Rick Steves: What Americans Can Learn From Europe’s People-Friendly Places

If Strong Towns and our members had their way, North America would have: more people-friendly places that foster commerce and interaction; transportation options that are safe, affordable, and often human powered; and infrastructure that enhances rather than menaces surrounding neighborhoods.

Rick Steves has spent a lot of time in places with all of these features. The guidebook author, tour operator, and PBS travel host has spent decades exploring the cosmopolitan capitals and lesser-known backroads of Europe. On his broadcasts, he’s often seen in urban settings, chatting with locals while buying ice cream or enjoying a picnic in a bustling piazza.

So, we thought Steves would be a great observer to cut through all the jargon and describe the lived experience in places that have prioritized people over cars and infrastructure.

Our conversation ranged from the importance of populated downtowns, to the social and economic benefits of shared spaces, to how every great place has hidden heroes who helped make it that way. Here are his insights (note that the transcript has been edited for length and context):

Ben Abramson