100 Hobbies for Men: A Gentleman’s Guide to Leisure Time

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Having a hobby is a great way to pursue an interest outside of work, home, and family. In this article, we’re going to cover over 100 hobbies that we think are particularly well-suited for Classic Gentlemen. We have carefully selected these hobbies to ensure that they are suitable for men with all types of interests and of all ages and abilities, talents, and skill sets.

If you are looking to try out a new hobby, this article is for you. The list below is grouped by types of activities, with the hobbies within each subgroup appearing in alphabetical order. Our overarching groupings are:

  • Athletics & Games
  • Collecting
  • Exploration
  • Skills
  • Social

This list will cover options for men who enjoy active outdoor hobbies as well as relaxing indoor ones. Likewise, these hobbies cover a range of budgets and time limits. We draw from several of the most popular hobbies for men but have also included a few that may not have occurred to you! Whether you are interested in adventure, self-improvement, or are just looking for a fun hobby, we are sure that you’ll find your perfect hobby in this list!

Athletics & Games

Archery

Illustration of a gentleman archer

Ideal for hunters but also men looking for a traditional sport that is relaxing, archery requires a relaxed state of mind and body to hit the target. Practical in the hunt or for fun at the range, archery is a sport that has long been enjoyed by men around the world, and archery competitions were regularly held by sportsmen and gentlemen of leisure throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Illustration of a gentleman archer from the book The Theory and Practice of Archery by Horace Ford, published in 1887

Billiards

Period illustration of men playing billiards
“A Screw Losing Hazard,” illustration by Lucien Davis (1902)

Now a televised sport, snooker, pool, and other billiard games take skill, strategy, and a competitive nature. Something that can be done casually or competitively, it is a great way to meet new people and pursue perfection in a challenging game. Just watch out for pool sharks!

Board and Role Playing Games

Raphael shows a vintage backgammon game
Whether you like backgammon or The Settlers of Catan, board games can be fun for everyone!

A great way to spend time with friends and family, there are many game clubs that meet regularly. Conversely, a weekly game with friends or family can be a wonderful way to spend a day. One of Raphael’s favorite board games is Settlers of Catan: add the Cities & Knights Expansion for up to 4 people. For more, get the extension and also for the base game. Raphael loves this game because it is different every time, and you can adjust the balance between skill and luck to your heart’s content.

Bowling

Photo of a man bowling
Bowling is a fun and challenging sport, and we appreciate any chance to dress up in special shirts and shoes! [Image Credit: Wikimedia]

Bowling used to be one of the most popular pastimes. Today, the trend remains strong in some circles. There are bowling leagues and teams for all skill levels, and you don’t need to invest a lot of money or time in many of them. In fact, some bowling alleys offer classes, and a few even give you a free ball for signing up.

Camping

Black and white photo of two campers
Lake Public Auto Camp party, c. 1923 [Image Credit: The Library of Congress]

Getting back to the outdoors is something many men crave, and camping is considered one of the truly manly hobbies. From building shelter and sleeping on the ground to cooking over an open fire, there is nothing more relaxing and masculine than roughing it for a weekend outdoors. It is also a great way to bond with your family and friends while escaping technology, work, and the pressures of daily life.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Pendletwon Wool Clothing Canoe Ad

Whether racing, battling the rapids, or floating on a gentle stream, learning to canoe and kayak can be very rewarding. There are many ways to do it, and everyone from the senior citizen looking to relax and bird watch to the adrenaline junkie can find pleasure in it. Provided, of course, you like being on the water.

Image: Pendleton Advertisement, c. 1958

Car Racing

Raphael is ready to drive a luxury sportscar in his sunglasses, green polo shirt, seersucker trousers, and green Fort Belvedere driving gloves
Is Raphael ready for Le Mans?

You don’t have to own a sponsored Ferrari to race cars. Many cities have boxcar, stock car, and other inexpensive races. Some even have race nights where amateurs can race their personal cars. For those who enjoy the thrill of racing, this can be a very worthwhile hobby worth investing in: there are even racing schools at which you can take lessons.

Chess

Playing chess is not for the faint of heart
Playing chess is not for the faint of heart!

It takes a sharp mind to play chess, but it also takes a willingness to practice and learn. Skill, intellect, and strategy all play a role. For the intellectual or those who love strategy, chess can be a brilliant way to spend time.

Coaching

Business coaching also aids in self-development
In addition to traditional athletic coaching, you can also engage in professional coaching for self-development

Whether it’s for your kid’s soccer team or mentoring someone, being a coach is fun, worthwhile and makes a difference in someone else’s life. You’ll also build your leadership and relationship-building skills.

Darts

Photo of darts in a dart board
It takes time, but soon that bull’s eye will be yours! [Image Credit: Wikimedia]

Practice makes perfect, and darts are one sport where the pursuit of perfection is of utmost importance. It’s a wonderful hobby, and many find it relaxing as well as competitive.

Dog Training

Painting of a young boy and small dog

A dog is a man’s best friend. Playing with your dog can be a wonderful way to spend countless hours, but working together to learn new tricks will give you and your pal a sense of pride and accomplishment. It’s also challenging, so working to train your pup can be very rewarding and fun, and can even translate into a business.

Portrait of Robert de Cévrieux (1879) by John Singer Sargent. [Image Credit: Wikimedia]

Drone Flying

Drone shot of Minneapolis Skyline in the fall
With a drone, you can capture some truly spectacular vistas!

