Whether you\u2019re craving someone to hike the Giant\u2019s Causeway with or just to share a laugh over brunch, this guide breaks down the best options for building genuine connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why friendship apps are a game-changer: bridging the gap in a connected world<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFirst things first: no, you\u2019re not weird for needing an app to get friends. If anything, it\u2019s becoming the norm.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIn the wake of the pandemic, we\u2019ve seen a mass shift in how people connect. Remote work is here to stay, urban isolation is real (especially when your neighbors pretend you don\u2019t exist), and a surprising number of us are still figuring out how to socialize without the help of university or office happy hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apps like Bumble For Friends and MeetUp have surged in popularity<\/strong> because they do more than replicate old-school friendship circles. They cater to the modern lifestyle\u2014filterable interests, flexible schedules, and the convenience of finding someone nearby who also wants to go to a pottery class or hit the hiking trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAccording to a 2023 YouGov survey<\/a>, over one in five adults (21%) say it\u2019s \u201cvery difficult\u201d to make new friends, with younger and middle-aged adults reporting the most difficulty. And while moving to a new city used to mean awkwardly chatting with strangers at yoga class, apps now allow you to meet people who actually want<\/em> to meet you. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThese platforms aren\u2019t just digitizing friendships; they\u2019re redefining what it means to create community in a transient, tech-centric world. Whether you\u2019re a new parent looking for playdate partners, a digital nomad craving consistency, or just someone who doesn\u2019t want to eat ramen alone again, apps to find friends in your city have become the new normal for socializing. And trust us, you\u2019re not the only one scrolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Group](\"https:\/\/www.weroad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/make-friends-online.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nComparing the best friendship apps: find your perfect match<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe did the legwork (and some awkward icebreakers) to compare today\u2019s top platforms for friendship-first connections. Each one caters to different types of people and needs, so read on to find the best app to meet new people and make friends based on your lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WeMeet by WeRoad: your go-to for travel and adventure buddies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nImagine this: You book a group trip to Florence for the weekend. You know nobody. But by the time Sunday rolls around, you\u2019ve taken a pasta-making class, trekked through the hills of Tuscany, and shared a thousand laughs with strangers. That\u2019s WeMeet by WeRoad<\/a>\u2014an app that helps you connect with other travelers<\/strong> through shared group trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat sets WeMeet apart is its \u201cexperience-first\u201d mentality<\/strong>. You\u2019re not just talking in an intricate, wishful-thinking chatroom. You\u2019re actively signing up for group trips and local experiences<\/strong> planned in the real world, chatroom included. And when you\u2019re dreaming of and then actually setting off for a workation, an adventure in Iceland, or a weekend on the beaches of Greece, it\u2019s only natural that traveling together will lead to lifelong relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWith WeMeet as an extension of the WeRoad group travel brand, the company already meets the bar for trust, organization, and reliability<\/strong>. It connects you with events that have been specifically designed for compatibility with the people you\u2019ll be getting to know. Plus, its events are curated for compatibility\u2014you’re traveling with people who share your vibe, your pace, and your sense of wonder.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor solo travelers or anyone craving a more organic way to make friends through shared experiences, WeMeet is truly a find travel buddies app\u2014flourishing not as a chat tool but as a real-world connector. It\u2019s like pressing “fast forward” on the friendship timeline. Over time, friendships formed on these adventures morph into group chats back home, annual meetups, and even solo travel alliances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pros:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Built around real-life travel and group experiences<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Removes the \u201cshould we meet up?\u201d awkwardness\u2014you’re already there<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Perfect for adventurous spirits or remote workers craving deeper connections<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Backed by a reputable travel brand, boosting trust and logistics support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"WeRoad](\"https:\/\/www.weroad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WeMeet-by-WeRoad.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBumble BFF: friendship at your fingertips with a simple swipe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you’re already familiar with the swipe-right-swipe-left interface, Bumble BFF<\/strong> will feel like second nature. Designed as an offshoot of the dating giant Bumble, its BFF mode swaps out romance for platonic vibes\u2014though the interface remains comfortingly familiar.