Making Friends in Rome: 6 Simple Tips for Socializing in the Capital

Making friends in Rome can be challenging, especially if you've just moved from another city. How do you step out of your comfort zone, embrace your new environment, and make the most of your stay in the Capital to socialize?

After coming to terms with the fact that making friends as an adult isn’t as easy or 'at hand' anymore, especially when moving to a new city like this, we advise you not to give up: wandering around Rome and finding new people to socialize with is not impossible! With patience and calm, you will also manage to find deep, meaningful, and lasting connections. The kind we all need.

Here are some ideas and tips if you're wondering how and where to make friends in Rome :

How to Make Friends in Rome

How do you meet new people in a big city like Rome? How do you find friendly people and new friends in a chaotic place where everyone seems perpetually busy and free time is often a luxury spent between public transport and city traffic? Well, here are some ideas that can help your socializing and the search for new friends in the Eternal City.

Free Yourself From Expectations

One of the biggest and perhaps hardest things to do is to free yourself from expectations. During daily outings in the city, we see groups of friends enjoying a delightful outdoor lunch, sipping spritz during aperitifs to unwind after a busy day, relaxing on the beach in the summer heat, or sharing the morning ritual of a cappuccino and a croissant.

Undoubtedly, being new in town can sometimes feel lonely.

Sure, a newcomer will always feel a bit like an outsider in a circle of friends who have known each other for 10 or 15 years. Leaving that feeling behind is probably the best thing: realizing you won’t be like them and accepting it. In other words: friendship doesn’t happen overnight. It’s like learning to ride a bike, at first it may take a few tries. But eventually, it becomes natural. Therefore, you can’t expect to have a best friend after just one outing, especially in a complex city like Rome. Stop comparing yourself to what others have already established and instead see it as a step in the right direction.

Be Open to Conversations

Rome is a lively city, its streets bustling and vibrant: in daily life, it’s not uncommon to see people stopping to chat with strangers. Throughout Italy we love chatting and sparking conversations, after all, don’t we?

In the Italian capital, the neighborhood life is strong: when crossing paths, while having a coffee, waiting for the metro, or standing in line at the post office, it’s a good idea to start a conversation—no one will find it strange.

Romans are busy, very open and intense people, and it’s extremely easy to exchange a few words and join a group or situation without much formality. But true deep friendship is like family for a Roman, so it will take time to break through the locals’ hearts.

You will learn, however, that even small conversations can go a long way and it will become more natural to open up. So, whether in a square or at a gelateria, just greet someone and ask how their day is going. You never know where those greetings might lead.

Explore and Get Involved

To meet locals, it’s probably best to go to some open spaces, like Trastevere, Piazza Bologna, the lively neighborhood of San Lorenzo or the picturesque Pigneto, where many people love to go out and socialize.

However, if you’re a bit reserved, try finding some local activities you enjoy: from painting classes to cooking lessons; a fitness class at the neighborhood gym, or a volunteer association. These are generally good ways to socialize.

Besides exploring, becoming a local in your neighborhood is a simple plan of action that can bring you many benefits in terms of socializing and friendship.

Also try to find local spots in your neighborhood or in an area you like to be, and start frequenting them more than once. In Rome, people like to go often to the same place because it becomes familiar: going to the same bar for a coffee, the same market for groceries, walking the same streets. Before you know it, you’ll have 3 or 4 people greeting you. It’s all about connections.

Find Online Groups (Then Join In Person)

Whatever your interests or hobbies, there’s an online community dedicated to it. From gardening to flamenco, a quick search on Google or Facebook groups will show you what’s available nearby. You can socialize with people who share your interests and, once a group forms, it will be easy and natural to go out for an aperitif or a dinner together. This can help you bond with locals.

There are also many online communities that connect people to facilitate friendship.

For example, language exchanges are very popular in big cities like Rome. Why not join an aperitif to practice English or Spanish?

Among places where you can find new friendships, besides gyms and dance classes, you might also try coworking spaces, a very popular option in big cities like this: look for spots online and get inspired by an environment frequented by other professionals like you!

Another idea could involve a religious group: find your community and join people similar to you, or political groups or parties where you can meet people who share your ideas and values.

We’ve already mentioned volunteer associations: no matter what cause you embrace, from helping rescue dogs to feminism or climate change, there are definitely groups that need an extra pair of hands. This is your chance!

Attend Local Events

Yoga classes, wine tastings, theater courses, or hikes in the surrounding nature: attending group events in your area is one of the best ways to meet new people and find new friends.

City walks and guided tours discovering monuments, historic sites, and archaeological locations; sporting events; guided visits to Roman villas or Ostia Antica; courses and events with aperitifs included: there are many in big cities, especially this one.

These are just some examples of events you can try in your free time to explore the city and connect with new people and future friends.

Another idea is to attend university classes: if you love learning, you don’t even need to be an actual student. You can attend lectures at any public university like La Sapienza or Roma Tre. Or you can look for stimulating new courses at the university for seniors.

Finally, look for book presentations at libraries and small local bookstores. These places usually organize events where you can meet authors, build relationships, and socialize with other book lovers.

Take It Easy

There will be days when you feel lonely or sad. It’s part of the process. Even if you live in paradise, you might feel homesick or sad sometimes. Make sure to take care of yourself, give yourself time to relax, and also spend quality time alone, simply reading a book or relaxing at home watching TV.

Remember it won’t last forever, try making a list of positive things and remind yourself that the right encounters will come.

Making friends isn’t easy but it shouldn’t be scary either. Find the inspiration and motivation to step out of your comfort zone, make Rome your own, and welcome every encounter with open arms. Friendships will arise if you spend your free time socializing, meeting people, and connecting with those who share your interests.