General Trend of Tourists’ Online Searches

• Online interest in Bucharest grew significantly in 2024, with 750,000 website views and over 10 million social media post views—double the figures from 2023.
• Top online traffic sources came from the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Bulgaria, Italy, Greece, Israel, the Netherlands, and France.
• There was an increasing tendency for foreigners to look up local events, concerts, festivals, and traditional attractions and historical sites.

Country-Specific Interests

• UK tourists: Searched for “Bucharest Therme” and the “Fountain Show.”
• US tourists: Focused on “locations where the Netflix series Wednesday was filmed” and information on traditional Romanian cuisine and restaurants.
• Bulgarian tourists: Showed particular interest in Christmas markets, concerts, and festivals.

Consistent Themes:

• Interest in Bucharest’s communist history and architecture remained strong.
• There is a notable increase in searches for contemporary cultural events, concerts, and festivals compared to previous years.

Most Searched Attractions (including seasonal):

1. Bucharest Christmas Market
2. Bucharest Fountain Show
3. Old Town
4. Parliament Palace (Palatul Parlamentului)
5. Therme Bucharest

Most Searched Restaurants:

1. Caru’ cu Bere
2. Berăria H
3. Hanu’ lui Manuc
4. Linea Closer to the Moon
5. City Grill (Primăverii & Covaci)
6. NOR Sky

Most Searched Museums/Exhibitions:

1. Ceaușescu House
2. Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)
3. “Salvador Dali Universe” Exhibition at Gabroveni Inn
4. Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History
5. National Museum of Art

Most Searched Events:

1. Open Streets Bucharest
2. Garden of Lights – Botanical Garden
3. BIAS – Bucharest International Air Show
4. West Side Hallo Fest
5. West Side Flower Fest

Most Searched Festivals/Concerts:

• Major international artists and events, including:
  • 50 Cent – Summer in the City Festival
  • Ed Sheeran
  • Coldplay

Most Popular Guided Tours:

1. “Calea Victoriei – Piața Revoluției” tour
2. “Attractions of Communism” tour
3. “Piața Universității – Piața Unirii – Old Town” tour
4. “Strada Kiseleff – Piața Victoriei” tour

Most Used Search Phrases:

• “Public transport in Bucharest”
• “Traditional Romanian food”
• “Traditional restaurants in Bucharest”
• “Events in Bucharest”
• “Flea market in Bucharest”
• “Locations where the Netflix series Wednesday was filmed”
• “Street art in Bucharest”
• “Shopping in Bucharest”
• “Communist buildings in Bucharest”

Popular Day Trip Destinations from Bucharest:

1. Royal Court Târgoviște
2. Bran Castle
3. Peleș Castle
4. Brașov

About Visit Bucharest

Visit Bucharest is the leading English-language online guide for international visitors to Romania’s capital.

In 2024, it reached over 500,000 foreign tourists online and over 10 million social media users.

Premeditated Actions by Kosovo

The FRF has accused the Kosovo delegation of intentionally disrupting the match, which was scoreless at 0-0 when abandoned.

Kosovo players’ decision to leave the field in stoppage time was seen as a calculated move, reflecting a lack of respect for both their opponents and the integrity of the game.

The FRF stated, „We view the claims made by the Kosovo side as baseless and strongly believe that their actions were intentional”.

Misrepresentation of Events

Romanian officials have categorically denied Kosovo’s claims of being subjected to racist chants during the match. The FRF asserted that there were no instances of racist behaviour from fans, stating, „It is crucial to highlight there were no racist chants during the match nor was the phrase ‘Kosovo is Serbia’ uttered at any point”. This denial is supported by UEFA’s previous rulings, which clarified that such slogans do not constitute racism within the context of football.

Disregard for Fair Play

The FRF expressed disappointment that Kosovo abandoned the match just two minutes before its conclusion, especially when they were not in a favourable position to win. This action was described as a „lack of respect for the sport” and an apparent disregard for the principles of fair play that football embodies. The federation emphasized that such behaviour sets a poor example for future generations and undermines the spirit of competition.

