There are billions of people in this world, and it's impossible that you've met them all. Yes, it's an exaggeration, but what we mean is that life is full of surprises, and often friendships hide where you least expect them and new people are often met by chance. This doesn't mean you can't take the initiative to actively find friends: from your local grocery store to the bank you visit every month, there are plenty of places where you can meet new people and make new friends.
Have you ever heard that mantra encouraging you to “say yes” to new things and not hold back? You can think about applying the same mantra when it comes to finding new friends. You might be surprised to know that many of the places you go every day without even thinking are actually spots where you can make new friends.
So here is a list of 18 places to find new friends you might not have thought of yet:
The Local Bar
Let's start by talking about the most obvious and easy place to meet new friends: the bar.
How many romantic novels and Hollywood romantic comedies feature the protagonist finding the love of their life in a bar they went to with friends, maybe by chance? Even in platonic and purely friendly relationships, the bar is a landmark for many, where you can definitely find someone to become friends with.
In the morning, the bar is a passing place for workers grabbing a coffee break, while on weekend nights in the city, bars are crowded with cheerful people interested in sharing drinks with strangers and getting to know them better.
There are more chances to make a new friend in a bar than anywhere else, so to start, do the obvious: go to a bar to meet new friends. Be open, friendly, and enjoy the experience!
Public Transport
Public transport systems bring many people together, whether occasional train trips or routes connecting millions of commuters from home to work in every city. Have you seen videos filmed inside the subway where strangers start singing pop songs together just to pass the time during their long commutes? It will warm your heart to see how such different travelers connect with each other.
We understand that when people are on buses or trains, they are often lost in their own thoughts. Some are absorbed in a book, wandering in a magical land. Try not to be intrusive or disrespect their boundaries by bombarding them with questions just because you think they might be interested in talking to you.
But, for example, next time you see someone reading your favorite book, casually start a conversation. If they show willingness to talk, you can have a chat with them.
If the conversation goes well, maybe for several days during the daily commute, you can share your phone number (with consent) and lay the foundation for a good friendship started in an unexpected place.
If you already use public transport for your daily trips, don't hesitate to start a conversation with fellow commuters on the same route. Who knows, maybe the person who gets off a stop before you is a dog lover just like you and knows great tips for solving behavioral problems. It might feel strange at first, but if the other person shows interest, you can easily start a pleasant experience for both.
Volunteering
Have you ever thought about volunteering in areas you care about?
For example, you can volunteer at a nursing home or a school for disadvantaged children. You can also work at a dog shelter. These options, and many other causes you might be passionate about, will give you the chance to meet others who share your interests while doing meaningful work.
Hospital
A hospital is usually not a place of good memories. It's hard for people to spend time in hospitals while dealing with the pain of seeing their loved ones suffer – and during those heartbreaking moments, visitors don't really look around or think about meeting new friends.
But the hospital can be a place to find people who understand what you're going through. When you're in the hospital, look around and greet others who, like you, are waiting. Start a conversation with them and offer words of support.
Humans love company, and it's nice to be beside someone in times of need. Let them know they can ask you for help if necessary.
Book Club Meetings
Book clubs are one of the nicest groups to be part of. You're surrounded by like-minded people with whom you can talk about all kinds of books, or just a specific genre.
Book clubs hold monthly meetings where members are expected to show up after reading a particular book. Members then discuss the book and talk about the parts that moved them.
Attending a book club meeting is not only a good way to learn about a specific book but also to expand your social circle and make friends with many people, from whom you can also get recommendations for other readings.
Facebook Groups and Events
Nowadays, almost everything can be done online. Shopping and purchases are just a few clicks away, and you can sign up for almost anything through the Internet. There are tons of things you can do just with a computer or smartphone, including finding new friends.
Facebook has become a global phenomenon and is a great place to look for long-lost friends or relatives. But the platform is equally good for meeting new people, and making lasting friendships is certainly possible.
The best way to meet people on this social network is to join Facebook groups or attend events. Just go to the search bar and type a keyword, and all groups and events related to that keyword will appear. Select those that interest you and start sharing and commenting.
