Are you in a new place and wondering, how could I meet people near me? In this post, we will go through the ways we’ve found the easiest to meet people in new cities. From attending social events nearby to trying out apps to make friends in your area, there are plenty of easy ways to make real-life connections without the awkward small talk or the pressure of dating.
Here are five ways we’ve personally tried to get to know new people in new countries:
1. Attend the local social events
One of the best ways to answer the question of “how to meet people near me” is showing up at existing social events nearby, and it’s quite easy to find them, though of course, it depends on the area you are in. Here we have listed some ways you can try to find the local social events near you.
How to join:
- Visit Eventbrite.com or download the app. Search by location and category, such as “Social,” “Networking,” or “Wellness.”
- Use Facebook Events. Tap the “Events” tab and filter by “Happening Today” or “This Week.”
- Ask your local café, coworking space, or library. Many have flyers or Instagram posts with upcoming community events.
Look out for:
- Open mic nights
- Language exchanges
- Live music shows
- Pop-up markets
- Gallery nights
- Quiz nights
Many of these events are designed for people to mingle, so you won’t be the only one going solo. It just depends on which types of activities you like and go for those ones.
2. Find interest-based social gatherings
One of the best organic ways to meet people is through hobbies and gatherings. Whether you are into sports or art, it doesn’t really matter. Find the local art class or find a group to do sports with, choose something you love doing.
People connect more easily when they share something in common so whether you love board games, photography, or hiking, joining a group of similar interests is one of the best ways to integrate into a new place.
How to join:
- Sign up at Meetup.com and search for your city plus your interests, such as “hiking in Austin” or “board games in Berlin.”
- Check Reddit for local subreddits like r/NYCsocial or r/LondonSocialClub. Users often organize niche meetups.
- Look for classes at your local art studio, climbing gym, or cooking school, whatever activity you want to do.
- Try googling the activity + your city
What to try:
- Game nights at local bars or cafes
- Weekend group hikes
- Craft or painting workshops
- Dance or improvisation classes
- Book or film clubs
If you’re nervous, try a drop-in event. No commitment and easy to test out.
3. Say yes to a coffee meetup
A coffee meetup is one of the simplest and most relaxed ways to meet someone new. It’s short, casual, and perfect for breaking the ice.
How to join:
- Use platforms like Friendchise, which lets you choose who to meet, when and where for a coffee.
- Try The Breakfast app, which pairs you with someone nearby for a morning meetup.
- Ask someone from a class or coworking space to grab a quick coffee.
Extra tip: If you are brave enough, you can also try to talk to people in cafés! For introverts, this may seem a little daunting but an easy way to spark a conversation is to ask for advice from someone. This way you will naturally flow into a conversation.
4. Join a cause through volunteering
Volunteering is a powerful way to meet kind, like-minded people, and you’ll feel good doing it. Whether you’re helping at a food bank or planting trees, it’s a setting where conversation happens naturally.
How to join:
- Search “volunteer + your city” in Google.
- Ask at your local community center or nonprofit organization.
- Look for recurring events instead of one-time opportunities. Consistency helps build friendships.
Ideas:
- Soup kitchens
- Animal shelters
- Park cleanups
- Local festivals or fundraisers
Many volunteer groups also organize post-event social gatherings, such as weekend picnics or coffee chats.
5. Try these apps to make friends in your area
Some of the most effective ways to meet people are now right in your pocket. These apps to make friends in your area are designed for real-world connections but not dating.
Timeleft: In big cities Timeleft organizes dinners on Wednesdays for 5-6 people in one table.
The Breakfast: Every day you get a chance to meet up with someone new for breakfast.
Meetup: Great way to find all kinds of classes and night-outs in different locations
Friendchise: Easy way to meet people for food and drinks. You decide who you meet, where and when.
Final Thoughts on the question of how to meet people near me
Meeting new people doesn’t have to be awkward or difficult. When you think of searching the social events near me, consider trying a coffee meetup, volunteering, hobbies or using apps to make friends in your area, the key is to just show up.
You don’t need a packed calendar. One good conversation can lead to a lasting connection.