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAt first glance, Bumble BFF seems like Tinder with fewer shirtless selfies and more photos of brunch and dogs. But dig deeper, and you\u2019ll find a robust filtering system that lets you choose friends based on hobbies, lifestyle choices, and even zodiac signs (if that\u2019s your thing).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The app\u2019s biggest strength is its scale. Its user base is massive, giving you a wide pool of potential matches whether you’re in Manchester or Madrid. So if you’ve ever asked yourself, \u201cIs there an app to make friends in the UK?\u201d, Bumble BFF is one of the strongest contenders\u2014widely used across British cities and supported by a growing UK-based community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In case you\u2019re wondering: is Bumble for friends real? Absolutely. According to Bumble\u2019s own research<\/a>, 66% of Gen\u202fZ respondents say they met their friends online via Bumble For Friends, and 60% across all age groups said they wanted to find new friends via the platform. For women especially, Bumble BFF offers a space where they can initiate conversations, creating a sense of control and comfort. So whether you\u2019re new to a city or looking to diversify your social circle, Bumble BFF is a solid starting point.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPros:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Huge user base across many cities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Easy to use with familiar swiping format<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Great for quick connections and local meetups<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Customizable profiles and detailed filters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Meetup: connect with local hobbies and passions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThink of Meetup <\/strong>as the OG of social hobby apps. Long before swipe culture invaded our social lives, Meetup was quietly helping people bond over shared interests\u2014from French film clubs to weekend coding bootcamps.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis app shines when it comes to specificity. Love board games? There\u2019s a Meetup for that. Want to join a walking group that also does mindfulness meditation? Yes, there\u2019s one of those too. Whether you’re an extrovert looking for large community events or a niche hobbyist searching for your people, Meetup delivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meetup is one of the best apps to meet people near you<\/strong> because it supports structured interaction. You aren\u2019t texting back and forth hoping to find someone; you\u2019re walking into an event where conversation is naturally prompted by activity. It\u2019s confidence without pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEvent hosts often provide context\u2014who\u2019s attending, the agenda, and post-event check-ins. That means your shielded awkwardness can ease into genuine rapport. Groups usually allow event feedback and extended group chats, so you can discover like\u2011minded people beyond just one visible moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s particularly useful for those who prefer offline interaction. The goal is always to get people together IRL\u2014and many events are free or pay-what-you-can. It’s ideal for anyone tired of endless texting and looking for apps to make friends not dating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meetup also works great for building consistency. Unlike one-off events, many Meetup groups host recurring meetups, which increases your chances of building lasting friendships instead of just one-time interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pros:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- A wide array of events and interests<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Best for people who want real-world, regular meetups<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Free or affordable to attend<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Excellent for those looking to expand hobbies and friend groups simultaneously<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Atleto: where fitness meets female friendship<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf your ideal pal is the kind of person who\u2019ll join your 10K and then go for smoothies, you need Atleto<\/strong>. The app used to just be open to all athletic teams, but it\u2019s gained a lot of traction as a platonic platform for women. You fill out your sport interests<\/strong> (yoga, running, tennis, whatever you\u2019re into) and you\u2019ll be matched with other women based on your interest and ability level.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNo more chit-chat for you\u2014Atleto is for the girl looking to work out and spark a killer friendship at the same time<\/strong>. Ideal for women who want to build friendships that revolve around wellness, movement, and motivation\u2014without ever stepping into a bar or swiping endlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPros:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- For women seeking real, platonic friendships<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Built around shared physical activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Encourages natural, in-person connection<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Great for finding a supportive friend or travel buddy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Friends](\"https:\/\/www.weroad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/best-apps-to-get-friends.