Petra Perazzini

Brussels

Spotter since 2021

About me

About me
I am half Italian and half Austrian and have lived in Turin, Rome and Brussels. I had been working as an EU project assistant for 10 years but when I moved to Rome in 2001, I decided to open a children's bookshop specialised in illustration books. In 2013, my husband, who is Belgian, accepted a new job in Brussels and so I came back to Brussels for the third time! Since then I have been involved as a volunteer in various Belgian associations, supporting children of immigrant families and persons with handicaps but also organising conferences – I have even met the Dalai Lama in a conference in Brussels!

I am a very curious and enthusiastic person, I like visiting art exhibitions, listening to all kinds of music, but above all, I Iove contemporary dance. Two of my favourite choreographers happen to live in Brussels, Anne Theresa De Keersmaeker and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. I spend my free time discovering new places in town.

Why Brussels
I am very happy to be living in Brussels because it has become a very cool place to live. It has a human dimension and at the same time a lively and accessible cultural and artistic life. I like its multicultural profile and the fact that Belgians do not take themselves too seriously.

Artists performing in Belgium often say that here they find a certain freedom of expression that it is difficult to find in other countries. I also appreciate the fact that Brussels has many green areas and the forest is just 5 minutes away from my home.

My spots (17)

Flagey Building Brussels

Flagey Building – A leading culture house

The "Flagey Building", which used to house the National Radio Broadcasting Institute, has become one of Brussels' leading cultural institutions!

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Petra

Perazzini

Feb 10, 2025
Boitsfort Market Brussels

Boitsfort Market – Like a village market

"Boitsfort Market" in Brussels makes for a relaxed Sunday in a green area among locals. I regularly go there and I really enjoy the village feel!

017-plant-1
Relaxing
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Petra

Perazzini

Feb 10, 2025
img_6008-scaled

Boulengier – A bakery with a Viennese look

"Boulengier" in Brussels is definitely my favorite bakery. I like the fin de siècle look of the shop-atelier with its marble counters and stained glass!

024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Petra

Perazzini

Feb 4, 2025
Musée Van Buuren Brussels

Musée Van Buuren – Journey in a world of Art Deco

"Musée Van Buuren" in Brussels is a private house turned into a glorious museum full of art nouveau masterpieces! A true example of 'total art!'

002-building
Art & culture

By

Petra

Perazzini

Feb 4, 2025
MICA Brussels

MICA – A successful healthy food grocery

"MICA" in Brussels is a healthy food grocery store that doubles as an amazing restaurant! Among my favorites are the quinoa salad and the fish cakes...

024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Petra

Perazzini

Feb 4, 2025
Les Tissus du Chien Vert Brussels

Les Tissus du Chien Vert – A reference for fabrics

Opened over 30 years ago in the Canal District, 3-floor store "Les Tissus du Chien Vert" is a point of reference for textile lovers in Brussels...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Petra

Perazzini

Feb 4, 2025
Gare Maritime Brussels

Gare Maritime – Old freight station back to life

"Gare Maritime" is one of those places that make you feel proud to be living in Brussels. It recently underwent full renovation and the result is remarkable...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Petra

Perazzini

Feb 4, 2025
Buddy-Buddy

Buddy Buddy – Vegan café and best nut butters

"Buddy Buddy" in Brussels is a cozy, minimalist café with great coffee - but what makes them special is their delicious home-made nut butters!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Petra

Perazzini

Jan 12, 2025

Where to find me

Petra is not the only one

Meet our other Spotters from Brussels

Join us as a Spotter today!

Be part of a global community of 491 people who love their city!

Write about everything you 🤍 but skip touristic highlights

Show the hearth and soul of the place you call home