Things to do alone in London that make it easy to meet people

The towpath runs from Little Venice through Camden and King's Cross to Islington, Hackney and beyond. It's flat, easy to follow and busy with walkers, runners and cyclists. Stop at Camden Lock or Granary Square for a break: both are full of people sitting by the water.

Read more about the Camden end and the Hackney end.

An old railway line turned into a long, leafy path between Finsbury Park and Highgate, passing through Crouch End. It feels like countryside in the middle of north London, and the same faces walk it every weekend. Combine it with Highgate Wood or Alexandra Palace for a longer day: see our Haringey guide.

parkrun is a free, timed 5k on Saturday mornings in parks all over London, and you can walk it as well as run it. You register once online. It's one of the friendliest things in the city: lots of people go alone, and many stay for a coffee afterwards.

The British Museum, the British Library's exhibitions, the National Gallery, Tate Modern and the Natural History Museum are free to enter (some special exhibitions charge). Museums are made for going alone, and late openings and free talks draw people who like to chat about what they've just seen.

London's lidos and open-water spots have loyal regulars. Parliament Hill Lido and the Hampstead Heath ponds in Camden, and London Fields Lido in Hackney, all have early-morning crowds who see each other every week. Check each one's own website before you go.

Markets are perfect for one: no table to book, lots to look at, and shared benches where talking to the person next to you is normal. Try Camden Market, Broadway Market in Hackney, Chapel Market in Islington or Borough Market near London Bridge.

A weekly class (pottery, life drawing, dance, cooking, a language, climbing) gives you the same people every week and something to talk about straight away. Local libraries, community centres and adult education colleges run plenty at sensible prices. A course that runs for several weeks is better than a one-off, because you'll see the same people again.

Volunteering is one of the most underrated ways to meet people in London. Park friends groups, food banks, community gardens, city farms and charity shops all rely on regular volunteers, and the work gives you something to do with your hands while you get to know the people next to you.

Look for something that runs at the same time each week near where you live. Your local council and library usually list what's going on, and city farms such as Kentish Town City Farm and Hackney City Farm are good places to ask.

Sometimes the best solo plan turns into a plan for two. On PingMee you can post a status like 'Walking the Parkland Walk this afternoon if anyone fancies it' and see people nearby who are up for the same. If you both ping, a private chat opens, and if nobody's around, you still have a lovely walk. It's for new friends, relationships or networking, and it's free. See how PingMee helps you make new friends.

Meeting someone for the first time? Keep it public and read our safety checklist first.