Edinburgh Stag Do

Why is Edinburgh Good for Stag Do?

Want to give the groom-to-be an unforgettable weekend before he ties the knot? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Famous for its world-class comedy festival and Hogmanay celebrations, this lively Scottish capital can throw one hell of an epic party, making it an ideal location for any stag do. If you’re whisky fans, you’ll be in heaven. Head to one of the many traditional pubs on the city's cobbled streets and sample a wee dram or two. We bet it’ll be some of the best whisky you’ll have ever tasted.

And it’s not just partying where an Edinburgh stag do stands out from the crowd. This vibrant and picturesque Scottish city has tons of fascinating history and culture that extends way past battered Mars Bars. It’s a UNESCO City of Literature after all. It also offers tons of eclectic activities. Whether you want to dance ‘til you drop, chill out or satisfy your need for speed, you’ll discover a whopping range of activities in Edinburgh that you and your mates will be raving about long afterwards!

Top 10 Stag Do Activities in Edinburgh

1) Highland Games

Celebrate in the great outdoors and get into the Scottish spirit with the hilarious Highland Games. You’ll take part in a range of wacky challenges such as hurling wellies, tossing the caber, hammer toss, tug of war, shopping spree dash and tyre flip. Laugh, joke and unleash your competitive side as you hurl the welly as far as you can. Get ready for that all-important banter to flow from the get-go. There are prizes to win including a bottle of booze so you better bring your A-game. You can even come in fancy dress to make things more fun.

2) Paintballing

Ready for a quintessential stagtivity? Paintballing is one of our most popular activities for stags and it’s easy to see why. It's a lively and competitive game that gets you working as a team or against each other with hilarious results. You'll be split into teams and have to work together to find the best hiding spots while trying to shoot your opponents other with paintballs. What could be better than pelting your best mates with paint? To make things even more exciting, we also offer capture-the-flag games and other activities that will keep everyone engaged and having a blast until the end of the experience.

3) Bubble Football

Who doesn’t love a kickabout with their mates? But it’s your stag do in Edinburgh so we think you should push the boat out and spice up your regular footie match. Bubble football will do just that as you climb into big, inflatable, one-man zorbs to play a fast and furious match that sees you bounce, barge and roll around the pitch. You won’t be able to keep a straight face when you see each other dressed as giant beach balls! To tackle, you’ll need to bump each other out of the way. The zorbs will take the impact so you can give it all you’ve got!

4) Nude Life Drawing

Fancy something quirky? We’ve got just the thing. Nude life drawing classes are designed as a fun, cheeky way for men to get together with their mates and create something beautiful while learning some new skills along the way. And did we mention that you’ll get to gaze upon a gorgeous, naked woman throughout the class? A professional model will de-robe and pose for you. Don’t worry if you laugh or blush, she’s a total pro. You don’t need to be arty to try this tongue-in-cheek class as an art teacher will share all their tips with you.

5) Escape Rooms

If you've ever wanted to be a detective and solve crimes or just watched loads of TV mysteries, you’ll love the challenge of an escape room. These themed rooms present you with puzzles and riddles to solve and codes to crack. You’ll need to work together if you want to escape in the designated time, usually around one hour. There are so many themes to choose from, from scary to funny, carrying out a bank heist to uncovering a double agent, but all jam-packed with mystery. Are you ready to unleash your inner Sherlock Holmes or Watson?

6) Bar Crawls

Whether you're looking for a place to throw back a few shots or just a quiet pint with friends, we can help! Get yourselves on a bar crawl and get the inside scoop on all of the best watering holes in town. A friendly guide will show you around. They know all the best places to go so will make sure you have a night to remember. Some bar crawls even include free shots and drink deals and games. If you choose a public crawl, it’s a great way to meet new people who love to party as much as you do while you explore the city centre by night without having to navigate it alone.

7) Quad Biking

Are you ready to get down and dirty? If you've been looking for an off-road adventure, we have just the ticket. Quad biking is a rip-roaring good time that sees you taken off the beaten path on a guided course through 120 acres of woodland with a qualified instructor and your mates at your side. You'll ride these beasty bikes on mounds, slopes, hills and muddy puddles as you make your way around the twists and turns of this mud-caked obstacle course. So, what are you waiting for, lads? Get out there and see much mud you can splash!

8) Female Strippers

If you're looking to get your stag do off to a sexy start, look no further than watching a female strip show, gazing upon the most gorgeous woman in Edinburgh! They’ll dance and undress for you, maintaining eye contact that’ll make you go wild and blush until you’re red like a tomato! Whether the groom-to-be has asked to see strippers or you want to surprise him, he’ll love every minute with these lovely ladies. You can even stitch him up and arrange for him to have a seductive lapdance. Sit back, relax and enjoy the banter and the view!

