BLocal is a Travel & Street Art Blog where you can discover new street artists and understand what’s happening on the walls of your city. I believe urban art is something that underlies what our eyes see every day, and by learning about it, you’ll get a more rewarding experience of public space -an experience that is active rather than passive.
Stories that remain untold in the streets
You are in the right place if you want to learn the language that is spoken on the walls of your city, on the train you take to get to work in the morning, and in the urban fabric you are a part of and move through.
Discover new street artists, learn about their artistic research, and come with me to the time and place in which a particular work of urban art was created.
Street Art Travel Guides
You are also in the right place if you are looking for urban art in your city or while traveling. Urban art brings you where you would never have thought; it shines a spotlight on the most creative areas in a city and unveils some hidden gems only the coolest locals know about.
Read my street art travel guides and travel further off-grid and beyond with my articles about abandoned places, industrial archaeology, ghost towns, cemeteries, quirky museums, underground art galleries, and more unusual things to see in Europe.
Then, sit down and enjoy a well-earned rest at one of the many cafés and restaurants handpicked by yours truly.
My Street Art Book Series: As Seen on the Streets Of…
The As Seen on the Streets of... series is an independent, self-published project—a true labor of love that celebrates urban art’s powerful role in shaping the cultural identity of cities. Each book combines my personal perspective with invaluable insights from local street artists, staying true to the ethos of “Be Local.”
By blending artist tips with my own research, the books uncover both iconic landmarks and hidden gems, offering a richer, more authentic glimpse into each city. Every featured neighborhood highlights unique murals, graffiti, and street art, capturing the ever-evolving pulse of the streets.
With hundreds of pages of high-quality photography, the As Seen on the Streets of… series is an invitation to explore lesser-known neighborhoods, discover the stories behind the walls, and connect with the cultural movements that define some of the world’s most exciting cities. Crafted independently and with care, this series is a testament to the creative spirit found on the streets—and beyond.
Street Art Trips
Exploring a city together is like stepping into my blog in 3D—except this time, it’s real, tangible, and alive. These street art trips aren’t just about visiting the world’s best street art cities; they’re about sharing something deeply personal.
Each trip is designed to connect us—to the art, the cities, and each other. The walls tell their stories, I share mine, and together we create a unique experience that goes far beyond the screen.
Let’s Travel Together!
- 🇫🇷 Paris: April 25 – 29 | more details on the Paris Street Art Trip
- 🇵🇹 Lisbon: May 8 – 12 | more derails on the Lisbon Street Art Trip
Explore Europe’s Best Street Art Cities Off The Beaten Path
You can use my travel and street art maps and BLocal’s vast archive of 500+ articles to travel off the beaten path and go beyond the touristic surface of Europe’s best street art cities, discovering all those hidden gems you won’t find in the guidebooks. My street art travel maps are the same google maps I created for myself and then tested on the field.
You can even contact me and request a tailor-made travel itinerary based on your interests and passions.
Beyond the Walls: A Street Art Newsletter
My favorite way to stay in touch with BLocal’s community is the monthly newsletter “Beyond the Walls”, which I launched in 2014. It’s a more intimate and direct way to connect with you than through social networks.
Meet the Author: Giulia ‘Blocal’ Riva
I’m a writer who is specialized in street art and graffiti. Since 2011 I’ve run this independent street art blog, which has been the media partner of important street art festivals around Europe. I create content for creative enterprises and museums, and my writing was published in street art catalogs and art publications.
I design and create content to unveil the creative and rebellious soul of a city. I am an editor, content creator, consultant, writer, copywriter, urban guide, and travel designer. I was the Communication & Content Manager of Amsterdam’s STRAAT Museum and, over the years, I have worked and written for museums, art galleries, tour operators, street art festivals, magazines, websites, travel guidebooks, publishers, urban art blogs, and DMOs (Destination Management Organizations).
I spent long periods in several cities around Europe to either work or study, and I told the stories of these cities from the point of view of the locals here on the blog (that’s basically what the name ‘Be Local’ stands for).
Now I’m back in my hometown. Hit me up if you want to explore Rome with me.
As seen on: Sky TG24, The New York Times, The Sunday Times, La Stampa, Brooklyn Street Art, Italy Magazine, Afar Media, BBC Radio, SKY UK, UP Mag, Street Art Today, I Support Street Art, Urban Travel Blog, Still in Belgrade, Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso, Spotted by Locals, Another Scratch in the Wall, You Local Rome, Urbaneez, Eat Your World, Romeing, Amor Roma Mag, Artribune, and many more.