Support from Romanian Fans

In light of these events, the FRF praised the nearly 50,000 Romanian supporters who attended the match for their composed demeanour amidst provocations. The federation noted that despite attempts by Kosovo players to incite reactions from the crowd, Romanian fans largely maintained civility and restraint. This response reflects on Romanian football culture and highlights a commitment to sportsmanship.

Kosovo Football Federation Should Be Disaffiliated from UEFA

As UEFA opens disciplinary proceedings against both federations following this incident, it remains clear that Romania stands firmly behind its position regarding Kosovo’s conduct during the match. The FRF awaits a favourable outcome aligned with football’s principles, emphasizing that respect for the game must always prevail over provocative actions. The situation serves as a reminder of how critical it is for teams to uphold integrity and sportsmanship in competitive environments.

Scheduled to open in January 2025, this venue, crafted by the renowned City Grill Group, aims to become a premier destination for exclusive gatherings. The facility, formerly known as Paradisul Verde, has undergone an extensive rebranding to offer a refreshed, modernized setting for weddings, corporate events, and various social gatherings. This transformation is designed to blend the beauty of the surrounding natural landscape with the luxurious amenities expected by today’s event organizers.

A Premier Venue for Every Occasion

Zooma Event Center caters to a wide range of event types, with spaces that can adapt to both intimate gatherings and large-scale celebrations. Its design incorporates versatile, open layouts that allow for personalized decorations and setups, ensuring each event reflects the vision and needs of the hosts. Zooma’s strategic location in Corbeanca offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful environment removed from the bustle of the city, while remaining close enough to be easily accessible for Bucharest residents.

Elegance and Flexibility in Design

One of Zooma’s standout features is its unique approach to combining elegance with adaptability. Each space within the venue is designed to provide a seamless flow, allowing guests to move effortlessly between different areas. This flexibility enables hosts to create distinct atmospheres for various parts of their events, from formal ceremonies to relaxed social gatherings. With its spacious layouts and natural light, Zooma Event Center offers an ambiance that is both sophisticated and inviting.

High-End Amenities and Personalized Service

City Grill Group is known for its attention to detail, and Zooma is no exception. The venue is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that each event runs smoothly. From advanced audio-visual equipment for presentations to comfortable seating arrangements, Zooma is prepared to meet the diverse needs of its clients. Additionally, City Grill Group has emphasized the importance of personalized service at Zooma. Dedicated staff are on hand to assist with event planning, catering, and any special requests, ensuring that guests receive a seamless experience from start to finish.

A Natural Escape Close to Bucharest

For city dwellers, Zooma offers a refreshing escape without requiring long travel times. Nestled in the green surroundings of Corbeanca, the venue takes full advantage of its natural setting, with open-air spaces that enhance the overall event experience. Whether hosting an outdoor wedding surrounded by nature or a corporate event that combines business with leisure, Zooma’s location brings a touch of tranquility and exclusivity.

The Vision Behind Zooma

The rebranding of Paradisul Verde into Zooma Event Center reflects City Grill Group’s vision of providing innovative, high-quality event solutions for modern clients. The decision to create a venue that balances luxury with a natural environment stems from the growing demand for unique, personalized event spaces. As the City Grill Group expands its footprint, it remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of hospitality and event planning, making Zooma a key part of its strategy to deliver premium experiences.

Opening and Booking Details

With its grand opening planned for January 2025, Zooma Event Center is expected to attract clients looking for a unique venue that combines accessibility, beauty, and modern conveniences. Interested parties are encouraged to contact City Grill Group for more information on bookings and event packages. For those planning weddings, corporate meetings, or special celebrations in 2025, Zooma presents a promising option that brings together exceptional service, flexibility, and elegance in one location.

The event, organized by the City Hall, promises to be a vibrant celebration featuring a variety of cultural activities aimed at both international tourists and residents.

