Best of Europe Pride 2022
After a two-year hiatus, Europe’s best LGBTIQ+ destinations return this summer with live, in-person pride events that will be bursting with pent-up queer energy.
Expect boisterous crowds meeting in person for the first time in what feels like forever. However, it’s not just about dancing and celebrating; we’re also highlighting conservative Eastern European countries whose queer citizens must still fight for basic rights while battling harassment and worse.
Get ready for a rainbow-lit Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and Colosseum. Moreover, spare a thought for our LGBTIQ+ siblings from Kyiv who have been hastily forced to organize pride events in Poland, particularly during Warsaw Pride.
Vilnius, Lithuania
2022 Pride dates: June 1-5. Baltic Pride is the annual LGBTIQ+ Pride celebration that alternates among the three Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The main event takes place Saturday, June 4.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: With just a handful of LGBTIQ+ venues, Vilnius lacks a defined gayborhood. The small queer community is friendly despite the pressures of living in a conservative society. Still, the city charms with its historic architecture while fearlessly highlighting darker chapters from Soviet and Nazi periods.
Sitges, Spain
2022 Pride dates: June 8-12. Sitges Pride precedes Barcelona’s more massive gathering and has become popular with young LGBTIQ+ individuals from throughout Western Europe.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: Situated just 40 minutes south of Barcelona by train, Sitges has a vibrant LGBTIQ+ community, with many bars and clubs concentrated in the town center and along the 17 LGBTIQ+ friendly beaches.
Rome, Italy
2022 Pride dates: June 6-12. Rome Pride is colorful and lively, especially the parade on June 11, set against renowned world landmarks.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: Gay Street, the queer neighborhood of Rome, is a highly social area filled with shops and bars popular among queer individuals.
Cologne, Germany
2022 Pride dates: June 18-July 3. Cologne Gay Pride is Germany’s largest LGBTIQ+ celebration. The CSD Street Festival (July 1-3) includes many public squares, while the Pride Parade (CSD Demonstration) occurs on July 3.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: Cologne includes two queer neighborhoods, catering to diverse crowds and providing a variety of bars and entertainment options.
Barcelona, Spain
2022 Pride dates: June 23-26. Barcelona Pride is a gigantic event, with a significant parade scheduled for June 25.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: As the second largest city in Spain, Barcelona welcomes LGBTIQ+ locals and visitors throughout the city, especially in L’Eixample.
Paris, France
2022 Pride dates: June 25. Paris Pride is a vibrant event, featuring a parade followed by lively celebrations, particularly in Le Marais.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: Le Marais remains the primary queer neighborhood, boasting a rich history of LGBTIQ+ culture.
Warsaw, Poland
2022 Pride dates: June 25. In solidarity, KyivPride and Warsaw Pride will march together in Warsaw.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: While Poland struggles with its LGBTIQ+ rights, there are numerous LGBTIQ+ friendly bars and clubs in the central district.
London, United Kingdom
2022 Pride dates: July 2. Pride in London showcases a rowdy parade through iconic sites, narrating a narrative of inclusion and advocacy.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: Soho is known for its lively atmosphere and concentration of LGBTIQ+ venues.
Stockholm, Sweden
2022 Pride dates: August 1-7. Stockholm Pride is set to attract thousands of participants, making it a memorable and joyful event.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: Many queer-friendly restaurants and bars are located in the vibrant island district of Södermalm and Gamla Stan (Old Town).
Amsterdam, Netherlands
2022 Pride dates: July 30-August 7. Amsterdam Pride features the unique Canal Parade and Pride Walk, attracting extensive crowds highlighting LGBTIQ+ rights.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: The gay area along Reguliersdwarsstraat is very welcoming, and the city itself is one of the most LGBTIQ+ friendly destinations globally.
Brighton, United Kingdom
2022 Pride dates: August 5-7. Brighton and Hove Pride emphasizes celebration and inclusivity, featuring major acts and an open environment.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: Brighton and Hove boasts numerous queer-friendly venues, making it a lively east coast destination.
Valletta, Malta
2022 Pride dates: September 2-11. Malta Gay Pride takes place in the stunning capital of Valletta, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the island.
Must-visit LGBTIQ+ neighborhood: LGBTIQ+ venues are scattered throughout Valletta, offering welcoming spaces for queer individuals amidst a progressive change in Maltese society.
