I do. Yes, yes, a million times yes.
Right, so you’ve done the easy bit – you’re getting married. Planning the wedding, inviting the guests, getting a cake; you’ll sort that out, no problems. The real question is: just where are you going to have your stag or hen party?
Well fear not: pack your fancy dress, blow-up genitalia and L plates and join us for the best destinations to enjoy your last nights of freedom.
Riga, Latvia
Riga is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for all things stag and hen – with relatively cheap nightclubs and booze, it’s not hard to why. But if you can pull yourself away from some crazy antics for a second, you’ll also notice a city with pretty main squares and some nice attractions such as the Freedom Monument.
Barcelona, Spain
Who says a stag/hen weekend has to be all about booze? Barcelona is full of quirky art, museums and quaint cobbled streets. But if you are looking for a wild weekend with a drink or seven, kick back and enjoy the beach with a sangria in hand and get ready to dance until dawn in Barcelona’s massive clubs.
Las Vegas, USA
It’s probably going to get messy, but then again, that’s what going to Vegas is all about. Whether it’s a hen or a stag party, there are enough casinos, strip clubs and nightclubs to fulfil the traditional pre-wedding party needs. Just make sure you don’t get too drunk and end up accidently marrying someone else in one of the many neon-light chapels – you could have some serious explaining to do upon your return.
Newquay, UK
It’s no wonder many Brits flock down to the beach town of Newquay in Cornwall for their stag/hen parties. No foreign language skills needed here and you get the added bonus of a nice sandy beach plus lots of nightclubs to shake a leg at. Why not buck the trend of just getting hammered, and book a few surf lessons on your stay?
Paris, France
Just a couple of hours away on the Eurostar, Paris makes for an intriguing destination. It has the usual stuff on the checklist such as bars, clubs and some of those venues where people get really hot and, erm take their clothes off whilst having a dance. But it also has some nice cultural attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees, where you can do a spot of shopping.
Edinburgh, UK
Another popular destination for stag and hen weekends is Edinburgh. The relatively cheap flights may be one reason, but we also think the city is worth visiting for the beautiful buildings such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and St. Giles Cathedral. Oh, and the fact that the Scots do like a party or two, that might just have something to do with it.
Ibiza, Spain
Option A: head to Ibiza Town, for authentic tapas and classic cocktails served in a charming side-street restaurant, then book yourselves a VIP table at one of Ibiza’s best clubs for a swanky night out in the company of top DJs. Option B: get yourself to San Antonio, drink all the beer you can, run around like crazy on the beach, party at a San An nightclub, then finish the night off with a kebab. Ibiza has enough on offer to cater to both sides.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
A short flight to Amsterdam will take you to a city with pretty canals, cute flower arrangements and narrow shopping streets – take a cycling tour of the city and enjoy the views. But for some reason hen and stag parties gravitate towards the Red Light District and the coffee shops (you know the ones we mean). How about hitting the middle ground and getting some culture with a pint in hand, courtesy of the Heineken museum?
Blackpool, UK
If the idea of going to Las Vegas is proving to be a bit too much for your back account, head to the Vegas of the UK – Blackpool. Casinos, rollercoasters and nightclubs await you here, plus a beach and entertainment pier. Who needs Vegas eh?
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn was the European capital for culture in 2011 and is a new contender for an awesome stag and hen destination. A low price-tag is helping; there’s plenty of cheap food and drink available in the city, along with a trendy nightclub culture. And all blended in with medieval architecture and old cobbled streets.
London, UK
The big smoke – London is a favourite amongst us Brits, and offers a varied selection of activities for your hen or stag do. Whether you’re taking the sophisticated approach with brunch at a fancy restaurant and an evening show at the theatre. Or you want to hit a few pubs and end the night dancing until the early hours – London will definitely cater to your needs.
Magaluf, Spain
Magaluf ticks many boxes for many a stag and hen do partier. There are loads of nightclubs selling cheap booze, a beach to nurse your hangovers on, and lots of activities including go karting and water parks.
