London lads looking for the perfect stag party destination need look no further than Austria’s imperial capital. It’s often overlooked in favour of Amsterdam and Prague, but Vienna has everything you need for a top send-off.
Getting there won’t break the bank
The beauty of choosing Vienna starts with your wallet. It seems a little further afield than the typical destinations, yet Ryanair operates regular flights from London to Vienna for as little as £35 return if you book ahead. That’s cheaper than a single round in Shoreditch!
You can head to Bratislava airport and get a bus in, and there are some pretty great views to whet the whistle. Wizz Air and Eurowings also serve the route, so you’ve got plenty of options for the inevitable latecomers.
Accommodation that actually works for groups
Vienna’s accommodation is ideal (locals will tell you that there is some pretty generous social housing too!). The city has plenty of aparthotels and serviced apartments that can house entire groups without the awkward corridor conversations with disapproving hotel staff. Areas like Leopoldstadt and Mariahilf have some very spacious flats with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens for pre-drinking sessions and not far from the city centre (and Freud’s old gaff).
If you want a more traditional hotel experience, there are endless boutique hotels in the Innere Stadt that provide character and proximity to the action, while the larger chain hotels around Praterstern have competitive group rates and are a nice, big place to get lost in.
Activities beyond the obvious
While Vienna’s legendary coffeehouse culture might seem an unlikely stag do activity, the city’s after-dark offerings are where things get interesting. The Bermuda Triangle district is brimming with bars and clubs until the early hours (they close later than in London), while the Naschmarkt area offers everything from traditional Austrian taverns to trendy cocktail bars.
For daytime activities that’ll get the adrenaline pumping, consider visiting a shooting range in Vienna – several facilities cater to tourist groups and offer experiences with everything from historical rifles, AK-47s, and modern firearms. It’s exactly the kind of unique activity that separates Vienna from the predictable options.
The Prater amusement park is another interesting shout, with its famous giant Ferwheel and many beer gardens for recovery sessions.
The cultural cherry on top
Here’s where Vienna really shines: you get all the debauchery potential of a top-tier party destination with the added sophistication that comes from one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. It’s also got a ton of imperial and WWII history, along with being the homeplace of some of the world’s greatest thinkers like Freud.
Vienna’s compact size means everything is walkable – so these cultural exertions will happen, because you’ll end up accidentally walking past them whether you like it or not. The public transport system runs late into the night, so you’re not going to get stranded.
The verdict
Vienna is a perfect package of affordability, convenience, and lively activities that make for legendary bachelor parties. Cheap flights, ideal accommodation and a good nightlife scene are enough to see you through the trip – but don’t forget to stop off at some of the monuments and museums along the way.
