24 Best Airbnb Experiences to Book Around the World

Tried and tested by a contributor of our very own, Sebo Marobela’s dressmaking class is a can’t-miss in Johannesburg. Jessica Poitevien, having already eagerly run through the South African capital’s hottest museums and tours in the early days of her trips, booked her course hoping that it would be equal parts social and fabulous. She got what she wanted—a day spent getting to know Marobela while exploring the fashion district, learning the basics of sewing, and more. And she left with a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Depart Marrakech at 9 A.M. one morning for a break from the restlessness of the city. Mustapha is taking you to the Atlas Mountains, and he’s bringing some special companions. Along the route to the Ourika Valley, ditch the motorized vehicles for a camel. On humpback, you will be delivered to a nearby argan oil cooperative for breakfast and a tour before remounting your steed and taking in some startlingly serene views. You’ll be back in the city by 5:30, rejuvenated and relaxed.

Not many are keen on waking up early on vacation, but for those looking to explore more of central Vietnam, you’ll be happy you did. Travelers get a chance to discover how the world operates while they’re sleeping. As an eleventh generation Hội An local, Ha Nguyen is familiar and passionate about the morning rituals of local business owners. You’ll spend the morning traveling around and getting to help family-owned establishments get ready for the day. At the top of the morning, you’ll sit with the owner of a 200-year-old noodle shop and observe the noodle making process; make your way to an ancient fishing village where you’ll experience the first catch of the day with local fisherman; grab a cup of joe as you watch cafe owners grind the beans and prepare to open for the day; and head to a rice wine distillery where you’ll see how they harvest the grain and get to sample over 15 different types of rice vinegar. When you get back home, you’ll have a new outlook on how much can get done in a single morning (and new experience on your resume).

Instagram doesn’t show it, but there is so much more to Turkey’s historic, beautiful Cappadocia than hot air balloon rides and sunsets. It’s also known for its longs-standing population of artisans—another way in which travelers can engage with the region. Ceramicist and Airbnb Experience host Hasan offers classes on his craft. It’s not difficult to see why his pottery workshop is top-rated—in addition to giving you the creative joy of working with clay, he promises to pick you up from your hotel and share a cup of Turkish coffee or tea with you before flaunting his skills on the wheel.

If you don’t know what you’re doing, shopping a Chiang Mai marketplace might seem daunting. What should you buy? And for how much? But hosts Nok and Aek have you covered. The pair will start your morning or afternoon with a half hour tour of an open-air market, teaching you about the local produce as you leaf through baskets of colorful vegetables and fruits to select the ingredients that call out to you for the cooking class ahead. You’ll then head to their school to whip up a five-course feast. You make your own menu, choosing between Pad Thai, fried drunken noodles, Pad See Ew, and fried cashew nut for mains, and between Khao Soi, green curry, Massaman curry, and red curry for the dedicated curry course. (Beginners, vegans, and vegetarians are welcome.)

What do you know about Balinese cuisine? Less, certainly, than you will after five hours with Kadek at this community farm. Beginning with a welcome drink, this experience moves to a walk-through of the UNESCO-protected Sabak System of farming. Along the way, you’ll pick ingredients that you’ll then use to prepare a six-course meal—tuna sate and corn fritters are called out as possible seasonal menu items.

This animal sanctuary, located approximately an hour north of Sydney in the peaceful town of Palmdale, offers the opportunity to interact with a number of rescued animals under the Australian sun. You have about 90 minutes to make sure each resident critter gets a snack from your hands—pigs, cows, sheep, alpaca, and a gang of goats all count themselves citizens of Moo to Ewe.

For over 200 years, the Cassio family has continued the ancient art form of making mosaics. It’s one of the most unique art forms that Italy is known for and a once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn from masters. Guests will be able to get their hands dirty by creating their own mosaic masterpiece to commemorate their time in Rome. Each course goes over the distinctly Roman composition, the title cutting process, different textures, how to create dimension.

