Traveling between the United States and various European countries really opened my eyes to some big lifestyle differences. One of the most noticeable contrasts is how much more people seem to walk in Europe compared to back home in the States. After spending time in both places I finally started to understand exactly why that is.
Cities Built Before Cars
A lot of European cities were designed hundreds of years before cars even existed so they had to be easy to walk around on foot. Everything you need is usually clustered close together in a way that just makes perfect sense for pedestrians walking everywhere.
Amazing Public Transportation Systems
The trains, trams and buses in Europe are just everywhere and they make it incredibly easy to get around without ever needing a vehicle. Since the stations are usually just a short walk away from wherever you are it totally encourages you to walk those extra few blocks daily.
Great Sidewalks And Pedestrian Streets
Many cities in Europe have wide clean sidewalks and huge areas downtown where cars are not even allowed to go which makes walking really enjoyable and safe. They are designed to be nice spaces for people on foot which actually makes you want to get out and stroll around for no reason.
Driving Is Really Expensive
Owning a car in Europe is pricey because gas is expensive and so is insurance plus you often have to pay big congestion fees just to drive downtown. When you add up all those extra costs it makes sense why so many people choose to walk or use public transit instead of driving themselves.
Shopping For Food Daily
In Europe people often go to small local markets several times a week to pick up fresh food instead of driving to a massive store once a week to load up a trunk. This regular trip to the neighborhood baker or butcher means they are constantly out walking on their local streets just getting basic daily necessities.
Parking Is A Nightmare
It is super hard to park a vehicle in crowded European cities since the roads were built so small. You will struggle to find a single open spot. Walking to your destination is usually better because you avoid all the anger of driving around.
Living Closer Together
Many Europeans live in apartments or attached townhouses that are located right within the busy city center close to everything they do. This density means work shops and restaurants are often just around the corner so walking is the logical way to get there quickly.
Eating Smaller Portions
In my experience European food portions are smaller and less filling than American ones. While some might miss the extra food I felt better. I was not weighed down by a big meal. Having less on my plate gave me more energy to stay active.
Cafe Culture And People Watching
Europeans really love sitting at outdoor cafes for a long time. They enjoy drinking coffee while watching people walk past them. Since these shops are on every corner the whole trip feels very calm. You will naturally walk between neighborhoods to find new spots.
The Weather Feels Nice
While it certainly does not apply to every single part of Europe many popular cities have weather that seems really perfect for being outdoors and staying active. Even when it is a bit chilly you see everyone bundled up and still walking because it just feels normal to be outside moving.
Walking Is Just Part Of Life
In Europe I saw that walking is not a special workout or a choice people make. It is just the way everyone gets around every day. People walk to work and to meet friends constantly. It is very normal to cover many miles.
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