Europe’s 10 best budget stag and hen do destinations

The best places in Europe to go on a stag or hen weekend, without breaking the bank. Find cheap flights on Skyscanner, and save your cash for the pub.

For him

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Perhaps the classic choice for stag parties, the Dam ticks all the boxes for a wild weekend. We will not delve too far into these boxes, but the attractions of the Red Light District may appeal to some. Just beware: everywhere in Amsterdam looks the same, especially after few lemonades, so be sure to write down the address of your hotel. And beware, not all ladies are ladies.

2. Riga, Latvia

Hawaiian shirt? Football top? Custom ‘Steve’s Stag, Riga 2012’ t-shirt? Repertoire of Oasis songs? Seven pints of lager at Wetherspoon’s, Stansted? You’re well on the way to an unforgettable stag do that you probably won’t remember. And that’s a good thing. Pick from any Eastern European or Baltic capital, like Riga. They’re all the same after 11 Jagerbombs.

3. Barcelona, Spain

Forget indeterminate ex-Communist, post-Ryanair Eastern European capitals. They’re so 2006. And they all look alike after 11… Steve the Stag deserves a bit of class for his epic bender. So how about Barca? Get beered up on the old cervezas, check out the Nou Camp, get stuck into the tapas, get back on the cervezas… and those Spanish birds are a bit tasty.

4. Ibiza

‘Ave it! If ladies in minimal apparel appeal, and Newcastle is neither sunny nor glamorous enough for you, it’s got to be Ibiza. Nightclub capital of the western world, attracting said ladies from Bolton, Blackburn and Basildon, Ibiza is like one big high street on a Saturday night, but hot. They even have kebab shops. And Wayne Rooney had his stag do there.

5. Edinburgh, Scotland

Forget jetting off to Vegas and save your hard-earned dosh for the beer kitty. With almost as many pubs as betting shops, you won’t be short of things to do. In fact, who needs sights and attractions when you’ve got loads of pubs? Wearing England shirts, especially if accompanied by singing ‘Three Lions’, will guarantee friendly interaction with the locals.

For her

1. Amsterdam

Unfairly tarnished with a reputation that attracts beered-up blokes and skunked-up Scousers, attractive Amsterdam is actually a lovely city for a hen break. Just avoid the Red Light District like a drunk usher at a wedding disco, unless you want to pick up an amusing novelty item from one its many curiosity shops, although it might be embarrassing when your bag gets searched by airport security.

2. Riga

L plates? Veil? Furry handcuffs? Glittery pink cowboy hat? Custom ‘Shaz’s Angels, Riga 2012’ t-shirt? Repertoire of karaoke classics? Bottle of fizz in the limo? That’s the spirit. Looking, and acting like a complete idiot, an embarrassment to your country on foreign soil, is not the preserve of the less fair sex. So get your best fake lashes on, babe, and hit up the old town in Riga. Or Tallinn. Or Budapest…

3. Barcelona

Forget dreary spa weekends at country houses in the Peak District. Maybe Eastern Europe is a bit too ladette for you. Ok, fine then, it’s destination sunshine for you and the girls. Beautiful Barcelona offers that unbeatable combination of sun, shopping, sangria, seafood and sexy Spanish men. Or there’s Benidorm, but the shopping isn’t as good.

4. Ibiza

Idyllic at it sounds, going on a hen do that involves drinking champagne by the pool like Coleen Rooney does have its disadvantages. Like the weeks of waxing and tanning to achieve the perfect bikini body. But it’ll be worth it when you’re attracting the attention of Christiano on the dancefloor at Pacha. Unless Christiano is 65. Unless he’s rich.

5. Edinburgh

Girls, you know what they say about a real Scotsman! Maybe you don’t, and it’s probably better that way. But there’s only one way to find out if it’s true, and that’s to go to Edinburgh for your hen weekend. With almost as many pubs as tanning salons, you’ll have ample opportunities to get so lashed you’ll have no qualms whatsoever about lifting up blokes’ kilts.