Trying to meet people in London is a full-time job. Add in a new city, new slang, possibly new weather anxiety—and dating can feel like organized chaos. But some apps do a better job than others at making it all make sense for foreigners. Here’s what works in this big city full of strangers, train delays, and overpriced cocktails.
Boo: For When You Want More Than Banter
Boo focuses on who you are, not what side of the river you live on. It matches users using personality traits from psychological models, skipping the swipe-frenzy. Boo is also queer-friendly and filters matches by cultural origin and values.
78% of expats in London say dating feels shallow. Boo responds to that. It’s not free, but the pricing turns away people who aren’t serious. If you’re tired of ghosting or “wyd” openings, this is better.
Thursday: One Day, IRL or Nothing
Thursday is active for one day a week. That’s not a typo. On Thursdays, it shows who near you is single, and you either meet them or don’t. The app works well in London because people are busy. Long commutes eat into personal time—I’m looking at you, Northern line.
Foreigners use Thursday to meet locals face-to-face without feeling weird. Their events, like singles nights at The Anthologist, draw a regular crowd that wants a break from endless texting.
Hinge: Built for People Who Want To Stay a While
Hinge asks questions that help people show more than a face and age. And in a place like London, where small talk can feel like pulling teeth, that helps.
Professionals use it heavily—especially those aged 25–35. A lot of the best matches happen when both people aren’t in a rush, and Hinge works well for that. Add in the “most compatible” suggestions feature, and it gives you people worth having a pint with.
Your Type, Their Terms
Dating in London isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some folks are here for a yearlong work contract and want casual meetups. Others are planning to stay, flat-hunt, and maybe raise a couple of corgis someday. Apps like Hinge and OkCupid work well for those building something long-term. But for more flexible dating goals, apps like Bumble offer styles that let people define the kind of connections they’re open to—without assuming everyone wants the same thing.
And not everyone dates the same way. Some apps focus on shared hobbies, others on lifestyle. Thursday schedules users like a meeting, while Swanned helps expats find comfort in cultural shorthand. Secret Benefits, HER, and even Victoria the App all pull crowds who have their own rules on dating. If you’re new to London, knowing what you’re looking for matters—but so does finding an app where others are clear about what they’re looking for too.
Swanned: For When Cultural Shortcuts Help
Swanned connects users from Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK. The app knows that shared slang, humor, and values can make early conversations feel less awkward.
62% of expats say they want to build friendships first. Swanned lets you choose mates or dates, making it easier to find your rhythm in a new city. It also got a big jump in use after travel opened up in 2024.
Bumble: For When You‘ve Had Enough Random Messages
Bumble has women message first (till recently), which already makes it safer for many. Expats say it gives them more control over tone and pacing. The app also hosts in-person events across London, which makes it easier to meet people who aren’t glued to their phones.
During the pandemic, its video chat got more popular. Turns out, some people like talking before meeting in real life. That stuck. And with London date nights costing upwards of £60, talking first isn’t a bad idea.
Evntful: Match Over Events, Not Emojis
Evntful connects users through events based on specific interests. Those could be live gigs, food fairs, or hikes. 61% of expats in London find shared hobbies the easiest way to meet people. Evntful focuses on that.
Its in-app emergency contact feature also helps those who are new and not as familiar with the city. Safety matters more when your usual support system is somewhere else.
HER: Support and Dating for Queer Expats
HER isn’t just a dating app—it includes event listings and local threads. That helps when you’re new to a city and aren’t sure where it’s safe or welcoming. Monthly meetups at Dalston Superstore have become a hub for foreign users.
1 in 4 HER users in London weren’t born in the UK. The app allows people to build community first, then romance, which feels more natural for many queer expats.
OkCupid: Nosey in a Useful Way
OkCupid throws questions at you. A lot of them. Some are serious, some you won’t know how to answer. But the more you answer, the better your matches. 2000+ questions may sound like homework, but they improve match quality a lot.
For foreigners, the app’s filters help cut through the randomness. If you need someone who shares strong views or values, it narrows things down.
Luxy: Rich Expats, This Is Your App
Luxy vets users by income and profession. Its London crowd includes finance, consulting, and tech types. Shared interests tend to be luxury dining, business travel, and minimal drama.
Around one-third of users list “urban lifestyle” as a priority. If that matches how you live, you’ll run into others who think dinner at Sketch is normal, not extravagant.
Some apps are meant for quick chats; some are built for relationships. If you’re new to London, the best one is the one that shows you people who understand why you’re here, who you are, and what you care about.
