A guide for meeting other travellers in London

London is a great city for those who want to meet other travellers from around the world. Whether you’re a long-term resident or just in town for a few days, there are plenty of chances to meet people with similar interests and backgrounds. Here are some of the best places to go if you’re looking to socialise and make friends while in London.

The National Gallery

The National Gallery is one of the most popular museums in London and attracts thousands of tourists every year. Founded in 1824, it houses over 2300 paintings, making it one of the largest collections of art in the world. With its vast selection of artwork, it’s sure to keep any visitor busy for hours. The gallery also has a lively cafe and restaurant where you can grab a bite, warm up with a cup of tea or coffee, and even meet other travellers. With its central London location in Trafalgar Square, it’s a great place to meet people from all over the world. In my experience, the National Gallery is a great place to meet interesting people and strike up conversations about art and culture.

London Eye

The London Eye is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of London and offers unparalleled views of the city. Standing at 135 metres tall, it’s the highest ferris wheel in Europe and a great place to spot views of all of London. Taking a ride on the London Eye is also a great way to meet other tourists and travellers who have come to enjoy the views. Most cabins have an open top, as well as an audio guide that tells you all about the landmarks you’re looking at. Spending 30 minutes in the air on the London Eye also gives you plenty of time to get to know your fellow passengers and make some new friends while you enjoy the beauty of London from the sky.

Notting Hill

Notting Hill is an affluent area located in West London which is known for its multiculturalism, diverse array of restaurants and its annual carnival. It’s a great place for those looking for a bit of culture and it’s also known for its vibrant nightlife scene. During the summer months, there’s also lots of outdoor activities in the parks such as yoga classes and outdoor concerts. If you’re looking to socialise and meet other travellers, Notting Hill is a great place to start. Whether you head out to one of the many pubs in Portobello Road or dance the night away in one of the clubs, you’re sure to find plenty of people who are interested in socialising and making new friends.

Hostels

Staying in a hostel is a perfect way to meet other people who are travelling or backpacking through London. Hostels are affordable, clean and often offer activities that can bring travellers together including movie nights, walking tours and even pub crawls. Plus they’re located in central areas close to attractions like Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace so it’s easy to explore the city while getting to know new people. Some recommended London hostels include St Christopher’s Inn London Shepherds Bush, Clink 262 and Generator Hostel. I’ve stayed in all three of these hostels and found them to be great places for meeting other travellers from all corners of the world.

Meeting Rooms

A great way to meet like-minded travellers in London is to attend events held at shared workspaces or meeting rooms. These spaces often attract entrepreneurs, business owners and creatives who come together to collaborate on projects, attend networking events and workshops. Some places worth checking out include Impact Hub Kingston, Work Hard Workspace and Kanvas. The best part about attending events held at these workspaces is that you’re likely to meet like-minded individuals who are interested in collaborating and sharing ideas about their passions and projects.

Pubs and Bars

Pubs and bars are some of the oldest places in London, so it’s no surprise that they’re also great places to meet travellers. Some popular pubs include The Albert Arms in Brixton, The Globe Tavern near Big Ben and The Water Poet near Liverpool Street station all serve up classic British pub grub and drinks with a twist which makes them great places to hang out with friends old and new alike. Alternatively if you’re looking for something a bit more lively then bars such as The Two Brewers in Clapham or The White Horse in Parsons Green host weekly quiz nights, live music events and DJ nights which can draw in a mix of locals and international visitors alike.

The London Meetup Scene

Lastly if you’re looking to meet travellers from all over then attending one of the many regular Meetup events in London can be a great way to make new friends from around the globe. Attend events such as London Social, London With A View or Lost In Hampton Court where you can explore hidden gems around London afterwards having found new connections along the way. These regularly organised events offer both local residents as well as visitors from abroad the chance to explore their surroundings whilst getting to know each other over snacks or drinks afterwards. With over 533 Meetups hosted in London each month there’s bound to be an event that cater for your interests so why not give it a try!

In conclusion, there are many great places to meet other travellers in London – from pubs and bars, galleries and cafes to hostels, meeting rooms and even Meetup groups – so there really is something for everyone! Whether you choose to meet people during an organised event or just strike up conversations at one of the city’s many attractions there’s bound to be someone friendly willing to chat with you during your stay in London!