15 of the Best Hands-On Classes and Experiences, According to Viator Travelers

While it might look simple, creating the kind of crispy crust that Italy is so famous for is no mean feat. And even though it might be tempting to spend all your time in Rome eating pizza, that won’t help you master the techniques you need to recreate the perfect pie back home.

This pizza-making class equips you with the tricks you need to ace your dough, including cooking your creation in a wood-fired oven for the most traditional taste. Plus, be sure to save room for dessert: Your meal ends with gelato or tiramisu.

What one reviewer said: “Such a fun activity to do in Rome. Our instructor was friendly and fun. It was great meeting other travelers. We made the best pizza and tiramisu and had lots of wine. Probably the best pizza I ate the whole trip :) Highly recommend this experience.” Amanda_A, May 2026

The ancient Japanese art of kintsugi shows that broken things can look even more beautiful. Rather than condemning shards of ceramics to the trash, this technique repairs items with gold powder in an attempt to embrace imperfection and highlight, rather than hide, scars.

This kintsugi workshop in Kyoto teaches you the basics of the craft, and you’ll take home a personalized memento rather than the more typical souvenirs you can pick up in markets. Plus, once back from your trip, you’ll be able to tackle any cracked pottery you’ve been putting off fixing.

What one reviewer said: “My wife and I absolutely LOVED this activity. We are really into crafts, and Wil and Rina were great about walking us through the process of kintsugi. My wife is meticulous, and they didn't mind us staying an extra hour for her to finish. Wil even kept us company and told us some fascinating history of Kyoto. I would love to do their other classes.” Matt_B, May 2026

The pisco sour is to Peru what the gin and tonic is to England, so you’re bound to encounter the spirit at some point during your vacation in the Land of the Incas—whether as a free shot after a meal or in Pisco, its birthplace.

This pisco sour mixology class is the perfect way to let your hair down in Cusco, whether you’ve just finished the grueling Inca Trail or want to wet your whistle between visiting archaeological sites. You’ll taste different types of the grape-based spirit and create your own version of the classic cocktail.

What one reviewer said: “Be prepared for a fun and informative experience with Richard—the Pisco Sour King. Hands-on sampling, mixing, and the most important bit, shaking, and then drinking the final product. So much fun.” Anne_P, October 2025

When it comes to art and craft workshops for travelers, pottery classes are nearly always at the top of the list—especially in countries such as Turkey, where ceramics are part of the social fabric. Perched on the scenic banks of the Kızılırmak River near the magical fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the town of Avanos has been turning clay into art for more than 4,000 years.

So, there’s literally no better place than Avanos to take a pottery-making workshop, which guides you through the process using a potter's wheel. You’ll return home with something much more memorable than a fridge magnet.

What one reviewer said: “Had so much fun! The guides were friendly, interactive, and fun, and helpful in teaching us how to build our pottery of choice. We got to take home our creation and also get to learn about Avanos and pottery-making from the shop owners. 10/10 recommend.” Jessica_W, September 2025

When it comes to taking cooking classes on vacation worldwide, Bangkok hovers near the top of most chefs’ wish lists, thanks to the breadth of its flavors and ingredients. But not knowing the local lingo can mean you are limited to only the most famous dishes.

This hands-on cooking class takes you beyond takeout favorites. Your guide will help you navigate a market to pick up fresh ingredients and offer you all the advice you need to recreate classics such as tom yum soup and mango sticky rice.

What one reviewer said: “A fabulous experience. Our guide/chef was super and helped us every step of the way! I'd recommend the morning class, as this includes a trip to the market to select ingredients.” Katie_H, March 2026

You don’t need to nose around too much to discover that France is the global capital of perfume; in fact, the country’s perfume-making expertise has UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status.

That said, Paris and parfum go hand-in-hand, and this perfume-making workshop with a professional perfumer is the ideal break between baguettes. You’ll sniff and select a range of scents to create your own personalized perfume. Ideally, your unique concoction will be packaged in a small enough bottle to take through airport security.

What one reviewer said: “Absolutely wonderful experience! Marina is so sweet, kind & incredibly patient. She took her time explaining everything clearly [and] helped us find exactly what we were looking for. Her knowledge [and] genuine care really stood out. I would 100% recommend her to anyone looking for a great perfume experience!” Stephanie_D, January 2026

Tango was born in Buenos Aires, and the cultural expression is woven into the city's soul. Whether you’ve caught a spontaneous performance on a San Telmo street corner or seen a tango show in a historic club, all that toe tapping might have got you in the mood to try your hand (or feet) at the dance yourself.

If you’re seeking small-group learning experiences while traveling in Argentina, look no further than this private tango dancing class. It tailors the lesson to your party's abilities and experience, so you don’t have to worry about feeling awkward in front of strangers.

What one reviewer said: “We enjoyed the one-on-one time and learning about social tango. If you want to learn something new, book this! What a fun thing to do before going to watch a tango show later.” Amy_H, March 2026

Stuffy museums might not keep kids entertained, but scavenger hunts and escape rooms are ideal family-friendly, hands-on activities to keep younger travelers engaged. Unlike typical escape rooms, this outdoor experience lets you flex your problem-solving ability while still enjoying the sights of New York—you won't be stuck inside a locked room. Combine solving with sightseeing as you explore Central Park during this immersive Alice in Wonderland-inspired game.

