How to Meet New People in Boston: 8 Fun Ways to Connect

Just Moved to Boston? Here’s How to Discover the City and Meet New People

Welcome to Boston! Now What?

Moving to a new city can be thrilling—and a little overwhelming. If you’ve just unpacked your last box in Boston, you’re probably wondering how to go beyond your neighborhood and start building real connections. The good news? Boston is packed with ways to explore, socialize, and settle in.

If you’ve just landed here and are wondering how to meet people in Boston or looking for the best ways of making friends in Boston, you’re not alone.

Whether you're here for school, work, or a fresh start, these ideas will help you fall in love with the city—and meet some great people along the way.

1. Make Friends in Boston Through Hands-On Cooking Classes

If you're looking for a fun, low-pressure way to meet people, Selfup cooking classes in Boston are the perfect icebreaker. These hands-on experiences bring together locals and newcomers alike over fresh pasta, dumplings, French favorites, and more.

Pro Tip: Give yourself (or a fellow newcomer) a Selfup gift card - a thoughtful way to say “Welcome!” and start making memories in your new city.

🍝 From date night to solo adventure or small group outing, cooking classes are a cozy, flavorful way to connect.

2. Join Local Clubs & Meetup Groups to Meet People in Boston

Boston is home to dozens of rec leagues, from soccer and softball to trivia nights and board game meetups. Websites like Volo Sports, Meetup, and Eventbrite are great places to find activities that match your vibe.

🏐 No skills required—just show up and join in.

3. Explore Neighborhood Markets and Cultural Events

Check out the Boston Public Market, browse street fairs in Cambridge, or catch a free concert on the Esplanade. These community events are ideal for meeting local artists, neighbors, and fellow explorers.

🎨 Tip: Attend solo, strike up conversations, and don’t forget to ask for local recs!

4. Get to Know Boston Through Its Food

Food is a universal language—and Boston speaks it fluently. Beyond cooking classes, try neighborhood food tours, visit farmers’ markets, or dine at community tables in local restaurants.

🍷 Selfup gift cards are also redeemable for gourmet culinary experiences—a sweet gift to yourself when you're settling in.

5. Volunteer for a Cause You Care About

Want to meet people while doing something meaningful? Volunteering is a great way to connect with Boston's nonprofit community. Platforms like Boston Cares and VolunteerMatch can match you with causes that align with your passions.

❤️ Giving back helps you feel at home—and might lead to lifelong friendships.

6. Try a Local Class or Workshop

From ceramics to salsa dancing to mixology, Boston is bursting with creative workshops and hobby-based classes. Many are one-time events that don’t require long-term commitment, making them perfect for newcomers.

🎁 Bonus: Add a Selfup gift card to your “Welcome to Boston” wishlist—it opens the door to multiple foodie workshops!

7. Say Yes to Random Invitations

The key to feeling at home faster? Embrace the spontaneous. Say yes to coffee invites, community events, or that “friend of a friend” gathering. Every social interaction helps build your Boston crew.

🫶 It takes courage, but even one yes can open doors to a whole new circle.

8. Speed Dating and Organized Social Events

If you’re new to Boston and craving face-to-face connection, speed dating nights and curated social mixers are great ways to break the ice. These events are designed for real conversation—fast, fun, and surprisingly low-pressure.

Boston has a growing scene of themed mixers, from book club nights to wine tastings, often hosted in cozy lounges or unique venues.

💬 New in town? These events help you meet fellow Bostonians who are also open to making new connections, romantic or platonic.

Sites like CitySwoon, Pre-Dating Speed Dating, or even Eventbrite list upcoming meetups tailored to different interests and age groups.

🎁 Pair it with a Selfup gift card invite—“Had fun meeting you, let’s cook together next time?”

Why Selfup Gift Cards Are Perfect for New Bostonians

Easy to gift or receive
Thoughtful for welcoming a friend, colleague, or new neighbor.

Valid for 7 years
No rush to redeem—explore when the timing feels right.

Flexible and fun
Choose your own class, invite a plus-one, or go solo and meet new friends.

Personalized
Add a message or even a video greeting. Schedule it to arrive on move-in day!

Ready to Discover Boston?

Moving to Boston is just the beginning. From culinary adventures to cultural deep dives, your new city is full of ways to feel connected and inspired. Start your journey with something that feels warm, local, and human—like a Selfup cooking experience.

🎁 Explore Selfup Gift Cards in Boston →

If you’re still wondering how to meet people in Boston, just remember: showing up is the first step to making friends in Boston.

✅ Quick Tips for Making Friends in Boston

Whether you're a student, young professional, or recent transplant, building real connections can feel challenging at first. These quick tips will help you start making friends in Boston and feel more at home in no time:

• Be consistent with attending events
  Regularly showing up to social gatherings or recurring meetups increases your chances of forming genuine bonds.

• Volunteer locally to meet like-minded people
  From community kitchens to local clean-up drives, volunteering is a great way to meet people in Boston who share your values.

• Follow up with new connections over coffee
  After meeting someone at an event or class, invite them for a casual coffee to strengthen the new friendship.