NIGHTLIFE DESTINATION: Trance Bucharest

NIGHTLIFE DESTINATION: Trance Bucharest 
By Jorge Jefferds October, 31, 2015
 
The end of the 20th century marked not only the renovation of Bucharest that suffered terrible losses in the two World Wars and during the Communist era. The restoration of symbolic buildings has attracted tourism back, and hence an increasing cultural immigration formed by artists of any kind. Nightlife is a reflex of such diversity. Here we will review the most exuberant venues visitors might be interested in checking out.

The Romanian Athenaeum inspires with architecture during the day and performances at night.

• Bamboo is one of the best clubs in Bucharest although it is pretty expensive. Book a table now for their Halloween Party TONIGHT!
• Casino Palace  is the local casino in Bucharest where guests can enjoy inexpensive drinks while trying their hands at winning local money.
• Club A is one of the most famous dance club spots in Bucharest.  It offers live music and a location where tourists and locals can mingle on the dance floor.
• Club Prometheus is a live music and comedy club which gets started late in the night and goes on until the early morning hours.
• Hanul Lui Manuc  is the bar located inside a historic hotel, where guests can grab a drink and experience a slice of Bucharest’s past at the same time.
•  Laptaria Enache is a dance club located in the building above the renowned National Theater. It offers live music and an active club life, although there is no active website at this time, so verify that it is open before you go.
• Music Club is a favorite spot for hearing live music nearly any night of the week.
• Queen’s Club is a gay and lesbian club in Bucharest (reported in forums that it is closed for renovation - verify it is open before you go).
• Bucharest Party ON is the premiere Bucharest nightlife service catering exclusively to foreigners. Whatever your will is in terms of music taste, drink and budget, they will find the best solutions for you to have a legendary night out in Bucharest
• Fratelli is one of the best clubs in Bucharest, with hip people, smart outfits, good music. If you have already tried Bamboo and it's too shiny for you, the next one on the list must be Fratelli (be there between 12.00-01.00 o'clock or you'll end up staying at a queue). If you are dressed casually, you won't get in (loose your sport shoes, t shirt).
• Gaia is a small, intimate but chic club, gay friendly with hip people, smart outfits, good music. To get in, you have to be very well dressed, and on the theme (depending on the night theme). They copy the londonese clubs, diversifying each night, with different themes and music.
• Studio Hermes is a small, chic and intimate "pub" with good live music (jazz music on weekends), very good food (but pricey). Located in Old City, the clientele is not the usual crowd that you meet on the streets of the center, but people who can afford to pay the 50 RON tax, the one you actually get on the check at the end of your night out. 
• Loft, restaurant and lounge, it is famous for the good pricey food, and the atmosphere on a Friday night (with live music). You have to book a table or you will end up at the bar. People are well dressed and have high expectations.
• Barletto is a club that's not to flashy to put in the same category as Bamboo, Chaboo, BOA, Bellagio but it's getting closer. Music can vary and depends on the "celebrity" that's invited to sing. You have the dancers and the crowd that brings you a bit to the atmosphere of "Bamboo one a be".
• Revenge is a cheap, relaxed, unpretentious club mostly filled with students and young professionals. The music is very diverse and the atmosphere is crazy even on weekdays.
• True Club is in the Old Center Town of Bucharest. Have fun and dance all night long on live music. Frequent performers are cover bands from Romania, but also where famous artists perform live.
• Caffe D'arthe is near the center of Bucharest on a rather bohemian street with many beautiful old buildings.It’s small and cozy and has a wonderful green garden. It looks like a vintage shabby chic cottage. They have lots of goodies and homemade cakes. Everything here looks like a vintage chic fairy tale.  
• Black Jack Pub is one of the best pubs in heart of Old Town. Nice atmosphere, great parties and friendly staff.  
• Player Club Bucharest. The one and only place in Bucharest for nightlife experience and unique pool parties by summer. Iconic nightlife in Bucharest since 2008 with legendary Wednesday’s,  Friday’s & Saturday’s parties.  Artists such as James Zabiela, Lee Burridge, Audiofly, Tale of Us, Sis, Francesca Lombardo, Stephan Biniak, Climbers, Miguel Campbell, Digitaria, Fur Coat, Hunter / Game on one hand have played or are expected to perform on Player Club Bucharest stage.

When you come to Bucharest, make sure to visit one of these clubs, and let the Romanian rhythm flow in your veins.

CITY DESTINATION: Romanian Bucharest

CITY DESTINATION: Romanian Bucharest  

By Jorge Jefferds October 29, 2015

For those who have been in Paris, France, several times, Bucharest is the little sister of the parisienne city. Famous for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Époque buildings, and a reputation of high life, the Romania’s capital is a bustling metropolis today.

