up the most spectacular skating for locals and tourists alike. So sharpen your blades and check out one of these fantastic places to practice your figure eights.

Somerset House, London
Daylight skating is delightful in the 18th century courtyard of Somerset House, a onetime royal palace that's now home to the Courtauld Institute of Art, Gilbert Collection and Hermitage Rooms. It's even more spectacular by night, when bright lights and flaming torches illuminate the building's...