15 Most Popular Hobbies - Common All Over the World 2024 (2024)

Downtime is important. We all need it, and many of us are on a mission to find more of it and figure out just how to spend it. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, or you want to see if your favorite pastime made our top 10 list, we’re sharing the 10 most popular hobbies enjoyed around the world.

What Are The Most Popular Hobbies in the World?

1. Reading

If your idea of a fun Friday night is cozying up with a book, you’re certainly not alone. Reading is enjoyed worldwide; it’s accessible due to the fact that it’s inexpensive (or free), and it allows people to explore new and exciting worlds, and expand their knowledge.

There is always a new and exciting book to read and once you have finished reading, there is nothing nicer than lending it to a friend. This hobby certainly isn’t a new one, but it sure is a goodie!

2. Traveling

Whether it’s a trip across the ocean or exploring the next town over, traveling is an exciting hobby virtually anyone can participate in. From the planning stage to the trip itself, traveling gives folks something to look forward to, along with a brief escape from reality. Plus, the memories last a lifetime.

I really like traveling because it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. If you are strapped for cash, you can couch surf and backpack all while visiting your favorite places.

3. Fishing

If you need a break from the daily grind, unwind with a fishing trip. Whether you’re fishing for food or just for fun, the hobby is a great way to relax and enjoy nature. There are many different types of fishing, making the hobby accessible in most places. If you’re looking for a challenge, try ice fishing or fishing on astand-up paddleboard.

You can also turn it into a family activity and bring your friends and family along. Set up a picnic table and bring your favorite food and enjoy the experience!

4. Crafting

Creativity is universal, and so is the art of crafting. There are many avenues crafters can take, fromknittingand crochet to paper crafts and beading. The internet has opened up a whole new world to craft enthusiasts everywhere; if supplies can’t be found locally, they can easily be found online. Craft websites and message boards offer inspiration when creativity is running low. We provide guides to rug-tufting, fluid art painting, embroidery, and quilting.

5. Television

One of the most popular hobbies worldwide is television. The hobby has changed dramatically in recent years; many networks offer endless on-demand viewing options, and because watching television doesn’t require much effort, it’s an activity that many people partake in daily.

Watching TV is something that people don’t usually put into the hobby category, maybe because we do it so frequently that we forget that it is a pastime. Watching television can also be educational, with certain programs showing informative content that is quite frankly absolutely fascinating.

6. Bird Watching

This hobby continues to grow in popularity, thanks to the fact that virtually anyone can participate. Bird watching, otherwise known as “birding,” doesn’t require much equipment. The hobby draws people young and old, making it an excellent intergenerational activity.

Being outside in the wilderness is also incredibly positive for your mental state, so bird watching can have a very positive impact on you in many ways. You can make this activity last all day by taking a book, food, and tent with you, or you can take a quick half-hour stroll to bird watch before you need to leave for work; that is the beauty of this hobby!

7. Collecting

There’s comfort in being surrounded by the things we love, which is one reason why collecting is such a popular activity. From pokemon cards and coins to action figures and dolls, there are countless collecting options.

Some collectible items are difficult to find, which makes the hobby that much more interesting. Take coin collecting for example; you may need to travel to find your next coin, which adds to the adventure and excitement. Sports card collecting has experienced a resurgence recently and LEGO collecting has always been popular throughout generations.

8. Music

Played, heard, and loved worldwide, music brings people together. Whether it’s listening at home or taking in a concert, music can be enjoyed anywhere.

Music lovers can even dabble in making music too, which is a hobby in itself. All of the top music producers and artists started their musical journey as a hobby, so who knows, you might end up being the next big thing! Check out our beginner guides to the piano, guitar, and saxophone.

9. Gardening

Many people work in the garden to produce food, while others appreciate that it passes the time and offers a sense of accomplishment. Some folks enjoy giving others food from their gardens, and others sell produce for extra cash.

If you don’t have a large outdoor space, you can still take part. If you have a small balcony, you can plant your plants in small pots or hanging baskets, and if you don’t have an outside space at all, you can care for houseplants.

10. Video Games

Sure, video games get a bad rap, but let’s face it… people love them! There are games to suit virtually any personality and preference. Online gaming allows gamers to connect with others online.

People of all ages can play video games; just make sure you get an age-appropriate game that is suitable for you and enjoy! If you have trouble sleeping, playing video games can help pass the time, especially at night where there isn’t much else you could do!

Common Hobbies During Pandemic

2020 was a tough year. We all learned a lot about ourselves and tackled many financial, social, and personal problems on our own. If you were used to being a social butterfly, isolations and lock-downs probably turned your world upside down.

With all of the doom and gloom that the global pandemic brought came wonderful reinventions and newfound hope. We learned and are still learning things about ourselves during this pandemic.

Social distancing has made us appreciate the importance of human interaction, but it has also made us comfortable being in our own company, something that otherwise might have been impossible to teach.

What have we all been doing with our free time? We have all been very busy, I tell you! Take a look at the following hobbies to find out what hobbies are popular in a pandemic.

11. Golf

Golf as the perfect pandemic sport as it allowed one to get out of the house, play a sport and walk while maintaining distance from others. 2020 brought so many new players to the gameand it has maintained its popularity since. There is a learning curve when you first start, but once you hit that sweet drive or iron shot, it keeps you coming back for more!

12. Pickleball and Padel

Pickleball, a sport that is a cross between tennis and table tennis, is the fastest growing sport in America. Overseas, Padel, a sport that is a mix of tennis and squash has been thriving. Both sports are easy to learn, suitable for all ages, and addictive to play. Pickleball is very easy to pick up.

13. Yoga

Yoga is a mind and body activity that is great for building muscle and helps you work on your balance, concentration, and core strength. The beauty of yoga is that it can be done anywhere; you don’t need to go to a gym to do yoga, and you don’t need fancy equipment either. If the weather is nice, you can even do your yoga exercises outside.

Yoga is a sport with plenty of difficulty levels and moves to suit your abilities. Beginners can ease into the sport by following simple steps and gradually increase the level of difficulty as time goes on.

14. Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts projects can be big or small, and the best part about it is that every day can be filled with different artistic activities. Get your kids, parents, and siblings involved in the fun and make it a family activity to remember.

15. Hiking

Appreciating the great outdoors is even more important during the pandemic, and hiking in the mountains with the wind blowing through your hair is incredibly freeing. Look into hiking trails near you and give it a go. If you don’t live near a hiking trail, just walking 30 minutes a day brings amazing health benefits.

16. Gardening

Gardening was a popular hobby before the pandemic, and it is even more of a popular hobby now! If you want a new gardening challenge, try growing your favorite plant or vegetable from seedlings.

17. Cooking

People who have never cooked before have turned into chefs and bakers during the pandemic. All of this free time has given people patience to make mistakes in the kitchen without feeling frustrated and giving up. Whether you follow recipes or wing it and make up your own, cooking sure is a fun new hobby!

For more hobby ideas, check out our 100+ list of hobbies to try this year!