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTravel and bond: top destinations to make new friends<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSo you’ve downloaded the apps, built a profile that nicely balances your appreciation for Thai food and sarcastic humor\u2014you even dipped your virtual toe in some of the group chats. But what if you want something\u2014someone\u2014new, now. Enter WeMeet: group trips<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThese trips don\u2019t just introduce you to a new country. They place you in a brand new group of pals. It\u2019s the fastest way to make friends, for anyone who hasn\u2019t been practicing their small talk. Within hours, you could be having hotpot, throwing around noodle and Dirtiest Dozen jokes, and cracking up with your new BFFs\u2014to whom, less than a couple of days ago, you were merely a screen name. And, best of all, you don\u2019t have to figure out how to make new friends with an app!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are three of the best places to find travel buddies while living your main character moment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Italy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFew places do connection like Italy<\/strong>. With the long, drawn-out dinners, the group cooking lessons, and the vino-fueled conversations under the sunlit vineyard sky, a week can seem more like a year\u2014a really lovely, really filling year.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s the thing about Italy, really. When you\u2019re touring ancient Rome or scuttling off to pasta-making school in Bologna, nothing\u2014not even the shared cup of gelato in Florence or your collective confusion when you inevitably get lost in the streets of Venice\u2014feels mundane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you book a group trip in Italy<\/a> through WeMeet, you\u2019re booking with small shared interest groups \u2014 culture, photography, or 24\/7 Amalfi Coasting\u2014so you already have a pretty good idea of what (and who) you\u2019re getting into bed with. And in Italy, you take it slow\u2014the Italian way\u2014and by the time you leave behind your fleeting tan and head back home, you\u2019ll have made mates that last forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"WeRoad](\"https:\/\/www.weroad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WeRoad-group-trip-in-Italy.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nVietnam<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nVietnam is a masterclass in sensory overload<\/strong>\u2014in the best way possible. It’s nearly impossible not<\/em> to connect with someone while dodging scooters in Hanoi or haggling for street food in Ho Chi Minh.<\/p>\n\n\n\nShared adventure is the glue here. You\u2019re hiking together in Sapa, sailing through Ha Long Bay, and navigating chaotic night markets. These aren\u2019t activities you do alone. They require conversation, cooperation, and a bit of mutual awe\u2014ideal conditions for forming new friendships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Group trips in Vietnam<\/a> provide a guided but flexible way to travel while allowing for spontaneous friendships and inside jokes you\u2019ll carry long past touchdown. This is where social apps to meet friends really shine\u2014they lead you to moments like sipping c\u00e0 ph\u00ea s\u1eefa \u0111\u00e1 on a Saigon rooftop, laughing about the day’s chaos with people who were strangers yesterday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"WeRoad](\"https:\/\/www.weroad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WeRoad-Group-trips-in-Vietnam.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIceland<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf Italy is warm and boisterous, Iceland <\/strong>is quiet and transcendent. It\u2019s the kind of place where the silence of a glacier makes room for deep, thoughtful conversations. Chasing the Northern Lights or soaking in the Blue Lagoon? Better with new travel companions who are just as wide-eyed as you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the wake of the pandemic, we\u2019ve seen a mass shift in how people connect. Remote work is here to stay, urban isolation is real (especially when your neighbors pretend you don\u2019t exist), and a surprising number of us are still figuring out how to socialize without the help of university or office happy hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apps like Bumble For Friends and MeetUp have surged in popularity<\/strong> because they do more than replicate old-school friendship circles. They cater to the modern lifestyle\u2014filterable interests, flexible schedules, and the convenience of finding someone nearby who also wants to go to a pottery class or hit the hiking trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a 2023 YouGov survey<\/a>, over one in five adults (21%) say it\u2019s \u201cvery difficult\u201d to make new friends, with younger and middle-aged adults reporting the most difficulty. And while moving to a new city used to mean awkwardly chatting with strangers at yoga class, apps now allow you to meet people who actually want<\/em> to meet you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These platforms aren\u2019t just digitizing friendships; they\u2019re redefining what it means to create community in a transient, tech-centric world. Whether you\u2019re a new parent looking for playdate partners, a digital nomad craving consistency, or just someone who doesn\u2019t want to eat ramen alone again, apps to find friends