Top 5 Social Activities for Solo Travelers
By TripBFF · · 3 min read
Walking tours, cooking classes, language exchanges, beginner group activities, and board-game or trivia nights are five practical starting points. Each gives you something to do together, so the whole experience does not depend on making small talk. Choose one you would enjoy even if you leave without swapping numbers.
Find an activity that fits your mood
| Activity | Why try it? | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Walking tour | A shared route and natural conversation breaks | Group size and walking demands |
| Cooking class | A task to work on together | Dietary needs and class format |
| Language exchange | Conversation is the point | Languages and beginner access |
| Beginner group activity | An interest beyond travel | Fitness level and equipment |
| Board games or trivia | A team or shared table | Whether solo attendees can join |
1. Join a walking tour
A walking tour gives you a meeting point, a route, and a group to explore with. Talk to someone before the guide starts or between stops, rather than interrupting the tour.
Ask what else they are planning to see, then suggest a nearby coffee afterward if the conversation feels easy. Check how payment works: a tour advertised as free may be tip-based.
2. Take a cooking class
Choose a class where participants prepare food together, rather than only watching a demonstration. Sharing a work surface gives you practical questions to ask and small tasks to help each other with.
Tell the organizer about dietary requirements before booking. If the class ends with a shared meal, use that time to ask about other people’s trips rather than rushing straight out.
3. Try a language exchange
A language exchange makes starting a conversation part of the activity. Look for an event that welcomes your level and be willing to help others practice too.
Check whether it is a structured session with rotating partners or a casual gathering. If you are arriving alone, ask the organizer how newcomers join a conversation.
4. Join a beginner group activity
A photography walk, dance lesson, or casual sports session can connect you through something besides your itinerary. Choose an advertised beginner session if you are new to the activity.
Check equipment, accessibility, and fitness expectations. Avoid signing up for a demanding outdoor activity just to meet people; the activity should fit your experience as well as your social plans.
5. Find a board-game or trivia night
Games give you a shared focus, and a team can make introductions feel natural. Contact the venue to check whether people arriving alone can join a table or team.
Arrive near the start, introduce yourself to the host, and be open to learning a new game. A venue serving alcohol does not mean you have to drink to participate.
Turn one good activity into another plan
If you enjoyed someone’s company, make a small, specific invitation before you leave: “I’m grabbing lunch around the corner—want to come?” Keep the next plan public and easy to leave.
You can also use TripBFF to look for company for an activity you already want to try. Share the practical details, confirm the plan, and avoid sending money to a new acquaintance to reserve your place.