How to Make Friends in Milan

Exploring Milan solo or with the same old company? We have some suggestions on how to make your trip more exciting and make friends at the same time. Even experienced travelers can run out of ideas on how to meet new people, so that’s what we are here for! In this edition, let’s have a look at How to Make Friends in Milan. Oh, and we even have some useful ideas perfect for introverted travelers, sports geeks, and social butterflies.

Apps for meeting new people in Milan

Instead of going out and hoping to meet someone by chance, you can now simply download an app. Many dating apps have evolved beyond just dating; they can also help you find friends. Of course, apps aren’t for everyone, especially those who prefer a more natural setting and believe in being at the right place at the right time. Whether you’re outgoing or enjoy staying in, this could be an option worth considering. It offers benefits that might be hard to come by in everyday life. You can create a profile that reflects your personality, set preferences for the types of people or events you’re interested in, and decide if you’re ready to meet in person or attend a selected event.

Just to avoid misunderstandings, especially when using dating apps for only friendly connections, we suggest clarifying that in your profile or upcoming conversations. This could help avoid unpleasant surprises, in case you and your match have different intentions in the app. Above all, don’t forget to be safe while chatting, as well as when meeting in life. Protect your personal, financial, and other sensitive information. When meeting in real life, meet in public places and stay alert.

a) Meetup

This app is about joining and creating local groups of interest. On this platform, you can find workshops and educating seminars to apply for, explore sports activities, or join game nights with locals, expats, and travelers. The app is very convenient to use because it is possible to choose such preferences as meeting time, type (online/ in-person), distance, and topic category.

b) Bumble

Originally a dating app, Bumble now offers three modes to choose from: Bumble Date, Bumble BFF, and Bumble Bizz. In case you’re wondering, Bumble Bizz is designed for business networking, connecting entrepreneurs and professionals across various fields. Although Bumble provides a mode specifically for making friends, it’s not as widely used as the dating mode. So, while you’re being open about your intentions, feel free to use the dating mode as well.

c) Tinder

This top dating app is primarily used for finding dates but also offers options for making friends. Similar to Bumble, it lets you choose people you want to match with by prioritizing your preferences. A convenient feature is the ability to add prompt questions to your profile, which serve as great conversation starters.

Sports groups in Milan

Not much of an app fan? Join sports groups for regular training or even a one-time experience, and meet like-minded people there. Milan is well known as a fashion and business capital, but that doesn’t mean it’s all Milan has to offer. Choose any of our suggested sports or any other that you prefer, indoors or outdoors, as you wish!

a) Running in Milan

All level runners and joggers can join one of Milan’s running groups. To join, all you need are running shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. A very popular club among locals and internationals is Urban Runners, where you can join their training and even participate in competitions or other events. Training classes happen twice a week, and you don’t even need to pay for participation, is there any reason not to come?

b) Outdoor activities in Milan

By saying this, we mean that you can choose from a huge variety of sports! There is a Facebook group for Milan-based locals and internationals to join each other for different activities: running, cycling, camping, walking, swimming, and even more. Choose the one that suits you best, and for the upcoming training company, you won’t need to worry.

If you are into cycling, check out the Milan Bike Tour. They offer sightseeing on bikes and even tours with stops at the best sunset bars.

c) Yoga in Milan

For a relaxing yet full-body workout, we recommend joining a yoga class. Affordable options for yoga classes can be found in different Meetup groups, such as Yoga a Milano, which offers different types of yoga classes at various times. Of course, there are many options outside of the Meetup App as well, such as group sessions with yoga teachers like Soulmate Milan or others. 

Extra tip you should know when in Milan

Italians love after-work hours! This time is called Aperitivo, around 5 PM, it’s time for drinks and conversations. This is the best time to go out to a local bar or cafe, immerse yourself in Italian culture, and network. As a bar suggestion, we recommend Bar Picchio and Bar Colibrì. Of course, there are plenty of other options, depending on your location.

For useful information that may not even come to your mind, it is very beneficial to join the city’s Facebook expat groups. In these groups there are locals and other foreigners who use it as a platform to ask questions, talk about common problems, share suggestions, and help each other with anything.

Europe’s Famous Hostels suggestions

Let’s take a look at our top picks for How to Make Friends in Milan and explore the city all together at once!

a) Milan Walking tour

Join a free walking tour and discover that Milan is more than a design and fashion capital. It is a great way to have a guided excursion around the city and learn more about its history and culture. In addition, this is a perfect setting where you can naturally make new connections while spending quality time.

b) Milan Pub Crawl

Milan has a vibrant nightlife to enjoy! For a fun and cheap night out, check out the Best Pub Crawl in Milan, and explore the fun part of the city with other travelers. The attendance fee is only €10, which includes entrances to three bars and a club, all this with the best company and guide.

Click here to explore Milan as a local.

Hostel – the best option for staying in Milan

Regarding accommodations, the best option for meeting new people and creating the funniest memories is staying at a hostel. There is a very big possibility that you won’t even need our tips for making new friends because hostels are the perfect environment for finding travel buddies and making new friendships.

To make your stay in Milan as enjoyable as possible, we suggest staying at Ostello Bello Milan. Situated in a very central area, only 500 meters from Duomo Square and close to other tourist must-see places. Start your day with a hearty breakfast in the lounge, and end your day at the hostel’s in-house bar with delicious drinks. Meet other travelers in cozy common areas, and take in a beautiful view of Milan from their much coveted rooftop terrace. In addition, the hostel organizes various activities, such as board game evenings and more, making it easy to build new connections. Ostello Bello Milan will more than exceed your expectations!

Safe travels and be sure to travel smart! Like this article? Check out our Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok and Youtube.

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