Alex Floyd-Douglass

There are very few cities with the quantity of incredible art that NYC has to offer. New York has the single largest concentration of galleries anywhere, for one thing, and for another, has some of the finest museums in the world. And it's no surprise that being surrounded by such artistic wonders will spark a few creatives. We say, go for it, and channel your inner artiste. Why spend all of your time just looking at works of art or taking selfies with them when you can discover your inner Picasso or Van Gogh? We have just the list you need to find the best art classes in NYC for every taste and technique, from painting and sculpture to ceramics and silk-screen printing. RECOMMENDED: Find more classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: Best drawing classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: Best painting classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: Best pottery classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Whether you want to write the next murder mystery and hope it gets picked up by Hollywood directors or you want to ensure that your work emails and reports are concise, grammatically correct, and rhetorically sound, these writing classes in NYC will help you put those ideas on paper. And hopefully into some of the best independent bookstores and NYC libraries (fingers crossed!). The remarkable literary institutions employ authors-cum-teachers to teach courses in everything from personal essays to poetry, so you’re sure to find a discipline that suits you. And if you need inspiration, re-reading the best books about New York should do the trick. Enjoy. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best BYOB painting classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Here in New York, we’re surrounded by amazing art and sights. Our city is home to some of the best art galleries and museums in the world, not to mention mind-blowing street art and incredible sculptures. With so much creativity coming at you from all angles, you might get inspired to take some art classes and do some creating yourself. Maybe you’re into painting or drawing or dance, but if you’re looking for something to do with your hands, these pottery classes in NYC will help you creatively express yourself through ceramics. Learn to make handmade gifts for the holidays that everyone will love. Consider an NYC pottery class as an awesome date idea, too, and watch love bloom alongside your creativity. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. RECOMMENDED: 🗽 See our full guide to classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Nowadays, you'll see almost everyone on the streets with their phones out, thinking they're professional photographers, trying to capture the perfect foodie pic or landmark landscape for their Insta. No shade though, smartphone cameras are pretty good when it comes to photo quality, and many of us are talented enough to get a great shot—even if we use filters that fix everything (no judgment here). NYC is a photographer's dream. Whether it’s iconic buildings, stunning city views, beautiful churches, pretty parks, or even incredible dishes and cocktails at the best restaurants and best bars in the city, you can get great shots of them all to share on social media. But for those who want to learn how to really capture the best pics, here are the best photography classes in NYC to get you started. Lights, camera, action. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

For anyone wanting to unleash their inner Picasso, New York City offers any number of painting classes where you can master some of the same techniques used by art history’s most famous artists or just kick back, chill out, and sip your favorite chardonnay as you swirl your brush around the canvas. We can’t guarantee that your work will find its way into the collection of one of NYC’s art museums, but we can say that you’re probably going to have a good time and maybe even learn something.If nothing else, discovering the ins and outs of the medium may give you a finer appreciation for the masterpieces you’ll see on your next trip to The Metropolitan Museum, MoMA, or the Guggenheim. And lest you’re wondering where to find the class best suited to your particular talents or aspirations, well, wonder no more: Just check out our guide to the best painting classes in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: Best art classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

It's time to turn off the TikTok tutorials and book one of the best makeup classes in NYC. No more hours wasted perfecting your eyeliner flick or cut-crease, learn from the best with hands-on training. Discover the best way to tackle beauty basics like foundation, or learn more skilled makeup techniques for bridal looks, and once you're up to speed, you might have to restock your makeup bag at one of the many beauty supply stores in NYC. Finish off your glam new look with manicured arches and smooth skin, courtesy of one of the best brow bars and best facials in NYC. Who knew a few cosmetics could leave you looking so chic? RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best photography classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

If your knowledge of another language is limited to food, beer, and where is the toilet?—you might want to consider taking a class to brush up on your slightly mediocre skills. Sure, there are apps that can help you learn, but there’s nothing like conversing with a real person to get comfortable with a new language. The best places to take language classes in NYC offer high-quality instruction both in-person and online. Whether you choose French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, or Gaelic, even beginner language classes will give you the confidence to strike up a simple conversation over una cerveza or une bière.Once you’ve developed your new language skills, stay on the path to self-improvement with more classes. New York has a whole range of opportunities for you to work on new skills and hobbies, from cooking classes and pottery classes to dance classes and more. There is no time like the present. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Find yourself doodling while on the phone? Draw random shapes in the margins of your notebooks? Or did you use to draw on your arms at school? It's time to channel that inner artiste and polish off your hidden talent with one of these drawing classes in NYC. Whether you want to ease into a beginner's drawing workshop or go straight to sketching a live model (even nude if you're brave enough), these artist-taught workshops include options for every skill level. And once you’ve perfected your sketching, why not expand your creative talents with some of the other awesome art classes in NYC? You can become a regular Picasso in painting classes in NYC, have a romantic Ghost moment in pottery classes in NYC, and even get your embroidery on in crafting classes in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: the best NYC art classesRECOMMENDED: The best BYOB painting classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

