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Trending stag activities in Edinburgh
Edinburgh may be so picturesque that it resembles a film set at times, but trust us: there’s nothing fictional about its potential for a legendary stag do.
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Most popular Edinburgh stag accommodation
Edinburgh stag do guide
Edinburgh is great if you are looking for
You’re never more than a stone’s throw away from a good pub
Home to some of the best whisky in the world
Easy to get around the main stag-friendly areas in the city centre
Edinburgh is one Scotland’s liveliest party cities, promising you and your group of stags a weekend bursting with booze, mayhem and good times.
Alright, Scotland’s cultured capital might be a little colder when compared to some other stag destinations, but take our word for it, you'll barely notice the drop in temperature once you get going. You’ll find some great bars and clubs here to fuel your night-time antics, along with top daytime activities, and a generally welcoming atmosphere for stags. So what are you waiting for? Head north of the border and party away the stag's last weekend of freedom with the Scots!
Getting around
Edinburgh is a compact city, making it very easy to get around on foot. In fact there’s a lot of fun to be had wandering its side nooks, hidden crannies and medieval alleyways. But, this being Scotland, the weather can turn on a pin, so this guide to getting around Edinburgh will give you all the details you need to know for navigating Scotland’s capital in case it rains or gets a little chilly.
Driving
Firstly, how to get to Edinburgh. If most of you are coming by car, your best bet is to arrange car sharing between you to save on petrol and parking costs. There are several public car parks around the city (the NCP at Castle Terrace has 750 spaces alone) so you'll have convenient options of where to leave the motors safely and securely, with fair and comparable prices for 24 hours. Alternatively, plenty of Edinburgh stag hotels offer car parking for their guests, though often for a supplementary charge. Let us know when you book how many spaces you think you will need and we'll do our best to sort it out for you.
Flying
If you’re flying, Edinburgh Airport is just seven miles from the city centre. There’s a regular, 24-hour Lothian Bus service from the airport, or it takes half-an-hour by tram. However, we recommend travelling by train if you can. As an example, it’s just over five hours from London to Edinburgh by train. When you think about airport check-in, and the transfer into the centre, it’s almost as quick to go by train as it is by air. And of course a more pleasant, more eco-friendly journey.
Buses and Trams
Once there, getting around in Edinburgh is very easy. Besides the 24/7 bus network which offers a reliable and frequent service, there are plentiful local taxis, and there's also a decent tram service, which was inaugurated in 2014 and services several city centre stops. Download the Transport for Edinburgh app before you arrive, because it allows you to purchase tickets and check timetables in advance. Alternatively, you can use the ticket machines on platforms. If you want to pay for bus travel with cash, note that only the exact change can be accpeted by drivers, so it's best to go digital if you can.
Cycling
Edinburgh's cycle hire scheme sadly closed its figurative doors in late 2021, so you'll need to research independent bike hire companies if you want to cycle around during your stay. Lastly, look out for the occasional rickshaw ferrying tourists around - they're not cheap though, and may not be inclined to pick up rowdy groups of drunken stags. Not your lot, of course - we mean the others.
Tips and ideas
Edinburgh is probably most famous for its renowned Fringe Festival, one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture in the world. Every August, tens of thousands of events span hundreds of venues across the city over 25 days. During this time, the city bursts with talent as it hosts different types of entertainment from hilarious comedy shows to strirring musical performances. Obviously, this lends itself perfectly to interesting stag do ideas in Edinburgh, but it also has its downsides. Accommodation during Fringe season is super-expensive and fills up very quickly, so if you want to incorporate both into your weekend, our advice is book as early as you possibly can. And the same goes for other popular events throughout the year, such as Six Nations rugby fixtures for example. Edinburgh is jam-packed with awesome and diverse stagtivities so knowing where to start can be tricky. Let us help you:
The Best Stag Do Ideas in Edinburgh
Get ready for the stag do of a lifetime in the coastal gem of Leith, Edinburgh! Jump aboard a beer bike and pedal your way along the stunning coastline while enjoying bottomless beer to keep the party vibes flowing. Blast your favourite tunes through the rocking sound system as you soak up unbeatable seaside views. The expert guide will ensure you see the sights while keeping the wild party rolling. Forget having to choose between the pub and sightseeing because this activity gives you the best of both worlds with a pint in your hand. It's a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate the groom-to-be!
Gather your best mates and prepare for an adrenaline-fueled battle of wits and marksmanship. Armed with semi-automatic paintball guns and clad in camouflage, you'll storm through epic battlefields, ducking behind barricades and strategising your next move. Whether you're a sharpshooter or just in it for the laughs, paintballing guarantees epic memories, triumphant victories and hilarious defeats. It's time to embrace your inner warrior and unleash your inner action hero on the battlefield as you splatter your opponents with paint. You can even get the groom to wear fancy dress to make him an easy target. He won’t be able to escape!
