It’s stressful enough figuring out your packing list when you’re about to travel to a new destination (will it be hot? Cold? Is 57 pairs of underwear enough?), but planning your trip itinerary doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck — that’s what trying to sleep in the middle seat on a plane is for. If you want to make the most of the time you have when you don’t know the locale very well, or are wrangling together a big, indecisive group, there’s an easier way to do things than searching “what to do in X city” and just hoping for the best.
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Airbnb is one of our frequent go-tos when it comes to finding a unique spot to call home base while in a new place (not to mention their wide variety of music-themed rentals — vacay at a Dolly Parton country condo anyone?). But if you’re the type of person who wants to learn about where a city’s artists produce their best work, or the hole-in-the wall spots where local musicians cut their teeth, it can be hard to find these activities if you don’t know anyone in the area to maneuver you away from the tourist traps. But Airbnb Experiences is a great way to discover the best of wherever you’re visiting, no travel planners required.
Book an airbnb experience You can use it to book all different kinds of activities, whether you’re into off-the-beaten-path walking tours with knowledgable local guides, or you prefer to jump right in to more hands-on experiences taught taught by the masters. We like that you don’t have to go far from your rental to find the best tours and activities on Airbnb, but you might find yourself coming home with a new concert outfit from thrift store hopping in NYC , or some new toe-tapping line dancing skills from Nashville.
We’ve rounded up some of the best Airbnb experiences for the art culture and music lovers across the country, including highly-rated excursions with 4.8 stars or higher. So what are you waiting for? Start making those life-long memories (or at the very least, some sick beats from your own DJing lesson ).
NASHVILLE
Line Dance Lessons in Nashville
$40/person
Book now on airbnb Even if you have two left feet, there’s nothing like kicking up your boots and getting your blood bumping on the dance floor — especially if you’ll be able to take those new moves home with you. This line dance lesson starts with a beginner level dance, then something more challenging to test your skills. The best part? You get a video of your group’s dance to take home with you as a Nashville keepsake.
LOS ANGELES
Journey Through LA's Vibrant Art Scene
$30/person
Book Now on airbnb Led by a culture writer for outlets like Vanity Fair, you’ll get a guided tour through LA’s historic Arts District and visit some of the essential spots and undiscovered gems. From cutting edge art galleries, to unique snacks by way of Little Tokyo, and ending at one of the area’s most historic (and photogenic!) breweries, this is a great way to see the area from a local’s perspective.
NEW YORK CITY
The Thrill of the Thrift
$100/person
book now on airbnb Need a new outfit for the last few dates of the Eras tour ? A grunge-y leather jacket for the Oasis reunion ? This NYC-based celebrity stylist will take you vintage shopping in Soho , while also giving you personalized fashion advice on how to bring out your unique style. The tour also focuses on sustainability in style, so you’ll find a piece you’ll love long after the stage lights go down.
SAN FRANCISCO
The Art of Floral Design
$95/person
Book now on airbnb Instead of spending the day walking through another average park or botanical garden, why don’t you spend the day in a floral atelier? Get immersed in the Bay Area’s creative culture by creating pressed floral compositions with a florist with a background in visual design. Forget cheap trinkets — you’ll be able to handpick from a selection of dried flowers and create your own framed masterpiece to take home as a souvenir.
HANALEI
Group Ukulele Lesson for Beginners
$25/person
book now on airbnb If you’re ready to flex your string-plucking fingers, get your travel group together, pick up your ukulele of choice and settle in to learn the basics of strumming out a tune . You’ll be introduced to a few simple chords that will allow you to play around plenty of songs, and everyone takes their lesson booklet home with them after the class. This short and sweet lesson is a great way to spend a rainy evening (“Because we know how much Kauai loves her rain…” says the host).
NEW YORK
New York Graffiti Chronicles
$36/person $45/person
20% off Book now on airbnb Ever looked up at a graffiti-covered building in NYC and thought to yourself, “I wonder what kind of history is going on behind those designs?”. Every wall tells a story, and Inkhead, a graffiti writer with three decades documenting and obsessing over NYC’s graffiti, leads a graffiti tour through the Lower East Side . Learn the stories behind some of the city’s most iconic writers from an insider’s perspective, and, as a bonus, enjoy a slice from Scarrs at the end of the tour.
MIAMI
Music Production/Beat Making Experience
$150/person
Book now on airbnb Sure you can catch a local musician’s set at a bar — or you could be in the studio, whipping up your own beats. This two hour-long experience lets you learn some of the basics of the music production process and even how to make your own beats. You’ll also gain insights into the industry from a two-time Latin Grammy-nominated and four-time Billboard charts Record Producer and Mixing Engineer.
SAN FRANCISCO
Art Curator's Tour of Minnesota St Projects
$75/person
book now on airbnb You can always walk through an art gallery, but have you ever wanted to go behind the scenes? The Minnesota Street Project is at the center of SF’s art world, and if you want learn more about the local scene, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with local artists or gallery owners during this tour. Step through into three to four galleries/art studios during this tour and connect with a variety of different styles and mediums of art.
NEW ORLEANS
Frenchmen Street Live Music Pub Crawl
$49/person
book now on airbnb If you’re ready to party down, but don’t even know where to start, let a local Jazz musician be your guide! This three-hour private tour will take you beyond Bourbon Street to the music clubs, and cocktail bars of Frenchmen Street, the live music capital of New Orleans. Not only will you be able to dance to the grooves of world-class brass, funk, blues bands and more, you’ll also get some tales of Nola music history along the way.
SEATTLE
Experience Glass Project
$225/person
Book now on airbnb Sometimes the hottest place in any given destination is quite literally the hottest . Visit the studio of two local glass artists and learn the process of blowing glass and techniques like taking a gather, marvering, blow’n-cap, and shaping glass. Since we all know that teamwork makes the dreamwork (and in this case, will make you two to three of your own little creations like paperweights or drinking glasses), this special lesson is recommended for more than one person.
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