How to make friends in London
If you are a tourist, traveler, or you are new to London and wonder how to make friends in London, then you’ve come to the right place!
I’ll show you how to make friends in London in this guide, so let’s start, shall we?!
15 Tips to meet friends in London
1. Use phone apps
Just because you’re traveling alone to London doesn’t mean you have to be alone the whole trip. If you want to make friends in London, I recommend using apps like Couchsurfing; it helps you find free accommodation and events in the city.
I also advise you to try Backpackr, an app with a forum called The Common Room, where you can ask questions about your trip, plan essential events, and chat with other platform users.
Several other alternatives are available such as Citysocializer, Eatwith, etc. So do not hesitate to use apps to find friends in London and have an unforgettable stay.
2. Join a Facebook group
Facebook is undoubtedly the most social digital platform available today. It allows you to post great travel pictures and videos that make your friends jealous, but it is also a great tool to find friends to hang out with.
Numerous groups exist, such as digital nomads worldwide, looking for a travel buddy, finding fellow travelers, etc. Additionally, on Facebook, you’ll find groups for expats, digital nomads, female travelers, and so many other categories.
3. Volunteer for a charity
A trip to London is one that you will remember for months to come, but if you incorporate volunteering into your trip, you’ll remember it for a lifetime. There are numerous volunteering opportunities available in London; you can check volunteer opportunities in the council you’re in.
For instance, you can help people suffering from mental health issues, support females, distribute food to those in need, etc. There are so many fantastic volunteering opportunities in London.
Don’t hesitate to check it out. You won’t only help the local community, but you’ll make many friends and a lot of unforgettable memories.
4. A walking tour
Another tip to make friends in London is to take part in a walking tour. They are a splendid way to discover London’s most unique tourist sites, learn about the capital’s diverse culture and rich history, and meet new people.
Numerous tours are available depending on what you’re attracted to. For instance, you can dive into the mystery world by exploring the past of Jack the Ripper, discover the most impressive cultural hubs in London, learn about the English capital’s history and its royalty, etc.
Anyway, there are so many walk tours to choose from but whichever your choice is you won’t regret it!
5. Meet your fellow citizens/expats
One crucial point to make friends is to have things in common such as the job’s nature, nationality, hobbies, etc. If you want to meet your fellow citizens or expats in London, know that there are many associations, clubs, and groups that will allow you to do so.
For instance, I’m a member of LE CERCLE DES FRANCAIS A LONDRES. It allows me to meet my fellow French citizens in the city, and it is also an excellent opportunity to network and get tips about life in London and activities to do.
If you have difficulties finding the groups, I invite you to look at Meetups and Internations. These two platforms help you connect with expats in London and people from the same nationality or region as you.
6. Stay in a hostel
Hostels are undoubtedly a great way to make friends in London when traveling alone. Staying in a hostel dormitory will allow you to meet several other travelers, some of whom might also be traveling solo.
These establishments are designed to maximize your chances of meeting new people. You will quickly meet new people, start a conversation, and after a few hours, you will find that you are no longer alone.
7. Pub Crawls
When visiting London, it is mandatory to sit on traditional or modern pubs’ counters and watch performances of memorable musicals on the West End side. Going around the London pubs will maximize your chances of making new friends.
The capital’s pubs have given London the reputation of a city that never sleeps. Doing pub crawls in London is one of the greatest pleasures of tourists traveling to the town alone or with their friends.
8. Join hostel activities and hostel events
Hostels are known for housing tourists in dormitories and for hosting a variety of events such as musical evenings, day trips, pool table trips, pub tours, and cooking classes.
During these events, you have the opportunity to meet people staying at the hostel who share the same passions as you.
Additionally, most of the time, the social atmosphere during hostel events is perfect. I highly recommend you give them a try and make lots of new friends in London!
9. Park Runs
Another tip to make friends in London is participating in the Parkruns. It is an excellent opportunity to improve your physical health, enjoy the green spaces, and make new friends.
Parkruns are free and inclusive. To participate, you’ll only need to register on the website. Additionally, if you want a more enriching experience, you can join as a volunteer. It is a great way to feel more connected to the local community and help the organizers.
10. Use dating apps
As bizarre as it sounds, Tinder isn’t just for those looking to date. Getting to know locals and travellers through this application in some countries is quite common.
Tinder will allow you to share details of your stay in London. You need to make it clear on the description that you are looking to meet new people who are in London, and do activities together.
A meeting may begin with a drink or a walk; then, it can potentially lead to a straightforward friendship or something else if you feel connected to each other.
11. Take courses
If you want to practice your passions, learn new things, and meet people who share the same hobbies as you, I highly recommend that you take a class. You will find several courses offered either by the hostel, NGOs, or clubs in London.
The courses generally allow you to learn yoga, cooking, language, dance, etc. But you may find other types of courses.
12. Hang out in co-working spaces
If you are studying or working remotely while traveling to London, I recommend you go to co-working spaces. Co-working spaces designate a wide variety of places, ranging from cafés with Wifi to business development structures.
These structures are more and more numerous and present in the city. I recommend you to visit Google Campus London and WeWork. Most of the time, co-working spaces offer the essential elements of an office: wifi access, printer, desk, coffee/tea, etc.
Additionally, Co-working spaces are great places to exchange your professional ideas, receive advice to improve your business, and expand your network.
13. Use your hobby to meet other people
Hobbies aren’t just fun things to do, but they are also very helpful in meeting and connecting with the right people. You can use your hobby to meet other people in London by taking part in events.
For instance, I like digital photography, and I tend to participate in events related to it. You can do the same in London, browse for nearby events related to your hobby, and make the most out of it!
14. Get out of your comfort zone
I know that many travelers are introverts and tend to like staying in their comfort zone. However, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to approach locals or tourists in the city.
Remember that you have nothing to lose; say hi to people in the streets, pubs, restaurants, or cafes and start a conversation with them.
If you feel any connection with them, then suggest trying some activities together. Just be open to people, be open to their suggestions, and have a lot of fun!
15. Join events organized by London councils
My last tip to make friends in London is to join the city councils’ events. There are numerous activities organized in open spaces.
For instance, you can witness fireworks, enjoy an outdoor dinner, play lawn games, watch a live concert, and so many other activities. If you want to keep an eye on the next London councils’ events, subscribe to their newsletter.
Conclusion
Meeting new people is one of the most beautiful things during a trip. I hope these tips will help you make friends in London and transform your trip into an unforgettable one.
Let me know how you make friends when you travel. I look forward to reading your comments!