From aerial photography to mid-air tricks, drone flying is incredibly popular and fun. There are many types of drones at all price points, and it can be fun to build one yourself — but in terms of picture quality, features and bang for the buck, the Phantom 4 is where it’s at.

Fencing

Illustration of two men fencing
This illustration appears in the 1763 edition of Domenico Angelo’s guide to fencing. [Image Credit: Wikimedia]

Historic, elegant, and daring, taking up fencing is challenging, fun, and great exercise. It also never hurts to understand the rudiments of self-defense with a foil!

Fishing

Summer Fishing Apparel Arts

Is there anything more relaxing? An excellent way to relieve stress and get in touch with nature, fishing is a hobby enjoyed by many and a great way to bond with your children, parents, or best friend.

Fishing gear and outfits typical of the mid-1930s, as appearing in Apparel Arts

Flying

Pilots say it’s the best feeling in the world. If you’re interested in aircraft and flying, consider taking lessons. Many people argue that the cost is too high, but you can often find small planes for the price of a car or rent a plane for personal use. It can also turn into a great career, and many commercial pilots started out doing it as a hobby.

Golf

Appropriate golf attire on the links
Appropriate golf attire on the links

The most frustrating and relaxing sport in the world, you either love or hate golf. If you love it or like it, consider doing it more often.

Hiking

A casual hike through the woods or an adrenaline-pumping climb through the wilderness, hiking can be very relaxing and thought-provoking, as well as a great source of exercise.

Horseback Riding

Just about to switch horses
Horseback riding is truly the sport of kings!

Challenging, fun, and also relaxing, some people even consider it therapy. There is a very special bond developed between a man and his horse. But you’ll have to try it to understand it.

Hunting and Shooting

An illustration of tweed as an early camo for hunters.
Hunting and sport shooting have been hobbies favored by gentlemen of leisure for centuries.

Whether you enjoy hunting large game, small prey, or plinking varmints, or just shooting at a target, hunting and shooting can be a very enjoyable hobby that requires patience, perseverance, problem-solving, and skill development.

Marathon Running

Active wear should be worn in the gym or when you're actually working out, but not as an everyday wear.
Raphael may have the clothes, but we suspect that he isn’t ready to run a full marathon yet.

You can’t just wake up one morning and run 10 miles. Marathon runners train regularly. Running can quickly go from a chore done to exercise to a passion that fuels you and relaxes you. Many claim the pavement is the world’s greatest therapy.

Martial Arts and Boxing

Photo of Boxing Gloves
Boxing, and other martial arts, can be a fun hobby that is also a great workout.

Skill, strategy, and passion. Learning martial arts or boxing is less about learning how to fight and more about learning life skills. It takes discipline, perseverance, and years of practice to gain any level of proficiency. It’s a skill many consider a passion. When necessary, the skills that you have learned can also be used for self-defense.

Mountain Biking and Cycling

Raphael keeping fit on his Peloton bike.
Raphael is starting with his Peloton bike and working his way up to a real one.

The breeze in your face and the rush of the ground moving beneath your feet — riding a bike is a great form of exercise and something many cyclists enjoy.

Mountaineering

Lake Louise
Which mountains will you conquer?

Climbing mountains aren’t for everyone, but for the true adrenaline junkie, there isn’t anything quite like it.

Pinball and Arcade Games

Photo of pinball machines
Pinball machines at the Pinball Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, Nevada. [Image Credit: Wikimedia]

Classic pinball and arcade games have made a comeback, and there are many who enjoy these games and play them competitively. There’s a reason Nintendo is bringing back the original console. People still love classic arcade games.

Poker

Fort Belvedere 4 Suits Poker Pocket Square
What was our tell that gave away how much we love poker?

A great way to regularly enjoy the company of friends, a poker game can be a source of fellowship and competition. More than just a card game, it is something of a right of passage for many men who have derived so much pleasure from the joy of the game and meeting new friends across the table.

Learn how to host your own poker game!

Racquetball

Photo of two men playing racquetball
Two men playing racquetball [Image Credit: Wikimedia]

Competitive, fast-paced, and challenging, it’s a gentlemanly sport that will make you sweat. We love this Gearbox Racquet because it provides great power, feeling, and the ability to outlast other brands.

Rock Climbing

Whether it’s bouldering side-to-side or climbing and rappelling down, rock climbing is a fun and challenging hobby enjoyed by many. For some, it’s done on a rock climbing wall at the gym, while others get so immersed they put a rock wall on the side of their house. Others still venture to cliffs outdoors.

Sailing

Fun, competitive, and also relaxing, you can learn to sail to race or just to cruise and relax.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

1930s fashion illustration showing two men at a pool, one wearing espadrilles
We’re not afraid to enjoy that deep water!

Experiencing life underwater like a fish is quite incredible. Whether you want a terrifying encounter with sharks or a relaxing exploration of rocks and tropical fish, learning to scuba dive or snorkel can be challenging and fun.

Skiing

Bremont MII ideal for skiing
When you hit the slopes, make sure that you are wearing the correct watch! The Bremont MII is ideal for skiing.

The cold air hitting your face, carving the snow with your skis; whether you ski downhill or cross-country, there is a feeling of bliss and excitement when you battle the cold and glide through the snow.

Surfing

Surf trunks in 1960

Some people say it’s a way of life. That there is no feeling like carving the perfect wave. It’s energizing and spiritual for many.

A surfer with his board in the 1960s

Survival & Prepping

Log Cabin in the Woods
If things get bad, here is where Raphael will ride everything out.

Some enjoy hitting the wild with nothing but their skills. Others spend countless hours prepping safe rooms for the apocalypse. Either way, it never hurts to be prepared.

