What The Super-Rich Do For Fun
Apart from business deals, bank accounts, and monitoring the stock market, some billionaires have hobbies that are surprisingly down-to-earth—or outright unexpected. So, what are the richest people’s favorite hobbies?
Boating And Yachting
After spending hours in the office, many of the world’s millionaires look for an escape. Boating and yachting are excellent activities because they offer relaxation and adventure. Jeff Bezos and Larry Page own boats and yachts that they use to explore the waters.
The Way Of The Water
Boating and yachting refer to the recreational use of watercraft, such as yachts, sailboats, or motorboats, for leisure, travel, or sport. This can range from serene cruising on calm waters to exhilarating adventures in challenging seas.
It’s More Than An Escape
In addition to the relaxing experience, these activities offer an interesting social opportunity, perfect for hosting gatherings, and a private way to explore new destinations. Yacht clubs and marinas are hubs for socializing with other wealthy individuals and creating business and social connections.
What Does It Take?
If you ever want to try boating, you should have enough knowledge. A license might also be needed depending on the country or state. Many millionaires and billionaires enjoy boating in the Mediterranean Sea or Caribbean Islands for the scenery.
Travel The World
When money is no issue, people get to explore the world’s most intriguing destinations easily. Many rich people travel to mix business with pleasure, whether it’s for cultural enrichment, philanthropic ventures, or even meeting new business partners.
Marcos Mesa Sam Wordley, Shutterstock
Flying In Style
You’ll unlikely meet any billionaires at the airport waiting for check-in. By using private jets, they can travel around the globe for days without worrying about transit times. This can also be an excellent way to avoid the press.
The World Is Not Enough
So, where do rich people go? Many, like Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mel Gibson, and Larry Elisson, own private islands that they usually invite guests to. Others head to world heritage sites like the Pyramids of Giza.
Time Away From Home
Traveling offers cultural immersion and unique experiences. For some, this includes exotic locales, private tours, or exploring less accessible places like Antarctica or deep-sea sites. It’s a way to step out of one’s comfort zone and serves as a break from routine.
Playing Music
What do Paul Allen and Warren Buffet have in common? They’re both very rich and can play musical instruments. The procedure of understanding and mastering a musical instrument can be meditative and rewarding for someone who spends hours focusing on numbers.
Buffett & Bon Jovi and The Glory Of Love by Matt Schifrin
Food For The Soul
Playing music involves creating melodies and rhythms using instruments like the piano, guitar, or even the more niche violin or harp. It’s an expressive art that engages the body and soul and helps build patience and resilience.
Your Favorite Musicians
Warren Buffet, one of the world’s wealthiest people, has played the ukulele on several occasions—in live performances for charity, on TV, and in front of investors. Scientific studies show that people who play music are happier and less stressed.
Warren Buffett's Ode to Coca-Cola by The Coca-Cola Co.
Not Just In Private
While making their wealth grow, many rich people also play music to impress their audience. For example, Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, eventually had time to play the electric guitar in an album he released, inspired by legend Jimi Hendrix.
Rare footage of Paul Allen playing the guitar the night the Seahawks were saved by NorbCam
Flying Planes
What could give a better sense of freedom than flying an actual plane? This hobby can be recreational or practical, and it allows rich pilots to travel on their own schedule while enjoying the thrill of flight.
Let It Soar
Rich people love to fly, and they have the money to afford private aircraft. The excitement of being in control of an aircraft is unmatched and can help anyone break free from everyday stress. Now, imagine that you don’t have to worry about the bill. Isn’t it amazing?
Learning Is Key
Celebrities like Elon Musk, Angelina Jolie, and Harrison Ford are all licensed pilots. They all understood that one wrong move can set the line between life and death and didn’t mind spending hours practicing for their own safety.
Inside Elon Musk's 70 Million Massive Private Jet by Luxury Zone
Bring Me That Horizon
In addition to the sense of freedom, piloting a plane requires focus and discipline. Many wealthy people like Howard Hughes loved planes because he was drawn to the engineering and innovation involved in aviation.
Library of Congress, Wikimedia Commons
Collecting Art
With billions of dollars at your disposal and an eye for masterpieces, collecting artwork becomes an interesting leisure time activity. This practice requires a discerning eye, deep knowledge of art history, a passion for preserving culture, and lots and lots of money.
The Collectors
Art reflects personal tastes and interests. Collecting allows individuals to own pieces of history and support contemporary artists. They can also show their personality through curation. It can also be a way of creating a legacy or even an investment strategy.
It’s Not Just Spending Money
So, do rich people just head to auctions and buy whatever they find? No. Many actually spend years looking for a single piece to add to their collections. They learn about artists, and they often consult with experts or have personal art advisors.
How Is It Done?
Art auctions at Christie’s or Sotheby’s always see many of the world’s wealthiest. In some cases, those rich art lovers are invited to invite-only exclusive events or curated exhibits. Data about these events are usually kept secret.
Welcome to Livestreamed Auctions at Sotheby's by Sotheby's
Playing Golf
Golf is a relaxing yet challenging sport. It’s a combo of physical activity and social interaction while offering players time to unwind in picturesque courses. It’s known for its mix of strategy, skill, competition, and a serene outdoor setting.
