Time to plan the best stag do ever.
Manchester in the summer

HERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO GO FOR A STAG DO

Words: L. Thorpe

Searches for stag parties have more than doubled since the end of last year, suggesting that best men up and down the country are busy planning what’s in store for the groom, along with his nearest and dearest.

With that in mind, menswear experts Moss have run the numbers to find out where the best stag do locations to head to in 2023 are.

Best stag do locations revealed

Based on essential stag do criteria – including nearby bars, restaurants, weather, stag party activities, hotels, distance from the UK and, of course, the cost of a pint – Moss have revealed the top 5 destinations to head for a stag do this summer:

Benidorm

Benidorm, located on the stunning coast of Spain, is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable stag do experience. With its vibrant nightlife, thrilling activities and accommodation options for every budget, it offers the essentials for giving the groom-to-be a good send off.

Benidorm’s nightlife scene is renowned, with a wide range of clubs, bars and pubs catering to every taste and budget. The average cost of a pint is less than £1, the cheapest on the destination list. The city also offers an array of thrilling activities, from water sports like jet skiing and parasailing to land-based adventures like go-karting and paintballing.

With excellent transport links, including an international airport, reaching Benidorm is hassle-free for stag groups from around the world.

 

Two images of Prague, one of the top stag do locations in Europe. On the left is a sunset across the skyline in Benidorm, and the image on the right features a chair facing the sea during a sunset.

Bratislava

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is the perfect destination for an exciting stag do experience. With its vibrant nightlife, affordability, and range of thrilling activities, it offers everything you need to celebrate the groom-to-be in style. The city is renowned for its lively bars, clubs and pubs, providing a diverse range of entertainment options to suit every taste.

Bratislava’s affordability compared to other European cities makes it an attractive choice for stag parties on a budget, without compromising on quality. Its compact size allows for easy exploration and seamless navigation. Whether you’re seeking an energetic night out or thrilling adventures, Bratislava guarantees an unforgettable stag do for the groom-to-be and his friends.

Prague

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is an exceptional choice for a stag do. With its legendary party scene, stunning architecture, and affordable prices, it offers everything needed for an unforgettable celebration. Prague’s vibrant nightlife boasts a wide variety of bars, clubs, and pubs to suit all tastes, ensuring non-stop entertainment.

Plus, Prague’s affordability makes it a budget-friendly destination and its central location in Europe makes it easily accessible for stag parties from different parts of the continent.

Three images of Prague, one of the top stag do locations in Europe. On the left is a red tram driving through the city centre, and the images on the right feature historical architecture from around Prague.

Manchester

With its lively nightlife, range of activities and northern charm, Manchester offers everything needed for an unforgettable celebration. The city’s thriving music scene and numerous clubs and bars ensure an epic night out for the stag party.

During the day, sports enthusiasts can visit iconic stadiums or explore the National Football Museum, while adventure-seekers can enjoy go-karting, paintballing or escape rooms. Manchester’s warm hospitality and plenty of places to eat make it a great stag do destination. Plus, it’s usually a train rather than a flight.

Lisbon

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is an excellent choice for a stag party destination. It offers everything needed for an unforgettable celebration. The city’s electric nightlife scene boasts a variety of bars, clubs, and rooftop venues, ensuring an exciting night out for the stag party. Plus there’s plenty to do in the day.

During the day, Lisbon’s breathtaking landscapes, charming neighbourhoods, and historic sites provide the perfect backdrop for exploration and adventure. Stag groups can visit iconic landmarks, enjoy outdoor activities or explore the city a little further than bars and restaurants.

Popular stag do locations ranked

Based on Moss’ data collection, using the same criteria as above, the top 20 stag do destinations from the UK are:

  1. Benidorm
  2. Bratislava
  3. Prague
  4. Manchester
  5. Lisbon
  6. Blackpool
  7. Barcelona
  8. Amsterdam
  9. Dublin
  10. Ibiza
  11. Cardiff
  12. Krakow
  13. Budapest
  14. Aberdeen
  15. Berlin
  16. Bucharest
  17. Las Vegas
  18. Marbella
  19. Riga
  20. Belfast

Three images of Bucharest, one of the top stag do locations in Europe. On the left is of a street in the city, and the images on the right feature historical architecture and nightlife from around Bucharest.

Stag do planning tips

Planning a stag do can be exciting, but it also requires careful organisation and attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a successful stag do:

  1. Start early: Begin planning well in advance to secure the best deals on accommodation, activities, and transportation. This will also allow guests to save the date and make necessary arrangements to join the celebration. Remember to find out from the groom who he wants to come, and get their details.
  2. Set a budget: Determine a budget early on to guide your planning decisions. Consider the costs of accommodation, activities, food, drinks, transportation and any additional expenses. Make sure to communicate the budget to all attendees to avoid any misunderstandings.
  3. Know the group’s interests: Think about the interests and preferences of the groom-to-be and the entire stag party when selecting the destination and activities. Discuss with the group to ensure everyone is on board with the chosen destination and the planned activities.
  4. Research the destination: Do thorough research about the chosen destination. Familiarise yourself with local customs, laws and places to go. Identify popular nightlife areas, attractions and activities to include in the stag do plans too.
  5. Plan activities and entertainment: Plan a mix of activities that cater to different interests and energy levels, especially if you have a range of ages attending the stag do. Consider including both day and night activities, such as adventure sports, brewery tours, boat cruises or clubbing. Keep the groom’s preferences in mind when choosing activities.
  6. Book accommodation and transportation: Secure suitable accommodation early to avoid last-minute availability issues. Choose accommodations that are conveniently located and can accommodate the entire group within budget. If there’s a big group, a central location might be better than having to arrange transport.
  7. Coordinate group communication: Set up a group chat to keep everyone informed and involved in the planning process. Share updates, itineraries and important details to ensure everyone is on the same page.
  8. Collect payments in advance: If applicable, collect payments from attendees in advance to cover expenses such as accommodation, activities and transportation. This will help avoid any financial complications during the stag do.
  9. Plan for contingencies: Have backup plans in case of unforeseen circumstances or unexpected changes. It’s always wise to be prepared for any last-minute changes or emergencies that may arise.
  10. Delegate responsibilities: Assign specific responsibilities to different members of the group to share the planning workload. This will help distribute tasks and ensure that everything is well-coordinated.

Remember, the ultimate goal of a stag do is to celebrate the groom-to-be and create lasting memories. By following these tips and staying organised, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable stag do for everyone involved.

Three images of Krakow, one of the top stag do locations in Europe. All three images feature people walking through the city amongst the historical architecture in Krakow.