Wise x Joe Thomas’ guide to the ultimate stag or hen do

Cut-price cultured locations

Money can be one of the trickiest topics to discuss when it comes to planning a stag or hen do. Few things are trickier than trying to delineate just what everyone’s budget is, all while avoiding the question directly. Best friends rarely discuss money, good luck doing so with your mate’s school friend with the menacing profile photo.

And yet, the costs of stag and hen dos is becoming a real problem. Perhaps unsurprisingly, most of us are getting a bit tired of the traditional stag do: grimy hostels, lewd outfits, seedy clubs, pints… rinse and repeat. Rather, we’re looking for something more cultured - something that tends to come at a cost.

Today, the average stag or hen do costs a whopping** £1,500 per person**. So, is it possible to have a more cultured stag or hen on a budget?

We’d argue yes. And our chosen destination? Barcelona.

Barcelona offers a rich blend of history, art, architecture, and vibrant local culture. Flights to Barcelona in early July cost a very reasonable £80 - £100. And there’s plenty to do, and little to spend, once you’re there…

Accommodation

• Depending on your budget, you can opt for high-rated hostels or budget hotels in central locations like the Gothic Quarter, El Raval, or El Born. Many hostels offer private rooms if you are in a big group. Highly rated hostels include Sant Jordi Hostels Rock Palace, a modern, rock 'n' roll-themed hostel with a rooftop pool, bar, and communal kitchen or Yeah Hostel.

• Nice hotels which are highly rated but affordable include Ibis Barcelona Centro, Hotel Jazz or Hotel Constanza.
  You could also rent an apartment through Airbnb, which can be more cost-effective for larger groups and provides the option to cook meals to save money on eating out.

Use Barcelona’s efficient metro and bus systems and purchase a T10 card, which offers 10 rides on public transport at a discounted rate. Many of Barcelona’s attractions are within walking distance from each other, especially in the city centre and you can also rent bikes for a run and affordable way to get round the city.

You can also soak in some of the culture by shopping at local markets like La Boqueria or Mercat de Sant Antoni for fresh produce and have some meals at your apartment or AirBnB.

There are many pieces of beautiful architecture to see in Barcelona just walking around and taking in the sights of the city such as Casa Batlló and Park Güell.

Sample Itinerary for a cultured, budget-friendly stag or hen do in Barcelona:

Day 1:

Arrival and check-in: Settle into your hotel or apartment.

Evening: Dinner at a local tapas bar. Some places will offer free drinks with tapas so look out for these deals. El Xampanyet is a great option as an affordable, historic and iconic tapas bar known for its Catalan sparkling wine, located near the Picasso Museum.

Day 2:

Morning: If you’re feeling up to it, join a free walking tour of the Gothic Quarter to learn about the city’s history and culture. These tours are tip-based, so you can pay what you feel is appropriate.

Afternoon: Visit La Boqueria Market for lunch and explore El Raval, a vibrant area, with cutting-edge exhibitions at the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art and adjacent Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona.

Evening: Head to a beautiful rooftop bar like 1881 per Sagardi to grab some dinner and catch the sunset across the city.

Day 3:

Morning: Explore Park Güell, a renowned public park in Barcelona, Spain, designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tickets are around 10 euros however it is free in some areas if you want to take in the views.

Relax at Barceloneta Beach, bringing your own snacks and drinks.

Evening: Dinner at a budget-friendly restaurant. La Xula Taperia is a charming tapas bar known for its friendly service and delicious food. Order a drink and you'll often receive a small tapas for free.

Day 4:

Morning: Visit Parc de la Ciutadella and the Arc de Triomf.

Afternoon: If you want to keep things cheap, head to the Olympic Stadium which is free entry and an iconic sporting location. If football is more your sport head to Camp Nou, the home of FC Barcelona, though this will set you back €28.

After lunch at a budget-friendly restaurant offering the "menu del día" (fixed-price menu offering a great value meal including a starter, main course, dessert, and a drink.) Great options include La Pubill, located in the Gràcia district, this restaurant offers a fresh and seasonal "menu del día" with Catalan influences.

Evening: Have a final group dinner at a fancy spot such as Sensi Tapas in the Gothic Quarter and drinks in a lively square like Plaça del Sol in Gràcia.

Don’t fancy Barcelona? Try some of our other recommendations:

Tirana, Albania- not a classic stag or hen destination, but one that offers exceptional value for money. The average pint costs just over £2, and a meal £8. Enjoy a vibrant city that’s flourished since the fall of communism.

Prague, Czech Republic- you may roll your eyes, but you don’t have to behave like the traditional stag/hen do when you’re in Prague. Prague is budget friendly, connected by stand-out public transport, and known for its castle, cathedral and deep culture.

Paris, France - flying can be a faff, especially when you’re only away for a few nights. Why not

When choosing a stag or hen destination, there are some tips you can follow to look for the best deals:

1. Book early: Secure the best rates by booking well in advance.
2. Travel off-peak: Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for lower prices and fewer crowds. Do everything you can to avoid school holidays.
3. Compare prices: Use hotel comparison websites like Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com to find the best deals.
4. Check for deals: Look for special offers or discounts on the hotel’s official website.
5. Consider location: Staying slightly outside the main tourist areas can often provide better deals while still being accessible by public transport.

Most importantly, don’t waste money on hidden fees. Use Wise. Stag and hen dos are expensive enough, without incurring the costs of using a bank card overseas.

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