New York City is a diverse metropolitan with plenty to do and numerous people to meet. But, how do you actually go about meeting these people? If you are interested in building your social circle, seeking a date, or looking to meet people to do activities with, then look no further. Here are 15 ideas on how to meet people in NYC and boost your social life.
Remember, quality connections are more valuable than quantity. So be open to saying yes to new opportunities, stay authentic, and take your time meeting new people and deciding who will become your next close friends. In a city with over 8 million people, you’ll find new friends in no time!
Pick Up a New Sport
Learning a new sport and playing with others is a great way to make new friends. The Chelsea Piers is a hub where people can learn, practice, play, and compete in over 25 different sports. They offer classes, sports leagues, and a world-class health club where you can meet new people while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Hudson River. With the variety of classes available, you’re bound to find a sport or wellness class that fits your preference.
Attend an Amiccio Social Event
Meeting new people is easy through curated events designed for socializing. Companies like Amiccio curate speed dating events, socials, networking events, themed parties, and dance classes you can sign up for online. They also have an app where you can post activity ideas and invite people nearby to get together on the fly. This allows you to make your free time more enjoyable and gives you the chance to make new friends.
Meet Your Building Neighbors
If you live in NYC and want to get to know your neighbors, try the OneRoof app. It allows you to chat and meet people with similar interests who are living in your building. You can use the app to find a gym buddy, start board game nights, organize dog play dates, buy and sell items from each other, and more. Just download the app and enter your building number.
Draw, Drink, and Mingle
If you have an artistic streak, consider attending an event that lets you draw or paint and meet other artists. For example, the Bat Haus’s Drink N’ Draw hosts an event every Wednesday at 8pm where you can drink beer and draw a figure model with other artists. Admission is $20 and the event lasts for 2.5 hours.
Join a Meetup Group
Meetup is a platform where people can connect online or in-person to share interests, attend events, or do activities. You can join a group, find an event, or start a group of your interest. Some popular New York meetups you can attend to make new friends include:
- NYC Social Men & Women!
- Free Comedy and New Friends NYC
- NYC walks: Nature, beauty, & peace
- Alternative to the Bar Fun Things to Do in NYC
Volunteer Your Time
For people who want to network through a cause, volunteering your time is a great way to meet new people and make meaningful connections. Places like The Bowery Mission bring together young professionals looking to make a difference in the New York metro area. You can also find a volunteer opportunity near you based on the cause you want to support through the NYC Service database.
Try a Hands-On Workshop
The Brooklyn Brainery hosts affordable workshops on various topics, including food, history, gardening, and more. The small class sizes and hands-on nature easily open up the possibilities of interacting and socializing with other attendees. They have a location in Park Slope and Prospect Heights. The Brainery is also a coworking space that allows you to meet and mingle with new potential friends who share similar interests.
Take a Cooking Class
Food and friendship go hand in hand. Why not meet new people and learn how to make a delicious meal simultaneously? Cozymeal is a platform featuring numerous and diverse cooking classes in NYC. Examples include baking basics, vegetarian global fare, West African street food, and a tour of classic Italian dishes. They also host singles cooking classes that allow you to build your culinary skills while meeting other singles.
Join a Professional Network
If you’re an ambitious thought leader, then you’ll enjoy the crowd Brunchwork attracts. Geared towards young and successful professionals, joining their network and taking their courses also lets you meet other members over brunch. Expect to be able to build skills, explore new ideas, hear from thought leaders, and make connections over a farm-to-table meal. Other examples of NYC professional groups include:
- The Advertising Club of New York
- NY Tech Alliance
- Ellevate Network
- Black Technology Professionals
Attend Neighborhood Block Parties
Create a sense of community by being open to meeting new people in your neighborhood. Be on the lookout for flyers or information about neighborhood parties or search online to see if there is a block party near you. By attending as many neighborhood events as you can, you’ll increase your chances of building meaningful relationships with people who live in your area and could potentially help you when you need support.
Hang Out at The Public Library
Libraries don’t always mean you have to be quiet and not socialize, especially when you attend a class, workshop, or book club. The New York Public Library (NYPL) offers over 93,000 classes and workshops annually for people of all ages. You can also meet new people from your neighborhood through book discussion groups that allow you to have conversations in a relaxed setting. We’ve said it before, NYC public libraries aren’t just for books anymore.
Join a Running Club
Whether you are a serious runner or just enjoy a social run, there are various running clubs in New York you can join to meet new people. For example, the New York Road Runners hosts various community programs as well as lets you search for a local running club to join. Another option is to become a “Run-Chuggers” member of the New York Fun Run. They start and end their runs at a different local bar every Wednesday night, where you can hang out with other members and drink beers post-run.
Attend an NYC Convention
From Comic-Con and anime conventions to Tattoo Expos and supernatural conventions, there are always big-scale events happening in NYC. While it can seem daunting to attend one alone, remember you are entering into a world where everyone shares the same interests. Make an effort to strike up a conversation with someone and you might just find your new best friend to attend the next convention with.
Try an Improv Class
Letting go and having fun are two key ingredients to meeting new people. What better way to do this than by attending an improv class. Learn to be funny on the spot and share a laugh with others. There are various NYC improv classes available, including those for business professionals, beginners, and advanced skill-building.
Get Your Dance On
Meeting new people means letting loose and having the confidence to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Some of the classic places to meet people in NYC are bars and dance clubs. Here are three venues with great atmospheres to do just that:
- All Night Skate: great for a night out dancing, this bar also has a retro arcade room, balcony, and glowing neon lights
- Ode to Babel: is a lounge with a little backyard filled with benches and patio chairs to relax and chat
- Good Judy: is a gay bar with plenty of weekly events like drag shows and karaoke nights
Born and raised amidst the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, I’ve witnessed the city’s many exciting phases. When I’m not exploring the city or penning down my thoughts, you can find me sipping on a cup of coffee at my favorite local café, playing chess or planning my next trip. For the last twelve years, I’ve been living in South Williamsburg with my partner Berenike.