Top 10 Cities To Travel And Make New Friends

The hustle and bustle in today's society makes the struggle to meet new people an overwhelming fear. Opportunities to connect with others and forge connections present themselves few and far between whether you’re a young adult or seasoned. This is why we have compiled a list of cities where you can develop new relationships while traveling. Traveling is not just for exploring new places and experiencing new cultures; it is also about expanding your norm and meeting new people you would never have in your typical day-to-day life. 



Tokyo, Japan

Many carry the misconception that Tokyo is running far too busy and fast-paced to find the time to forge meaningful connections with locals and other travelers alike. In reality, Tokyo offers a wide variety of experiences for you to try out, including opportunities to meet new people. While the culture itself serves as very welcoming and hospitable to curious travelers, the general excitement of the city makes for the perfect foundation to connect with others along the journey with you. What are fun activities to consider? Go back in time and visit the Asakusa district, filled with temples and traditions; you can never go wrong with learning more about Tokyo's rich history. Dive into modern craziness and visit Shibuya Crossing to enjoy the bustle of pedestrians and the glamour of exquisite architecture. If you’re looking to ensure you see cherry blossoms and get the chance to enjoy nature in general, Ueno Park is the place to hang out.   

Cape Town, South Africa 

For wild adventure seekers, Cape Town is a must for your bucket list and a fantastic place to meet new friendly people seeking the same thrill as you. This city perfectly blends excitement, natural beauty, culture, and history. This epicenter for tourism that attracts younger people from around the world offers a long list of excursions for you to embark on while connecting with other like-minded people. Explore the unique landscape of the Cape Peninsula at Cape Point to see where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet while enjoying the vast network of hiking trails packed with others. If you have a passion for wine, then the Cape Winelands is the perfect place to try a variety of wines with friends and experience different tours through the rolling hills of vineyards. Cape Town also offers a number of volunteer opportunities for you to get together with others and make a long-lasting positive impact. 

Phuket, Thailand

One of the most popular islands in Thailand, this tropical oasis will be your escape from the modern world and provide the perfect backdrop to meeting new friends. Thailand offers adventure for all kinds of travelers, thrill seekers, those looking to immerse themselves in culture, and even the ones looking to sit back and relax. The only issue with Thailand is deciding where to start; with so many options, it might be best, to begin with one of its many beaches. If you’re looking for more excitement and plenty of people to meet, Patong Beach is the perfect mix of beach enjoyment and nightlife. For a more relaxed beach experience, Karon Beach will have everything you need just to sit back and enjoy. With the fun of beaches, don’t forget to visit the famous Big Buddha in the Nakkerd Hills, which offers you the perfect panoramic view of the island. Want to explore more and learn about snorkeling adventures? Unique cuisine? Visit here.

Barcelona, Spain

The perfect city to immerse yourself in vibrant excitement on every street, Barcelona is a perfect place for travelers to come together to forge friendships. Its welcoming charm includes tapas bars, stunning beaches, street culture, and more to encourage social connections everywhere you go. Barcelona gives you a variety of activities for everyone to explore, from history, art, architecture, food, and more. It's easy to find something to do that you're passionate about. Start with a visit to the Sagrada Família, a gothic basilica that will take your breath away; from its deep roots to exquisite craftsmanship, the architecture will leave a lasting impression on you. If this architectural style impresses, you consider extending your day into the Gothic Quarter to discover even more medieval brilliance. If you’re looking for something more lively, watch a Flamenco Show and experience a performance as you’ve never seen before alongside travelers just like you. Beyond this, your options will never be limited with discoveries like Montjuïc Hill, the Museu Picasso, and more. 



In conclusion, the world has a lot of cities for you to explore and connect with locals and travelers that you otherwise wouldn’t meet in your typical day-to-day. Everyone needs a moment to refresh from life with a little travel; forging global friendships is the perfect way to go about it. If you’re drawn to a metropolis like Tokyo or a more peaceful place in Phuket, there is a place out there where you feel comfortable getting out there and talking to new faces. Always remember to embrace the differences travel offers in learning about new cultures, trying new food, taking in gorgeous landscapes, and having a great time overall. You’ll be amazed by the people you meet and the friendships you earn along the way. 


Don't want to wait to meet new people? Post your Trip Idea on Bunking and find people to connect with ahead of time.