How to Meet People Without Staying in Hostels
Maybe you prefer a private room. Maybe you enjoy quiet evenings. Or perhaps sharing a bathroom with ten strangers is not your idea of a holiday.
The good news is that you don't need a hostel bed to make travel friends. You can stay in hotels, holiday rentals, guesthouses, or even private apartments and still have a social trip.
The trick is to plan a few activities where meeting people feels natural. You don't have to walk up to random strangers and start a conversation. You can join a group, learn something new, or find people who already share your interests.
Here are 10 practical ways to meet people while travelling without staying in hostels.
1. Join a Free Walking Tour
Walking tours are one of the easiest ways to meet other travellers. You explore a city with a guide and a small group, so you already have something to talk about.
You can ask someone where they are from, what places they have visited, or what they plan to do next. These simple questions can lead to lunch plans or another day of exploring together.
Look for free walking tours through local tour operators, city tourism websites, or platforms such as GuruWalk. Remember that free tours often work on tips, and availability depends on the destination.
Best for: Solo travelers who want to meet people without committing to a full-day activity.
A useful tip: Choose a tour on your first or second day. If you meet someone you get along with, you may have time to explore more of the city together.
2. Take a Local Cooking or Art Class
A cooking class, pottery workshop, dance lesson, or photography walk gives you a reason to interact with people.
You don't have to think of clever conversation starters. You can ask how someone made a dish, compare your results, or laugh about getting a step wrong.
These activities can also introduce you to locals, not just other tourists. You might learn to make fresh pasta in Italy, try pottery in Portugal, or join a traditional dance class in Argentina.
Search for local workshops through tourism websites, community centers, independent studios, and experience-booking platforms. Check group size, language, price, and whether the activity welcomes solo participants.
Best for: People who find it easier to connect while doing something together.
A useful tip: Choose an activity you genuinely enjoy. Even if you don't make a new friend, you will still have a good experience.
3. Attend a Language Exchange
Language exchanges bring together people who want to practice a language and learn about other cultures. Many take place in cafes, libraries, or community spaces.
You can meet locals who want to practice your language and travelers who are learning the local one. The conversation usually has a natural starting point, which makes it easier than approaching someone without a reason.
Try Tandem to explore language exchange options, and search online for in-person language meetups in your destination. Some communities meet regularly, while others organize occasional events.
Best for: Travellers who enjoy cultural exchange and want to meet locals.
A useful tip: Be clear about the languages you want to practice. For your first meeting, choose a public cafe and keep the plan short.
4. Use Meetup to Find Local Groups
Sometimes, the easiest way to meet people is to join a group that already exists.
Meetup helps people discover gatherings based on interests and location. Depending on the city, you may find hiking groups, board-game evenings, photography walks, book clubs, or casual social events.
You don't have to attend a travel-specific meetup. In fact, joining a group based on a hobby can lead to better conversations because you already have something in common.
Check the event description, organizer details, group size, and any entry fee before signing up. Some groups are very active in one city but have few events in another.
Best for: Travellers who want to meet locals and people with similar interests.
A useful tip: Look for events happening during your actual travel dates. Send a short message to the organizer if you are unsure whether visitors can join.
5. Book a Group Day Trip
A group day trip lets you explore somewhere new while spending several hours with the same people.
You could join a mountain hike, a wine-region tour, a wildlife trip, a boat excursion, or a visit to nearby towns. Unlike a quick conversation in a cafe, you have time to get to know the group.
If you find someone you connect with, you can exchange recommendations or plan another activity. You might even discover that someone is visiting the next city on your itinerary.
Look for small-group experiences through local operators or sites such as GetYourGuide. Read recent reviews and check the group size before booking.
Best for: Travellers who prefer a shared experience over a formal social event.
A useful tip: Choose a trip that lasts half a day or longer if you want more time to talk. You don't need to become best friends with everyone. One good conversation can be enough.
6. Join a Social Dinner or Group Meetup
Eating alone is perfectly fine, but sometimes you want company over dinner.
Social dining events bring strangers together around a shared table. Some services organize group dinners, while local communities and event platforms list food walks, supper clubs, and casual meetups.
One option is Timeleft, which matches people for group dinners in participating cities. You book a place, meet the group at a restaurant, and spend the evening talking. The service requires a membership, and food and drinks are generally paid for separately.
You can also search for supper clubs and community dinners organized by local restaurants or event hosts.
Best for: Travellers who want to meet several people in one evening without planning the entire outing themselves.
A useful tip: Check the language, cost, location, and event format before booking. Availability varies by city, so don't assume every destination has this option.
7. Join a Local Fitness or Outdoor Group
If you enjoy running, hiking, cycling, yoga, or other outdoor activities, look for groups that welcome visitors.
A local running club may meet for a morning jog. A hiking community might organize a weekend trail. Some cities also have public yoga sessions or group cycling events.
These activities give you a shared goal. You can talk before the session, during breaks, or afterwards over coffee.
Search for local clubs on social media, Meetup, community websites, or through sports studios. Check whether the activity suits your fitness level and whether visitors need to register in advance.
Best for: Active travelers who prefer meeting people outside bars and restaurants.
A useful tip: Choose beginner-friendly or social sessions if you want time to talk. A demanding activity may leave everyone focused on finishing rather than chatting.
8. Stay in a guesthouse or a social hotel.
You don't have to choose between a hostel dorm and a completely private, isolated stay.
