First impressions: Walking in Barcelona

23 April 2009

Yesterday, we arrived in Barcelona to begin the second (and final) phase of our current extended travel period. This phase is focused on Spain, with a bit of Germany and possibly Denmark tacked on at the end. The visit to Spain has three elements: 4 days (too short, really!) in Barcelona; 12 days on a bicycle tour of Mallorca; 20 days in Sevilla. Although this blog was established for our Costa Rica trip, it is convenient to extend it to describe our time in Spain. The general pattern should be about the same: approximately 3 photos per day recording highlights and impressions with a bit of explanatory text. I expect to have camera, computer, and internet connection throughout, so I’ll try to post most days.

Especially in comparison to my initial reaction to San José, but even in comparison to California, Barcelona gets high marks for a dedicated walker. The positives:
• Spacious sidewalks in excellent condition.
• Tree-lined streets.
• Respect for pedestrians exhibited consistently by drivers at traffic lights and crosswalks.
• Named streets with ample signs (what a concept!).
• Lots of pedestrians and cyclists, but no real crowds.
• Businesses that were engaged with the public space: most notably the restaurants and flower vendors.
• A safe and friendly "vibe".

The weather was terrific, too, but that is also true in San José and in California.


We’re staying in an apartment in Eixample, an upscale neighborhood of Barcelona. I walked without a plan (or a map) and encountered as pleasant surprises the Arc de Triomf, the Parc de la Ciutadella, and the beach at the foot of Carrer de la Marina. I don’t think I enjoyed a nicer walk the whole time we were in Costa Rica.


I have an instinctive sense that a critical element in transforming our current trajectory into a sustainable one involves creating cities that work. Among other things, this means an urban form that intermingles residential and commercial activities compactly; a transport system that does not rely heavily on the use of private cars; and the creation and maintenance of public spaces that encourage pride and respect for our shared resources. I think we in the Americas have a lot to learn from the Europeans in these matters.