More often than not, date night involves food. With so many amazing restaurants in NYC (not to mention romantic restaurants), it’s not hard to find a new spot to take the love in your life for a meal. But if you’re a foodie in search of unique date ideas to shake things up a little bit, a cooking class might be right up your alley. More specifically, check out the best couples cooking classes in NYC to brush up on your culinary skills while having a fun night out. We’ve tried them and boy are they good. There’s a lot there, too. From basic culinary skills to cooking with wine, rolling sushi, or cooking authentic Thai food of exceptional quality, these couples' cooking classes aim to entertain and educate. And the best bit? You’re sure to grow even closer as you mix ingredients with your special someone. Just make sure it doesn’t turn into a kitchen competition — these classes contain knives! And peelers. Peelers can be dangerous, too. Whatever the focus of the cooking class you decide to book, you’ll learn something new and taste something delicious. Plus, you’ll have the skills you need to cook a delicious meal for a stay-at-home date night or to impress your pals à deux. And if you’re looking for more ways to develop skills while kindling a romance, consider one of NYC’s best pottery classes — fun, functional, and you might even get to recreate that scene from Ghost. Here’s hoping, huh? RECOMMENDED: Full guide to date ideas in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best hotels in NYCRECOMMEND

New York City is a culinary wonderland, with some of the best restaurants in the world, amazing bakeries, delicious desserts, fabulous ice cream, and the skilled chefs who make them tick. Even better, takeout and delivery options bring the best of NYC delicacies right to your doorstep. So if it's so easy to get delicious food to your door or plate without the hassle of cooking, why would you want to enroll in a cooking class? Because it's fun! Think of all the money you'll save if you knew how to create a home-cooked meal; it might even impress your boo and make for a great date idea. Invite us to your next dinner party, yeah?These kitchen classrooms offer a range of helpful courses, from basic knife skills to pasta-making 101 to butchering. Brush up on your Italian, learn how to master the delicate art of sushi, and find out how to make buttery, flaky croissants. Mmmm. If these NYC cooking classes pique your interest, check out these couples cooking classes in NYC next time date night rolls around. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best baking classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best art classes in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

You’re a smart cookie, so you probably know that education doesn’t have to stop at graduation: New Yorkers can constantly add to their skills in the wide range of fascinating classes in NYC. Gym rats can get their adrenaline fix from the hottest new fitness classes, while creative types might want to visit the best arts and crafts stores to learn how to create their very own craft masterpieces.For the adventurous student (that's you!), we've uncovered the best out-of-the-box classes in NYC, ranging from dance classes for adults to a hands-on neon sign workshop. Whether you've always wanted to try aerial acrobatics or you're an aspiring sommelier, we have the course for you. All you need to do? Check out our hand-picked list of the best classes NYC has to offer, pick your perfect class, and get that grey matter going. Every day's a school day! Happy learning, friends. RECOMMENDED: The best acting classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best NYC writing classesRECOMMENDED: The best coding classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: 40 virtual team-building activitiesRECOMMENDED: The best team-building activities in NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Cakes always end up flat and dense? Cookies burnt and gross? Pastry lacking puff? Learn to turn sugar, spice, and everything nice into exquisite desserts in the best baking classes in NYC. Go hand to whisk with super talented instructors who will help teach you the essential skills needed to replicate some of the best cookies and pies in NYC, as well as make delicious French classics from scratch. Home-baked goods? Yes, please!Pair your newly acquired skills with the techniques you’ll pick up in the best cooking classes in NYC, and you’ve got all the makings of a gourmet meal. Perfect for solo learning, or a cute date night, or even something to do with your best friends, these baking classes will ensure you get some tasty samples and skills, so you can become the resident baker in your household. Grab your apron and dust off your spatula. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to classes in NYCRECOMMENDED: The best couples cooking classes NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

