Top 5 European Destinations for a Stag or Hen Weekend

By: Joseph Akintaju on March 4, 2013 @ 6:17 pm

Europe has plenty of great destinations for a stag or hen weekend that won’t break the bank. Simply find a cheap flight, book a cheap hostel (how

Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Photo credit: Klearchos Kapoutsis)

much time are you really going to spend there anyway?), and save your cash for the pubs. Here are the five best European destinations in which to celebrate the end of singledom.

1. Amsterdam

Chill out in one of Amsterdam’s famous coffee shops and let pre-wedding nerves melt away. You can take a trip to the world’s oldest sex museum for an amusing romp through the history of erotica, while a walk through the red-light district is an even more eye-opening experience. With a lingerie-clad girl in every window touting for business, it might be a good idea to appoint a responsible person to keep the groom out of trouble.

2. Riga

The Latvian capital of Riga is full of rich history and culture, as well as some excellent eating and drinking establishments that charge far less than the bars back home. The Skyline bar on the 26th floor of the Hotel Latvija, which looks out over the Old Town, has a unique atmosphere at sunset. Later in the evening, Club Essential regularly features sets by some of the biggest DJs in the world and is frequented by the coolest crowd in Riga – all for a tiny entrance fee. Latvia is a great place to have fun on a budget, but watch out for strip clubs advertising offers such as free drinks: many tourists have been presented with extortionate bills and not allowed to leave until they pay up. If you want to see strippers, Jockey Club on Elizabetes Street is a reputable establishment.

3. Barcelona

Barcelona’s bar-hopping culture makes it the perfect place for stags and hens. Take a tip from the Spaniards by dining on tapas – small plates served with your drinks at Barcelona bars. What better way to start your evening than a selection of chorizo, local cheeses and Spanish stuffed peppers, washed down with a glass (or pitcher) of sangria?

4. Edinburgh

The Scottish capital is the perfect location for an adventurous stag or hen party, with activities such as paintballing and off-roading available nearby. To add a touch of class to the proceedings, play a round of golf at Braid Hills Golf Course before heading to one of the west side’s many trendy restaurants for the best of contemporary British food. Alternatively, jump on board the Club Class Bus for an alcohol-fueled tour of Edinburgh’s liveliest clubs.

5. Budapest

A trip to Budapest’s traditional hot baths will relax even the most jittery pre-wedding nerves. With some pools at the Széchenyi baths heated to body temperature, this is the perfect place to lay back and relax for a while. Once you’re feeling refreshed, check out Budapest’s thriving live music scene. You can see local rock and blues bands at the thumping Wigwam Rock Club, which keeps playing the beats until 5 am.

Be Prepared!

Before you book a stag or hen party abroad, make sure the groom or bride’s passport is up to date (particularly if you plan to surprise him or her with the plans). While living it up in Europe, stay safe by carrying only small amounts of money and keeping your wits about you at all times.

Post contributed by Victoria, on behalf of ChilliSauce.co.uk - Victoria is a freelance writer and has worked extensively as an events coordinator on birthdays,hen weekends, stag do’s and for special occasions.

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