How about mixing football with zorbing with hilarious results? Bubble football is a game changer and a must do for footie fans who love a bit of banter. Climb into your giant, inflatable, one-man zorbs that cover your whole upper body and let the chaos begin. Running, bouncing and colliding with your mates has never been this much fun! You’ll be split into two teams to go head to head during this wacky yet wonderful activity. It’s like a regular footie match, minus the zorbs and the fact that you can tackle by running felt pelt into each other! Don't worry about skill; it's all about belly laughs and banter as you knock each other over like inflatable beach balls. Trust us, the groom's going to love it!
Edinburgh is the ultimate playground after nightfall! Get ready to embark on a wild adventure with your mates with one the bar crawls on offer, led by a professional guide who’ll show you the hottest haunts. Start at the Grassmarket, where centuries-old pubs like The Last Drop and Biddy Mulligans serve up pints and whisky galore. Continue your odyssey along the Royal Mile, hitting up quirky spots like The Devil's Advocate and The Hive for a taste of local craft beers and electrifying dance floors. Don't miss the Cowgate, known for its underground club scene, and experience a true Edinburgh institution, The Three Sisters, perfect for big groups with outdoor spaces and a buzzing atmosphere. It's a city that never sleeps, ensuring your stag do will be epic!
I hope you don't plan on walking afterwards, because a bottomless brunch is a brilliant way to get the group absolutely leathered, but it's also a great team bonding activity. Everyone is around the table, eating together and breaking the ice as they chug away at beers, proseccos or spirits, depending on your drink of choice. Your group will have two hours to chug away as much booze as you like, so it might be worth doing the more active experiences beforehand. The sharing tower of food also means people can pick at what they like, while everyone will also get a portion of chips each.
Rev your engines and embrace your inner speed demons with go karting! At Raceland Karting, you'll feel like Formula 1 pros as you race around the track, battling for pole position. The competitive spirit, the smell of burning rubber and the thrill of zooming around tight corners will have you grinning from ear to ear. It's not just a race; it's an adrenaline-fueled showdown where you can finally figure out who’s the best driver in your group. Will it be you? Just put the pedal to the metal and unleash your inner Lewis Hamilton if you want a place on that podium!
If your stag do has ventured into the land of kilts and bagpipes, embrace some authentic Scottish traditions! Sure, you can handle a wee dram or two but for an extra dose of epic fun, dive into your very own Highland Games. You and your friends will be split into clans, competing in epic showdowns like the Tyre Flip and the legendary Caber Toss. The spirit of competition will soar, so consider a hilarious forfeit for the losers, adding a hilarious twist that’ll have everyone in stitches. Get ready to unleash your inner Braveheart and make memories that'll last as long as the bagpipers' tunes!
When the night falls in Edinburgh, it's not just about pints and parties. It's time to laugh your socks off at the city's fantastic comedy clubs! Edinburgh's comedy scene is world famous, and these clubs are the perfect stop to get your giggle on. You'll be in stitches as top comedians dish out hilarious punchlines and rib-tickling humour. Grab a drink, settle into a cosy corner and let the belly laughs roll. You’ll get a mixed line up so there’s something to suit all senses of humour. It's a fantastic way to bond with the lads, share laughs and kick start the night in style.
Clay pigeon shooting is bound to blow your minds! Swap your pints for shotguns and get ready for some serious target-blasting action. In the stunning Scottish countryside, you'll take aim at those clay pigeons, unleashing your inner sharpshooter. Show off your skills as you all compete to hit the flying targets. Score a bullseye and the cheers will echo for miles. Full tuition is provided so anyone can give it a go. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or a complete newbie, clay pigeon shooting promises a day filled with adrenaline, banter and, of course, a little friendly competition. Are you ready to get trigger-happy?
There's one stag do rule you should never forget: Always end your night in a nightclub! Edinburgh's clubbing scene is an absolute banger, and the perfect way to cap off an epic day of celebrating your mate's last weekend of freedom. The city's vibrant nightlife offers a mix of venues, from historic and atmospheric clubs hidden in the heart of the Old Town to the trendiest spots in the New Town. The music is pumping, the drinks are flowing and the dance floors are packed with party animals ready to groove. It’s time to hit that dancefloor and show everyone what you’re made of!
More Edinburgh Stag Do Tips
As for your more traditional Edinburgh stag do activities, you’ve got an amazing amount of choice. All the classics can be found here, like Paintballing, Quad Biking and Go Karting, plus modern day classic, Bubble Football. Our expert team knows all the best things to do here, and will have all the advice you need.
Famously, Edinburgh is brimming with stunning views, which is perfect if you’ve all had a heavy night out and need some fresh air to clear your heads! Clear the cobwebs by taking a walk up to the Scott Monument, a finely constructed piece of Gothic architecture dedicated to the memory of Sir Walter Scott. You can make your way up its narrow staircase for an awesome panorama. Or, how about washing your face in the dew of Arthur’s Seat? Don’t worry, it’s nothing seedy, we promise. It’s actually Edinburgh’s extinct volcano, and a pretty easy hike after which you’ll be rewarded with some truly breathtaking views.
Then there’s stunning Edinburgh Castle, looking down on the city from Castle Rock. The lads might enjoy a tour of one of Europe’s finest castles one morning before you get going with the festivities on your Scotland stag do.
