You did it: you’ve just moved to a new city or country. It’s exciting and maybe a little intimidating at the same time. Besides finding nearby shops and healthcare providers, you’re probably wondering where to make friends! Right?
If you’re looking for the best ways to meet new friends in a new city, start by thinking about hobbies and activities you enjoy.
It can be fun to step out of your comfort zone by trying a brand-new activity. However, starting with one you already know and love will give you the confidence to start a conversation with someone who shares that interest.
Here’s a compromise: a list of fun ways to meet new friends that strike a balance between your usual interests and discovering new hobbies.
The Best Places and Settings to Meet New Friends (and Break Out of Your Routine)
Community Volunteering
When you have a passion for volunteering, it’s easy to find others who share it. Giving a few hours of your time each month benefits both the organization you choose and yourself.
Among the best places to meet new friends, volunteering for a cause you care about is one of the most rewarding. There are many volunteer opportunities locally, from the Red Cross to animal shelters, youth programs against school dropout, and environmental care associations. Where to make friends? Wherever a helping hand is needed!
An Amateur Sports Team
Whether you’re already fit or just want to have fun, there’s definitely a team sport for you. Amateur sports clubs are great ways to meet new friends in new cities.
A New Gym Class
Joining a gym is a great way to stay fit and socialize. Add an extra social layer by attending one or more classes offered.
You might find something you really enjoy, and maybe a new workout buddy could become a friend outside the gym too.
A Dance or Ballroom Course
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be an expert dancer to join a dance or ballroom class, even if you’re no longer very young.
If you like music and staying active, dance lessons are one of the best ways to meet new friends. Choose a style you enjoy and consider practicing outside class in social settings like clubs or bars.
Join evenings of smooth ballroom, tango, partner dances, or folk dances: it’s fun and you’ll be part of a small group of enthusiasts to socialize with and share carefree moments.
A Professional Networking Group
It may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes we can align work needs with leisure time. Attending a professional networking group is a great way to meet new people and build a referral network.
People who start as acquaintances through networking can turn into lifelong friends.
The passion shared by dedicated entrepreneurs and professionals is contagious. If you don’t own a business or aren’t a freelancer, but you’re proud of your profession and want to meet new friends who share that passion, networking events are the perfect way to do it.
A Wine Club
If you enjoy a good glass of wine and a good conversation, it won’t be hard to make new friends in a wine club.
Many cities have wine clubs that visit local wine shops and wineries. You’ll learn more about food and wine culture and make friends along the way!
A Book Club
Among places to make friends, book clubs are not only one of the best ways to meet new friends, but reading is widely known to be excellent for the brain and overall emotional health.
Relax with a new book every month and join a group of enthusiasts where you can find new friends and enjoy a discussion.
The Park, Especially If You Have a Dog
A shared love of pets is an immediate conversation starter. If you love dogs and the outdoors, taking your dog to the park is definitely one of the best ways to meet new friends.
No dog park nearby? If meeting people in a new city is on your to-do list, walk your dog in a popular spot like downtown to meet new potential friends.
A Local Facebook Group
One of the best ways to meet friends online is to join Facebook groups. Use the search bar at the top of the homepage and select “groups” to narrow results as you like.
Try using your city’s name as part of the search to see local results. Many cities have social streets, neighborhood communities with their own social groups, as well as groups related to local activities like hiking or climbing. Why not give it a try?
A Local Music, Food, or Art Festival
Attending festivals is one of the best ways to meet new friends. Festivals are very community-oriented, focused on fun, and often include group activities like games, competitions, and demonstrations.
Your municipality’s website or a local newspaper might have an events calendar to check out.
A Foreign Language Course
Learning a new language is a fantastic way to train your mind and open up to a new culture. Learning in a group setting makes it easy to form new connections and can also be a great way to meet friends.
There are also online language courses that offer access to groups, forums, and small communities on the web where you can practice with other students and peers.
Local Businesses, Artisans, and Markets
Local entrepreneurs and artisans are eager to meet and serve their community.
Spending time in local boutiques and restaurants in your city ensures you can build relationships with people working in the neighborhood.
Supporting these shops also creates opportunities to meet other community members who shop locally and might become shopping companions.
Many cities, for example, offer monthly markets full of great products and local goods. Like local shopping, farmers’ markets create a fun way to support your community and surround yourself with neighbors interested in doing the same.
If you enjoy a healthy lifestyle, farmers’ markets are one of the best ways to meet new friends in a new city, due to the diverse group of people who attend.
Other ideas? Craft beer has exploded on the scene in recent years, and almost every city has at least one local brewery. Besides great beer, these breweries often offer tours and classes that make them great places to meet new people and have fun.
A Site for Making Friends
A great way to meet new friends is to join an online community created specifically for that purpose. These sites and online communities let you enter your city and interests to see an endless number of nearby experiences and activities.
If you’re interested in doing some of the activities above but want to meet a friend to bring along first, consider using Meeters to meet and build a group of friends to do activities together.
Adapting to a new city—or even figuring out where to make friends in your own city especially if you want to break out of your usual circles—can be tough, but always remember you’re not alone! Be confident, be yourself, and be open to new social connections. Before you know it, you’ll feel comfortable and form genuine friendships with like-minded people.
Practical Tips for Building New Connections
Be Open and Positive
Show an open and positive attitude when meeting new people. Smile, give genuine compliments, and show interest in what they say. Take the Initiative
Don’t wait for others to approach you. Be proactive in starting a conversation. You can start with a simple greeting or a light topic like the weather or surroundings. Find Common Ground
Look for shared interests you can discuss. This helps establish common ground to build the conversation on. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Ask questions that require more than a simple “yes” or “no.” This encourages deeper conversation and gives you a chance to learn more about the other person. Ask questions that require more detailed answers than a simple “yes” or “no.” This encourages a deeper conversation and gives you the opportunity to learn more about the other person.
Pay attention to what the other person is saying and respond appropriately. Showing genuine interest in what they say is an effective way to build connections. Share Something About Yourself
Don’t be afraid to share some information about yourself. This creates a sense of reciprocity and opens the door to more personal conversations. Respect Differences
Be respectful of different opinions and perspectives. People have different backgrounds and experiences, so try to avoid controversial topics or judgments. Use Light Humor
Humor can be a great way to break the ice and create a more relaxed atmosphere. However, avoid humor that might be offensive. Offer Your Help
If you see an opportunity to help someone or join an activity together, offer your help or invite the person to join. Exchange Contacts
If the conversation is going well, don’t hesitate to exchange contacts like phone numbers or social media accounts to stay in touch. Join Groups or Events
If possible, join groups or events where people share similar interests. These settings offer fertile ground for making new friends. Be Patient
Making friends takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t make friends with everyone right away. Keep putting yourself out there, and you’ll be able to build meaningful connections over time. Making friends takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t make friends with everyone right away. Keep putting yourself out there, and you’ll be able to build meaningful connections over time.
