An American woman is amazed at what they do to public spaces in Spain and says: “There were like 15 dogs”
The young TikToker had never seen streets so crowded, and decided to record it to share it.
@Brittneedawley, an American TikTok user, recently uploaded a video marveling at something entirely ordinary for Spaniards: life on the street. While walking her dog through a park in Valencia, she was stunned by the number of people engaged in all kinds of outdoor activities—groups of friends playing volleyball, people taking dance classes, others doing yoga, and, of course, plenty of dog walkers. “There were like 15 dogs,” she exclaimed in surprise on social media.
What felt like a movie scene to her is just a typical summer afternoon for those living in Spain or other Mediterranean countries. Her reaction is strikingly similar to a moment in Eat, Pray, Love, when Julia Roberts’s character arrives in Rome and is amazed to see how Italians enjoy their free time—eating pasta, laughing, and lingering outdoors without guilt or a sense of urgency. That same sense of wonder comes through clearly in Brittnee’s video.
This fun little culture shock, shared on TikTok, prompts a deeper reflection: how do our cities and lifestyles shape the way we relate to public space? Brittnee regularly shares glimpses of her daily life in Valencia with her followers, documenting how she’s gradually adapting to Spanish culture. In many ways, she’s like our own Emily in Paris—though in this case, it’s Britnee in Valencia. Her way of narrating the experience of moving from the U.S. to a European city invites us to see our own routines with fresh eyes.
@brittneedawley This is also EVERY hour of the day people are OUT! And I love it!! #movingabroad #startingover #valencia
♬ original sound - brittneedawley
Life on the street: A cinematic experience for many
One of the key differences behind this cultural divide lies in urban design. Many U.S. cities, particularly those developed after the mid-20th century, were built around the car. Residential neighborhoods are often separated from shops, cafes, and leisure areas. As a result, even simple tasks—like buying bread, going to the gym, or grabbing a coffee—usually require driving.
In contrast, cities in southern Europe—Spain, Italy, France, Portugal—tend to be more compact and pedestrian-friendly. Walkable sidewalks, public parks, plazas, cafés, shops, and sports centers are all within reach, encouraging people to leave their homes and engage with others. Public space isn’t just a place to pass through; it’s a space to stay, meet, and live.
But it’s not only about urban planning—culture plays a major role too. In the U.S., a more individualistic lifestyle prevails, centered around private spaces like homes and cars. Social life often happens behind closed doors. In Spain, by contrast, there’s a strong tradition of life outdoors. We go out for drinks on a terrace, stroll aimlessly, and bump into neighbors by chance while children run freely through plazas. Simply being outside is a form of leisure. You don’t need a plan—going out is the plan.
This American emphasis on individualism isn’t accidental; it reflects a more demanding and competitive economic system. Workdays are longer, vacations are shorter, and free time is increasingly scarce. Many people juggle multiple jobs or endure long commutes, leaving little energy for leisure or community life. In some U.S. cities, public spaces may be poorly maintained or perceived as unsafe, further discouraging their use.
In Spain, by contrast, public squares and parks are generally well-kept, welcoming, and full of life. That’s not just luck—it’s the product of years of civic engagement and public policy dedicated to preserving these shared spaces. Citizens demand access to livable cities, and local governments have historically responded with planning, investment, and maintenance.
Still, we can’t take these public spaces—or the lifestyle they make possible—for granted. The American model, with its emphasis on individualism, privatization, and productivity, is already beginning to seep into European cities, dressed up as modernity and efficiency. If we’re not careful, we risk losing the vibrant street life that defines so much of Mediterranean culture.
Protecting this way of life requires more than policy—it also requires presence. We need to keep showing up in our parks and plazas, keep prioritizing shared experiences, and keep celebrating a lifestyle where “doing nothing” outside can mean doing everything that matters.
Because the more people like Brittnee continue to marvel at this everyday magic, the more we’re reminded not to let it fade.
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