in your city have become the new normal for socializing. And trust us, you\u2019re not the only one scrolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We did the legwork (and some awkward icebreakers) to compare today\u2019s top platforms for friendship-first connections. Each one caters to different types of people and needs, so read on to find the best app to meet new people and make friends based on your lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imagine this: You book a group trip to Florence for the weekend. You know nobody. But by the time Sunday rolls around, you\u2019ve taken a pasta-making class, trekked through the hills of Tuscany, and shared a thousand laughs with strangers. That\u2019s WeMeet by WeRoad<\/a>\u2014an app that helps you connect with other travelers<\/strong> through shared group trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What sets WeMeet apart is its \u201cexperience-first\u201d mentality<\/strong>. You\u2019re not just talking in an intricate, wishful-thinking chatroom. You\u2019re actively signing up for group trips and local experiences<\/strong> planned in the real world, chatroom included. And when you\u2019re dreaming of and then actually setting off for a workation, an adventure in Iceland, or a weekend on the beaches of Greece, it\u2019s only natural that traveling together will lead to lifelong relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With WeMeet as an extension of the WeRoad group travel brand, the company already meets the bar for trust, organization, and reliability<\/strong>. It connects you with events that have been specifically designed for compatibility with the people you\u2019ll be getting to know. Plus, its events are curated for compatibility\u2014you’re traveling with people who share your vibe, your pace, and your sense of wonder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For solo travelers or anyone craving a more organic way to make friends through shared experiences, WeMeet is truly a find travel buddies app\u2014flourishing not as a chat tool but as a real-world connector. It\u2019s like pressing “fast forward” on the friendship timeline. Over time, friendships formed on these adventures morph into group chats back home, annual meetups, and even solo travel alliances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re already familiar with the swipe-right-swipe-left interface, Bumble BFF<\/strong> will feel like second nature. Designed as an offshoot of the dating giant Bumble, its BFF mode swaps out romance for platonic vibes\u2014though the interface remains comfortingly familiar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At first glance, Bumble BFF seems like Tinder with fewer shirtless selfies and more photos of brunch and dogs. But dig deeper, and you\u2019ll find a robust filtering system that lets you choose friends based on hobbies, lifestyle choices, and even zodiac signs (if that\u2019s your thing).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The app\u2019s biggest strength is its scale. Its user base is massive, giving you a wide pool of potential matches whether you’re in Manchester or Madrid. So if you’ve ever asked yourself, \u201cIs there an app to make friends in the UK?\u201d, Bumble BFF is one of the strongest contenders\u2014widely used across British cities and supported by a growing UK-based community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In case you\u2019re wondering: is Bumble for friends real? Absolutely. According to Bumble\u2019s own research<\/a>, 66% of Gen\u202fZ respondents say they met their friends online via Bumble For Friends, and 60% across all age groups said they wanted to find new friends via the platform. For women especially, Bumble BFF offers a space where they can initiate conversations, creating a sense of control and comfort. So whether you\u2019re new to a city or looking to diversify your social circle, Bumble BFF is a solid starting point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think of Meetup <\/strong>as the OG of social hobby apps. Long before swipe culture invaded our social lives, Meetup was quietly helping people bond over shared interests\u2014from French film clubs to weekend coding bootcamps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This app shines when it comes to specificity. Love board games? There\u2019s a Meetup for that. Want to join a walking group that also does mindfulness meditation? Yes, there\u2019s one of those too. Whether you’re an extrovert looking for large community events or a niche hobbyist searching for your people, Meetup delivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meetup is one of the best apps to meet people near you<\/strong> because it supports structured interaction. You aren\u2019t texting back and forth hoping to find someone; you\u2019re walking into an event where conversation is naturally prompted by activity. It\u2019s confidence without pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Event hosts often provide context\u2014who\u2019s attending, the agenda, and post-event check-ins. That means your shielded awkwardness can ease into genuine rapport. Groups usually allow event feedback and extended group chats, so you can discover like\u2011minded people beyond just one visible moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s particularly useful for those who prefer offline interaction. The goal is always to get people together IRL\u2014and many events are free or pay-what-you-can. It’s ideal for anyone tired of endless texting and looking for apps to make friends not dating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meetup also works great for building consistency. Unlike one-off events, many Meetup