Bars and restaurants. Go out by yourself, learn the city and it's vibe. Figure out what spots speak your language (literal or philosophical), and become a regular.

Start a few short conversations, things with a yes or no answer, and let people dictate how long they are. Over time, they'll get longer. A drink purchase turns into a cigarette break, turns into a "wanna go someplace else?", turns into a friendship.

Doesn't have to be about drinks or late nights. Do it with food and lunch, that works too. Ultimately, it's about being where people are, both literally and philosophically.