Swimming

A 1930s illustration of people at the pool some wearing ascots
We will meet you poolside!

In addition to being a great way to keep in shape, swimming is a life skill everyone should learn to do, and it’s also fun, refreshing, and relaxing for many.

Find your perfect swimsuit!

Tennis

Illustration of two young men in Classic tennis attire
Tennis is an easy way to meet other people.

A quintessential sport for the gentleman, tennis is a great way to get in some exercise while enjoying time with others. Consider joining a local tennis club if you are new to the sport!

Weightlifting

Work-out without any weights on the floor around you

Challenging and competitive, you can either compete with others or with yourself to outlift your last record by lifting weights. It’s a great way to keep in shape.

Yoga

Raphael is in his Eton shirt and likes it better because of its contemporary fit for longer arms.
Raphael won’t master yoga doing poses in a dress shirt!

It’s an excellent way to combine stay in shape with meditation and stretching. It provides a sense of enlightenment for many, and it’s relaxing.

Collecting

Antiquing

Photo of an antique show in Brimfield, Massachusetts
An antique show in Brimfield, Massachusetts

From flea markets to antique stores, auction houses to pawn shops, one person’s trash is another man’s treasure. Quite often, rare collectibles and artifacts can be found and acquired for pennies on the dollar in comparison to their original retail price. If you have an exceptional taste but a small budget, focusing on quality heirloom and vintage pieces can net you the best deals. The process of searching out the perfect item and haggling for the best price are the two keys to enjoying this hobby.

Car Collecting

The actual act of buying a Hyundai or Toyota isn’t a hobby, but for those passionate about cars, the thrill of finding them, caring for them, and driving them is absolutely a hobby that takes considerable time, investment, and effort. Whether you collect supercars, classic cars, or muscle cars, there are car clubs and shows that prove why car collecting is such a popular hobby for many men.

Cigar Collecting and Savoring

Raphael trying out a Cuban cigar
Raphael trying out a Cuban cigar.

Obviously, excessive smoking is associated with negative health affects, and you should take this into consideration when deciding on whether to adopt this hobby. In moderation, however, we believe that there is a great deal to enjoy when it comes to collecting and savoring cigars. A big part of the hobby is collecting, caring for, aging, cutting, and lighting your unique finds.

Pair cigars with the proper spirits, wine, and beer!

Fountain Pens

Cheap fountain pens are usually so lightweight and come with poorly-made clips
No matter how humble, you should always be proud of your fountain pen collection.

Versatile and useful tools that can also be objects of beauty, fountain pens are an excellent option for all kinds of collectors. In fact, in addition to collecting cufflinks, Raphael was also once an avid collector of fountain pens. Available at all price points, fountain pens are an accessible way to get into collecting, and it doesn’t hurt that you get to use them as writing tools, as well!

See all of our fountain pen content!

Interior Design

Raphael enjoying a glass of champagne in a black tie outfit while sitting comfortably on a Chesterfield sofa
A tastefully-appointed Classic space is a joy forever.

Decorating your home for pleasure, interior design is one hobby many elegant gentlemen enjoy. Half of the fun is realizing it can be a lifelong process and not just a one-time activity. This hobby pairs well with antiquing.

Find our 11 Interior Design Classic Pieces here!

Model Crafting and Collecting

Photos of model ships on display
Model ships on display in the Italian Naval History Museum in Venice, Italy.

From model trains and cars to wooden sailboats and ships in a bottle, many men enjoy the act of constructing a model and building a world around it.

Philately (Stamp Collecting)

Painting of a stamp collector

Stamps have been one of the most popular items for men to collect since the term “philately” was first coined by Georges Herpin in 1864. Renowned for their beauty, uniqueness, cost, and ephemeral nature, stamps offer you the chance to amass a portable collection of truly beautiful objects with incredible histories.

“Le Philateliste” (1929) by Francois Barraud. [Image Credit: Wikimedia]

Thrifting

Extra layers can be inconvenient to take off when trying on clothes in the vintage store (Pictured: Knit Tie in Solid Light Blue Silk from Fort Belvedere)
There are few places we would rather be than a vintage store!

Hitting up thrift shops, flea markets, and vintage stores is like Disneyland for dandies. It’s a great way to save money and hunt for vintage pieces. Whether it be clothing, furniture or accessories, it can be very addictive.

Learn our vintage shopping tips!

Vinyl Record Collecting

The Crosley Executive Record Player
The Crosley Executive Record Player could be the key to starting your record collection.

Those who do it argue nothing sounds the same as vinyl. It’s made a comeback and collecting records is something many people enjoy both for the hunt of finding rare and vintage records as well as for actually listening to them.

Watch Collecting

Best Taste in the office: Nathan!
Watch Collecting is a hobby that is definitely “Nathan Approved.”

Those who collect watches will tell you it’s more than just buying a watch. A timepiece is a work of art, and many men spend countless hours researching, admiring, and caring for their watch collections.

Find your ideal watch!

Wine Collecting and Tasting

When drinking with a wine glass, hold it by the stem
Cin-cin!

Enjoying fine wine and collecting rare wines is something many men enjoy. For quite a few, the act of collecting doesn’t always mean drinking it but finding rare wine to complete a part of their collection.

See our favorite champanges at every price point!

Exploration

Astronomy

Photo of an amateur astronomer
An amateur astronomer takes notes on the movement of the sun [Image Credit: Wikimedia]

You may not have fulfilled your childhood dream of becoming an astronaut, but looking at the stars is something everyone can do. Whether a serious pastime of charting stars or a casual peek through the telescope, this is an outdoor activity that can be serene and captivating.

