Renata Riva

Brussels

Spotter since 2009

About me

About me:
I was born and raised in Torino, in the North of Italy. Studying engineering allowed me to live in many different countries. When I came to the point where I needed to look for a job I decided I wanted to have another experience abroad. In 2003 the job offer came from Brussels, for a big multinational company. I wasn’t that excited, didn’t know Brussels very well, and I always thought it was a grey and boring city. But I moved anyway and less than 6 months later this city had already changed my opinion and I have now declared it my hometown. I’ve even bought an apartment here now!

My biggest passion is to travel, I want to discover the whole world, to understand cultures, food, people, music. But I always happily return home to brussels, ready to discover what has changed while I was away.

Why Brussels?
I am a real city girl, I love being close to the “happenings” in town, to be able to walk or bike anywhere, to get anywhere in less than 30 minutes. I am hardly ever home, I take any excuse to be out, to explore new places, to go to concerts, exhibitions, theaters, bars, anything. And Brussels is just perfect for this, not too big, not too small, and full of things happening!

My spots (25)

Parc Viaduc Brussels

Parc Viaduc

Brussels and its hidden parks

"Parc Viaduc" Brussels is a secret park that I discovered which surprisingly lives up to its secrecy - quietness guaranteed...

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Relaxing

By

Renata

Riva

Feb 18, 2025
Elevator to the Sky Brussels

Elevator to the Sky

Brussels panorama

From this Brussels spot in Marolles you can catch the "elevator" to go from "uptown" to "downtown"! And when you reach the top... believe me: THE VIEW!

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Art & culture

By

Renata

Riva

Jan 31, 2025
Chou Sando Brussels

Chou Sando

Sandwiches Japanese style

Sando is a nice nickname Japanese use for sandwiches. I love it! Sandwiches have a sauce more or less spicy and are filled with veggies and/or meat or tofu.

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Restaurants
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Snacks

By

Renata

Riva

Jan 16, 2025
Le Corbeau Brussels

Le Corbeau

Fun dancing on tables

There's nothing in Brussels like "Le Corbeau". It's a brasserie, a local restaurant/bar, but at night it becomes the opposite of Cinderella's fairytale...

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Bars
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Music

By

Renata

Riva

Jan 16, 2025

Coundenberg 66

Cool building in the center

"Coundenberg 66" Brussels is a magnificent building from 1898. It used to house La pharmacie anglaise de Charles Delacre and has many interesting features.

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Art & culture

By

Renata

Riva

Jan 16, 2025
Zinneke Brussels

Zinneke

The other statue

The "Zinneke" in Brussels is a statue of a dog that, to me, is an accurate symbol of my city with so many contrasts, but that likes to laugh about them...

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Art & culture

By

Renata

Riva

Jan 16, 2025
La Cambre Abbey Brussels

La Cambre Abbey

Abbey, park and arts in the city

"La Cambre Abbey" is an abbey tucked away in a corner of a small square in Brussels. I'm sure most visitors never notice it. It's a precious gem.

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Relaxing

By

Renata

Riva

Jan 16, 2025
Bois de La Cambre Brussels

Bois de La Cambre

Preferred spot for a sunny day

"Bois de La Cambre" is the preferred spot for me on a sunny day in Brussels. There is more to this park than a spot to have a picnic.

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Bars
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Relaxing

By

Renata

Riva

Jan 16, 2025

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