Have you moved to Bucharest and feel like an alien landed on Earth? Don't worry! Bucharest is full of friendly people and you're sure to find opportunities to socialize, if that's what you're looking for.

Here's how to make the transition from 'abroad' to 'home' and find new friends in Romania's capital.

Attend events and meet expats

Bucharest is full of expats like you, and events and meetings organized especially for them are a goldmine. Think of them as speed dating for new friends. Platforms such as Meetup.com, Internations and Facebook are the perfect places to find such events. Prepare your funny story about how you came to Romania and you'll quickly become the life of the party.

Sign up for courses and activities

How about a course on cooking sarmale or learning Romanian? Nothing brings people together like a bit of good food or trying to pronounce 'beetroot' correctly. Attending classes will put you in touch with other people trying to adapt to life in Bucharest. Plus, you'll always have something fun to talk about.

Volunteering

Volunteering is like a blind date with a friendly community. You can help organize a festival, clean up a park or support a social cause. You'll meet people who share your values and with whom you can form strong friendships. And who knows, you might even have some great stories to tell at your next meeting!

Go to popular places for expats

There are certain places in Bucharest where expats naturally gravitate. Cafes, bars and restaurants popular with foreigners are perfect for meeting new people. Places like Pura Vida Sky Bar, Expirat or Control Club are full of expats who are ready to socialize. Plus, you'll always have a good cocktail on hand to soothe your initial jitters.

Use social networks and social apps

Social networks are like an open window to new friends. Facebook groups dedicated to expats in Bucharest are full of people organizing meetings or looking for urban adventure partners. Apps like Bumble BFF or MeetMe are also very useful for finding new friends. Try them out and see what happens!

Join a sports or hobby club

Whether you like soccer, tennis, yoga or photography, Bucharest has a club for you. These clubs are perfect for meeting like-minded people. Think of them as adult summer camps where you can have fun and learn new things at the same time.

Attend cultural events and festivals

Bucharest is a culturally vibrant city with many festivals, concerts and exhibitions. Attending such events will give you the chance to meet interesting people and enjoy the city's unique atmosphere. Don't be shy about striking up conversations with those around you - who knows what wonderful friendships can grow out of a simple conversation about music or art?

Invest time in relationships

Building lasting friendships takes time and effort. Be open and proactive in initiating meetings and joint activities with your new friends. Show interest and empathy, and don't get discouraged if you don't connect with everyone at first.

Integrating into a new city like Bucharest can seem intimidating at first, but with a little effort and openness, you'll quickly discover that it's full of opportunities for socializing and friendships. From expat events and interesting courses to volunteering activities and sports clubs, there are countless ways to meet new people and create a network of friends. The important thing is to be proactive and keep an open mind to enjoy new experiences and make Bucharest a place to call home. With a bit of luck and a lot of cheer, you'll find that this vibrant city has a lot to offer and will welcome you with open arms.