Bird Watching

Illustration of birds from the 19th century
Plate 41 of The Birds of America (1838) by John James Audubon, depicting ruffed grouse

Spotting beautiful birds is one part of this hobby, but there are many ways to enjoy it. Many bird watchers can spend countless hours learning about various species and types of birds, watching their migratory habits and even photographing or drawing the birds in their natural environment. If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with nature, bird watching is a beautiful way to spend a day.

Film History

From learning about films of the past and present to watching the most iconic films ever produced, this is a wonderful way to spend a few hours as little or as often as you like. We also appreciate that classic cinema offers countless examples of impeccable style that you can emulate.

Watch 18 of our favorite, most-stylish films!

Fish Keeping

It takes great care, attention to detail, and effort to keep fish, but having an aquarium can be breathtakingly beautiful. A hobby for many men, this isn’t as simple as buying a goldfish and putting it in a tank. It can often mean a substantial investment of time and money. Anyone who does it will argue it’s always worth it.

Journaling

Peter Pauper Bookbound journal
When your journal has a beautiful cover, it can be even more fun to write in.

Blogging is a great way to share your thoughts with the world, but journaling is a way to keep those thoughts or memories private. It’s expressive and can be a great stress reliever, and journals will allow you to relive what you were doing, thinking, and experiencing years later.

Knife Making

Everything is easy to cut with the use of steak knives.
You can make any kind of knife if you embrace this unique and somewhat unusual hobby.

From designing and carving the handle to shaping and sharpening the blade, if you enjoy the beauty of a knife, creating your own will result in an unbelievable feeling of pride.

Learning a Language

Raphael explains something to Preston with matching hand gestures
Raphael is trying to teach Preston German. How do you think it is going?

It may be learning a second language for daily use at work or a foreign one for travels to another part of the world. Learning a language can be fun, open you up to new experiences, and it’s challenging. To start, get Duolingo downloaded. It’s free, and you can progress quickly at your own pace.

Leather Working

The Montblanc leather belts are aniline-dyed.
Raphael learned all about belt-making while designing our Fort Belvedere belts.

Whether it’s belts, handbags, or just scraps of leather, learning to work with leather can be an artistic and relaxing way to spend many hours.

See Raphael rip apart belts to assess their quality!

Listening to Music

We get it; everyone listens to music. However, many people do it as a hobby. They immerse themselves in a genre or artist and pay close attention to the nuances others may miss. From music history to the feeling behind the song, listening to music can be an incredible way to enjoy your free time.

Meditation

Preston thoughtfully considering an idea.
Meditation helps Preston relax when he is overthinking.

If you need to relax, there isn’t anything quite like learning to meditate.

Men’s Clothing

For many of our readers and all of our editorial staff, collecting and caring for men’s clothing is something we absolutely consider a hobby. For us, owning five blazers isn’t a necessity. It’s a pastime, and in addition to the acquisition of apparel, it’s also about the creativity of crafting the perfect outfit and then doing it again the next day.

Metal Working

Overwearing heavy metal accessories.
We suspect that Raphael did not craft this metal chain himself.

Welding isn’t simply reserved for building bridges and pipefitting. It can also be an art and a beautiful one at that.

Motorcycling

Chris wearing a Schott Perfecto jacket while walking
With his Schott Perfecto motorcycle jacket, our videographer, Chris, is ready to hit the road!

Anyone with a motorcycle will tell you it’s a passion. People aren’t buying them because it’s a necessity. It’s about the journey, not the destination.

Pipe Smoking

Esquire May 1938 - Multiple Paired Stripes
Many vintage gentlemen partook of pipe smoking.

Like cigars, this is a passion. There is a certain feeling one gets when smoking a pipe. An enjoyment that can’t be understood by those who haven’t tried it. There is truly nothing more relaxing for many men than smoking a pipe. Be aware, however, of the health impact inherent to all tobacco use.

Poetry

Kyle here pairs a navy blazer with dark-wash denim, a white shirt, and a cream-colored sweater
Kyle likes to make up short, funny poems in some of his videos on our channel. Do you have any favorites?

Whether it be writing or reading poetry, an appreciation for the lyrical world will be sure to enrich every aspect of your life.

Learn about poetry from our basic guide!

Reading

Longtime viewers are probably familiar with this wingback chair that Preston is sitting on.
Preston loves reading, especially books about historic men’s fashion.

For those who enjoy reading, there is no greater hobby. A good book will immerse you in a fantasy world you’ll never want to leave, and book clubs can bring together reading enthusiasts to discuss the meaning behind their mutual hobby.

Renovating

Native American construction workers wearing denim
Whether a big job or small, renovations are an investment in your personal space.

Whether it be flipping houses for profit or upgrading your own home, many men keep a renovating job on the go at all times. It may be simple or complex, but it’s a sense of pride to complete a project.

Robotics

Preston Schlueter FAQ
We promise that Preston is not a robot that Raphael built. Or is he?

You can buy kits or develop them from scratch, but robots are becoming increasingly popular. Building your own is just as much fun as using it after.

Sculpting

An illustration of a man making a sculpture
Sculpture is an ancient and beautiful art form.

Creating sculptures is like painting in 3D. It’s an art that requires significant time and personal investment, but can also be very gratifying.

Travel

A passion and hobby for many, travel can be as simple as a day trip to a town you’ve never visited or a vacation on the other side of the world in the tradition of the grand tour.

