Top 13 Workshops & Classes in New York

1.Brooklyn Graffiti Workshop with Local Artist

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 570 reviews · 1 hour · from $45Our pick

At Graff Tours’ Bushwick studio, an English-speaking local artist guides a small group of up to six through spray-can techniques, from thin lines and shading to lettering. You’ll practice on the studio walls, learn about graffiti culture, and can select a personalized canvas to take home. Instructors have included Ghost, Ghost Face Mims, and Leaf.

“This was such a great family activity. My husband and I brought our sons (13 and 21). Everyone loved it and Leaf was fantastic. A great teacher, personable and funny. We would highly recommend.”

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2.Ground Zero Museum Workshop Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 463 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $34

At 420 W 14th Street, explore Ground Zero recovery photographs and artifacts with a museum guide and a BOSE audio tour in four languages. You can handle and photograph select pieces of World Trade Center steel and window glass. This is a small, emotional workshop, not the 9/11 Memorial Museum downtown.

“We spent at least an hour and a half listening to every story on the artifacts and pictures that were captured during the recovery. Very touching and moving experience. Sad reminder of how many lives were lost and how many of the first responders that have passed since from the toxic conditions that they worked in.”

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3.Brooklyn Graffiti Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 287 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $45Top rated

At Graff Tours’ Bushwick studio, an NYC graffiti artist leads a one-hour, beginner-friendly spray-paint workshop for groups of up to six. Learn basic techniques, practice, then make a piece of your own to take home. Instructors have included Leaf and Ghost Face Mims. No art experience is needed, and children can join with an adult.

“Great fun with my 13 and 19 yr old kids. Great tutorial followed by practice and then creating your own art. Highly recommend. Not far from subway.”

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4.Central Park: Highest Rated Yoga Class in New York City!

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 56 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Meet near Sheep Meadow for an English-language, all-level yoga class with UrbanNomadYoga. The activity lasts 90 minutes and includes a one-hour class, Central Park scenery, and an essential oil experience during savasana. Groups are limited to 10. Bring water and comfortable clothes; rent a mat for an extra fee.

“La maestra fue lo más linda y paciente para quien no sabía de yoga, lindisima experiencia”

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5.3 Hour NYC Photography Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 45 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $125

Explore Times Square, Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, and the Chrysler Building with a professional photographer. In this small-group, three-hour workshop, you’ll practise camera functions, angles, and composition while photographing buildings, scenery, objects, and people. Photographer Zim is praised for clear, friendly instruction. The group is capped at eight.

“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!”

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6.9/11 Museum Workshop: 100 Images and Artifacts “Hands-On”

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 25 reviews · 1h 30m · from $36

At the 9/11 Museum Workshop in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, you’ll watch a 12-minute film, then explore 100 images and artifact stories on a BOSE audio guide. Photographer Gary Marlon Suson’s images document the nine-month Ground Zero recovery effort. You can also handle select artifacts, with staff guidance, and ask the on-site guide questions.

“Bella esperienza, i racconti ti fanno immergere in quello che ha vissuto il fotografo in quel momento.”

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7.Bagel-Making Workshop with an Award-Winning Baker

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 22 reviews · from $150

At Bagel Market, an English-speaking instructor guides you through shaping, boiling, topping, and baking New York-style bagels in a working bagel shop. You’ll see the commercial process, hear how bagels became a New York staple, and eat fresh bagels with cream cheese. Dough mixing is not included.

“Would like to make the dough. Time was filled well. Enjoyed seeing the whole process of how bagels are made. Will definitely try this at home. Would have liked to receive recipes at the venue.”

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8.Central Park, New York: Yoga Classes in the park since 2012

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 13 reviews · 1 hour · from $24Best value

Join The Yoga Trail for a one-hour outdoor yoga class in Central Park. An English-speaking instructor leads breathwork and flowing poses, offering options for different fitness levels. Meet 15 minutes early at Le Pain Quotidien by Sheep Meadow, then walk together to the class spot. Bring a mat or towel, water, sunscreen, and a warm layer.

“Le cours était incroyable!!!! Je le referais sans hésiter !!!”

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9.Authentic Asian Cooking Class in NYC (Includes 4-Course Meal)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $159

At a Brooklyn cooking class led by a local chef, you’ll learn knife skills and ways to balance bold ingredients while preparing four Asian-inspired dishes. The group is limited to four people, and the three-hour session ends back at 136 17th St. Bring your own wine or beer if you’d like a drink with the meal.

“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!”

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10.Italian Gnocchi-Making Class in NYC (Includes 4-Course Meal)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $145

At 136 17th St in Brooklyn, learn to make potato gnocchi with a local chef during a three-hour, small-group Italian cooking class for up to four people. Prepare ricotta crostini, gnocchi with Florentine sauce and tiramisù, then sit down to eat. Chef Jamie led one reported class, but the chef may vary. Wine and beer are BYOB.

“Outstanding - learned technique making the ricotta crostini, gnocchi, and tiramisu. Chef Jamie was warm, engaging, and knowledgeable.”

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11.3-Day Immersive Photography Workshop in New York City

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $1,223

Spend three long days photographing New York landmarks and neighborhoods with a professional photographer guide. You’ll work on camera settings, lenses, flash, and long exposures, then shoot sites such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Chinatown, and Grand Central Terminal by day and night. Zim is a named instructor, but the guide for your dates is not specified.

“I’ve just returned from the 3 day boot camp workshop after going on many of their photo safaris over the past 3 years. I’m always thrilled with my images when I get back, this time was no different. They’re fantastic at getting us to the best lRead more”

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12.Chinese Dumplings Cooking Class in NYC – Fun & Delicious!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $117

In New York City, an English-speaking chef teaches you traditional dumpling-making techniques and shares cultural context. Owen is singled out as an excellent teacher. Expect a hands-on class with a welcoming, dinner-at-home feel, though the exact menu, duration, and venue details are not specified.

“This was such an intimate and informative class. We learned so much not only about hpw to make dumplings but also about Chinese culture. You feel like someone is welcoming you into their home to have dinner such a lovely experience definitely recommend.”

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13.Harlem Swing Dance History Stroll and Dance Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 4 reviews · from $30

Start at the Schomburg Center for Research in Harlem for a one-hour walk about the neighborhood’s swing music and Lindy Hop legacy, including dancers such as Frankie Manning. Then take a swing dance class with an instructor. No partner is needed; bring comfortable shoes, as dance shoes are not included.

“no he podido hacer la actividad, no habia nadie esperándonos”

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