I’m a creativity fiend. I am the person with too many hobbies. I will experiment with anything, my Pinterest boards of DIY projects are infinite and I have no fear of buying new craft materials that I might abandon. I’m also a true believer in the benefits of manual crafts for our brains, especially when all of us are probably on screens way too much.
If traveling is about experiencing new things – cultures, foods, languages – why not add creative workshops to your next itinerary?
Creative cafés and bars are popular across the globe and I’m lucky to say I’ve experienced a few of them.
Artbar – Tokyo, Japan
Specialized in “paint and sip” experiences. You make a reservation choosing your themed class. They have snacks and a drink menu you can choose from. The instructor speaks both English and Japanese and goes step by step with the painting. Even though all participants are following the steps, the colors, textures and strokes come out different, so it’s really fun seeing how each painting comes out!
Happy Medium – New York, USA
This place is an “Art Café”, as in, you make a reservation, take your seat and instead of a menu with coffee and food options, you get art material and technique options: collage, watercolor, pastels, ceramics… The idea here is for you to experiment, so it’s not a class: you get to play around with the materials for yourself. While food isn’t the main focus, they sell snacks and soda pops.
Tinta La Vida – São Paulo, Brazil
This is a ceramics painting café. You make a reservation, choose what type of ceramics you will paint – they have different options of bowls, plates, cups, in a different range of prices. You sit down and they will instruct you on the paints and the process, and you do it yourself. They have a menu with food and drinks. You have to come back to pick up your piece in 2 weeks.
If you’re looking for where to grab art materials in Tokyo, check out our guide to the best stationery shops in the city.
Frequently asked questions about creative spots around the globe:
It’s exactly what it sounds like: a guided or self-directed painting session, usually with a drink, at a studio or café. No experience necessary, it’s more about the experience than having a “perfect” finished piece.
No. All of these places (Artbar, Happy Medium, Tinta La Vida) are designed for beginners. The point is the experience, not the skill level.
Definitely. It’s actually one of my favorite things to do solo while traveling: you’re focused on something with your hands, and it’s an easy, low-pressure way to spend an evening in a new city, living a new experience and possibly meeting new people.
I recommend Artbar Tokyo. It’s a relaxed studio space where you don’t need any artistic background to have a fun experience, and the instructors speak both japanese and english.
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