There is nothing quite like skating outdoors in a beautiful location. Whether you’re at a world-famous spot or an unknown trail, skating outdoors is a unique experience that everyone should try.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best places to skate in the world. From famous ice rinks to hidden outdoor trails, we’ve got you covered! So, grab your skates and get ready for an epic adventure!
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Skating is a beloved winter activity that people of all ages enjoy. It’s a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, and it’s also a lot of fun! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s nothing quite like skating outdoors in a beautiful setting.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable skating experience, you can’t go wrong with any of the following locations. From world-famous ice rinks to hidden outdoor trails, these are some of the best places to skate in the world!
Somerset House, London
Somerset House is a grand neoclassical building in the heart of London. In the winter, its courtyard turns into an outdoor ice rink where you can skate surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic buildings.
Best of all, they have a towering 40 ft Christmas tree at one side of the rink – making for picture-perfect memories!
Their skating tickets start at £11.00 for adults and £8.50 for kids, but they offer family discounts and group discounts as well.
They also have skate rentals if you need them. While skating there you can enjoy music and warm up with some mulled wine or hot chocolate at Tom’s Skate Lounge.
Lake Louise, Canada
Lake Louise is a stunning glacial lake in Banff National Park, Canada. In the winter, the lake freezes over and becomes a popular spot for ice skating. In 2014, it was actually voted the world’s best skating rink by both CNN and Huffington Post!
It is beautifully lit up at night for skating and cleared daily for snow.
There are also intricately carved ice castles that decorate the rink from the locals. Skating here is an unforgettable experience, as you’ll be surrounded by towering mountains and pristine nature.
For any extra special adventure, you can stay at the Faimont Lake Louise Hotel and enjoy a vacation in luxury.
Best of all, it’s free to skate on the lake! However, you will need to bring your own skates. If you do not have your own skates, you can also rent skates at any of the nearby ski and snow rental companies.
Rockefeller Center, New York City
No winter trip to the Big Apple is complete without a visit to Rockefeller Center. It has been featured in so many holiday movies, this is one outdoor ice rink that is famous worldwide.
The Rockefeller Center is a world-famous complex in the heart of New York City that features stunning Art Deco architecture.
In the winter, its plaza turns into an outdoor ice rink where you can skate surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic buildings.
While skating there you can enjoy music and warm up with some hot chocolate at the rink-side cafe.
Tickets cost anywhere from $20-$54 depending on the date and time of day. It’s best to buy tickets in advance, but it’s an unforgettable experience that’s perfect for people of all ages.
Fuji-Q Highland, Japan
Fuji-Q Highland is an amusement park in Japan that’s famous for its roller coasters and unique attractions.
In the winter, they have an outdoor ice rink where you can skate surrounded by snow-capped mountains and stunning views of Mount Fuji. Tickets cost around between 900-2000 Yen depending on what season it is, and skate rentals are available on-site.
City Park Ice Rink, Budapest
If you’re looking for a truly magical skating experience, look no further than the City Park Ice Rink in Budapest.
This gorgeous outdoor rink is located in one of the city’s most beautiful parks, and it’s surrounded by fairy-tale architecture. Skating here is an absolute must-do when visiting Budapest in winter! It costs around 1500-2000 HUF for an adult ticket, but that includes skate rentals and lockers.
Princes Street Gardens Ice Rink, Scotland
If you’re visiting Scotland in winter, make sure to stop by the Princes Street Gardens Ice Rink in Edinburgh.
This outdoor rink is located in the middle of a beautiful park, and it offers stunning views of the city’s castle. Best of all, it’s right next to the Scott Monument – making for some great photo opportunities! Tickets cost around R90 for adults, and skate rentals are available on-site.
Museumplein, Amsterdam
Museumplein is a large public square in Amsterdam that’s home to some of the city’s most popular museums.
In the winter, the square turns into an outdoor ice rink where you can skate surrounded by Dutch Master paintings and stunning architecture. Skating here is only €6, However, you will need to bring your own skates or rent them.
Eiffel Tower Ice Rink, Paris
For a truly unique skating experience, head to the Eiffel Tower Ice Rink in Paris.
This outdoor rink is located at the base of the Eiffel Tower, and it offers stunning views of the city. Skating here is an unforgettable experience, and it’s perfect for people of all ages.
And it is surprisingly free to skate here – all you need to do is rent some skates from the rink.
Rideau Canal Skateway, Canada
The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that runs through downtown Ottawa, Canada.
It’s the perfect place to go skating in the winter, as it transforms into the world’s largest skating rink! Best of all, admission is free.
You can rent skates or bring your own, and there are plenty of places to warm up or grab a bite to eat if you need a break.
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego
Hotel del Coronado ice skating rink
If you’re looking for a skating experience with a view, look no further than the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. I mentioned this one in my list of The Best Hotels With Ice Skating Rinks because it really is one you don’t want to miss.
This world-famous hotel has an outdoor rink overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Skating here is the perfect way to enjoy some of San Diego’s famous sunny weather in winter! Tickets start at $20 for adults and $13 for kids. Skate rentals are available on-site.
Shichahai Lake, Beijing
Shichahai Lake is a beautiful spot in Beijing that’s perfect for a winter day. In the winter, the lake freezes over and becomes an outdoor ice rink where you can skate surrounded by Chinese pagodas and stunning views of the city.
However, you will need to bring your own skates. You can also experience one of Beijing’s traditional winter activities – using ice bikes! These bikes have special tires that allow you to ride on the ice.
Vienna Ice Dream, Vienna
Last but not least, we have the Vienna Ice Dream in Vienna, Austria. This incredible outdoor rink is located in front of the city’s magnificent Hofburg Palace. Skating here is a truly magical experience, and it’s the perfect way to enjoy Vienna in winter. It costs about €7 for skate rentals and admission.
Whether you’re looking for a world-famous ice rink or a hidden outdoor trail, these are some of the best places to skate in the world. So grab your skates and get ready for an epic adventure!
Do you have a favorite place to skate? Let us know in the comments below!
