Disclaimer, I am new to this but have been picking up more and more ideas / observations.

Whether you are new to a city or your friends are busy or you just feel like going out alone, it can still be a fun experience. In all of the nights I have gone out alone, I had a blast.

Here are some pointers. Please feel free to add/recommend.

  • Go to a bar where there are "distractions"
    • This could be a live band, TVs with sports on
    • You can avoid feeling out of place by diverting your attention when you have no one to engage with
  • Move around a lot, if possible
    • Being in one spot for a long time could make it obvious you are out alone
    • This means big venues are better than smaller ones
  • Stop being so self conscious about being alone. It's important to know that most of the people in the venue will only know a handful of people. It's highly unlikely they will even notice you are alone.
  • Obviously, engage with strangers - you can start to loosen up this way and get the ball rolling in stop feeling like you are out alone
    • People waiting in line to get drinks are good ones
    • Also approached people who seemed like they were bored / not talking to anyone, most of the times they are receptive
  • I have had people ask me where my friends were. Not 100% sure what the best response would be. Sometimes I say I'm new to town (which is true for me), sometimes I say friends are busy so I'm out alone.
  • Don't go home early - the later the night, the more people are receptive to talking with you (sometimes they approach you first as well)
  • There have been better / worse runs. A bad night doesn't mean your next night alone will be too.
  • Have fun, smile, don't take it too seriously!