Picking the perfect destination for celebrating your last night of freedom before your marriage can be difficult, so here’s a list of the Top Ten Overseas Hen Weekend Locations, to give you some inspiration.
Barcelona
Barcelona has proven to be one of Europe’s top destinations time and again. The Catalonian capital boasts a magnitude of great bars, clubs and restaurants as well as a superb climate and location. Sitting on the shores of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is only around a 2 hour flight from the UK.
A night out in Barcelona starts late, with most bars staying open until 3am and clubs until almost breakfast time. The choice is vast with different areas of the city sporting alternative vibes and attracting different crowds. In the summertime the beach bars open for business, with live music, ranging from chill-out to up-beat party the atmosphere is jubilant throughout the day into the early hours.
Dublin
Nobody knows how to celebrate better than native Dubliners, so why not head over to the Emerald Isle’s capital of cool for a hen weekend of unrivalled craic.
Most of what’s fun in Dublin is south of the River Liffey. The Temple Bar area right by the river, the shopping around Grafton Street, and Saint Stephens Park. North of the Liffey is O’Connell Street with a charming mix of department stores and busy markets.
The best thing about Dublin is that everything is within walking distance, which is just as well – taxis can be quite expensive!
Budapest
The Hungarian city of culture, Budapest has all the right elements to create a perfect hen/stag location. Sitting just over two hours flight away from the UK the city offers plentiful bars, clubs and cafes combined with sublime architecture and an idyllic setting.
If you are looking for a fun time Budapest promises to deliver, whether you fancy a wild night, a memorable meal or simply to soak up the sights, there is so much choice. This exciting city boasts low cost prices and the beer/wine is certainly no exception.
With bargains to be had on everything from cheap shoes to souvenirs, there’s no doubt that shopping in Budapest can be a fun and worthwhile experience! Budapest is simply brilliant!
Madrid
Without a doubt, Madrid is one of the most sophisticated cities in the world, with its architecture, fashion consciousness, cafe life and clubbing attitudes. Although, it is possible that the city that never sleeps has calmed down a little in recent years you can still count on finding a party atmosphere at all times of the day and in all situations.
You’ll also find culture in abundance here, with some of Spain’s top galleries and museums lining the streets and some great shopping opportunities. Because the clever Spaniards think you should always eat when drinking, most bars also serve food – usually tapas. And despite the efforts of the authorities, Madrid’s night-life still happens later than in most other cities. If you like to party, you’ll like Madrid!
Benalmadena
It’s a small, but beautifully formed, holiday resort and has some of the best weather in Europe all-year round. Benalmadena night-life is sexy, stylish and exciting.
There are loads of great tours, excursions, events and activities to vie with the beaches and shops for your daytime attention, whilst, when the sun goes down and your glad-rags are on, the restaurants, bars and clubs around the award-winning marina show you why the Spanish themselves love to holiday here whenever they can.
Prague
Now an established travel destination, Prague is also very popular with those looking to celebrate their last days of un-married freedom in style. The laid back bohemian exterior of the city in the daytime reverts to serious partying and drinking in the dark hours, with the cities night-life now approaching legendary status.
Located on the banks of the Vltava River in the heart of the Czech Republic the city is a muddle of five historic towns with a year round cultural calendar. Whatever takes your fancy, be it sightseeing, culture, bars, clubs or architecture, Prague has something for everyone.
One other big plus point with this city is it’s low cost prices! The bars and low cost restaurants will keep you amused for hours if not days! Whether you go for the shopping, drinking or sightseeing, Prague will not disappoint – a truly magnificent city of contrasts, perfect for a cheap hen or stag weekend abroad.
Galway
The fast-growing city of Galway encapsulates everything that is good about Ireland. A university city with a huge under-25 population and a vibrant cultural life, it has lots of excellent restaurants, live music and adorable pubs.
Fascinating little markets, a smart selection in daytime activities, the Cathedral, the Bay, a few friendly clubs, and all against a picturesque backdrop that demands you bring that camera. Just the ticket for you and your fellow hen weekenders to get away and relax.
Puerto Banus
Under half an hour from Malaga airport lies the fast-rising hen/stag weekend star that is Puerto Banus.
Though everything is packed into a relatively small area, you can look forward to cramming plenty into your allotted time. Not least because of the magnetic pull of what is effectively the centre of the resort’s action – the fabulous Marina.
Class oozes out of every boat mast, every designer store, every restaurant terrace and every immaculately-dressed waiter. Prepare the girls/boys for a fun-filled assault on the glitterati of the Costa del Sol.
Cork
Situated in the South West of Ireland and despite its successful status as European Capital of Culture in 2005, Cork hasn’t lost its Georgian charm or simple attractions. The best way to see the city is on foot; compact and walkable, central Cork is set around the River Lee, criss-crossed with footbridges and lined with quays, with the main St Patrick Street running through the middle.
A modest sprinkling of sights and plethora of traditional pubs make for a stress-free visit. There’s an understated and stylish quality to life on a Cork hen weekend. You won’t find row upon row of obscenely high-priced fashion stores to rival Madrid or Milan, but what you will find are at least 3 large, delightful shopping centres, a thriving city centre of consistently good variety and value, a sparkling group of cafes, restaurants & bars, and a populace who value wit and good humour above posing and pretence.
So pop that champagne Cork and get the party started.
Benidorm
Benidorm – a Mecca for fun-loving Brits – sprawls happily up the hills and off into the horizon. Developed from a tiny fishing village, it is now one of the cleanest and most popular resorts in the Mediterranean. Benidorm has worked hard to get rid of it’s ‘down-market” image – with some considerable success.
This is the ultimate Costa Brava resort, and it extends a warm welcome to everyone – all year round. Night-life is legendary – from some of Spain’s best cabaret bars to some of the continent’s biggest and best clubs, hen nights and stag nights in Benidorm only end when you decide you’ve had enough!