SidecarCity guide · London · 5 min read
How to make friends in London as a newcomer or visitor
London can feel anonymous, but it is really hundreds of villages stitched together. Friendships form around repeated places and shared interests.
Top 3 things to do — and how to turn them into plans
- 1
Free museum afternoon
The British Museum, Tate Modern and V&A are all free — easy group plan. On Sidecar, you can post exactly this as a plan — or join someone else's.
- 2
Sunday roast at a pub
The classic British social ritual; book a big table. On Sidecar, you can post exactly this as a plan — or join someone else's.
- 3
South Bank walk
Street performers, book markets and river views from Westminster to Tower Bridge. On Sidecar, you can post exactly this as a plan — or join someone else's.
Sidecar is for locals meeting locals, travellers meeting locals, and fellow travellers meeting each other. Friends only.
Pick a local and repeat it
A pub quiz night, a café in your neighbourhood or a Saturday parkrun — going back to the same place weekly is how strangers become friends in London.
Use the free culture
Museums, galleries, talks and comedy nights are free or cheap and full of people open to conversation. Suggest a gallery visit plus a coffee after.
Join interest groups
Run clubs, board-game cafés, five-a-side football and book clubs all exist in every borough. An activity-first plan is the norm here.
Find your people on Sidecar
Sidecar shows small, platonic plans in London in time order, each with a host introduction and a public meeting place. Join one, or post your own.