Main Events During Bucharest 565

• iMapp Bucharest: This international video mapping competition will occur on September 21 at the Palace of the Parliament. Artists will transform the building’s facade into a stunning visual display using 3D animations and sound. The theme for this year is “LEGACY,” with free entry for all attendees.
• Mahmut Orhan Concert: The renowned electronic music artist Mahmut Orhan will perform on September 21 at Piața Constituției, energizing the crowd before the iMapp show.
• Subcarpati Concert: On September 22, the popular Romanian band Subcarpati will take the stage, known for their unique blend of traditional folklore and modern music.
• Open Streets: Throughout the weekend, Calea Victoriei will be closed to traffic, allowing live performances, street food vendors, and community events.
• Bucharest Fountain Show: The artesian fountains in Unirii Square will showcase a spectacular multimedia performance featuring music, colour, and 3D projections. These fountains are recognized as the longest-choreographed fountain system in the world.

Bucharest 565: Artistic Program Schedule

• Saturday, September 21:
  • iMapp Bucharest: 4 PM – 11 PM
  • Mahmut Orhan concert starts at 8 PM.
• Sunday, September 22:
  • Open Streets activities throughout the day.
  • Subcarpati concert at 8:30 PM.

Bucharest Days 2024 is set to be an engaging celebration of culture and community, offering a blend of artistic performances and interactive experiences for all attendees.

Yet the most significant problems and the most visible were the decisions of the Festival stars, Nicki Minaj and Hardwell to cancel their performance. While Nicki didn’t even bother to come to Bucharest, Hardwell made it a show from his decision and cancelled his performance while on stage.

Nicki Minaj’s Cancellation

Nicki Minaj cancelled her performance at the SAGA Festival in Bucharest, citing security concerns due to alleged protests in the area. This decision came as a significant disappointment to her Romanian fans, especially as no actual protests were reported near the festival venue. Minaj’s announcement on her social media explained that her security team advised against travelling to the festival for safety reasons.

Hardwell’s Scandal

Hardwell abruptly cancelled his show while on stage, accusing the festival organizers of providing poor-quality sound equipment. His unexpected exit was due to dissatisfaction with the equipment and payment issues. This incident added to the festival’s controversies, disappointing many attendees who had anticipated his performance.

Impact and Reactions for SAGA Festival

Both incidents have negatively impacted the festival’s reputation. Fans expressed their frustration and disappointment on social media, calling for better management and transparency from the organizers. Cancelling high-profile performances has raised concerns about the festival’s planning and execution, highlighting the need for improved logistical arrangements to avoid such issues.

The diorama, composed of over one million LEGO pieces, pays homage to the Star Wars universe and integrates key scenes from the Star Wars Rebels animated series and elements and characters from the original trilogy. Its total area of 45,746 square meters, covered exclusively in LEGO® pieces without any other supporting structure, led to the project being approved by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS.

The model recreates all the landforms on the planet Lothal in the Star Wars universe, with battleships and over 1,500 minifigures placed in dynamic scenes.

A team of 26 RoLUG members built the world-record diorama over three years. The last square meter was completed with the contribution of fans attending East European Comic Con, who each added a piece.

At The LEGO Group, we believe in creativity as a way to discover, cultivate and express passions. I am glad we share the same vision with our partners at RoLUG, with whom we have demonstrated what passion and creativity can do when brought together. The world record we enjoy today is an essential moment in the Romanian market and the most substantial encouragement to continue to be active close to communities and their passions.

Valery Kasimov, Country Manager Romania & Bulgaria LEGO Group.

Creative Lead: Bence Czilli
Project Coordinator: Botond Czilli
RLUG Ambassador: Mirona Constantin

Team members: Adrian Jiman, Alex Tass, Alexandru Ilea, Armin Naghi, Catalin Bordea, Catalin Corpade, Cristian Frunza, Dragos Ivan, Edina Dorotea Babtan, Eduard Stanescu, Eric Jiman, Erik Davidsson, Horatiu Coifan, Marius Bugeac, Mihai Dreve, Nicolae Sohaci, Rares Teodorof, Sorin Ilie, Sorin Olaru, Stefan Bugeac, Tamas Lapsanszki, Tiberiu Popescu, Negreanu, Vlad Carbuneanu

Adrian Stoica performed the same act he did in Romania Got Talent. He came with his border collie named Hurricane, and the dog did most of the magic. The show is incredible, and for those of you who haven’t seen it already, here’s the whole act.

