Maybe you’re recently single and not sure where to start after a long relationship. Or maybe you’ve been on the dating scene for a while but you’re not having much luck. Either way, you’re in the same situation now: trying to find the best place to meet singles. So, what are the ten best places to meet singles?

10. Parties

Get off your butt and go to that house party you got a Facebook invite to. So, you only know one person on the guest list. So, what?! That’s the point! Unfortunately, you will meet some serious duds at house parties, but for the most part, if you know the host is okie dokie then most of the guests should be as well.

9. Museums

Okay, so maybe art and shit isn’t your cup of tea (or bottle of beer), but I’m telling you – museums are a great place to meet intelligent, sharp, and imaginative individuals. Plus, even if you don’t get the nerve up to go introduce yourself to that cute brunette admiring the Monet, you still get to take in some culture and maybe learn a thing or two.

8. Dog Parks

It’s been said that “bitches love dogs”, but I think dogs work as chick and hunk magnets equally, depending on the breed. You really can find lots of singles at a dog park, and if you love dogs then it’s a great place to meet singles that have at least that one similar interest with you. Men and women who own dogs are also showing that they are responsible, caring, and are able to form emotional attachments.

7. Speed Dating

As cheesy and ineffective as it has been portrayed in movies, speed dating can be a fun, casual way to meet singles. It has high potential and low commitment – you meet a ton of eligible, young singles without spending a lot of money (registration is usually $50 or less) or wasting more than a night of your time. A quick Google search of speed dating in your city will bring all kinds of results. Often, you can even find themed speed dating so as to ensure you have even more in common with your dates.

6.  Volunteering

Not only is volunteering a great way to meet caring, compassionate singles, but if you take advantage of the right opportunities, you will also find singles with similar interests and have a lot of fun too. Interested in movies? Volunteer at your local film festival. Love animals? Try the nearest shelter or the Humane Society. Again, a quick search for volunteer opportunities in your city will show all kinds of results.

5. Clubs

No, I don’t mean loud-music, low-lighting, bro-fest dance clubs. I mean a group of people who are dedicated to a particular interest or activity. Yeah, I looked up the definition. Chess club. Photography club. Book club. Model Train Club. The possibilities are seemingly endless, and again, not only will you meet singles, but it’s yet another way to find singles with common interests. And if there isn’t a club to interest you in your area, why not start one up? You’re sure to find other aficionados who will appreciate your efforts.

4. Classes

Why not learn something new and meet singles at the same time? There’s so many things you can do! Want to be a better cook? Hey, that’s a skill that could transfer well to dating. Always wanted to try fencing? Why not start now? Once you start looking, you’ll find tons of opportunities for fun and interesting classes starting up all the time. Check your local gym – they’re sure to offer fitness classes like yoga, spinning, and even pole-dancing. Community centres and other public spaces will offer a variety of other classes – art, dancing, baking, writing, new languages – almost any skill you’re interested in learning. You’ll meet singles who are in the same boat as you – learning a new activity. You’ll be learning, bonding, and hopefully succeeding at the class together – the perfect start for a budding relationship.

3. Conventions/Trade Shows

Do you know how many people attend ComicCon? More than 130,000. And okay, so maybe you don’t want to hang out with “a bunch of sci-fi nerds and comic book freaks,” but there’s conventions and trade shows for a wide variety of businesses, hobbies, interests, etc. It’s a great place to meet a high volume of people. And for the record, ComicCon-esque events are pretty mainstream now, so there’s no reason to rule them out even if you only have a small interest!

2. Local Events

You wouldn’t believe how many cool events happen that you never even hear about. I’m sure it’s less true of a small town, but in a city like Toronto, there is always something to do. There’s sporting events, promotional events, movie screenings, concerts, comedy shows, booking readings/signings, plays and musicals – the list goes on and on. Look for locally based blogs that have event listings, or check out your local newspaper. This one is a personal favourite of mine

1. Online Dating

Online dating has become one of the most effective ways to meet singles. You’re not going to get a better way to find that perfect someone. Someone who has the same interests, values, and lifestyle as you. Someone who is looking for the same thing as you – be it serious commitment, casual dating, or a no strings attached hook up. And, of course, someone who you are physically attracted to. As great as all the previous ideas are, none even come close to online dating. Most of these involve meeting a high volume of people, yes, but single people? There’s no guarantee. With online dating you can specify exactly what you’re looking for and only choose to pursue those who meet your requirements and catch your eye.

We’ve reviewed tons of online sites, including: SocialDateFinder, NaughtyMeetings, EasySex, and HookupCloud.