Where to Meet Men: 14 Fun Places (That Aren’t Dating Apps)

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Expert tips to make authentic connections with single men

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1 Bars & Restaurants

2 Concerts

3 The Gym

4 Fitness Groups

5 Sports Meetups

6 Hobby-Related Groups

7 Church

8 Weddings

9 Volunteer

10 Bookstores

11 Visit Cafes

12 Class

13 Dog Parks

14 Find a Matchmaker

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Co-authored by Hayley Quinn and Marcus Pruitt, BS

Last Updated: December 10, 2025 Fact Checked

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Whether you’re an older person looking to meet the next love of your life or a young person just trying to develop more connections, meeting men in real life can seem daunting. But it’s a lot easier than you think! As long as you’re confident and put yourself out there, you can meet men in all different types of places. In this article, we go over some of those places with the help of various dating coaches and matchmakers, who also provide tips for developing strong, long-lasting bonds.

Best Places to Meet Men In Real Life

Event specialist Kevin Wang suggests meeting people at bars, parks, concerts, yoga classes, and other social events, as it's easier for everyone to openly be themselves. According to Wang, the most important thing when meeting new people is to take initiative and put yourself out there when you can.

Steps

1

Bars & Restaurants

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1. 
   Head to a bar or restaurant and let a man approach you. Bars are some of the best places to meet single men. Plus, having a few drinks can help everyone loosen up and shed some of the anxiety that comes with meeting new people. Matchmaker Christina Jay says, “Sometimes you're best off just going by yourself and having a meal by yourself at the bar.” Let someone approach you. You’re more likely to be approached alone than in a group.

   • Event specialist Kevin Wang (from Amiccio, a social events organization) says that the most important thing when meeting new people is to take initiative and put yourself out there when you can.
   • Wang says that if you’re in a major city, meet people at bars, parks, concerts, yoga classes, and other social events, as it’s easier for everyone to be open and put themselves out there.
   • To attract someone at the bar, drop hints. Jay says being direct is the best approach for telling someone you like them.
   • According to Jay, “Subtle hints, like giving them compliments here and there, can be more than enough for them to know that you're interested.”
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2

Concerts

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1. 
   Concerts help you find men who like the same music as you. Concerts and live music are a great way to meet men you share interests with. Plus, concerts are already social events. Whether you’re into hip-hop, pop, techno, rock, or another genre, there’s typically a concert or music gig going on somewhere near you. So, grab some tickets and head to a local venue. If you’re enjoying the music and notice a guy enjoying it just as much, approach him and ask to dance.

   • From there, start a conversation and see if they’d like to see you sometime after the show.

3

The Gym

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1. 
   When a guy catches your eye at the gym, introduce yourself. If you take your fitness seriously, meeting guys at the gym is a great way to find someone who takes their fitness just as seriously as you. If you notice a guy always comes to the gym at the same time as you and consistently does the same workouts, slowly introduce yourself. Start with eye contact and a smile in between workouts, then say hey to him a few days later. If he’s receptive, find an excuse to talk to him.

   • Ask him to spot you or help with a workout, then make conversation while you exercise together.
   • Jay says that joining a gym or doing other active activities you enjoy can help you meet men.
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4

Fitness Groups

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1. 
   Join a running group or boxing class to meet new guys. If you love to get your run on or like to blow off steam with boxing or karate classes, join a fitness group! You’ll get the opportunity to consistently see the same people (which is rare, especially as you get older), take on new challenges and obstacles together, and stay fit all at the same time! Don’t be shy, either. Some casual competition can help break the ice and introduce you to your future partner.

   • If you’re getting ready for a race, look at the guy you’re interested in and say something like “Let’s see you try to beat me!” to playfully tease him.
   • Wang says that being active, finding hobbies, and going to social events can help you meet new people. Find common ground through interests and activities to help solidify new bonds.

5

Sports Meetups

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1. 
   Find someone who’s into the same sport as you. Whether you’re a basketball player or a volleyball fanatic, going to sports meet-ups lets you meet like-minded people. For example, if you’re into tennis and looking for a guy who’s interested in it, too, matchmaker Abby Rosenblum suggests attending a tennis meetup. You’ll meet people with common interests and get the opportunity to build bonds with them, whether it be friendships, relationships, or something deeper.

   • Even if the first guy you meet doesn’t turn out to be the right match, at least you have a new teammate!
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6

Hobby-Related Groups

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1. 
   To meet someone who shares your hobbies, join a related group. Joining a group related to your hobbies is a great way to meet guys who you click with. Check out Facebook and join groups related to your hobbies to see if they have any meetups in your area. Alternatively, sign up for an online service like Meetup and join hobby-related groups in your area. Many of them have regular in-person meetups where you just might meet your next partner.

   • If you enjoy yoga or other mindful activities, join a yoga or pilates class.
   • If you’re in your thirties, Wang suggests trying to meet people through your hobbies, especially if they’re social in nature.
   • Wang also suggests joining dance classes, running clubs, and book clubs if you’re looking to meet new men.