Adrian Stoica and Hurricane in the AGT 2023 Finals

Adrian Stoica even involved Sofia Vergara, one of the judges, in the act, as he invited her on stage, which impressed her. The other judges were also impressed, congratulating Andrei for his dog act.

We see many people come up and show us a dog act but rarely see a dog come up and show us a man act.

Howie Mandel, AGT 2023 judge

Also, Heidi Klum praised Hurricane.

Hurricane is the smartest dog I’ve ever seen, the whole thing was adorable. Thank you so much, you were so amazing this season!

Heidi Klum, AGT 2023 judge

And Simon talked business when he mentioned that Hurricane is better than any other dogs in the movies and that she should be in the movies.

It was like the dog was acting and performing. We watched Beverly Hills Chihuahua last night and Hurricane is better than any of the dogs in that movie, so she should be in the movie or a musical because she’s a star.

Simon Cowell, AGT 2023 judge

Here is the moment when the host announced the winner:

The winner of the AGT 2023 was somehow unexpected to some and came as a surprise, but all agreed that the dog acted and performed like an actor, not a trained dog.

Adrian Stoica performed in Romania Got Talent one year ago but didn’t impress the audience or make it to the finals.

Through video projections, 3D animations, and sound, the event showcases captivating narratives that engage the senses. Bucharest City Hall organizes the event with the help of The Center for Creation, Art and Tradition of the Municipality of Bucharest (CREART).

The inaugural edition of iMapp Bucharest took place in 2014, marking a new era in Romania’s visual arts scene. Since then, the event has grown exponentially, becoming one of the world’s most significant video mapping competitions.

Past winners have set a high standard, displaying innovative works that merge art with cutting-edge technology. Themes have ranged from historical celebrations to futuristic visions, always captivating the audience with a breathtaking visual spectacle.

iMapp Bucharest 2023: What’s New?

iMapp Bucharest promises to be bigger and better this year, with more artists and awe-inspiring displays. Here is what you can expect:

1. International Talents Artists from over 20 countries will compete, making this year’s event more diverse and inclusive.
2. Innovative Themes: The 2023 edition will explore new themes, taking viewers on a visual journey like never before. The contest theme is CONTRASTS and will be creatively explored by the artists.
   The contradictions you will see reflect our diverse and deeply human experiences daily. The differences we notice, like past-present, good-bad, and light-dark, hint at how important it is to find balance in natural and emotional ways.
3. Sustainable Practices: In alignment with global trends, the event will incorporate eco-friendly practices, minimizing waste and promoting sustainability.

The public will admire the 3D works of some of the most valuable artistic teams in the world, winners of iMapp Bucharest partner festivals. These are Video Mapping Festival Lille from France, Genius Loci Weimar Festival (Germany), CosmoLights Projections Mapping (Greece), Zsolnay Light Festival (Hungary), and 1Minute Projection Mapping Competition (Japan).

If you plan to attend the iMapp Bucharest – Winners League, you must know that entry is free. Saturday, September 23, the capital of Romania, is going to light!

Does the name Andrew Tate ring a bell? Tate brothers accumulated their fortune in Romania primarily by becoming franchisors of one of the famous casino chains. One should go to either Vegas or Bucharest to succeed in the casino industry, and the Tates chose Bucharest casinos.

According to the National Institute of Statistics (INS) data, our country has over 15,000 offline betting agencies. Practically, no city or town does not have at least one betting agency. The largest betting agency, according to the number of open units, is TotalBet, which has over 1900 agencies. But most are in small towns and villages, only 38 being opened in the Capital, this agency focusing mainly on the rural environment.

The second position at this top is occupied by Superbet, which has about 1000 agencies open in all big cities. According to turnover, this is the most significant betting agency in Romania.

Econtext study on casinos in Romania

Romania has an even more developed market for online casinos, making the industry even more prominent. Even so, there is one brick-and-mortar casino for every 400 Romanian men, which makes the country one of the casinos heaven in the world.

