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Origins -

The concept of a “third place” first came to be in the late 1980s thanks to urban sociologist and author Ray Oldenburg. Oldenburg's research highlighting the importance of physical surroundings and human connection was the premise behind his books 'The Great Good Place' and 'Celebrating the Third Place.'

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The first third place -

The earliest third places are thought to be tea houses that emerged during China’s Jin dynasty (266–420). These spaces soon evolved to include entertainment, with jugglers, poets, actors, opera singers, and storytellers present. Through the centuries, the focus of tea houses has remained as a venue for communities to come together over a cup of something warm and to forget one’s sufferings with tea.

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Happy place -

Places of community that foster lively conversation, a sense of belonging, the opportunity to make new friends, obtain emotional support, and provide respite from your troubles, third places are the foundation of an enriched life and better mental health.

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A global health threat -

According to the World Health Organization, loneliness is a pressing global health threat, heightened by the pandemic. Research has shown that severe loneliness poses the same health risk as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and can shorten your lifespan by as much as seven years.

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Lost in isolation -

Those who experience chronic loneliness are much more likely to also suffer from anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and low self-esteem. But if the antidote to loneliness is companionship, what if we don't have our "third place" yet?

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Finding your people -

If you're craving a third place but haven’t found your spot, it can be a journey. For every cozy independent café with mismatched cutlery, home-baked goods, a friendly face behind the counter, and decor that’s charmingly outdated, you’ll find a dozen sleek, modern spots serving meticulously (but overpriced) coffee with understated (yet stylish) customers.

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Your place, or mine? -

Here, the hum of laptop keys fills the air, the barista eyes up your sweatpants suspiciously, and there’s a hush that feels almost reverent. While that might appeal to some, not every potential third place will feel like your place. Much like the artisanal coffee, it’s all about finding the right flavor that tastes good to you.

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I'll be there for you -

Embarking on the quest to find your tribe can be daunting, especially when entering an already established community. However, once you overcome any initial nerves or embarrassment, the rewards can be life-changing. So, looking for inspiration on where to find your third place? Keep clicking to check out our list of the top 10 most popular locations.

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10. Performance venues -

These venues are spaces where live performances take place. From theaters to opera houses, it’s a place of joy, excitement, and passion. Performance venues hold a unique place in people’s hearts because they are spaces where emotions are expressed, and shared experiences and memories are made.

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10. Performance venues -

Connections are formulated and nurtured through a shared love of the chosen art. People gather to experience something communal. Memorable moments such as interactions with the performers or even surprise wedding proposals can happen. In an era where digital connections often replace in-person interactions, performance venues remain physical spaces where people can feel part of a larger whole.

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9. Hair salons and barber shops -

It’s more than a place of pampering—it’s a warm, inviting haven to chat about anything and everything while you sit and let someone else do all the work.

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9. Hair salons and barber shops -

There’s a reason hair stylists have their 'regulars.' They provide a relaxed atmosphere, a friendly, non-judgmental ear, perhaps a mood-boosting playlist, and, if they’ve done their job well, you leave feeling like a million bucks!

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8. Parks and outdoor spaces -

We all know the health benefits of getting fresh air and vitamin D; simply stepping outdoors and moving our bodies gives a boost to our well-being. Beyond this, parks are vibrant spaces that naturally foster connections through a range of physical, social, and environmental activities.

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8. Parks and outdoor spaces -

Parks are often used for community health initiatives, like boot camps, running clubs, and fitness classes. They’re also an ideal place for parents to interact while their children play, or for fellow dog walkers to meet. Parks host a variety of gatherings, from birthday parties to picnics and barbecues.

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7. Places of worship -

Places of worship are ideal third places because they cultivate a strong sense of community and belonging through shared beliefs and values. Regular gatherings, like services and events, offer consistent opportunities to connect, build friendships, and provide mutual support.

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7. Places of worship -

They create a safe environment where people can share life challenges and find guidance. Additionally, places of worship often host educational and social events, such as classes and volunteer activities. These allow people to work together for a common cause, build deeper connections, and celebrate their faith.

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6. Libraries and bookstores -

Libraries have evolved beyond simple book-borrowing, much like bookstores offer more than just your next read. These spaces stimulate creativity, provide escapism, and encourage personal growth. They offer a quiet, distraction-free environment, perfect for studying, researching, or immersing yourself in someone else’s story.

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6. Libraries and bookstores -

These sanctuaries for book lovers serve as ideal third places, thriving hubs for local events, book clubs, and workshops. They foster a sense of belonging and connect people of all ages who share common interests, enriching the local community in the process.

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5. Coworking spaces -

Coworking spaces serve as third places because they offer a social, communal setting outside the home and office. These spaces seamlessly blend work with social connection, creating an environment that supports productivity while encouraging networking, collaborations, and friendships.

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5. Coworking spaces -

Coworking spaces offer a neutral, inclusive environment without any traditional workplace hierarchy and are particularly beneficial for freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers. Through open layouts, events, and shared amenities, members can build relationships and feel a sense of belonging, combating the threat of isolation.

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4. Gyms and wellness centers -

Endorphins when triggered lower stress, improve mood, and overall positively impact our well-being. This is why after a workout we feel good, even when we are sore. But these endorphin-inducing clubs also make us feel good another way, by encouraging community and bonds centered around health and wellness.

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4. Gyms and wellness centers -

From group classes to personal training, a post-workout sauna or swim, or even grabbing a nutritious protein smoothie from the café counter with a gym buddy, gyms and wellness centers are a popular choice for third places. Many also give back to the community, like the YMCA, the oldest and largest youth organization in the world.

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3. Bars and pubs -

It's Friday night, you've had a long week at work, and there's only one place you want to be! Perched in your favorite bar, sipping a cold beverage, enjoying the eclectic sounds. The joy of hearing your favorite song come on as you enter, nodding to the bartender, recognizing the familiar faces of regulars... with every friendly exchange, you feel the weight of the week slipping off your shoulders.

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3. Bars and pubs -

For generations, pubs and bars have acted as social pillars. They’re venues for conversations, friendships, budding romance, and a sense of community. You can play pool or darts, enjoy a beer, participate in a spot of karaoke, or form a team and get involved in a pub quiz. Indeed, there's much more to watering holes than getting a bit tipsy!

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2. Community centers -

It goes without saying that community centers remain a popular choice for third places. Often funded by local governments or nonprofits, these centers host classes, courses, clubs, focus groups, recreational activities, and events, offering a welcoming gathering spot for residents of all backgrounds.

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2. Community centers -

Community centers are typically at the heart of the local community (hence the name). They may organize after-school kids' clubs and/or offer a helping hand through food banks, soup kitchens, and fundraising events.

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1. Cafés and coffee shops -

Cafés and coffee shops are versatile spaces. They encourage people to converse and connect, while also offering an environment conducive to reading, studying, or focusing on work. These destinations offer a much-needed change of scenery for stay-at-home parents or remote workers. In addition, they are neutral ground for business meetings, and the ideal place to catch up with friends or family. The manager may also put on events like a local mic night or book readings to spur community get-togethers.

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1. Cafés and coffee shops -

Since the concept of the third place was introduced with the opening of tea houses in China during the reign of the Jin dynasty, to the present day the intention and focus has remained the same. Third places are a place to bring together community and make you feel good. This is why cafés and coffee shops remain the most popular third place.

Sources: (Board & Vellum)

See also: Coolest cafés in the world

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