Culture staycations

Yinka Shonibare exhibit

If you have an afternoon
Check out the crazy fabrics in Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare’s survey show at the Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Pkwy at Washington Ave, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn; 718-638-5000, brooklynmuseum.org). Once duly inspired, sign up for the museum’s “Creative Art-Making: Batik Wax Fabric Printing” (Sat 15 2–4pm, $15), in which you’ll learn the traditional dyeing technique found in West Africa and Asia.

If you have a day
Take an eight-hour trip to Brazil. First, get some phrases and cultural know-how under your belt with a private two-hour crash course at Brazil Station (304 Park Ave South at 23rd St, 11th floor; 646-287-6645, brazilstation.com; $100). Then try a beginner’s Brazilian martial-arts class at Capoeira Luanda (405 W 55th St at Ninth Ave; 212-405-9500, tibacapoeira.com; Sat 2:30–4pm, $17), where you’ll have to call on your musical, rhythmic and acrobatic talents all at once. (Not to mention linguistic: Did you learn how to say “I think I’ve been hurt” this morning?) After a shower, slip on your Havaianas and flip-flop to S.O.B.’s, (204 Varick St at Houston St; 212-243-4940, sobs.com) for caipirinhas ($11) and traditional feijoada ($24) before moving to the samba sounds of the best Brazilian bands in NYC.

If you have a weekend
Try the Center for Book Arts’ Weekends in the Bindery (28 W 27th St between Broadway and Sixth Ave, third floor; 212-481-0295, centerforbookarts.org; Sat, Sun 10am–4pm; $260). The ten-person classes cover a different theme every week, whether you fancy “The Embroidered Cover” (Sat 15, Sun 16) or “The Hidden Art of Kozo Paper” (Aug 22, 23). Arrange for an overnight stay at the boutique Library Hotel (299 Madison Ave at 41st St; 212-983-4500, libraryhotel.com; see deal below). Each floor stands for a category of the Dewey decimal system: Choose the theme that interests you and your room will be crammed with books on it.

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New York City staycations
You need a summer break but don't have the days off? Save time by staying home!