The language of the eyes

Without going too much into anatomy-related matters, we will say that how we think is transposed into how we move our eyes. If we are lying or if we are telling the truth – a connoisseur of eye language will „read” you immediately; it has nothing to do with anything other than how each half of the cerebral hemisphere is assigned the opposite half of the body and with the fact that the left hemisphere, which controls the right side of the body, is „responsible” for analytical processes. In contrast, the right side is „responsible” for intuitive processes. Let’s go directly to the topic: look at the image below – it hugely explains what it means to translate the language of the eyes.

Different eyes positions and their interpretation

The interlocutor’s eyes look to your right, up (his left, up)
The interlocutor’s gaze towards your right side, above, mainly involves visual memories; it assumes that the interlocutor is trying to remember, not to build a new image with which to mislead you. It is usually a sign that this is well-intentioned, but check your interlocutor with additional questions.

The interlocutor’s eyes look to your right, sideways (his left, sideways)
Looking to your right, to the side (to the left of your interlocutor), assumes that he is trying to remember sounds – a melody, a voice, a noise. So, if you ask him – „and what sound did you hear when you opened the door?” and he looks to your right, sideways (his left), then it means he is trying to remember and is sincere in his attempt. If he wanted to mislead you, he would have looked elsewhere, as we will see.

The interlocutor’s eyes are looking down to your right (his left, down)
In this case, it means that the interlocutor is thinking – it is a typical position of the gaze for those who are thinking about the solution to a problem, about a question. It is both an inner dialogue, a struggle to find a soutie, but also an attempt to identify in memory ways to solve a situation.

The interlocutor’s eyes look down

This position of the gaze indicates that the interlocutor remembers a taste – bitter, sour, sweet. If you are a reader, ask your friend ”how you liked the cake?”. And he looked down and said sweet, then it was sweet. If he looks to the upper left – his right (as we will see), it means that he is trying to hide the authentic taste of the cake (which he didn’t necessarily like), and even if he says that it was sweet, you will know that he didn’t think so.

The interlocutor’s eyes look towards your lower left (his right, lower)

In this case, the interlocutor builds sensations and feelings in his mind – love, fear, shame, guilt, pleasure, etc. The feeling cannot be identified as such only by the direction of the gaze. Still, this information must be correlated with others, such as the color of the cheeks, nervous tics, sweating, the position of the hands, etc., but about micro-mimicry in a future article.

The interlocutor’s eyes look towards your left side (his right side)

In this case, the interlocutor constructs or imagines sounds – he tries to figure out what a song would sound like, a voice he has never heard before. It does not require remembering – so if you ask the interlocutor, let’s say a witness to an incident, what sound did he hear when the suspect left the room and he looked to your left side (his right), then it means that he is trying to lie and „make up” the sound in the mind, not reproduce it.

The interlocutor’s eyes look to your left, up (his right, up)

If he looks to your upper left (his right), he imagines something that looks different from reality or he improvises, like when we lie; for example, when he tries to tell a lie, hide a truth, and try to imagine what to say so as not to give a clue. However, do not be misled by the normal processes that involve imagination – for example, if you ask the interlocutor how he imagines the collaboration or the completion of the contract, he usually reacts by looking to his upper right.

So, your upper left (his right) implies a visual construction, it means that the interlocutor is using imagination, but imagination does not always mean a lie, as we have seen. That’s why we have to be careful about which verification questions we ask so as not to misinterpret the genuine intention of the interlocutor to activate his imagination.

Interlocutory eyes – the cutter looks directly at you

When the interlocutor looks directly at you, there are several options – the first tells us that he is sincere because he does not look away from us and is attentive to what we tell him. However, the absence of common tics, such as looking in a specific direction when we ask him to remember something, can signal to us the interlocutor’s intention to avoid being „read,” He then forces himself to follow us by looking straight into our eyes.

These elements are the basic ones. It usually works because you rarely meet interlocutors who have perfected themselves in hiding these involuntary tics (we don’t know any). However, this information received through direct observation must be correlated with other information we obtain through verification or additional questions.

Knowing the language of the eyes, you can „read” the interlocutor, obtaining information about his true intentions, and you can, in turn, control yourself so that you are not „read” by the interlocutor. This technique allows you to negotiate better and more efficiently, providing you with information that not many people have at hand.