Most people have fond memories of recipes being passed down while cooking with their mothers, father, grandfathers—and especially—grandmothers. In the village of Palombara, a group of beloved nonnas are passing down these recipes to travelers through pasta making classes. The group work side by side while they knead and roll out pasta dough before diligently making ravioli, fettuccine, and farfalle by hand. The sauces and sides are made with the same amount of care and love, and are sourced from the freshest local ingredients. But it wouldn’t be a true family dinner without family—expect to see aunts, uncles, and cousins ready to dig into your dishes.

When Emy Rodriguez Flores planned a trip to Bordeaux, wine tasting was top of mind. Bubbling under, however, was a lasting aversion to large groups—a condition difficult to avoid on such excursions, unless you’re willing to pay a premium. Enter Alexandre and Retro Tour Bordeaux, an Airbnb experience where you’re whisked between tastings in the sidecar of a motorcycle. It’s just you and your driver—if you bring a companion, you can take turns clutching Alexandre’s back, and Alexandre is happy to call in a friend should you have a larger party in tow. That you get novel thrills and spectacular views alongside your tasting is just icing.

Iona Brannon also fancied seeing France in the fast lane, using two-and-a-half of her 48 hours in Paris to discover the French capital’s monuments with Rémi as her guide. You hit all the classics here—the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Boulevard de Clichy, and Montmartre—but the real reason to book is access to some of the lesser known lookouts from which to take the whole city in by starlight. For what it’s worth, Rémi himself seems like a total sweetheart, with Brannon recounting her time with him: “After a tiring day of work at his day job, seeing his city through the eyes of newcomers gave him renewed energy and excitement for Paris. He also made new friends. I could see why. Rémi was knowledgeable about Paris, but more importantly, he was courteous and extremely respectful.

What are a pack Alaskan huskies doing on a farm in Tromsø, Norway? They’re waiting to take you for a ride, that’s what. This is a four hour activity, all taking place near snowy forests with beautiful Lyngen Alps mountains in view. First, the hosts will hook you up with warm gear to change into: good winter clothes. Then comes the kennel, where Delphine and Espen will train you in the art of dog handling. This is also, of course, where you’ll be introduced to your mode of transportation. For two hours, you’ll explore the trails on your sled. Note that moderate levels of physical fitness are required because you’ll need to help push the sleds up steep inclines and break the dogs on the steep declines.

This Traveler-approved Sicily boat tour explores the largest protected marine area in Europe, dipping into secluded coves and grottos, exploring islands, and slinging Aperol spritzes. As we mentioned above, Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler’s articles director, experienced it first hand. In her editor recommendation, she writes deliciously about not only cruising on the cerulean waters, but also about the food she ate tasted along the way. During the boat’s stops she and her family ate uni-rich pasta, drank crisp Erse white wine, and (for the adventurous) plucked patella mollusks straight off the rocks and slurped them while swimming.

Vermont is covered with dense forests dotted with maple syrup trees, and there is no shortage of them on Taft Farms where Robert leads the maple syrup demonstrations. With more than 25 years of experience, he’s been producing small-batch maple syrup from the trees found on the historic mountain-top farm (some of the trees on the property are more than 250 years old). Travelers will go through the full maple syrup making process and get to sample different syrup grades. We wouldn’t be surprised if you take a couple bottles home with you.

Associate editor Charlie Hobbs believes experiences should add “value in the way of adrenaline or anthropological knowledge,” especially when living in a place as diverse as New York City. Not many get to experience a life that’s vastly different than their own, but Rabbi Yoni Katz and Rabbi Mayer Friedman have created space where travelers get to a look into the daily lives, rituals, and customs of the Hasidic community in Crown Heights. Hobbs went on two walking tours through the Hasidic communities in Crown Heights and Williamsburg, and food, connection, and understanding were abundant on both.

Brannon booked this experience, in part, for its clean 5-star average (from, currently, 179 reviews)—the promise of ramen at the end didn’t hurt either. First, however, this experience required some time on the beach gathering seaweed to flavor their impending meal. Snip tips of the stuff growing off of San Luis Ibispo’s rocky terrain and learn about the massive biodiversity present here—Brannon recounts, “There were some lookalikes, but Marley showed me the subtle visual and flavor differences that differentiated them. Kombu has an almost mushroom-like umami taste while its lookalike Alaria has a less appealing flavor that tastes a little like cardboard.”

