New York · WORKSHOPS
Good workshops & classes fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Meet artists such as Ghost, Leaf, or Ghost Face Mims at a Bushwick studio for a one-hour graffiti lesson. Learn spray-can control, lettering, shading, and color, then help create a wall piece. Choose the canvas option if you want original art to take home.
“Quite an authentic venue in the right area. A big thumbs up!!!”
At the Ground Zero Museum Workshop, you’ll hear personal stories behind 100 photographs and artifacts from the nine-month recovery effort. Gary Marlon Suson’s images, a stopped clock, World Trade Center steel, and window glass fill an intimate Meatpacking District space. This is separate from the official 9/11 Memorial Museum.
“Such an impactful collection packed in to a small space. It was an honour to meet Gary: his narration explaining the backstory of the photographs and artefacts was informative and moving.”
At Graff Tours in Bushwick, you’ll learn aerosol techniques from NYC graffiti artists such as Leaf, Ghost, and Mims. Practice on a wall, create a personal canvas, and take your work home. The one-hour class welcomes beginners, families, teens, and adults, with groups capped at six.
“Entertaining! Fun! Educational! Leaf, our guide to graffiti was awesome! We showed up, Felt welcomed, we knew nothing about graffiti and it was perfectly fine. We took away our graffiti, Leaf is very encouraging and guided and assisted us the entire way!”
Meet near Sheep Meadow for an all-level, English-language yoga class in Central Park. You will practice with up to 10 people, enjoy skyline views, and finish with essential oils during shavasana. Mats can be rented, and rain may move the class indoors.
“This was the second time I did this class and there’s a huge difference according to the teacher. First time was so great with a teacher that helps us by correcting our posture, she took the time for each of us. And the class actually lasted 1h30. The second time I did this class was ok but disappointed. The teacher went very fast for a yoga class, it lasted barely one hour, which is annoying as we paid for 1h30. We were only 4 attending the class and I felt like she hasn’t take the time for us at all. Otherwise the concept is really nice especially when there’s a…”
Join photographer Zim for a three-hour, small-group photo walk through Midtown Manhattan. You’ll practice camera settings, angles, locations, and composition at Times Square, Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, and the Chrysler Building. The group is limited to eight people and begins near Grand Central Terminal.
“I enjoyed this tour a lot! The photographer was personable and professional. I learned many techniques. We visited many areas around the city, and I got the chance to take pictures of people, objects, scenery, and buildings using the techniques I learned. The experience was amazing!”
At Bagel Market in New York City, an award-winning baker guides you through rolling, shaping, boiling, topping, and baking New York-style bagels. You will work in a real bagel shop, taste a fresh bake with cream cheese, enjoy light bites and drinks, and take home your creations and recipes.
“I enjoyed every minute of it. I learnt a lot and practised with expert bakers. A wonderful experience. Could do it again and again!”
Ride through Central Park in a private pedicab with Ricky, whose stories, movie clips, photo help, and local tips bring the park to life. Choose a one to three-hour route with stops at Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle, and other landmarks.
“We took the one hour ride around the park at the latest timeframe available because of our work schedule. However, we were still able to see all the sites and had a wonderful time. Our guide Ricky really knew what he was talking about and we could tell he loves to give these tours. I learned so much more about Central Park then I had ever known before. It truly is a magical experience. The Pedi-Cab is a very fun, comfortable, and fast way to see the history and monuments of this beautiful park. Ricky did a great job showing us clips of movies, news stories, biographies, etc that really…”
Meet at 325 W 37th Street for a three-hour English-language sushi class led by chefs such as Danny, Oliver, Chris, Armando, and Ashley. Learn rolling, presentation, chopstick skills, and Japanese food traditions, then enjoy sushi, miso, tempura, and other dishes you help prepare.
“Chef Chris and Chef Armando were GREAT! They were informative, funny and super helpful! The class was great and the food was amazing! Class was so good I am going to do with my co-workers! Should sell the aprons!!!”
Meet your English-speaking instructor near Le Pain Quotidien by Sheep Meadow, then walk to a quiet outdoor spot for a one-hour yoga class. You’ll work through breath-led movement, pose alignment, strength, and flexibility with options for every fitness level.
“Le cours était incroyable!!!! Je le referais sans hésiter !!!”
Meet teacher Shannon near Sheep’s Meadow for a one-hour, beginner-friendly yoga class in Central Park. Rent a mat in advance, practice outdoors with up to 15 people, then visit Strawberry Fields and Bethesda Fountain before returning to the meeting point.
“Shannon was a perfect teacher caring of each participant. She is a smiling person that encourages you during the lesson doing your best. Attending this class with the skyline of NY will be one of the best experience I will bring home!”
Join Mary and her hosts for a three-hour Italian cooking class in Greenwich Village. Prepare pesto, pasta, salad, sauce, and dessert using Union Square Farmers Market ingredients, then sit down to eat with wine. A rooftop meal with skyline views may be possible.
“Absolute best time! The food and company were amazing! We learned a lot and have already made one of the dishes at home!”
At 136 17th St in Brooklyn, a local chef guides you through spring roll pancakes, chicken teriyaki, garlic broccoli, and vegetable fried rice. This three-hour Cozymeal class welcomes up to four people, includes step-by-step instruction, and can accommodate many dietary needs with advance notice.
“We chose this class for a birthday celebration/date night and had the best time! Our Cozymeal chef made the experience really relaxed and informative and we learned a lot while having so much fun. I would absolutely book again!”
Meet Chef Jamie at 136 17th St in Brooklyn for a three-hour, small-group Italian cooking class. You’ll make potato gnocchi, whipped ricotta crostini, and tiramisu, then enjoy the full meal. Bring wine or beer, and share dietary needs in advance.
“Outstanding - learned technique making the ricotta crostini, gnocchi, and tiramisu. Chef Jamie was warm, engaging, and knowledgeable.”
Join professional photographers such as Zim and Alex for three long days of shooting New York City. Learn camera settings, flash, lenses, and long exposures while photographing the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Grand Central, Times Square, Chinatown, and more. Top of the Rock admission and a one-week subway pass are included.
“Fantastic way to improve your photography skills and to enjoy the city without worries and waste of time. Zim has been a fantastic tutor and we definitely enjoyed NYC even more because of her. If you can book a provate tour - definitely worth the investment.”
Join Owen and an expert chef in New York for a hands-on Chinese dumpling class. Learn traditional folding techniques, hear about Chinese culture, and make dumplings you can enjoy at the end. The class is in English and costs $117 per person.
“We had a lot of fun on the course. The result was delicious! I can only recommend it!”
Pick a borough, a boat or a booking.