Never be mistaken for a tourist again!

Whisky Tasting

Whisky Tasting is a lot of fun
Whisky Tasting is a lot of fun!

There is a process. This isn’t pouring Jim Beam into a glass of cola and pounding it back. It’s a passion for fine whiskey. Developing your taste for enjoying whisky and similar fine spirits will ornament your life and make every sip a memorable experience.

Read our Beginner’s Guide to Whisky

Skills

Barbecuing, Grilling, and Smoking

Raphael SRS Cook Steak Kitchen
Grilling is one of Raphael’s favorite hobbies.

Barbecuing low and slow requires patience, skill, and creativity. Whether you choose to compete or just enjoy smoking some ribs for your family, barbecuing can be a leisurely hobby with delicious results. And what is more fun than lighting up the grill, preparing the perfect meal, and then enjoying the fruits of your labor?

Raphael will teach you how to make the perfect steak!

Boat Making, Shipwriting, or Nautical Restoration

Photo of moored boats
Personal boats moored in Venice, Italy

Some of the most treasured boats on the water are the ones made or restored by their owners. There is nothing quite like the feeling a man gets when he has crafted something he loves by hand. If you enjoy boating and building, you will likely love crafting your own boat.

Bonsai Tree Sculpting

Photo of a bonsai tree
A 100-year-old bonsai tree [Image Credit: Pinterest]

Patience, effort, and artistry are three traits those who prune bonsai trees need. It takes time and commitment to do it right, and it can be a very rewarding, relaxing, and unexpectedly creative hobby for many.

Car Restoration

1928 German magazine outerwear day suits driving gloves walking stick bowler hat
Restoring a classic vehicle can give you wheels that you can be proud of!

Being a mechanic is a job, but restoring your own car from the ground up is a passion. Taking a beat-up pile of metal and turning it into a shining, powerful restoration car is something you can be proud of, and classic car restoration is one of the most popular hobbies for men today. Sure, there is an investment, and you may not be able to do everything by yourself, but it can be a hobby you’ll enjoy for years before a single car is fully restored … provided that the work doesn’t grind your gears!

Cartooning and Animation

Two illustrated characters

While often assumed to be only a career, the joy of bringing your doodles to life is fun for everyone! Creatives love this because it combines art with fantasy. In animation, you are only limited by your imagination, so it can be a relaxing and great form of self-expression.

Koko the Clown and Fitz the Dog, circa 1925, animated by Max Fleischer

Ceramics and Pottery

Photo of a potter's wheel
Modern electric potter’s wheel [Image Credit: Wikimedia]

Requiring care, patience, and a soft hand, not to mention creativity and a willingness to learn, pottery is an ancient practical skill that has become a stimulating and fun hobby. In fact, crafting pottery can even be compared to poetry. Pottery is a great way to relax and get creative.

Coffee Roasting

Photo of a coffee machine
No matter how you make it, few things compare to the perfect cup of coffee.

It takes a lot of work to make the perfect cup of joe! Dedication and skill are involved, and like cooking, roasting coffee can be a thoroughly enjoyable way to pass the time.

Cooking

Raphael and Teresa like their meals homecooked.
Raphael and Teresa like their meals home cooked.

From the art of crafting a sandwich to creating beautiful dishes worthy of a Michelin star, cooking is a passion that helps feed your day-to-day needs as well as your personal interests.

Dancing

Illustration from Das Herrenjournal Black Tie party dancing
Few things pair as marvelously as Classic Style and dancing.

Stay fit and have fun by signing up for a dance class. Be it with your spouse or on your own to meet other people, there is something very fulfilling about learning to dance and embracing your inner connection to the Greek muse Terpsichore. Whether you like ballroom dancing or break dancing, the important thing is to keep moving and have fun!

Distilling

Nose the whisky before you try it
What’s the only thing better than a spiritous beverage? One that you distilled yourself!

Aging spirits or crafting your own whiskey and spirits has never been more popular. Consider an inexpensive kit to get you started, and move on from there once you’ve decided it’s a hobby you enjoy.

Learn how to drink like a gentleman!

Furniture Making and Restoration

Raphael relaxs at home in a red velvet dinner jacket and midnight blue trouers
Imagine taking a load off in a chair that you made yourself!

It takes time, artistry, and skill to craft furniture, but it will last for generations if well-made and cared for.

Gardening and Backyard Farming

Photo of a garden in Charleston, South Carolina
A beautiful garden can be yours, all that it takes is some effort!

Caring for a garden is much like caring for animals. It takes effort, but it’s worth it. For those who enjoy it, it is very much a passion and is rather inexpensive to take up. Backyard farming is the latest trend in gardening to take off, and it can be a great physical hobby that also pays dividends in homegrown fruits and vegetables.

Glass Blowing

Photo of a man blowing glass
A master glass worker blows glass on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.

Like pottery and other art, glass blowing is not something you can pick up overnight. It is an ongoing experience of learning, but it is very relaxing and great fun to see the results. Because a glass kiln can represent a very hefty initial investment, consider first trying out glass blowing at a local studio.

Home Brewing

You may have tried a homemade beer that tasted like swill, but rest assured, not all home brews are bad. Some of the best craft beers started as a home brew. It’s all about how much effort you put into it, and these days home brewing stores for beer brewing are popping up everywhere.

Hot-Sauce Making

For those who enjoy heat, making hot sauce can be a lot of fun. It’s the challenge of crafting a perfect blend of heat and flavor. There is also the challenge of making the hottest sauce you can find and trying to convince friends to test it.