What one reviewer said: “Leaving a review isn’t enough to describe how amazing this escape room adventure was! You have to experience it for yourself, and if you like adventure and solving puzzles! Believe me, you will enjoy this! The persons/person who created this game did an amazing job. My first time in NY, so it was my first time in Central Park. The game made it 3x better!” Alyssa_C, September 2025

When it comes to Mexican cuisine, everyone talks about tacos and tequila. And while these are undoubtedly cornerstones of Mexico City’s food culture, there’s so much more to its culinary scene. Hands-on food workshops are a great way to delve deeper into what locals eat: you’ll beat the tourist traps and feast among residents.

Capture the essence of CDMX’s cuisine during this market tour and cooking class, which helps you overcome the language barrier and return home with fresh foodie inspiration.

What one reviewer said: “Overall, a fantastic cooking class and market tour. I ended up going to back to the market and buying several things the following day, and I would not have known where to go if I hadn’t had a tour first. The class was well-paced, interactive, and ended in a delicious lunch! Wholeheartedly recommended.” Ian_R, April 2026

Teeming with prized species such as blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, and barracuda, the Caribbean Sea is one of the best places in the world to go deep-sea fishing—and the Dominican Republic is one such destination.

This private fishing charter from Punta Cana enhances your chance of a record-breaking catch by taking you to marine life hot spots that only local skippers know about. Not only that, you’ll have the chance to rest weary arms on a postcard-perfect beach on the way back.

What one reviewer said: “We had a great time with the crew. Very professional and respectful. Water was rough at the beginning, but I ended up getting on a nice blue marlin. Definitely would recommend and go back!” Michael_W, May 2025

Switzerland has been producing chocolate since the early 19th century—it’s fair to say that this country knows a thing or two about the sweet treat. In fact, the European country is responsible for inventing milk chocolate (something a high percentage of the population is deeply thankful for).

So, where better to enjoy interactive history and food tours than in Geneva? This cocoa-focused tour traces the roots of chocolate and lets you handpick confectionery to try in the Old Town’s artisan stores. Plus, a boat ride makes the day even sweeter.

What one reviewer said: “Paul, our amazing tour guide, was full of great local knowledge and experience. We really enjoyed the pace, sampling hot chocolate to blind taste-testing chocolates. We loved all the stops and especially enjoyed the quick boat ride across the lake. The tour not only included chocolates, but also interesting Geneva history and great ideas for restaurants and other stops around the city. Would highly recommend! Paul was great!” Kim_W, May 2026

Bali might be famous for its yoga studios and dramatic temples, but the island’s age-old textile traditions contribute to its rich culture. Batik is a dyeing technique that features luminous colors and intricate patterns; fabric is the most common material used for batik, but it can be practised on ceramic, wood, and even leather.

This batik painting workshop in Ubud is sure to inspire your inner artist—it’ll teach you how to design, stencil, and execute your own batik designs on fabric. Once you’re done, your creation will easily fold away and fit in your suitcase.

What one reviewer said: “A beautifully calming way to spend a few hours! It was so fun, and peaceful, and the staff was extremely helpful and patient. Also, to be able to go home with your own creation is an awesome souvenir! Highly recommended!” Jennifer_S, January 2026

With its wealth of vintage boutiques, art galleries, and hip restaurants, Shoreditch is one of London's creative and cultural hubs—so it figures it's home to some of the capital's most striking street art.

And while most London street art tours take you to see outdoor murals, this spray-painting workshop saves you the hassle of finding your own blank canvas. Not only will you get the inside scoop on local graffiti and the meaning behind it, but you'll be free to express yourself in a studio after you've gathered plenty of inspiration.

What one reviewer said: “A wide range of art, an incredibly knowledgeable tour guide, and fun workshop time. As a Londoner, I probably wouldn’t have signed up for a proper street art tour, but my 75 y/o mom wanted to do it and make a 'graffiti' tote bag— and it was well worth it! I’m glad we did this tour and highly recommend it!” Jennifer_N, October 2025

Las Vegas isn’t the only place in the United States where you can strike it rich: Alaska’s gold mining heritage is still a vital industry, and its mines teem with glittering nuggets.

This gold-panning experience in Seward takes place outdoors near a salmon stream, so you can soak up the region’s spectacular landscapes while you swish and swill looking for gold. And the best news? You get to keep everything you find as an extra-special souvenir.

What one reviewer said: “Such a fun experience, eureka, we found gold!! Will definitely do this again and recommend anyone to come and give it a try! Our guide was fantastic [and] very helpful in explaining the process.” Cathy_S, May 2026

If you’re looking to stay active and learn something new on vacation, few skill-based travel experiences for adults beat the fun of surfing—especially on the Atlantic Coast off Taghazout in Morocco, a fishing village turned holiday resort that is renowned for its waves.

Even if you haven’t stepped on a board before, this surf lesson teaches you the basics to enhance your chance of standing up and riding the swell before the lesson is over. Wetsuits are included, so you don’t need to worry about getting cold either.

What one reviewer said: “One of the very best surf lessons I have had. Ismeal, our instructor, was fantastic. He took the time to explain and teach things individually to each person in the lesson. Would recommend it to anyone who is looking to learn to surf whilst they are in the area.” Eoin_B, May 2026