Our Newsletter

Making Friends in Italy: best Tips for Expats

Posted on May 23rd, 2022

by Adriana ruiz


Moving to a new country can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when it comes to making new friends. In Italy, a country known for its vibrant culture and warm hospitality, there are several ways you can start building meaningful connections with both expats and locals. In this article, we will provide you with some valuable tips on how to make friends once you have settled in Italy.

✅ Prepare a Monthly Budget for Socializing:
One of the first steps in expanding your social circle is to allocate a small monthly budget for social activities. This budget can cover attending events, dining out, and participating in various social gatherings. By investing in your social life, you create opportunities to meet new people and engage in activities that facilitate connections.

✅ Attend Expat and Language exchange Events:
Expats events are an excellent way to meet individuals who have gone through similar experiences and are open to building new friendships. Don’t hesitate to attend these events alone, as many others are in the same situation and are eager to make new connections. By attending these gatherings frequently, you can gradually become familiar with the community and build relationships with like-minded individuals. Check out upcoming events we host here.

✅ Nurture Relationships:
Once you have met new people at events, it’s crucial to stay in touch and nurture those relationships. Take the initiative to plan activities together, such as grabbing coffee, exploring the city, or joining a local club or group. Remember, friendships require effort from both sides, so be open, supportive, and interested in others’ lives. By building a genuine connection, you increase the chances of fostering lasting friendships.

✅ Learn Italian:
One of the most valuable tips for making friends in Italy is to learn the local language. Speaking Italian not only helps you to communicate effectively but also opens doors to deeper cultural immersion and lasting friendships with locals. Italians appreciate the effort made to learn their language and are often more inclined to build strong connections with those who show an interest in their culture and way of life. If you are looking to learn Italian  try our lesson for free before you sign up.

✅ Find a Hobby:
Engaging in activities or hobbies that you enjoy is an excellent way to meet like-minded people in Italy. Whether it’s joining a sports club, taking art classes, or joining a book club, pursuing your interests allows you to connect with individuals who share similar passions. This shared enthusiasm forms a strong foundation for friendships to flourish.

Making friends in Italy is an exciting journey that requires an open mind, proactivity, and a genuine interest in connecting with others. By preparing a social budget, attending expat events, nurturing relationships, learning Italian, and finding a hobby, you can create a network of meaningful friendships that enrich your experience in Italy. Embrace the opportunity to meet new people, immerse yourself in the culture, and enjoy the warmth and hospitality that Italy has to offer.

Don’t forget to check out our Social Media accounts and Newsletter so you can join us in the next Social Meet-ups for Expats! We hope to see you at Meetup soon!


The New Italian Citizenship Law in 2025: Acquisition, Loss, and Reacquisition 1

The New Italian Citizenship Law in 2025: Acquisition, Loss, and Reacquisition

This article offers a comprehensive overview of Italian citizenship, outlining the various pathways to its acquisition, conditions for its loss, and provisions for its reacquisition. Rooted in Law no. 91 of February 5, 1992, Italian citizenship law emphasizes individual intent and acknowledges the right to hold multiple citizenships. The foundational principles include the transmissibility of […]

How to Get the Digital Nomad Visa for Italy in 2025 – The Freelancers' Guide 2

How to Get the Digital Nomad Visa for Italy in 2025 – The Freelancers’ Guide

Italy has always been a dream destination for those who love food, history, and the good life — and now it’s becoming a hotspot for remote workers and freelancers. In 2024, Italy officially introduced the Digital Nomad Visa, a long-awaited permit designed for non-EU remote workers and freelancers who want to live and work legally in Italy while […]

Italy Is Reducing Bureaucracy Across Key Services 3

Italy Is Reducing Bureaucracy Across Key Services

Italy is introducing a new wave of administrative simplifications aimed at reducing bureaucracy and improving public services. Minister for Public Administration Paolo Zangrillo announced that over 260 simplification procedures have already been implemented, with more on the way as part of Italy’s commitments under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). Key Updates and How […]

Transport Strikes in Italy in July 2025: Full Calendar by City and National Level 4

Transport Strikes in Italy in July 2025: Full Calendar by City and National Level

In July 2025, several national and local transport strikes will affect trains, planes, and buses. The disruptions—driven by various labor unions and involving both public and private operators—could seriously impact mobility for tourists during the peak season and for Italians during their daily commutes. Below is a detailed breakdown of the confirmed transport strikes happening […]

How to Navigate the Property Search and Purchase Process in Italy 5

How to Navigate the Property Search and Purchase Process in Italy

Looking to buy property in Italy? We are here to help you step by step! Have you always dreamed of owning a home in Italy—whether it’s a charming countryside farmhouse, a coastal villa, or a cozy apartment in a historic town? We’re here to help turn that dream into reality. Buying real estate in Italy […]


Contact info