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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 neoclassical facade. Those who want to skip the rink can enjoy hot chocolate or mulled wine and watch the fun from the viewing platforms overlooking the ice. Open until Jan. 30. Adults $21, children $11.50. tel: (44-870) 166 0423; www.somerset-house.org.uk
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The innovative, vanilla-scented rink on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower may only be 200 sq m, but you can't beat the view. Overlooking the Champs de Mars gardens on the southeast side and the Seine on the northwest, skaters can glide over colored lights embedded in the ice from one panorama to the next. All visitors to the monument have free rink access, and skates can be rented in exchange for a piece of identification. Open until Jan. 23. First-floor admission, adults $5, children $3. tel: (33-1) 44 11 23 23; www.tour-eiffel.fr
Ice Dream Rathauplatz, Vienna
The late 19th century, neo-Gothic City Hall is the colorfully illuminated backdrop for this 2,000-sq-m rink—one of Europe's largest. Vienna's top DJs and other celebrity entertainers keep skaters spinning to an eclectic playlist, and spectators can look on from the heated glass marquees flanking the rink. Adding a touch of internationalism to the experience, 13 caterers offer visitors a variety of cuisines, from Italian calzonetti to warm, sweet Belgian waffles. Jan. 21-March 7. Adults $7, children $5. tel (43-1) 409 0040; www.wienereistraum.com
Cityplaza Ice Palace, Hong Kong
Hong Kong's subtropical climate might make ice skating seem an unlikely pastime, but this is a great place to escape from the heat. Centrally located and right on top of the subway's Taikoo Station, Cityplaza's rink features a skylight for sunny days or moonlight skates, and is one of only two in the world with a fully computerized skating-school system that schedules lessons, locates coaches, and monitors skaters' progress, making it popular year-round. The Cityplaza Ice Palace offers an all-day pass, from 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m., for $6. tel: (852) 2844-8688; www.icepalace.com.hk
- Lillian Kennett
- A guide to some of our favorite ice-skating rinks on the planet