groups host recurring meetups, which increases your chances of building lasting friendships instead of just one-time interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your ideal pal is the kind of person who\u2019ll join your 10K and then go for smoothies, you need Atleto<\/strong>. The app used to just be open to all athletic teams, but it\u2019s gained a lot of traction as a platonic platform for women. You fill out your sport interests<\/strong> (yoga, running, tennis, whatever you\u2019re into) and you\u2019ll be matched with other women based on your interest and ability level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No more chit-chat for you\u2014Atleto is for the girl looking to work out and spark a killer friendship at the same time<\/strong>. Ideal for women who want to build friendships that revolve around wellness, movement, and motivation\u2014without ever stepping into a bar or swiping endlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So you’ve downloaded the apps, built a profile that nicely balances your appreciation for Thai food and sarcastic humor\u2014you even dipped your virtual toe in some of the group chats. But what if you want something\u2014someone\u2014new, now. Enter WeMeet: group trips<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These trips don\u2019t just introduce you to a new country. They place you in a brand new group of pals. It\u2019s the fastest way to make friends, for anyone who hasn\u2019t been practicing their small talk. Within hours, you could be having hotpot, throwing around noodle and Dirtiest Dozen jokes, and cracking up with your new BFFs\u2014to whom, less than a couple of days ago, you were merely a screen name. And, best of all, you don\u2019t have to figure out how to make new friends with an app!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are three of the best places to find travel buddies while living your main character moment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Few places do connection like Italy<\/strong>. With the long, drawn-out dinners, the group cooking lessons, and the vino-fueled conversations under the sunlit vineyard sky, a week can seem more like a year\u2014a really lovely, really filling year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s the thing about Italy, really. When you\u2019re touring ancient Rome or scuttling off to pasta-making school in Bologna, nothing\u2014not even the shared cup of gelato in Florence or your collective confusion when you inevitably get lost in the streets of Venice\u2014feels mundane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you book a group trip in Italy<\/a> through WeMeet, you\u2019re booking with small shared interest groups \u2014 culture, photography, or 24\/7 Amalfi Coasting\u2014so you already have a pretty good idea of what (and who) you\u2019re getting into bed with. And in Italy, you take it slow\u2014the Italian way\u2014and by the time you leave behind your fleeting tan and head back home, you\u2019ll have made mates that last forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vietnam is a masterclass in sensory overload<\/strong>\u2014in the best way possible. It’s nearly impossible not<\/em> to connect with someone while dodging scooters in Hanoi or haggling for street food in Ho Chi Minh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shared adventure is the glue here. You\u2019re hiking together in Sapa, sailing through Ha Long Bay, and navigating chaotic night markets. These aren\u2019t activities you do alone. They require conversation, cooperation, and a bit of mutual awe\u2014ideal conditions for forming new friendships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Group trips in Vietnam<\/a> provide a guided but flexible way to travel while allowing for spontaneous friendships and inside jokes you\u2019ll carry long past touchdown. This is where social apps to meet friends really shine\u2014they lead you to moments like sipping c\u00e0 ph\u00ea s\u1eefa \u0111\u00e1 on a Saigon rooftop, laughing about the day’s chaos with people who were strangers yesterday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If Italy is warm and boisterous, Iceland <\/strong>is quiet and transcendent. It\u2019s the kind of place where the silence of a glacier makes room for deep, thoughtful conversations. Chasing the Northern Lights or soaking in the Blue Lagoon? Better with new travel companions who are just as wide-eyed as you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nComparing the best friendship apps: find your perfect match<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
WeMeet by WeRoad: your go-to for travel and adventure buddies<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pros:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBumble BFF: friendship at your fingertips with a simple swipe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pros:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Meetup: connect with local hobbies and passions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pros:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Atleto: where fitness meets female friendship<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pros:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTravel and bond: top destinations to make new friends<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Italy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nVietnam<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIceland<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"WeRoad](\"https:\/\/www.weroad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/WeRoad-Group-trips-in-Iceland.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n