A local legend has always promulgated that the city was founded on the banks of the Dambovita River by a shepherd named Bucur, whose name literally means “joy.” His flute playing reportedly attracted people and his hearty wine from nearby vineyards endeared him to the local traders, who gave his name to the place.

Europe is still a fascinating continent, and Bucharest is not exempt of this fascination. At a glance, here you will find a couple of place you should visit if your trip is not longer than a week.

Bucharest at Night

The Arch of Triumph

Initially built of wood in 1922 to honor the bravery of Romanian soldiers who fought in World War I, Bucharest's unique Arch of Triumph was finished in Deva granite in 1936. Designed by architect Petre Antonescu, the Arch stands 85 feet high. An interior staircase allows visitors to climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city. Sculptures that decorate the structure were created by leading Romanian artists, including Ion Jalea, Constantin Medrea and Constantin Baraschi.  

Victory Avenue

Calea Victoriei is Bucharest's oldest and most charming street. Built in 1692 to link the Old Princely Court to Mogosoaia Palace, it was initially paved with oak beams. The street became Calea Victoriei in 1878, after the Romanian War of Independence victory. Between the Two World Wars, Calea Victoriei developed into one of the most fashionable streets in the city. Walk along this street from Piata Victoriei to Piata Natiunilor Unite to discover some of the most stunning buildings in the city, including the Cantacuzino Palace, the historical Revolution Square, the Military Club, the CEC Headquarters, and the National History Museum.

Cantacuzino Palace

Grigore Cantacuzino seemed to have been one of Romania's wealthiest citizens in 1899. As Prime Minister, his wish was to have the most elegant residence in Bucharest. Using the designs of architect Ion Berindei, the Cantacuzino Palace was erected between 1898 and 1900 in eclectic French style. Combining a neoclassical architectural style with art nouveau elements, it features wrought iron balconies, tall arched windows and a porte-cochere (an elegant wrought-iron doorway) flanked by two lions. Today, the palace houses the George Enescu Museum.

The Royal Palace

Built between 1927 and 1937 in neoclassical style, the palace was home to King Carol II and to his son, King Mihai I, until 1947, when the monarchy was abolished in Romania. It was inside the halls of this palace that King Mihai, aged 18, led a coup that displaced the pro-Nazi government during the World War II and put Romania on the Allies' side. Today, the former Royal palace houses the Romanian National Art Museum.

The Romanian Athenaeum

The work of French architect Albert Galleron, who also designed the National Bank of Romania, the Athenaeum was completed in 1888, financed almost entirely with money donated by the general public. One of the preeminent public fundraising campaigns ever in Romania, the "Give a penny for the Athenaeum" campaign saved the project after the original patrons ran out of funds. With its high dome and Doric columns, the Athenaeum resembles an ancient temple. The lobby has a beautifully painted ceiling decorated in gold leaf, while curved balconies cascade in ringlets off a spiral staircase. A ring of pink marble columns is linked by flowing arches where elaborate brass lanterns hang like gems from a necklace. Inside the concert hall, voluptuous frescoes cover the ceiling and walls. Renowned worldwide for its outstanding acoustics, it is Bucharest's most prestigious concert hall and home of the Romanian George Enescu Philharmonic.

The Parliament Palace

Built by Communist Party leader, Nicolae Ceausescu, the colossal Parliament Palace (formerly known as the People's Palace) is the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. It took 20,000 workers and 700 architects to build. The palace boasts 12 stories, 1,100 rooms, a 328-ft-long lobby and four underground levels, including an enormous nuclear bunker. The Palace of Parliament it is the world's second-largest office building in surface (after the Pentagon) and the third largest in volume (after Cape Canaveral in the U.S. and the Great Pyramid in Egypt). The crystal chandelier in the Human Rights Hall (Sala Drepturilor Omului) weighs 2.5 tons. Some of the chandeliers have as many as 7,000 light bulbs. The building became part of the communist legacy for the country.

Most international flights to Romania arrive at Henri Coanda (Otopeni) Airport.
Airport facilities include ATM, currency exchange office, Taxi Desk and cell phone rentals. Major car rental companies have offices located on the arrivals/ baggage claim level. There are non-stop flights to Bucharest from most major European cities and in the Middle-East and connecting flights from the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Bucharest has a four-season climate. In spring, the weather can quickly alternate between rain and sunshine. June, July and August are the hottest months. As the leaves begin to change color, you can still enjoy warm and sunny days while taking a stroll in the city's many parks or down Calea Victoriei. Winters can be quite cold with moderate snowfall.