Walkable Cities: A New Series, Starting in Barcelona

A new monthly series from Stops, Steps & Sights

If you’ve been here a while, you know I usually share walkable finds close to home—places you can explore on foot or by train in and around Salt Lake City and Provo. But this new series goes a little further.

Welcome to Walkable Cities, a monthly series where I highlight my favorite walkable places around the world. These are destinations where you don’t need a car to experience the best of the city—just your feet, a little curiosity, and maybe a good café or two along the way.

Each month, I’ll feature one city that’s made for wandering. Cities where public spaces are designed for people. Where the pace naturally slows down. And where the small details—like tiled sidewalks, leafy plazas, and unexpected views—become part of the experience.

To kick things off, I’m starting with a longtime favorite: Barcelona, Spain. 

Why Barcelona is So Walkable

Barcelona is a walker’s dream. The city is compact, mostly flat, and thoughtfully designed with people in mind. Shaded sidewalks, pedestrian-only zones, beautiful public squares, and a reliable public transit system make car-free travel not just possible—but easy and enjoyable. Many of the city’s historic streets don’t allow vehicle traffic at all, which adds to the sense of calm and connection.

One of the most exciting walkability efforts in recent years is the Superblocks (superilles) program—clusters of city blocks where through-traffic is restricted and streets are redesigned for people, not cars. Inside a Superblock, intersections become gathering spaces, kids play in the street, neighbors relax under trees, and local businesses spill out onto widened sidewalks. It’s a bold reimagining of urban life. And it’s working!

Whether you’re weaving through narrow alleys or strolling down a grand boulevard, there’s something to discover on nearly every block—often with a bench or café terrace inviting you to slow down and stay a while.

A Favorite Route for Wandering: From Barri Gòtic to Passeig de Gràcia

One of my favorite routes for exploring Barcelona starts in Barri Gòtic, the Gothic Quarter. This is the oldest part of the city, a maze of medieval alleys that twist through quiet courtyards, centuries-old churches, hidden bakeries, and charming shops. It’s easy to get a little lost here and I mean that in the best way.

From there, head north to Passeig de Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s most walkable and architecturally rich streets. The sidewalks are wide, tiled, and lined with trees. These streets are designed not just for getting somewhere, but for lingering. Along the way, you’ll pass modernist storefronts, mosaic-covered benches, and two of Gaudí’s masterpieces:

• Casa Batlló, with its colorful, dreamlike façade

• Casa Milà (La Pedrera), known for its rippling stonework and sculptural rooftop

  

Everything is close. You can walk from ancient Roman ruins to world-famous modernist landmarks in under 20 minutes.

Want to See It for Yourself?

If you’re short on time or just love a good walking tour, I highly recommend this guided walking tour of Barcelona. It’s a great way to see the highlights of the Gothic Quarter, learn about the city’s history, and get a feel for how walkable Barcelona really is, with a local leading the way.

Book the Barcelona Walking Tour here.

Affiliate disclosure: This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through it, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend experiences I believe are genuinely worth it for slow, walkable travel.

For Walkability Lovers

If you’re into walkable cities and people-first urban design, I highly recommend checking out:

• @drtpanova – for thoughtful posts on urbanism, city beauty, and pedestrian experience

• The Social Life Project – for inspiring stories about cities that prioritize public life and connection

One Walkable City a Month

This is just the beginning. I’ll be sharing one walkable city each month—places that celebrate slow travel, beautiful design, and the everyday joy of discovering a city step by step.

Got a favorite walkable city I should feature? Let me know in the comments or send me a message on TikTok!

Follow along for more walking routes, local discoveries, and transit-friendly finds.

Happy walking!

—Rachel