7

Church

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1. 
   Meet a man at church to find someone with shared values. If there’s a single man who’s been frequenting your church, introduce yourself! When you meet a man at church, the odds are already in your favor, as you know you have shared values. Shared values are a part of the foundation for a strong and happy relationship. If you’re nervous, talk to your pastor, priest, or minister and ask for advice. They’ll likely be happy to help!
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8

Weddings

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1. 
   Introduce yourself to the single guys at the wedding. Although a wedding is dedicated to celebrating the loving union of two long-lasting partners, it’s also full of single people who are friends or family to the bride or groom. So, don’t be afraid to shoot your shot! Try to look your best and, if you’re close to the bride or groom, ask them what single friends are going to be at the wedding. They can help you find the right guy and set you up for the same love they’re experiencing.

   • Try to be respectful when you’re looking to meet new people. Remember, weddings are about celebrating the loving union of two people, so avoid drawing too much attention to yourself.

9

Volunteer

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1. 
   Volunteering is a great way to meet men with similar values. Volunteering helps you give back to your community in whatever way is best for you while meeting like-minded men. Whether you’re volunteering at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter, you’ll be surrounded by other people who are trying to give back to the world. So, introduce yourself to fellow volunteers while it’s slow and get to know them. You never know where it’ll lead.
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10

Bookstores

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1. 
   Post up at a bookstore and introduce yourself to guys you’re interested in. Plenty of guys are into people who read, and even though bookstores aren’t as common as they once were, plenty of them still frequent. If you’re into reading, take a trip to your local bookstore and set up there. Meeting someone at a bookstore already tells you that you have a common interest (books), so that’s a good start! Post up on the couch, grab a coffee and a good book, and leave room for a guy to sit next to you!

   • If a guy sits next to you, introduce yourself and talk about what you’re reading. Ask what he’s reading too, and if you sense that he’s interested in you, try to get his number.

11

Visit Cafes

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1. 
   Visiting a cafe is a great place to meet people. Cafes are communal spaces where people go to work, relax, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee in the comfort of other people. If you’re looking to meet new men in an area that’s low stakes, head to your local cafe. If you notice a sitting by themselves, ask if you can sit with them and strike up a conversation. If they’re receptive, continue the conversation and ask for their number to see them again.

   • If a guy is working, it’s best to approach them when they seem less busy. They may be on the clock or too busy with work to hold a conversation.
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12

Class

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1. 
   Sign up for a class for the opportunity to meet new men. Whether you’re taking a cooking class or a language class, signing up for a class is a great way to meet new people while learning new things. Cooking classes are hands-on, language classes are great ways to stimulate your brain, and art classes help you express your creativity. If you want to meet a single guy who’s also learning new things and interested in expanding his mind, sign up for a class.

   • Many teachers will pair students together, so sit next to a cute guy for a higher chance at meeting someone new.

13

Dog Parks

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1. 
   Dogs are a fun and casual conversation starter. But, if you’ve got a furry friend and want to meet someone new, dog parks are a great place to start! Let your dogs introduce themselves to each other, and while they do, introduce yourself to the owner. If he ends up being taken, that’s okay! If not, suggest a play date or a friendly joint walk between the dogs. Then, get to know him and see where things go!

   • This only works if you have a dog. Going to a dog park without a dog may cause people to wonder what you’re doing there.
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14

Find a Matchmaker

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1. 
   Matchmakers are dedicated to finding the right partner for you. Rosenblum also suggests contacting a matchmaker in your area. Matchmakers are dedicated to helping you find a partner that you can develop a serious, committed relationship with. Many matchmakers allow you to put yourself in their database for free, and they often match people with their life partners, so try your luck and reach out to one!

Join the Discussion...

How can you meet people without dating apps?

Damona Hoffman
Celebrity Dating Coach

To meet people outside dating apps, I recommend making use of your connector circle. Your connector circle is often your second and third-degree friends or connections who might know the right kind of people to introduce you to. Find a hobby and a group that you can become a part of that might expand your social circle or your dating connections. Also, go to singles events. Try first Fridays at a museum, speed dating, or a mixer. Every day of week, there are these events happening.

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April Davis
Matchmaker

I know that dating apps can feel like your only option for meeting other singles now, but I promise there are tons of old-school ways to make new connections!

Don't be afraid to tell your friends and family that you're single and looking. Your social circle can be your best way to meet truly compatible singles. Plus, meeting someone through a mutual helps build trust early on.

Get out there and go out on the town! COVID has done a number on nightlife, but more people are slowly dipping their toes in the water again and going out with their friends. Start going to local festivals that pique your interest, checking out unique, local venues, or pick up a new hobby you can do in a group, like painting or pottery.

Depending on your budget and relationship goals, a matchmaker can be a great option as well. Matchmakers typically only work with singles who want a committed relationship, so if you're just casually dating, it might not be a great fit. But if you're looking for something serious, a matchmaker can help make dating more personalized, supportive, and successful.

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• Dating coach Imad Jbara says that if you’re shy and want to be more expressive, put yourself out there and have friends you look up to help you out.
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• Jbara says that confidence comes from accepting yourself, and if you can do that, nothing will stand in your way.
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