1. Running Latte Club – Run, meet, grab a coffee
The Running Latte Club (RLC) is more than just a running club; it's a vibrant community built around a shared love of running and coffee. Born from a simple idea just a year ago, RLC has quickly gained a loyal following.
The concept is simple: enjoy a group run followed by a relaxing coffee at a local café. We have already written about this method, also gaining popularity abroad.
NO NEED TO BE A MARATHON RUNNER – A BRISK WALK IS PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE.
The shared experience of exercise, followed by a social gathering, fosters a sense of camaraderie and makes it easier to connect with others. Even the most introverted among us find it easier to strike up a conversation after that post-run endorphin rush. While winter runs might not be everyone's cup of tea, RLC offers a fantastic way to break free from the monotony of the week and push your fitness boundaries in a fun and social environment. Best of all, two community runs are held each week, completely free of charge.
2. Hike N Coffee – Hence the name
Founded by Bálint Németh, a seasoned hiker and barista, this innovative concept combines the joys of the outdoors with the social charm of a coffee break. Inspired by his passion for both hiking and coffee, Bálint realised that the two could be seamlessly intertwined. Drawing upon his eight years of experience as a barista, he discovered the art of crafting delicious coffee even in the most unexpected locations, proving that a quality brew is possible anywhere, even amidst the beauty of nature.
While not exclusively for singles, Hike N Coffee offers a Singles Only option every other month, providing a relaxed and social environment for those seeking new connections. Hiking, again, fosters a sense of camaraderie. The shared experience of navigating trails, enjoying the scenery, and perhaps even conquering a challenging ascent, can break down barriers and encourage conversation.
Hike N Coffee focuses on
LEISURELY HIKES (8-10 KM) FOLLOWED BY A COFFEE BREAK AND SOCIAL HOUR.
This relaxed pace ensures accessibility for all fitness levels, while the emphasis on social interaction creates a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, for HUF 6,990.
Beyond hiking, Bálint also hosts Singles Only cooking workshops, offering a fun and interactive way to meet new people. These workshops are designed to be inclusive, catering to individuals of all ages and cooking abilities. While participants in their early to mid-thirties tend to be most frequent, Bálint believes that age should not be a barrier to connection. So, ditch the Netflix binge and embrace the opportunity to connect with others while enjoying new experiences.
3. Timeleft – Dining with strangers, connecting with the city
Timeleft, a global phenomenon, has arrived in Budapest, offering a unique social dining experience. This innovative concept brings together five strangers for an evening of conversation and shared meals, fostering connections across cultures and backgrounds. For expats and locals alike, Timeleft provides a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, practice language skills, and immerse themselves in the vibrant social scene of the city. The app's user-friendly interface allows you to choose your preferred language of communication, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Before your first dinner, you'll complete a brief personality test, allowing Timeleft to carefully curate your dining group. You'll receive the exact dining location on the morning of the event, and the specific time will be confirmed two days prior.
While the initial thought of dining with strangers might seem daunting, Timeleft has thoughtfully incorporated icebreaker games to ease any nerves and facilitate conversation. With a focus on creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, Timeleft ensures that
EVERY DINNER IS A SMOOTH AND ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE.
+1 Budapest Book Club
Budapest Book Club, founded by Nasya Zeyn, a lovely Azerbaijan girl who moved to Budapest three years ago, is a vibrant community of book lovers. They come together every month for coffee and laidback conversations about the monthly read. But really and truly,
it's a woman-only meet-up, creating a safe space to connect and chat about anything and everything.
Now, the club has a waiting list, but worry not – you can still sign up! While there's a dedicated website, it's best to DM Nasya on her Instagram, and she'll give you all the instructions. If you can't make it to the meet-ups, you can still be part of the community, get inspiration for your next novel and read along! And that's not all – they have other events during the month that book club members are welcome to join: think pottery class, jewellery making, vision board creation, and network dinners - because sometimes you need more time to chat about life. Locals and expats are both welcome to come along; it's a great chance for locals to practise their English and foreigners to meet locals.
(Cover photo: Németh Bálint - Hike N Coffee)
