Meeting people in Johannesburg the old-fashioned way
Forget about dating apps, make instant real-life connections at these Johannesburg hangout spots.
Dating apps are so yesterday, and people are returning to the good old days of meeting potential love interests while out and about.
It seems many people on dating apps like Tinder and Bumble aren't really looking for real romance.
According to The Guardian, dating apps are starting to give people 'the ick'. The publication noted that Tinder's subscriptions were down 7% in the third quarter of 2025, while Bumble had to cut 30% of its global staff.
If you are tired of swiping right, here are a few places you can meet people in Johannesburg.
Running Clubs
If you haven't heard yet, running clubs are the new dating apps and social clubs. The trend has been gaining traction in recent years, with many people worldwide sharing stories of meeting their partners at running clubs. Johannesburg is no different. Some people swear that they will never join a running club because they are not waking up at 7 am or 8 am to break a sweat. However, being in a running is a major green flag. It shows that you or a potential partner are:
- Discplined
- Health-conscious
- Goal oriented
- Committed
At the end of the day, health is wealth, and you definitely want to be around someone who will keep you motivated.
Dog parks
If you don't like running, try a dog park. Dogs are the perfect way to break the ice when meeting new people. There's no awkward phase when a friendly dog is around. You can strike up a conversation by asking them about their dog. Pet owners love talking about their fur babies. Pet owners are major green flags because:
- Caring, loves animals
- Responsible enough to take care of a dog
- Patient
- Committed to a routine
Co-working spaces
If you don't have a dog, try a co-working space, especially if you are going for that 'power couple' vibe. Shared workspaces are a great way to meet and network with like-minded people. There's also usually caffeine involved, which makes it feel like a coffee date. If you visit the workspace regularly, faces will start to look familiar, which makes it easier to approach people. Red flags include:
- Ambitious
- Independent
- Focused
- Good time management.
Interest-based activities
Everyone has a hobby. Find your hobby soulmate by taking part in activities you're interested in. Join a chess club or book club, take salsa dancing lessons, and join a padel club or participate in an evening of games. Without even saying a word to them, you will have at least one thing in common with a potential love interest. Major red flags:
- Passionate about something
- Curious
- Enjoys socialising
- Good work-life balance
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