Facebook groups are a great way to bring together thousands of people. Travel enthusiasts share their travel experiences in a travel group. Animal lovers have a separate group where people share cute videos of their pets and rescue stories. The admins of these groups can organize meetups for members to get to know each other in person. The thought of finally meeting someone in real life can be super exciting, so don't miss the chance. They are a great way to meet new friends and get to know your existing “digital” friends even better.
Friendship Apps
There are tons of social media platforms, besides Facebook, where you can find new people and build new relationships.
These platforms are specifically dedicated to bringing people together, but they are not dating sites or dating apps. They are apps specifically for making friendsthat allow individuals worldwide (or locally, if you narrow the search) to meet and become friends.
It might seem easier to make friends online because you can find people worldwide who share similar interests. If you're an introvert, online friendships might feel more comfortable. But remember, no one wants to stay “virtual” forever: friendships are laid online but then need to be developed by meeting in person and sharing experiences together!
Family Gatherings
Aside from the political arguments that might happen, family gatherings can actually be fun. You can spend time with the people you love and meet new members of your extended family.
And you might discover you have more in common than you thought!
Hiking
Not only is trekking good for you, but it's also a great way to meet other people in nature! Join a walking group or a hike and talk to the people you meet: you might find yourself enjoying a beautiful view with a new friend.
Yoga Classes
Meditation is very important for reducing your stress levels, so signing up for a yoga class is actually a way to live happier. And while you're at it, try to get to know the people in your class.
Yoga is best done in silence, but there's nothing wrong with smiling at each other during the warm-up session or staying at the yoga center for 15 minutes after class to chat with your classmates.
Weekend Courses
Are you thinking about taking that photography course whose ad keeps popping up on your news feed? Do it. Short courses offer a good opportunity to meet people and make new friends.
You can also learn some professional tips from them if you missed what the teacher said during the lesson.
Your Neighborhood
One of the best places to meet new people is right in your neighborhood. In today's hectic daily life, we forget to work on relationships with our neighbors. We live on the same street but often have no idea what our neighbors are like.
Organize a party and invite your neighbors, or bring them a cake or some other baked goods to bond.
Traveling
Traveling isn't just about ticking off items from a list and taking nice photos to post on social media.
It also gives you the chance to meet locals and learn about the culture and traditions of the place. When traveling, choose activities where you can meet new people.
Or, go on a group trip or vacation, maybe for singles: it will be fantastic to meet others who, like you, are eager to explore new beautiful spots together!
Dog Parks
Dog parks let your furry friends go off-leash and have fun in a controlled environment under your supervision. While entertaining your pet, you can also spend time chatting with other people who brought their dogs to the park.
Making new friends will be easy for you (and for them).
Gym
For some, the gym is one of those places where you want time to pass quickly. The idea of a one-minute plank can be daunting!
But the gym is also a paradise for fitness enthusiasts and a fun place for those approaching exercise. It might seem best to focus only on your workouts and then go home as quickly as possible for a hot shower and some rest, but you should consider staying at the gym and talking to other people.
By building a special bond with these people, you can develop a group that pushes you to do better. In no time, you'll be surprised to find that the friendships you started have grown into special, supportive bonds.
Local Museum
Who doesn't love visiting a museum and learning about the history of a particular place? Don't you want to know what your city was like thousands of years ago? When you suggest going to a museum, your friends might roll their eyes and say it sounds boring.
But the truth is that the museum is not only interesting but also a great place to socialize with people. You might even find a museum buddy who would love to go with you every other weekend.
Music Club
Music clubs usually host small bands trying to get started in the industry. These bands often invite their friends and families to the show. In other words, there are many people gathered in a small space, so you can easily make new friends.
Airport
Have you ever missed your flight or dealt with a missed connection or a long delay? The thought of spending long hours at the airport can be scary. With travel fatigue weighing on you, often all you think about is getting home and lying in your comfortable bed. But when life gives you lemons, as they say, you should make lemonade and drink it in style.
If you're stuck at an airport, don't sit in a corner cursing your luck. Talk to your fellow travelers. If it's an international flight, you might meet foreign citizens who could have many things to talk about. You can learn more about their country or customs. In fact, with just a brief introduction at the airport, you might make friends with someone willing to host you when you plan a trip to their country.