Pictured is one of our favorite hot sauces, Blairs 3 AM Hot Sauce

Investing

Preston spent a hefty amount of money on a pair of cordovan shoes.
With proper investments, your money will work for you!

You don’t need millions of dollars to invest in the stock market. There are penny stocks and forex that can be traded for small amounts of money. In fact, you can even open practice accounts that don’t require any investment. But it can be addictive and very risky, so use caution and never bet more than you’re willing to lose.

Painting

After ensuring the proper width and slant of the paintbrush, Amara starts dyeing the shoe.
The fine brushwork on a pair of bespoke shoes is one of our favorite types of painting!

Beautiful self-expression, relaxation, and attention to detail, painting is a hobby you don’t need to be good at to enjoy.

Learn the basics of fine art!

Photography

Whether it’s on your smart phone or through the lens of a professional camera, photography is a passion and hobby many creatives enjoy. It has the potential to be a lifelong pursuit, and there are many ways to enjoy it. Landscape, fashion, and family photography are just a few of the directions you can take this hobby. Learning about lenses, cameras, aperture, ISO, shutter speed, composition, editing, and lighting is sure to keep an aspiring photographer busy. We love the detail of the Nikon D810.

Pipe Making

Vintage Corn Cob Pipes, All Labeled Missouri Meerschaum Co., Washington, MO
Pipes can be beautiful works of art.

For the beginner, you can buy kits to learn the basics of pipe making. As you get more involved, you may learn to craft a pipe from scratch. For the pipe smoker, this is an elevated way to enjoy a relaxing hobby.

Playing an Instrument

Photo of Preston singing while in Black Tie
Do you think that Raphael plays the piano as well as Preston sings?

Whether it be the guitar, harmonica, piano, or violin; learning to play an instrument takes practice and devotion but can be very rewarding.

Urban Farming

One of Raphael's grandfathers was a farmer (not pictured here, of course!)
You do not need acres of land to start a farm.

It could be beekeeping, botany, or growing your own food — urban farming has proven you don’t need a field to have a farm. All you need is an interest and willingness to learn. Today, people do it on rooftops in Manhattan, indoor gardens when no outdoor space is available, or in their backyards in the suburbs.

Videography

Good quality microphone, on top of the video gear, makes a difference in the viewer's experience.
We know a thing or two about videography here at The Gentleman’s Gazette!

Capturing moving memories. It may be creating amateur films, documentaries, or just your kid’s milestones and events. Videography and editing are something many people enjoy, and it doesn’t have to be expensive as it once was.

Whittling

Consider whittling to pass the time

You may not actually be carving something specific. It may be mindless whittling of a random stick with your pocket knife or a detailed handheld carving. However, many men find it very relaxing to whittle.

Wine Making

Some examples of Marsala wine
Start your own vineyard and enjoy the fruits of your own vine!

Like brewing beer, wine-making is an art, and you get what you put into it. If you spend a great deal of time perfecting your wine, you can end up with something rather glorious and very gratifying.

Wood Working

Photo of two 19th century wood turners

It may be carving a bowl, a figurine or something practical and larger. Woodworking is a hobby many men enjoy. It goes back to the desire to create something from scratch and is very satisfying to see the end result.

Damascene woodworkers turning wood in the 19th century. [Image Credit: Wikimedia]

Social

Animal Rescue

Photo of  a rescued puppy
A rescued puppy is fed milk at an animal shelter in West Virginia [Image Credit: Wikimedia]

Whether it’s opening your home to foster animals or helping to feed and find homes for strays, this hobby is a great way to channel your love for animals into a productive activity. There is even a contingent of people who rescue exotic animals like big cats, deadly snakes, or unusual insects.

Blogging

Preston and Raphael sitting in from of a computer checking The New York Times website.
The Gentleman’s Gazette got its start as a blog!

Some do it professionally, but others do it for fun. Not only can blogging be a great way to diarize your thoughts and feelings, but it can serve as a wonderful connection point to an audience similar to yourself in the wider world of social media. It can be a way to explore further a hobby or a way to seek out a supportive community for those who are ill, dealing with tragedy, or simply need to vent. It doesn’t have to be open for the world to read, but it can be a way to show the world who you are. The Gentleman’s Gazette started off as a blog to share Sven Raphael Schneider’s passion for Classic Menswear with others. You can start for free at wordpress.com, but it’s better if you get your own domain and install wordpress.org. Who knows? Your blog could someday become a YouTube channel, too!

Community Activism and Involvement

Photo of Group shot of Jack Nathan Preston Eb
No matter what your community is, being a part of it and giving back is a great hobby.

Giving back to the community is something many of us enjoy. If you don’t stand up for your community, who will?

Culinary Experiences

Strict dress codes in restaurants can cause controversy if service is denied to guests who are not dressed properly
Few things compare to a great meal with great friends.

Food trips, competitive eating, and trying new exotic cuisines are hobbies many men enjoy and one that can take you out of your comfort zone and introduce you to the world.

Dandyism

5 Dandys walking together at Pitti Uomo
For dandies, dressing well is a lifestyle.

It’s not just about the clothes. It’s the pursuit of an elegant lifestyle. And it really is that: a lifestyle. What begins as a hobby — collecting, grooming, and decorating — can quickly turn into a passion and then into a lifestyle. Dandies don’t generally consider it a hobby. It becomes who they are, and it’s exhibited in all aspects.

Entertaining and Event Hosting

Preston stands at a microphone in Black Tie
A musical interlude can be fun for both the performers and the audience.