And, if sightseeing isn’t really for you, then why not indulge in some hair of the dog and sample a wee dram at one of Edinburgh’s many excellent whisky bars? We can arrange for you to go Whisky Tasting to discover aromas and flavours which could lead you to find your favourite malt whisky.
Hitting up a strip club is a quintessential stag do activity, making sure that the groom’s last night of freedom is cheeky and unforgettable! Strip clubs in the city centre offer a fun and thrilling atmosphere, perfect for lads looking to let loose and celebrate in style. You'll find a variety of sexy ladies here who know how to put on a show for you as they slowly undress and dance. Your jaw will hit the floor as they tease you with their seductive moves! Whether the groom-to-be is embarrassed and blushing or loving every minute, strippers set the tone for a cheeky and legendary stag do in Edinburgh.
Nightlife
Lively enough in the daytime, Edinburgh gets even crazier at night. We’ve done our research, listened to feedback from past customers, and put together a guide to some of the best haunts for you to hit up and flaunt your signature moves! Don’t forget, when you book your stag do we’ll connect you with on of our Event Planners who’ll be an expert on Edinburgh nightlife, and therefore able to offer you tailored advice on where to go when.
Restaurants
But first, let’s be responsible. It’s always a good idea to line your stomach before a big night on the town, so why not enjoy a hearty and delicious meal at one of Edinburgh’s many stag do-friendly restaurants such as Las Iguanas, the Slug & Lettuce, or Revolution. We’re more than happy to take the hassle away and organise this for you.
Old Town
Most stag do's in Edinburgh base themselves around the historic Old Town. The two best places for stag groups are Cowgate and the Grassmarket, both of them lined with brilliant nightspots where the good times flow. Fancy dress is allowed in many pubs and bars, which are used to hen and stag groups and happy to welcome well-behaved groups of lads through the door. Just bear in mind that some places might not embrace some of the more inappropriate outfit choices you're considering forcing the stag to wear, so choose outfits and venues wisely!
Nightclubs
In terms of stag-friendly Edinburgh nightclubs, there are plenty of options to choose from, including the popular multi-room venue, ATIK, where every member of the group will find something to suit their music tastes. Well, maybe not Erik the Death Metal enthusiast, but he’ll just have to lump it and get on board. We can even arrange for you to jump the queue and organise a super stylish VIP booth.
Just a note on your Edinburgh stag do hotel. We know how important it is for you to be close to the action, and not have too far to travel back at the end of the night. That’s why we aim to find accommodation that’s within a 10-15 minute walk of the city centre, or a short and inexpensive taxi journey away.
FAQs
Is Edinburgh good for a stag do?
You can’t see us, but we’re nodding our heads frantically. Edinburgh is without a doubt one of the best cities in the UK for a stag weekend, with great entertainment options, all the classic stag activites - plus some that are uniquely Scottish, of course - and a wide range of suitable stag do accommodation. Oh and by the way, the nightlife is EPIC.
Are there Edinburgh stag do apartments?
Absolutely. We have a wide range of stag weekend accommodation in Edinburgh, and centrally located self-catering apartments are part of that mix. We also work with a number of excellent Edinburgh stag do hotels so whether you’re on a budget, or you want something a little more luxurious for your group, we confident that there's something for you in our portfolio.
What are the best Edinburgh stag do ideas?
Our knowledgeable Event Planners are loaded with reliable advice for your trip to Edinburgh and they've tried and tested many of our activities themselves, from the funny Highland Games experiences, to classic stag choices such as Quad Biking and Paintball. As for stag do entertainment in the evening, there is no end of bars and clubs in Edinburgh ready and waiting to welcome your group and ply you with drink. We’ve got plenty of tips on where’s hot right now.
Do you sell Edinburgh stag do packages?
Our various Edinburgh stag weekend packages are designed to give you a head start, and ensure your weekend runs nice and smoothly. A typical stag package for Edinburgh will include one or two activities for the daytime, a two-course meal in a restaurant such as Revolution that welcomes stag groups, and then nightclub entry.
Is our money protected?
Yup - have no concerns about that. The Stag Company is an ABTA member, which means that your money, and that of your mates, is fully protected when you book a package through us. Our aim is to give you complete peace of mind when arranging a stag do, because you know you're in safe and experienced hands, from deciding on your itinerary, through to departure.
Do you have any Edinburgh stag do bar crawl advice?
Are you kidding? We’re Edinburgh bar crawl specialists. In fact we can even arrange a Party Bus tour that escorts you from bar to bar if you’re so inclined. Upon booking, our team will give you all the advice and support you need on what to do for a first-class stag weekend in Edinburgh, with information on all the best stag-friendly pubs, bars and clubs. We can also arrange dinner for you beforehand to steady your stomachs.
Can we wear fancy dress on an Edinburgh stag weekend?
We’d probably advise against wearing comedy kilts and tam o’ shanters on an Edinburgh stag, as they don’t always go down so well with the locals. But generally speaking, fancy dress is fine in Edinburgh. Some bars, clubs and restaurants don’t allow it; if you have any concerns, you can either check with them directly based on exactly what you're planning to wear, or ask your Event Planner for their expertise.
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