All rights reserved. We can all collectively agree that making friends as an adult is…tough. Honestly, it was easier making pals on the playground. But, my dear reader, you are not alone. We asked the best and most trusted folks who have been through the trials and tribulations of building friendships in the five boroughs. Whether you're looking to add a new hobby to your schedule, find stress-free get-togethers with other introverts or discover fun events and learn more about the bustling city , we have a list for every type of New Yorker.
In the past few years, New York has become a mecca for social clubs that bring people together based on similar interests. To get you started, search for interest-based clubs on Meetup , Eventbrite or Facebook groups. Are you down to learning something new? Well, you might find it rewarding to try a class in the city and make new friends in the process.
One where there's an opportunity to chat so you can get to know people—improv, theater, ceramics, knitting, writing etc. You can find free classes at the Brooklyn Brainery and New York Public Library or find something in your local community. Speaking of meet up events, if you want to meet different people that are not tied to a specific interest group, there are big meet ups always happening around NYC.
For starters, you can check out No More Lonely Friends , a group hangout that frequently meets in Central Park and that a fellow PureWow editor tried out last summer. NYC is home to so many diverse communities with rich culture and histories in every borough. Learn more about your background by finding groups and events dedicated to celebrating your heritage. I'm going to my first event soon and I'm so pumped to be surround by fellow POCs from the area and dabble in learning more cultural things in the city," says Chelsea Candelario, associate editor at PureWow.
Break a sweat and make friends at the same time. Join a Soulcycle class, bust a move in a Zumba class or try your hand at pickleball. There are plenty of classes out there to try out. A helpful tip: The best time to chat it up is before a class.