From throwing formal dinner parties to casual cocktail parties, developing a theme and planning an event is as much fun as attending one. If you enjoy hosting events, consider making it a regular part of your social routine. If you have a talent, like singing or being able to play a musical instrument, consider putting a concerto for the fun and amusement of your friend!

Have You Heard Preston Sing Yet? Check It Out!

Fellowship

Four men seated at a bench with a fifth standing behind all wearing suits
Spending time with like-minded gentlemen can be one of the most fun hobbies of all.

Joining a social club, private member club, or fraternity can be a great way to meet like-minded men and share in the fellowship and camaraderie of others. Popular men’s groups include The Elks, The Freemasons, The Lions Club, and The Knights of Columbus.

Genealogy

A photo of a coat of arms

Learning about where you came from and your family history can be a fun and unexpected adventure! Online resources like Ancestry.com have grown by leaps and bounds by realizing that many people enjoy charting the history of their family. Some do it quickly to create a family tree, but others will spend hours each day delving into the history of their ancestors and learning all about where they came from.

The Coat of Arms of the Duke of Richmond

Live Theater

Live plays, Broadway musicals, and the opera or ballet; taking in a show is a culturally rich way to spend an evening.

Photo of a man at the opera
A member of The Gentleman’s Gazette writing staff enjoys an opera at the La Fenice Opera House in Venice, Italy.

Volunteering and Mentoring

Preston and Raphael go hunting for vintage bargains
Preston always appreciates Raphael’s guidance when it comes to clothes.

Making a difference in the world can be one of the most worthwhile and meaningful hobbies any man can have. It’s very rewarding and can be sitting on the board of a community organization or mentoring youth through programs like Big Brothers.

Hobbies for Gentlemen FAQ

What are the benefits of having a hobby?

Hobbies allow you to make time for yourself and your own enjoyment in the midst of family, personal, and business obligations. In addition to providing entertainment and relaxation, they are also an avenue for broadening your horizons and meeting new people.

What hobbies do men usually do?

Men can partake in any type of hobby. In this article, we have divided our suggested hobbies into five broad categories: Athletics & Games, Collecting, Exploration, Skills, and Social hobbies.

What hobby is right for me?

The best hobbies will suit your interests and be practical for you to undertake in consideration of personal time and financial constraints. Ultimately, the best hobby for you is the hobby that most excites you.

How do I get started with a hobby?

As in most cases, it helps if you have access to someone who can show you the ropes. When starting out a new hobby, try to find a mentor or existing club of devotees of that hobby who can introduce you to it. You will make new friends and gain access to their invaluable experience.

How many hobbies should I have?

In general, you want to have sufficient hobbies to keep yourself occupied and stimulated, but not so many that you are overtaxed or unhappy. The exact number will, therefore, vary based on your time constraints and how driven you are. The fact of the matter is, many men are completely satisfied and fulfilled pursuing only one major hobby.

What is the “Three Hobby Rule?”

The Three Hobby Rule posits that in order to be fully engaged and stimulated, everyone should endeavor to have one hobby that encourages creativity, one hobby that encourages regular exercise, and one hobby that is profitable, colloquially referred to as a “side hustle.” While some men find organizing their hobbies in this way, ultimately, how many hobbies and the types of hobbies that you have are your choice.

Do men have to have hobbies?

While there is a great deal of fun, enjoyment, and stimulation to be derived from having a hobby, whether or not you have a hobby is completely up to you. If you would rather spend your time in some other way, that is completely fine.

Conclusion

Your profession shouldn’t define your personal style.
Hiking? Birdwatching? Competitive jacket wearing? What hobby do you think Raphael, Kyle, and Preston are up to today?

We hope that this article has provided you with lots of ideas and suggestions for fun and exciting new hobbies that you can try. Hobbies add spice to life, and we hope that you are eager to see just how great a new hobby can be!

Let us know in the comments: what are your favorite hobbies? And are you planning to adopt any of the hobbies that we mentioned today?

Reader Comments

  1. I’m a little surprised Stamp Collecting or Philately didn’t make the list. It has attracted some very famous hobbyists and I’ve been at it for more than forty years.

    1. Good catch, surprising I hadn’t thought of it either? Can be quite lucrative. Ironically, I had a client whom considered his stamp collection a “retirement account” and his IRA account, a hobby!

      ( Although he had the occasional run in w/ the IRS over what is/isn’t a cap gain? ) The issue of traveling to exhibits, deductibility of mileage, meals etc. can become, rather thorny.

      1. Sexton Blake collected stamps, Lord Peter Wimsey collected first editions, Baron Gruner collected Chinese pottery. All more gentlemanly, and sensible, than some of the things which made the list

  2. Very interesting and inspiring list.
    Maybe, it is worth considering the addition of collecting vintage fountain pens and, more generally, writing instruments.

      1. Collecting writing instruments from previous centuries is a wonderful way to hold history in your hand and use it in contemporary communication. Fountain pens, mechanical pencils, dip pens and, pencils are all available for collection. Learning the history of the manufacturers and the particular instruments is fascinating. Caring for and carrying these writing instruments is an enjoyable hobby.

  3. Very cool list! I particularly enjoy three or four of those hobbies in the list. However I’d like to suggest to my fellow GG readers one that I’ve recently fallen in love with: speedskating.