Guesthouses, bed-and-breakfasts, boutique hotels, and some social hotels offer shared dining areas, lounges, organized activities, or communal breakfasts. You get your own room while still having chances to talk to other guests.
Before booking, read recent reviews and look at photos of the common areas. A property can be lovely but have very little space for socializing.
You can also ask the property whether it hosts group dinners, walking tours, or other activities open to guests.
Best for: Travellers who want privacy at night but still enjoy casual conversations.
A useful tip: Choose accommodation with a welcoming shared space rather than paying extra for a property that offers no social opportunities. You can also book a private room in a hostel without staying in a dorm, if that suits you.
9. Use Travel Communities to Find People Nearby
You can start meeting people before you even reach your destination.
Online travel communities help you find others who are visiting the same city, planning similar activities, or interested in the same type of travel. Some also organize in-person events.
For example, Couchsurfing offers community features, events, and Hangouts in addition to its accommodation-related service. You can explore these social options without staying with a host, although access to features may require a paid membership.
You can also look for destination-specific Facebook groups, local travel communities, or group chats for your travel dates. Check whether the community is active and read its rules before posting.
Best for: Travellers who want to find potential companions before arriving.
A useful tip: Be specific when posting. Instead of writing, "Anyone want to hang out?" try: "I'll be in Lisbon from Friday to Sunday. Would anyone like to join a Saturday walking tour or try a local food market?"
A clear plan makes it easier for the right people to respond.
10. Start Conversations in Everyday Places
You don't need an app or a paid activity every time you want to meet someone.
Sometimes, a conversation starts while you are waiting for a museum tour, browsing a market, attending a public event, or sitting in a cafe. You might meet someone who lives nearby or another traveler following a similar route.
The key is to start small and respect the other person's interest in talking. A simple question about the place you are visiting can open the door without making anyone feel pressured.
Here are a few easy conversation starters:
"Have you tried anything good here?"
"Is this your first time in this city?"
"Do you know any interesting places nearby?"
"I'm planning to visit the museum tomorrow. Have you been?"
"Would you recommend any local food spots?"
You don't need to use every line. Pick one that fits the situation and let the conversation develop naturally.
Best for: Travellers who want flexible, low-cost ways to connect.
A useful tip: If someone gives short answers, keeps looking away, or seems busy, let the conversation end. Not every interaction needs to become a friendship.
How to Meet People While Travelling Without Feeling Awkward
Knowing where to go is only half the challenge. The other half is making the first move without feeling like you're forcing a friendship.
You don't have to be the most outgoing person in the room. A few small habits can make socialising easier.
Choose activities with a shared purpose. Talking feels more natural when you are both learning, walking, eating, or exploring.
Start with one person. You don't need to impress an entire group. A short conversation is a good start.
Make simple plans. Invite someone for coffee or a short walk instead of suggesting that you spend the entire day together.
Follow up when you connect. If you enjoy talking to someone, ask if they would like to explore another place together.
Don't take every interaction personally. People may be tired, busy, or simply looking for time alone.
You also don't need to socialise every day. Leave room for quiet meals, solo walks, and afternoons when you want to do your own thing.
Safety Tips for Meeting People While Travelling
Meeting new people can make a trip more enjoyable, but it is important to protect your privacy and independence.
Before meeting someone you first connected with online, take a few simple precautions.
Meet in a public place, especially the first time.
Tell someone you trust where you are going and who you are meeting.
Arrange your own transport so you can leave whenever you want.
Avoid sharing your hotel room number, exact accommodation details, or other private information too soon.
Trust your instincts and leave if you feel uncomfortable.
For activities and events, check the organiser's details and read reviews when available. If you are meeting someone from a travel app, look at their profile and any available references.
You can be friendly without agreeing to every invitation. A good travel companion will respect your boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I meet people while travelling alone without staying in a hostel?
Join walking tours, cooking classes, group day trips, language exchanges, or local events. You can also use travel communities to find people visiting the same destination.
2. Is it possible to make travel friends if I'm shy?
Yes. Start with structured activities where you already have something to talk about. A small group, a class, or a walking tour can feel easier than approaching strangers in a busy bar.
3. How can I meet locals instead of other tourists?
Try language exchanges, local fitness groups, community workshops, hobby clubs, and neighbourhood events. Learning a skill or joining an activity can help you meet people who live in the area.
4. Can I meet people without spending much money?
Yes. Look for public events, community groups, free walking tours, running clubs, and local meetups. Remember that some free tours rely on tips, and transport or food may still cost extra.
5. Is it safe to meet strangers while travelling?
You can reduce risks by meeting in public, checking available profiles and reviews, telling someone your plans, and arranging your own transport. Avoid sharing private details too quickly, and leave if you feel uncomfortable.
6. What if I meet people but don't become friends?
That's normal. Some conversations last only a few minutes, while others turn into shared activities or lasting friendships. Enjoy the interaction without putting pressure on yourself to make every meeting meaningful.
Final Thoughts
You don't need to stay in a hostel to meet people while travelling. You just need to give yourself a few chances to connect.
Book a walking tour, join a local class, attend a community event, or invite someone for coffee after a good conversation. Start with one activity and see where it takes you.
You can enjoy the privacy of your own room and still have people to explore with. Sometimes, all it takes is one shared meal or one unexpected conversation to make a new city feel a little more familiar.
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