Enjoy The Fresh Air
Most rich people can spend hours working behind computers or attending meetings. So, a golf course can be an excellent opportunity to enjoy the fresh air. Moreover, the game offers a low-impact way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.
Away From The Crowds
Paparazzi can be a real nuisance to many rich people. However, golf courses are usually exclusive, and they don’t allow outsiders. Many billionaires have their own private courses and personal coaches so they can enjoy their time comfortably.
Among Their Kind
Billionaires also get to meet other people who share the same interests—money and golf. For example, Augusta National and Pebble Beach are considered elite clubs, only available to members who play a lot for the membership.
Metallion, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Scuba Diving
Founder of Virgin Group, Richard Branson, enjoys scuba diving whenever he has time for it. And he’s not alone, as many rich people love how it gives them a sense of tranquility and wonder. Luckily, they have access to the needed exclusive equipment and training.
A Lot To Explore
The world’s waters offer many diving opportunities, whether it’s to explore wrecks or you want to look at the most intriguing creatures. Scuba diving is definitely an adventure that opens up stunning views of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine life.
Getting Ready
People are equal under water, and having the right training and equipment is all that matters. With the help of their assistants and trainers, rich folks will have their tanks, regulators, buoyancy control devices, and underwater cameras ready for the adventure.
Too Many Options
Depending on the kind of adventure you seek, you can find several interesting spots to discover. The Great Blue Hole across the coast of Belize is suitable for regular scuba diving. Many people also head to Kona, Hawaii, for night dives.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Wikimedia Commons
Mountaineering
Combining hiking, climbing, survival skills, and exploring nature, mountaineering is an adrenaline-filled activity that many rich people love. As a matter of fact, climbing can be quite expensive to pursue because of the tools and equipment required.
The Call Of The Wild
Spending several hours or days trying to reach a peak on your own is the opposite of meeting rooms filled with tense people discussing a billion-dollar deal. The thrill of reaching a summit is a personal challenge that tests endurance and mental toughness.
It’s Not Easy
It takes a lot of training to be able to walk along the narrow ridges carrying your gear without risking your life. Although rich people will usually go mountaineering with trained professionals, they still need to take lessons and practice before taking on a challenge.
What The World Has To Offer
Many people can skip some climbing destinations because traveling is too expensive—but not when you have a few millions to spare. Destinations like Mont Blanc, Kilimanjaro, Vinson, and, of course, Everest are among the most popular choices.
Collecting Cars
Whether it’s vintage treasures or new concept models, rich people, and exclusive cars are a match made in heaven. Because what is a six-figure price tag when you're among the world’s elite? Many rich people seem to agree and pay millions of dollars for a single masterpiece.
Avid Collectors
The most famous car collectors’ list includes names like Hassanal Bolkiah, Ralph Lauren, Jay Leno, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates. Yet, to each his own, as some are interested in rare vintage automobiles, while others prefer high-performance vehicles.
Worth Every Penny
Rich car lovers will go above and beyond for a vehicle they want to buy. Many collectors appreciate the stories behind each vehicle and buy those that belong to other celebrities. Some even buy cars as an investment as rare models increase in value.
Doing The Work
Avid automobile lovers know that buying a car is just the beginning. Some vehicles require significant restoration work that involves specialists and rare parts. Moreover, finding unique models often requires attending exclusive auctions or networking with other collectors.
Thesupermat, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Skiing
Gliding through the snowy peaks is a winter sport and recreational activity that many love. Yet, the exclusive locations and high-priced equipment can all make this sport a bit expensive for most of us to pursue and the perfect one for the world’s richest.
The World In White
Several skiing resorts exist across the globe and offer downhill racing to casual trips through scenic alpine trails. Ski resorts are usually located in breathtaking mountain settings, and trips are often group activities that combine sports with leisure.
Not Your Everyday Activity
Many billionaires visit luxurious ski resorts with private chalets and world-class amenities for a sense of exclusivity. At the same time, these spots usually attract other wealthy individuals to create opportunities for socializing and business while keeping outsiders at bay.
Not For The Faint Of Heart
Learning and practice are paramount for your safety, as skiing in remote areas or challenging slopes involves risk. The sport is limited to snowy months and regions, and the use of top-tier equipment while scheduling regular maintenance shouldn’t be ignored.
Hunting
While a controversial activity, many rich people pursue hunting as a hobby. This could be the hunting of game animals for sport, food, or conservation purposes. It involves using firearms, bows, or other tools to track and capture wildlife.
Connecting With Nature
Hunting immerses participants in natural environments. Many see hunting as a way to connect with historical practices or family traditions. Others love the challenge, as it requires patience, skill, and knowledge of wildlife behavior.
Exotic Experiences
Many rich people go on private hunting trips and safaris away from the media. These trips offer exclusivity and allow them to forget about fast-paced urban living. Securing their safety is usually the responsibility of private bodyguards and trained personnel.
Kjetil Kolbjornsrud, Shutterstock
It’s Controversial
Organizations like PETA put many people under the spotlight for practicing trophy hunting. Prince Harry was one of them. However, many rich people hunt and release for research purposes and to support conservation efforts.
