The most in-demand experiences: Nature, cuisine, arts and sightseeing

In a consumer survey conducted by Panterra, over 85 percent of respondents said that experiences and activities are an important part of travel¹, indicating a strong desire to explore destinations more fully. The completely reimagined Airbnb Experiences—hosted by locals who know their city best—allow guests to uncover the best parts of a city, whether they’re exploring a new destination or unearthing hidden gems in their own backyard. We’re revealing the experience types travelers are seeking most, and the ways guests can experience them on Airbnb.

Travelers are going beyond the guidebook and seeking authentic adventures

The survey reveals that the most sought-after experiences by both domestic and international travelers include:²

The survey also shows that when it comes to experiences, travelers are looking to experience something new and deepen their cultural understanding of where they’re visiting. ³ Airbnb Experiences provide a diverse array of offerings, delivering authentic ways for travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture and enhance their journey. Whether it’s savoring organic matcha during a traditional tea ceremony or embarking on a breathtaking sunset hike along the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, there are countless opportunities to experience the world in a truly unforgettable way on Airbnb. Here are some exceptional experiences to add to the itinerary:

Sightseeing and tours

• Stroll the literary Left Bank with a novelist (Paris, France): Uncover Parisian sites and stories of Hemingway, Baldwin, and many other authors with a published novelist and historian.
• Visit celeb graves at Hollywood Forever Cemetery (Los Angeles, California): Join a walk through the cemetery to hear jaw-dropping stories of Old Hollywood with a Hollywood film historian. 
• Explore baroque architecture (Rome, Italy): Delve into masterpieces, experiencing the dramatic flair and genius of the Baroque period with a Rome native art historian.
• Explore canals and markets (Bangkok, Thailand): Enjoy a unique morning exploring hidden markets and take part in Buddhist almsgiving.
• Cinematic tour of Mexico City’s movie landmarks (Mexico City, Mexico): Explore iconic movie locations in Mexico City and step into the world of cinema with an editor and film critic with over twenty years of experience in film journalism.

Culinary explorations

• Taste and savor French cheeses with cheesemongers (Paris, France): Sample different cheese varieties and learn about their history and pairing techniques with a co-founder of a modern fromagerie.
• Make pastries with The French Bastards (Paris, France): Recreate The French Bastards’ iconic treats at home with tips from their head chef who is in charge of pastry research and development.
• Taste wine with the Best Young Sommelier of France (Paris, France): Sip and swirl iconic French wines at a Parisian cellar alongside an industry rising star.
• Explore Santa Monica Farmers Market with a chef (Los Angeles, California): See and savor LA’s dynamic food culture with a founder of an award-winning bakery in Los Angeles.
• Savor organic matcha in a tea ceremony in Shibuya (Tokyo, Japan): Immerse yourself in an ancient Japanese custom,
under the guidance of a tea expert and founder of a matcha brand.

Nature and outdoors activities

• Private tour of Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum (Austin, Texas): Learn all about sculptor Charles Umlauf and tour his sculpture garden with the executive director and curator of the museum.
• Sunrise hike on Mount Etna’s volcanic slope (Sicily, Italy): Climb before dawn on Etna’s northern slope and watch the sunrise light the volcanic landscape with a volcanological guide.
• Explore Amsterdam’s canals on flower bikes (Amsterdam, Netherlands): Pedal Amsterdam’s hidden gems and iconic canals, learning local history and stories with the “Flower Bike Man” who has been decorating bikes since the early ’90s.
• Learn to surf in Portugal with a board enthusiast (Costa da Caparica, Portugal): Enjoy a beginner-friendly lesson in an empty lineup with perfect conditions next to Lisbon with a surf instructor with over twenty-five years of surfing experience.
• Learn to draw nature at Kew Gardens with an artist (London, England): Explore the 300 acres of Kew Gardens with drawing exercises and fresh perspectives with a botanical artist and illustrator.

Arts and culture endeavors

• An intimate evening stroll through Musée d’Orsay (Paris, France): Admire one hundred masterpieces at dusk, when the crowds are smaller with a local Impressionism expert.
• Roam the Saint-Ouen flea market with an expert (Paris, France): Explore Paris’s epic flea market with an author who wrote a book about it.
• Practice the art of tattooing with Scott Campbell (Los Angeles, California): Learn the fundamentals of design, sketching, ink, needles, and technique before putting machine to (silicone) skin with a world-renowned tattoo artist and fine artist.
• Paint a still life in a historic 1876 studio (Florence, Italy): Work alongside an artist and studio owner to create your own oil painting of seasonal produce or flowers.
• Make glass beads (Osaka, Japan): Step into living history and craft your own vibrant glass bead using time-honored techniques with a glass artisan.