When I visited London for the first time in 2014, I knew I’d be back one day. I love traveling alone, discovering new cultures, foods, and mentalities.
One of the things I wish I knew before going to London, though, is exactly how to make friends in London.
I’m a bit of an introvert until paired up with my closest friends, but making new ones always seems like a bit of a hassle in such a big city.
Well, whether you’re looking for tips to make friends while traveling solo anywhere or specifically for London, you’ll find all the ways I use to meet new people!
Here’s How to Make Friends in London for Locals & Travelers
It’s not easy to meet new people in London, and after Covid, it’s become even more difficult.
I guess that’s why people are more interested in the guides I write about secret gardens in London than places to actually meet people.
We’ve all become a tad shyer after the pandemic, let’s admit it.
But when you’re tired of being alone, keep in mind those tips to make friends in London while traveling, if you’ve just moved here or are a longtime local!
How To Make Friends in London for Digital Nomads: Stay in Hostels
First up, one of the best ways to make friends in London while traveling is to stay in hostels.
I know, hostels in London are not always the cleanest and most relaxing places to visit.
However, if you’re looking for make friends while traveling solo, hostels are a huge part of the young travel culture.
I’ve met a few of my closest friends while staying in a St Christopher’s Inns in London Bridge, and later on went to work for them and met even more people!
Traveling alone doesn’t have to sound daunting at all, honestly.
As long as you put yourself a bit out of your comfort zone, you’ll be fine.
How to Make Friends While Traveling Solo Abroad: Download Reddit
Another way to make friends in London if you’re a local or planning to visit, is to download Reddit.
Reddit works better for some cities than others.
For instance, when I was looking to make friends in London online, Reddit was a lifesaver and people are really down to discuss.
When I spent a month in Istanbul earlier this year, I also met a whole new group of digital nomads from connecting with just one person on Reddit.
Download the app, join the Subreddits (topics) you’re interested in (in this case, ‘London‘) and comment, upvote, and connect with people!
How To Make Friends in London for Students: Join Facebook Groups
When I first moved to London in 2019, I joined a bunch of Facebook groups made for students, freelancers and digital nomads in London.
It made my life in London much easier, especially since it was the first country I moved to on my own.
In Facebook groups that revolves around London, you can also find secondhand items, rooms and apartments to rent…
So they’re really one of the most useful London resources to use when traveling or living in the city!
How to Make Friends in London for Students: Strike Up a Hobby
Taking up a hobby is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made when looking for ways to make friends in London.
When I moved to London in 2019, all I did was basically work, eat, and sleep.
As time went by and I became a blogger, hence had more time for myself, I was able to take up a hobby.
And this hobby, roller skating, has become a huge part of my life.
It’s a lonely hobby, and very social hobby at the same time.
There are many places to roller skate in London, and this community is diverse, strong, and very open-minded.
Let me tell you one thing, if you’re looking to meet new people while traveling, roller skating will always be one of the best ways.
How To Make Friends While Traveling Solo: Download Eventbrite & Meetup
Two of the must have apps to use in London are Eventbrite and Meetup.
On both those apps, you will be able to connect with locals and tourists interested in the same things you are.
This goes from seminars to workshops, events, musical meetups and much, much more.
Eventbrite is also amazing for getting tickets in London, and you’re bound to find unusual things to do on this one too.
Meeting new people in London can sometimes feel painful, especially when you’ve been living here a while.
After some time in London, you understand that people often come and go, and when you’re trying to save money on groceries, you don’t really have the mindset to go out and spend.
But on Meetup, you’ll also find some completely free things to do in London, so take advantage of that!
How to Make Friends in London in Your 20s: Go on a Free Tour
You can find lots of free walking tours in London, and of course, the cheapest way to discover a city is by yourself – at least in my opinion.
If you’re trying to make friends in London as a student or a digital nomad, find a couple of interesting free walking tours.
You’ll naturally gravitate towards specific people in the group, so why not offer to get a drink or a bite after the tour?
Traveling alone means you’ll have to interact with people at some point, so don’t underestimate the power of communication.
It’s much more enjoyable to pay a visit to Shoreditch markets or some pretty neighborhoods when you’re in good company!
How To Make Friends in London for Students: Strike Up a Conversation
It’s harder than striking up a conversation when taking a free tour, and that definitely won’t happen on the Tube.
No, one simply does not make friends in London on the Tube.
One of the London travel tips I gave you some time ago is that people don’t talk on the Tube and the bus.
Those are really two hostile zones in terms of communication, but when you’re chilling in a park, it so happens that people are more inclined to talk.
For instance, if you like going to see the sunset in London, strike up a convo by asking for a lighter, for directions, from one or two people.
I find it easier to do with women than with the opposite sex, and you can definitely end up with a new friend at the end of the day!
How to Make Friends in London in Your 20s: Dating Apps
I don’t use dating apps that much, but when I’m in a new city and trying to meet new people, I use Bumble BFF a lot.
The fact that Bumble BFF really has this platonic vision makes me feel comfortable with putting myself out there.
In the right situation, I am outspoken, but when uncomfortable (like with a classic dating app), I won’t be as willing to make new connections.
In any case, Bumble BFF is one of the must have apps for London if you’re a student, a freelancer, or a digital traveling solo.
It’s free to meet people, and you can spend amazing afternoons walking around London with locals this way!
How To Make Friends While Traveling Solo: Instagram
Another good way to make friends in London is with Instagram.
Easy to use – everyone uses it now, Instagram and the newly-launched Threads app allow you to connect with people who have the same tastes and interests.
I have met a couple of my best friends on Instagram and Twitter, and if you want to make friends in London online, those are two really easy ways to do it.
How to Make Friends in London for Students: Take a Class
You can take all kinds of adult classes in London, from cooking to pottery making and art workshops.
That’s a good way to meet new people and make new friends in London when you’re here for a long time.
Sometimes, living in London on a budget means you need to cut down on activities, but there are plenty of free and cheap classes in London!
Here’s How to Make Friends in London for Locals & Travelers
There you have them, all my tips to make friends in London in your 20s, 30s, 40s, as a student or a digital nomad moving to the big city!
Hopefully, you’ll have found here a few ways to meet new people and help you live the best experience possible in London!