The Treehouse Hotel is everything you could want from a sustainable yet high-end (two words not often used together) hotel in London’s busiest district. Just steps away from Regent Street and the chaos that is Oxford Circus, this 95-room treehouse-come-hotel is covered head-to-toe in recycled wood, hanging plants and plastic-free interiors throughout. From the quirky room additions – think magic 8 balls, cuckoo clocks and Paddington Bears – to the earthy perks like birdie bed throws and tree branches in the otherwise uber-modern ensuite, the Treehouse knows how to bring a vibe. And if you’re looking to dine and drink with minimal effort, there are three fantastic choices on-site. For dinner, head to Pizzeria Mozza on the ground floor for authentic Italian fare with a flair: try the cauliflower fritti from the antipasti menu. It’s next level. Wind down with a nightcap at the rooftop bar, The Nest – complete with 360-degree city views and the kind of lighting to make your Christmas tree weep. Rise and shine from your super comfy bed the next morning, and enjoy a full English with a Mexican twist at Madera; the all-day restaurant serving anything from macchiatos to mezcals. Thoughtful comforts throughout the hotel include filtered water stations on each floor, personalised messages on your in-room SmartTV, complimentary sweet treats delivered room-service style and a distinct aroma flowing through the halls reminiscent of Abercrombie&Fitch back in 2010 – in a good way. It’s wort

The Lime Tree Hotel serves an eclectic slice of the English countryside to the heart of London. Nestled just off the ‘prettiest street in London’ – otherwise known as Elizabeth Street – the 26-room Georgian boutique hotel offers a diverse mix of old-school accents, abstract art and wallpapers seeking a whole lot of attention. Inside the Generous Double, you’ll find tapestry curtains and dial-up radios juxtaposed with modern amenities such as a SmartTV, mood lighting and crisp white sheets on the well-sized double bed. Upon first glance, it’s easy to forget this is an ensuite until you discover the doorknob hidden among the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf wallpaper – yep, it’s pretty bold. While the bathroom is petite in size, the design is clean, modern and ideal for a quick refresh in the morning before devouring one of the on-site eatery’s divine breakfasts: go for the salmon and scrambled eggs with a side of avo – it's spectacular. The Buttery is fast becoming the go-to brunch spot in Belgravia and its not-so-secret-but-equally-magical garden is everything you could want from a sunny spot for clinking mimosas at noon. The Limetree is your very own low-cost London oasis – take full advantage. Neighbourhood: Situated in sloaney Belgravia, it’s pretty surprising to learn that this cosy bolthole is a five-minute walk from the wilderness that is Victoria Station on a Monday morning. Grab a coffee at TomTom and watch the array of locals – from families and pushchairs to suits on Bori

You might have seen that back in June, Airbnb added a few interesting filters to their search function, meaning users can now find a rental based on categories rather than just the location. It’s pretty neat, and it means that if the only place you’re really willing to stay in is a beachfront treehouse with a grand piano and a chef’s kitchen, you can totally search for exactly that.  And now they’ve just added a few more options for you to explore. You can now hunt down homes that are 10,000 feet above sea level, brand-new listings, ‘hanoks’ (traditional Korean homes made with natural materials), homes adapted for people with disabilities, and ‘play’ properties with things like basketball courts, games rooms and even water slides. As we say, pretty neat. But the search we’re finding especially interesting right now is ‘trending’ homes. These are the most viewed listings on Airbnb and we have to say it proves there actually is wisdom in the masses, on occasion. Don’t believe us? Check out these awesome pads.    The Baldy Mountain chalet overlooking Ten Mile Range, Colorado Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb The oceanfront beach house in Summerland, California Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb Big Blue Trace in Breckenridge, Colorado Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb Mountainview Barn House, Woodstock, New York State Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb The lakefront mansion in Indio, California   Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb The log cabin near Dollywood, Tennessee Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb

You might have seen that back in June, Airbnb added a selection of new filters to their search function, meaning users can now find a rental based on some pretty niche categories rather than just location and date range. So if the only place you’re willing to stay in is a beachfront treehouse with a grand piano and a chef’s kitchen, you can now search for exactly that. Pretty cool, eh? Well, they’ve just added even more options for you to explore. You can now hunt down the latest ‘trending’ homes and brand-new listings, as well as ‘hanoks’ (traditional Korean homes made with natural materials), homes adapted for people with disabilities, and properties with a ‘play’ element, like basketball courts, games rooms and even water slides.  But the new category we’re loving most? The ‘top of the world’ filter, which shows homes that are at least 10,000 feet above sea level. To give you a flavour of what’s on offer, we’ve picked some of our favourite sky-high rentals. See you halfway up the Himalayas? This architectural masterpiece in Breckenridge, Colorado Photograph: courtesy Airbnb A geocentric dome in the mountains between Cusco and Machu Picchu Photograph: courtesy Airbnb This lush home on the highest coastal mountain range in the world Photograph: courtesy Airbnb A nature lodge in Nepal, with views of the Everest Region Photograph: courtesy Airbnb This spectacular villa above the clouds in Quito, Ecuador Photograph: courtesy Airbnb Pretty spectacular, right? Next thi