If you are looking for a destination to celebrate someone's upcoming wedding, Europe is full of suitable cities to host the festivities. You will have no trouble finding beer and crazy nights to include in the programme. But don't worry, you will find what suits you even if you prefer an outdoor adventure, a food tour or culture. From nightlife capitals to sun-drenched beaches and wild coastlines, here are some of the best European destinations to celebrate a stag or hen party.
Dublin's Temple Bar is bachelor party heaven © Madrugada Verde / Shutterstock
1. Dublin, Ireland
For a weekend of pub-crawling, large quantities of whiskey and a few merry brawls, there's no doubt about it, you have to head to Dublin. A tasting at the House of Guinness, a tour of Temple Bar and a traditional music concert (try the Cobblestone) are perfect activities for a bachelor/bachelorette party; sports fans can try their hand at traditional Irish sports at the Experience Gaelic Games centre, or wakeboarding at Grand Canal Dock. For an unforgettable (and free) group activity, take a swim in the placid waters of Forty Foot, a natural pool just outside the city frequented by locals all year round.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
If you want nights of fun, days of relaxation, al fresco dining and spectacular views of the city, pack your bags for Lisbon. Enjoy dinner and views from the rooftop terrace of The Insólito, take a tour of the bars in Bairro Alto and then pop into Lux or its smaller version, Rive Rouge, which is located right above the Time Out Market (1am snack time?) By day, try your hand at making a Portuguese tile or pastry at a craft or cooking class, or opt for a day trip to Cascais beach or the enchanted castles of Sintra.
With its bars and clubs, Berlin is the ideal party destination © mkrberlin /Getty Images
3. Berlin, Germany
Berlin, one of Europe's nightlife capitals, is the place to be if you want to celebrate your stag or hen night by dancing until the early hours of the morning, but be warned: same-sex groups have a better chance of eating Currywurst with Angela Merkel than getting into Watergate, ://about blank or the techno 'church', Berghain. If you plan to go clubbing do some research and make sure you have a plan B. If, on the other hand, you don't plan on queuing for hours at the risk of being left out, opt for a street art tour or a stand-up comedy show: Berlin's international comedy scene is top-notch.
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4. Basque Country, Spain
Ready for a road trip? Sober drivers, reporting for duty: a bachelor or bachelorette party in the Basque Country will take you from the culinary paradise of San Sebastián, with the beautiful sandy crescent of Playa de la Concha, to Bilbao, a city that abounds with culture, via surfing beaches such as Bakio and Plentzia (ideal for beginners) and Mundaka (for experts only). If you don't just explore the coast, inland you will find mountains and exquisite wines made from grapes grown in the area around Laguardia.
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Many visit Tallinn for a weekend of cheap booze but there is much more to see © trabantos/Shutterstock
5. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn has long been a popular destination for bachelorette and bachelor parties where the focus is on cheap flights, cheap drinks, slightly seedy nightclubs and medieval pubs. But there is a whole other side to the Estonian capital that is worth discovering. Besides the historical centre, visit the Telliskivi Creative City in the Kalamaja district, a community meeting point and a place to take a morning stroll; wander the vintage markets, craft shops and street art, then enjoy brunch at a pop-up café. Weather permitting, head to Pirita Beach, the beach surrounded by pine trees, for a game of volleyball and an aperitif, before indulging in a fine but affordable dinner at Pegasus.
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6. North Wales, United Kingdom
Prefer a hike to the hangovers? Opt for a weekend in North Wales where miles and miles of trails along the coast, or on the country's highest mountain, Snowdon, will give you plenty to do. For a more adrenaline-fuelled adventure, try mountain biking, the Surf Snowdonia wave pool (inland) or slice through the air on the world's fastest zipline. If you prefer activities for mental and physical health, choose from options such as yoga, SUP and glamping. Adventure Tours UK organises customised itineraries and small group tours.
Budapest is famous for its nightlife, food and impressive architecture © photo.ua / Shutterstock
7. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is an inexpensive destination and a great classic for celebrating a hen or stag party, especially for the fantastic nightlife. Every Saturday there is a 'sparty' at the famous Széchenyi Baths, where the outdoor pools turn into watery discos with crazy music and lighting. The next day return to the Széchenyi again for a quieter experience, or try one of the other establishments in town (we recommend the Gellert Baths) and treat yourself to a rejuvenating sauna and massage. Still not satisfied? Head to the ruin bar Szimpla Kert for a glass of Hair of the Dog or eat a lángos, a fried cheese delicacy, at the Great Market Hall or Lehel Market.
8. Aeolian Islands, Italy
If an itinerant trip under the Mediterranean sun sounds like your idea of a celebration, opt for a sailing tour of the Aeolian Islands, the archipelago that is part of the Unesco World Heritage. This cluster of seven islands off the northern coast of Sicily is famous for its active volcanoes (Stromboli and Vulcano), natural mud baths, secluded bays to swim in and the local wine called Malvasia. Take a day trip to the Aeolian Islands from Taormina with Viator, or find a charter skipper on SailSquare.
Fjällbacka offers a relaxing kind of experience for your bachelor/bachelorette party © Mattis Kaminer / Shutterstock
9. West coast of Sweden
If your package (budget permitting) must include fresh air and beaches, head to Sweden's west coast and explore the granite islands in the Bohuslän Archipelago. You can go kayaking or stand-up paddling with the Nautopp Kayak Centre, or dine on a marine safari before celebrating the spoils of the expedition (assuming you caught anything) with oysters and champagne at Q Skär in Grebbestad. Scandi-noir fans? Mystery writer Camilla Läckberg hails from the charming town of Fjällbacka, where you can take a tour of the locations described in her novels and later featured in the TV programme inspired by the stories, Murder in the Fjords.
Malta and Gozo
10. Malta
Groom's friends pack your Bermuda shorts and bridesmaids pack your bikinis - Malta awaits for a holiday of sunbathing and relaxing on the shoreline. Try SUP at the most beautiful locations, such as St Peter's Pool and Blue Lagoon; snorkel or dive the Blue Hole; or challenge yourself to stick to the banana boat in Mellieha Bay. Once dry, spend the night dancing at Paceville, near St Julian's, or at one of the trendy clubs in the capital Valletta.