More than 1.6 million people live in Munich, and yet many still struggle to make new friends in this city. People who have just moved here, in particular , often don’t really know where to start looking. But even as a longtime local, you sometimes want to make new connections when your old circle of friends has drifted apart over time or your priorities have shifted. If you’re tired of spending your weekends alone, we’ve put together a list of ways to make it easier to find friends in Munich.
Running Clubs
Running clubs are all the rage right now and are popping up like mushrooms. If you’re considering joining one of these clubs to make friends in Munich, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Meet up at the agreed-upon starting point and run your laps through the city together. This way, you can not only make new connections but also pursue a hobby and explore the city a bit at the same time . There are running clubs for every skill level and every chronotype. Whether it’s Isartrail Runners, Giasing Runners, Munich Morning Miles, or easy running, you’re guaranteed to find the right club with the right people for you.
Munich Girls Talking and Walking
If jogging isn’t really your thing or if you get so out of breath while running that you can’t socialize at all, then go for a walk instead. Munich Girls Talking and Walking offers the perfect setting to get to know each other during a leisurely stroll. This group is specifically for women and is free of charge. However, similar groups are also offered by other communities where men are equally welcome. Sometimes the walks are followed by brunch or a visit to Oktoberfest or the Spring Festival. This gives you a chance to meet more women or continue your conversations. The atmosphere is always relaxed and casual.
Social Circle
Social Circle is a community for young adults that brings like-minded people together for various activities. Whether it’s board and card games, volleyball, or padel, you’ll do things together and get to know new people. The events are lightly moderated, so you don’t have to worry about awkward silences. The number of participants in each activity is also limited, keeping the group manageable. To join, you’ll need to reserve your spot in advance and pay a fee depending on the activity.
Socialhood
Socialhood follows a similar principle to Social Circle: There are various activities you can sign up for, and the platform is moderated to make it easier to make friends in Munich. Depending on the event, Socialhood also offers groupings by age or events specifically for women or men. This way, you can choose the format that suits you best. Additionally, Socialhood has its own website and app through which you can connect with others.
Language Cafés
If you’re interested not only in making new friends but also in cultural exchange, language cafés are a great place to start . There are several of them in Munich, including ones at the City Library and the Gasteig. There, you can either help others learn a language or learn a new one yourself. The selection ranges from German and English to Spanish and Italian, all the way to Arabic and Turkish. Not only will you get to know new people and their languages, but you’ll also learn more about other cultures and their traditions.
Bumble BFF
Most people probably know Bumble primarily as a dating app, but it also offers a friendship mode. You can tell a little bit about yourself in your profile, share photos, and then swipe through other profiles—just like when dating. If there’s a match, you can chat with the person and make plans if the vibe is right. If you use the standalone Bumble BFF app instead of the integrated mode in the dating app, you also have the option to participate in group activities or start your own. This way, you can choose whether you’d rather meet just one person or several at once.
If you want to meet new people in Munich in a laid-back way, Craft Cinema Night is perfect. It combines movies with creative crafts and relaxed conversation. Bring your project with you and work on it while watching the film. The theater isn’t dimmed as much as usual, so you can still see well enough. Before and after the movie, you’ll have the chance to chat with like-minded people and connect over your shared hobby. Craft Cinema Nights take place irregularly at various Munich movie theaters, such as the Monopol near Nordbad or the Royal Filmpalast on Goetheplatz.
