Bumble has a ‘ BFF’ feature for those looking for friendship
- The list goes on!
8. Hiking groups
I can vouch for hiking groups as a good way to make new connections. Unlike bar crawls or nights out, hiking is a chilled way to get to know people. Since moving to Porto, I’ve joined two hiking groups, one of which has its own Whatsapp group. They organise weekly hikes and people carpool there together.
9. Instagram
Admittedly, this might be easier if you’re a blogger or have an online community. I met my closest friend in Mexico City, a Canadian blogger and online English teacher called April (check out her blog Just Leaving Footprints), through Instagram.
If this doesn’t apply, still keep an eye on Instagram location tags and hashtags related to your location. Follow bloggers and people who look like they’re loving your city. Engage with their content – you may build a connection! I know I’m always happy to meet up with IG followers when we cross paths.
10. Try co-living
When I moved to Porto, I lived in a co-living space for the first month. This is where a bunch of mid-term travellers (usually staying a few weeks to a few months) share a space. Usually, other guests are remote workers so there’s strong Wi-Fi and a workspace.
In Porto, we were all aged around 30 and wanted to get work done so there was a good mix of productivity and socialising. As we were all new to Porto, we explored the city together. These exist around the world; check out coliving.
11. Shared Airbnbs
While spending a month in Manchester recently, I booked a private room in a shared Airbnb. This was to save money (it worked out less than rent) but doubled up as a good way to meet new people in the city. I ended up going to the cinema, mall and out to coffee with my host and the other guests!
As rental contracts often require a years’ stay and references, lots of people use Airbnb to find places to live when they first move to a new city. There are generous discounts if you stay longer than 30 days.
12. Join a book club
After meeting April in Mexico City, she invited me to join her book club. This is a great way to meet people in a new city whether you’re an avid reader or not.
Some book clubs may operate on a bigger scale but ours was just four of us meeting monthly in a coffee shop. We were all women of a similar age who, aside from April, I wouldn’t have met otherwise. I also realised that discussing books is a great way to assess someone’s attitudes and values – always useful when making quality friendships.
13. Dating apps
Obviously this depends whether you’re looking for romantic or platonic relationships but it’s certainly a way to make connections in a new place .
Whether you’re travelling or at home, observe normal safety advice when meeting people in a new city. Arrange dates in public places and tell someone your plans.
14. Hang out in cafes
I can’t promise this method will work because people in cafes are often busy with their existing friends/on their phones etc. However, in Porto I made a new friend, Grace, in a cat cafe and now we hang out often. If you can find a pet cafe or somewhere small and cosy, you might be in luck!
15. Go to a bar
Especially as a woman, this can feel scary! While observing your comfort zone, visit a bar solo. Try sitting near another solo traveller or at the bar; this way you can chat to the bartender if all else fails. Remember, you can just leave if you feel uncomfortable.