5 Reasons to Visit Europe in 2022
After a rollercoaster of a ride of trying to navigate how to travel safely during a global pandemic, LGBTQ travelers are anxious to see Europe’s familiar sights again – from the Louvre in Paris to the architectural marvel La Sagrada Familia to a normal pub crawl in London’s Soho gayborhood. But according to Travel Weekly, there are five new reasons to visit Europe. Discover why travelers should be excited to reacquaint themselves with the Old Continent in 2022.
Editor’s Note: Those who travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before traveling.
Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris, France)
We were all stunned by the 2019 fire that consumed Notre Dame Cathedral. However, efforts to restore the iconic Parisian landmark are underway to make it better than before. Work isn’t scheduled to be complete until 2024, but visitors to the city can already see improvements to the exterior, including the removal of the burned scaffolding that served as a depressing reminder of the fire. You can follow the progress via photos, some of which were taken by a drone from inside the monument.
Plateforme 10 (Lausanne, Switzerland)
Queer travelers who enjoy a stroll through an art district will enjoy visiting a new museum complex called Plateforme 10, scheduled for completion by June 2022. It’s conveniently located in the heart of Lausanne adjacent to the Lausanne train station. The arts district complex will finally bring together three museums that formerly inhabited different buildings in the city. Plateforme 10 merges fine art, photography, design, and textile arts into a 237,000-square-foot exhibition space.
Tanssin Talo (Helsinki, Finland)
Helsinki will mark its 10th anniversary as a World Design Capital with a new cultural center set to open its doors in February. Designed by JKMM and ILO Architects, Tanssin Talo will showcase different dance forms and dance cultures. Finnish and international pieces will be seen on the stages of the 700-seat Erkko Hall and the 250-seat Pannuhalli Stage, and many internationally renowned choreographers and dance companies are scheduled to perform at the venue.
Castlefield Viaduct (Manchester, England)
American tourists will probably notice similarities between New York’s High Line and a new attraction in Manchester. An abandoned train line will be transformed into an urban park called Castlefield Viaduct. Spearheaded by the National Trust, the Grade II-listed viaduct will open in a phase one trial this summer while permanent plans are being finalized.
Nano Nagle Place (Cork, Ireland)
For LGBTQ travelers who love street art, you may want to consider visiting seven new installations in Cork, Ireland. See the work of the country’s top contemporary artists via a self-guided audio walking tour. The art symbolizes the slow emergence of the city from Covid-inspired lockdown and graces walls across the city. And while you’re in Cork, stop by Nano Nagle Place, an old school and convent restored to house a museum, heritage center, secluded gardens, a café, and design and gifts shops.
Source: Travel Weekly