This $66 food tour promises stops at “local taquerias, eclectic fusion restaurants, and nighttime street vendors (plus mezcal and beer at the final stop) while biking around Roma Norte and Condesa, two neighborhoods known for their artistic, bohemian vibes that influence everything from food and drink to decor and shopping,” according to contributor Karthika Gupta. Gupta confirms, in her review, that the experience totally delivers—in particular, the food stand Don Isa’s quesadillas. Gupta closes with love for her guide, Mario, writing, “A new city becomes less intimidating when you have a friend to show you around.”

On the docks of East Boston, a special treat awaits. It’s time to eat. These hosts’ oyster farmer friends have delivered a buckets and buckets of their finest local oysters to this secret spot, and the only thing between you and your next meal is the shucking. That’s right, you’ll have to sing for your supper. You’ll have to shuck. You’ll even leave with your very own shucking knife. Alexis, host extraordinaire and the founder of a secret supper club, recommends arriving to the dock via water taxi, an arrangement she is happy to help facilitate.

This Los Angeles hiking spot is famous for its having the best views of the city and of the Hollywood sign in particular. Animal lovers will delight in this experience. First, you pick up a small squadron of rescue dogs to accompany you on your hike—and your own pup is more than welcome to come along as well (as long as they’re friendly!). As you enjoy your hike, you’ll also be doing a world of good in exercising and socializing the animals. Animal welfare organization Free Animal Doctor provides a camera for your hike, with which you are encouraged to act as a paparazzi of sorts: snapping pics of your new furry friends enjoying the Canyon to attract potential adopters and generate interest in the organization.

Meet Jason at the entrance to Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park and let him sweep you away for two hours of off-the-grid exploration. Not only is the park impossibly lush, but it also boasts sizable and striking populations of sloths, toucans, three kinds of monkeys (including howlers), frogs, and snakes. Jason, a certified ICT Nature Specialist, is qualified and equipped to guide you through this complicated biosphere give you the best experience possible.

It’s enticing enough to say you’ll be spending the afternoon riding horses through the hilltops and valleys of Cusco, but there’s even more to enjoy than you think. The tour guides are privy to the cultures and traditions of Cusco and Peru as a whole, and are eager to get travelers involved with the history. You’ll go through the ancient Inca ruins and hear great tales of the land and the people who inhabited it. An emphasis is placed on the Andean worldview and the ever evolving relationship between humans and nature as you frolic through grass and catch glimpses of the local wild life.

Traveler’s global associate director of social media, Mercedes Bleth, was poking around Airbnb for nature-based activities when she stumbled upon this three-to-five hour tour of Tijuca National Park led by Stefano Glauco. Most notable from Bleth’s experience? The lack of crowds at the vistas Stefano led her to—she writes, “A major appeal of the e-bike tour is that it enables people not only to cover a lot of ground through the rainforest, but also to see extraordinary views similar to—and often better than—the views at the more popular and crowded vistas. The forest routes Stefano guided us through were blissfully empty, including the 2016 Olympic cycling route, filled only with the hum of birds and bugs, and the occasional croak of the toucans.”

This easy tour just south of Lima, lets you get your hands dirty. Or sandy? Your hosts will take you out in the dune buggies early in the evening. The trip out itself does not quite coax the adrenals—they make a point, in fact, to emphasize the relaxing, romantic nature of the drive. Thrill-seekers will be sated once the dunes come into view. This portion is 50 percent careening over the piles of sand and 50 percent sandboarding, which is, as you might suspect, snowboarding on sand.

For a comprehensive view at the land surrounding Colombia’s capital city, look no further than Cesar Augusto’s day tour. It’s $100 for 12 hours—half a day—and includes round trip transportation. There are five stops: Guatavita Lake, Guatavita proper, the Bogota savannah, Zipaquira Salt Mine and Cathedral, and the Historic Center of Zipaquira Town. Reviews of the experience and Cesar himself as guide are glowing.