    1. What a grand suggestion! Although not entirely without its liabilities? Sharp blades, yikes!

      I do recall in my youth being much more comfortable asking the young ladies for a skate, over say a dance. Lots of pressure on both parties. Skating also affords a gentlemen the opportunity to offer his gloves, scarf, hot chocolate ( and god knows what else? )

  4. I was taken aback by the assertion that many men don’t have hobbies. My own problem is having too many:

    Motorcycling: Is this a hobby or a lifestyle? I combine it with camping, cooking, fellowship and whisky tasting when I attend big rallys!
    I keep fish, but you didn’t mention keeping birds, just watching them :-)
    I do metal working, which you mentioned, but the finest part of metal working (to me) is machining which probably should have been on the list. Just two days ago this paid off when I had to remove an intractable screw from the bottom of a cast iron burner on my stove. I milled out the screw, tapped the hole for new threads, cut down a socket head screw to fit with my lathe and reassembled the whole shebang to get the burner going again, which let me get back to the cooking I love to do.
    Down in my basement shop I have not only metal working tools but wood working tools as well, they don’t see as much use as I would like.
    SCUBA diving is something I love, along with spearfishing (to be sporting this should only be done when freediving).
    Video gaming is something for which I don’t have sufficient time, but I enjoy it nonetheless. It also serves as a way for my kids and I to share something.

    The list goes on, I feel like I have barely scratched the surface.. One’s career and life really get in the way of pursuing an all-hobby lifestyle.

  5. Scambaiting is very popular on YouTube, either to post or just watch

    and it is surprising to see dancing on the list. I thought that someone had suggested it as a topic and been dismissed as a spammer

  6. No fishing??? Fly fishing is centuries-old and as a hobby, can encompass fresh and salt water, large fish and small, fly tying and adventure trips. Can’t get more gentlemanly than fly fishing.

  7. Just used the link in the coffee section. Love this blog, use it all the time for reference and inspiration but that was subpar. Those machines use old beans and are not environmentally friendly. Constructive criticism: maybe get a guest blogger who is an expert in the field? I’d volunteer…

    1. Are you commenting on the coffee piece of this one? I agree, coffe pods are not environmentally friendly but then again, drinking coffee in the first place is not green either.
      We have used guest authors in the past, and the time it takes to get a piece up to our standards does not justify hiring someone. We are only interested in long term contributors who can deliver good content on an ongoing basis.

      1. Depends on the pods. Nespresso is 100% recyclable and they provide a bag to return the pods gratis. Not a cheap way to make coffee but the coffee it makes is excellent and uses as little water as possible. I have the new kind that makes standard coffee as well as espresso.

  8. I restore airplanes. I’ve worked on two fighters, a Grumman F4F Wildcat & a Chance Vought F7U Cutlass, and a Piasecki HUP rescue helicopter. It’s a great way to keep history alive and real, instead of something just found in a book.

  9. Personally I do enjoy designing and making perfumes every now and then. A quite absorbing and time consuming work it is – developing a complex but well balanced and novel perfume can ask for a few hours of concentrated work a day during a period that in some cases can last days or even weeks – but very creative and satisfying too.

    Moreover, one can then process such a perfume and for instance make an eau de parfum for a lady friend based on it, or an eau de cologne for one’s own use, or a beard balm and moustache wax to be used when grooming the facial hair, or a shampoo and so on and so further. The list of products one can thus make is virtually endless.

  10. I live aboard sailing yacht, that which included many hobbies…

    I just miss my motorcycle, and the ability to play railways gear in scale, once very popular… and missing from the list

  11. Hmm.. Tried a number of those, quite enjoyed cigars, dabbled in pipe-smoking, have -sadly- not played chess in years, etc.. While one is still fairly new to it, one could probably manage a “Gentlemanly pursuits” article for you about hacking, general horsemanship and the sartorial aspects of things equestrian. If you are interested…

  12. What a nice hobbies.. i have many of them but i like to add a new hobby .. collecting the clothes labels ..yes its my hobby when i was 15 years old !..

  13. ” The difference between cigar smoking and cigarette smoking is cigar smoking is a passion whereas cigarette smoking is an addiction. ”

    Ha – what a joke! I have known people who are addicted to cigars.

    This is not the first time Mr. Shapira has made this claim on this blog – does he get paid by a cigar PR lobby group?

    Love this blog, but the editor needs to filter out “facts” like this.

      1. In my opinion neither cigar smoking nor pipe smoking should be on the list. A gentleman should care about his health, not acquire an addiction that is unhealthy both for himself and the people around him, under the guise of a hobby…

        1. Recreational tobacco and alcohol is a personal choice, a great hobby for some, and I believe part of being a man is knowing your limits. If you become addicted to anything, seek help immediately. An addiction to anything can destroy a man’s life.

  14. Not quite in the Dandy space but Men’s Clothing is definitely a hobby for me. I have not job requiring fine dress and where I live jeans and T-shirt are the norm so I do it because I get something out of it for myself.

  15. “Marathon running” is far too narrow and should be replaced with “Running.” There are many of us who enjoy running on a regular basis but have, for one reason or another, chosen not to pursue the 26+ mile endurance test otherwise known as the marathon…

  16. Making men’s clothing doesn’t appear on your list. It can be challenging,absorbing and the rewards are having unique items to wear when you are finished.

  17. Very nice and – almost comprehensive – article. I miss photography and painting, though.
    And…when a true gentleman is going to take up fishing as a hobby, it should not be coarse fishing, but always game fishing, using a fly rod, trying to deceive trout or salmon.
    (cf.The Sign of the Fly, by Gerard J. van den Broek, in The American Journal of Semiotics, 1984.)

  18. This is a helpful article. It is a shame the page does not provide a printer friendly version. All of the adds and links to additional videos makes it difficult to read.

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