If you read one of my recent articles on the coolest Airbnb experiences in Seattle, you might have had some questions.
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Namely, what are Airbnb experiences? Are they different than tours—and since when is a private rental platform also hosting homegrown tours and workshops?
Airbnb experiences have been around for a few years. When I first started covering them in 2024, they were mostly kitschy, Airbnb-built houses from popular movies and music. There was a Polly Pocket House, a Shrek-style swamp, a Beetlejuice-Beetlejuice house, and more. Some even included celebrity hangouts.
It was a pretty awesome premise for superfans of pop culture content. But Airbnb cut the cord on the project for unknown reasons. (If I had to wager, I’d say the prop houses were expensive to build, difficult to insure, and weren’t designed for long-term or even overnight stays. Plus, visits to these properties were allocated by random lotteries, which sounds like an operational nightmare for Airbnb.)
As of February 2026, Airbnb now offers workshops, tours, and other trips as part of its experiences category. There’s also a new one: services. Let’s explore what these new Airbnb categories offer and how you can use them to build a perfect trip.
What are Airbnb Experiences? Inside the new offer
Airbnb experiences are very similar to tour platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide. Just sign up using your Airbnb credentials, then shop for experiences that suit your interests. But there are a few notable differences in the setup that I like.
First, Airbnb Experiences are closely vetted by Airbnb. Locals need to demonstrate their skillset and experience in the field, along with a portfolio. They then provide photos, itineraries, and pricing. Airbnb looks closely at what experience hosts provide, ensuring they are insured, for example.
Second, booking Airbnb Experiences gives you the chance to experience what your destination does best. In Seattle, for example, Airbnb Experiences cover a range of artisanal and industrial crafts that reflect local tastes and identity. And because Airbnb goes through the extra step of vetting its hosts, most offers that I see actually have close to perfect five-star ratings.
In short, I’m really impressed with the Airbnb Experiences setup. The options are high-quality, they reflect the destination’s unique identity, and they’re easy to add on to an Airbnb booking.
What are Airbnb Services? Here’s how you can use them
Airbnb Services covers all types of services that you can book at your destination, from catering to spa treatments to makeup to pre-prepped meals. Think: Convenience to get things done while you’re on vacation.
Once again, Airbnb goes to great lengths to vet its service providers. Just click on an offer, and you can learn more about the provider and what they offer. You can also check out their portfolio to make sure their style and experience suit your needs.
Airbnb Services are great for a few reasons. I’d use them for weddings or other event-based travel. You can book beauty and wellness services that let you show up glowing, from hair to nails to spa treatments. They’re also great for souvenirs, especially when it comes to photography. Lastly, I’d book an Airbnb chef (or even prepped meals) via its Services platform—they’ll zhuzh up any trip and make your day special.