9) Clay Pigeon Shooting

We fully understand that arranging a wedding can be super stressful so the stag do is time to blow off steam when walking around the block or having a cup of tea just won’t do! Shake away all that stress with clay pigeon shooting, a traditional countryside activity that sees you fire a shotgun at a range of moving clay targets. A highly skilled instructor will be with you at all times, carrying out a safety briefing, showing you how to use the equipment and setting you fun challenges. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never even seen a gun before let alone hold one as you’ll get full tuition. Just give it your best shot (pun intended).

10) Strip Dinners & Topless Waitresses

What better way to celebrate your stag do than by sitting down to a slap-up meal? We all love good food and a meal out gives you time to chat, laugh and plan your next stagtivity. But we’ve got a naughty twist for you. How about eating your dinner while a gorgeous stripper performs for you? You’re welcome, guys! She’ll entertain you with a feast for the eyes while you have a feast for your bellies. Alternatively, your food can be served by a sexy topless waitress. The choice is yours.

More Stag Do Ideas in Edinburgh

Whatever it is that you’re into, you’ll find it here! We've got a brilliant array of activities that are ideal for both daytime and evening stag antics!

Daytime Stag Do Ideas in Edinburgh

If you’re a group of guys who love a kickabout, then why not give Bubble Football in Edinburgh a whirl? But be warned, this isn't anything like the classic game! Each member of the group will be encased in giant, inflatable, one-man zorb balls that covers the entire upper body! Your group will then be split into teams and the games will begin. You’ll quickly discover that your arms being encased seriously affects your balance, but luckily your legs are still free to run around and kick the ball.

Perhaps the best part of this game will be the tackling. To steal the ball, you’re going to have to run at, bounce, barge and bump the opposing team members out of the way. As you can imagine, this will be a highly comical situation as you flail around on your backs! Just make sure you don't spend too much time down there, you’ve got a match to win after all!

For something a little less energetic for your stag weekend in Edinburgh, how about taking part in a Graffiti Art Masterclass? This unique experience will give you an in-depth crash course in everything street art. You’ll learn all about its New York routes back in the 1970s before unleashing your creative juices. Learn to create characters, paint beautiful lettering and discover stencilling techniques. Could you be the next Banksy?

Evening Stag Do Activity Ideas in Edinburgh

When it comes to nightlife options for the stag do, then you’ll be spoiled for choice with the vast choice of restaurants, bars and clubs that the city has to offer. But before you let the evening celebrations commence in full flow, we’d suggest taking a look at some of our top recommendations to get your evening started the right way

First of all, a night on the beers doesn’t bode well without some food, so make sure you find a stag friendly restaurant that’s happy to accommodate a large group. We recommend The Discovery Group or Indulge Dining, where you’ll be able to enjoy a two-course meal and drink. These lively restaurants offer a fun and laid-back atmosphere, in addition to a vibrant choice of dishes to enjoy. Also, The Cauldron are famed for their tasty cocktails, with many favourites available on the happy hour deal all day, every day!

Alternatively, you could enjoy a two-course meal with a gin tasting masterclass beforehand if you’d like to combine two great options. This experience is available at Slug & Lettuce on George street and here, you and your group will enjoy sampling a brilliant variety of gins and learning about the history of this spirit, before tucking into a two-course meal afterwards.

Getting around Edinburgh during a Stag Do

Edinburgh is a brilliant city and it’s a complete doddle to navigate your way around. If you’re flying into Edinburgh, then making your way into the city centre couldn’t be easier. There’s an efficient and frequent tram service, available from Edinburgh airport, providing a speedy journey into the heart of the city, in addition to trains and buses too. There’s also plenty of taxis at the airport, ready to ferry you and your luggage to your accommodation.

For those arriving by train, Waverley Train Station is situated right in the centre of Edinburgh, and when you arrive, you’ll be conveniently situated for everything that the city has to offer.

Edinburgh itself is considered to be a compact city, that’s easily accessible by foot. You can of course make use of the available public transport options to make your way around during the trip, but why not take in the sights of the traditional cobbled streets during your time here? In the early hours, once you’ve slunk out of the bars and clubs and finished the obligatory kebab, you’ll never be too far from a taxi, that’ll be on hand to whisk you and those tired feet back to your accommodation!

Edinburgh Stag Do FAQs

Is Edinburgh good for a stag do?

Edinburgh has tons of historic charm and buzzing nightlife, making it an ideal stag do spot. The Old Town is jam-packed with atmospheric pubs and quirky bars, while the New Town offers classy cocktail lounges and bustling clubs. You can explore Edinburgh Castle during the day and hit George Street for a night to remember. The city’s compact layout is another bonus as you can easily hop between activities or pubs without wasting time.

What are the most popular stag do activities in Edinburgh?

Whether you fancy some classic or quirky stag action, there’s loads to do here. Popular experiences include whisky tasting sessions where you’ll learn about Scotland’s favourite tipple and inflatable knockout games for a hilarious competitive twist. Beer bikes are great for pedalling through the city while enjoying a few pints and nude life drawing with a female model adds some banter and cheekiness. Bar crawls along Cowgate and Grassmarket are, of course, stag do staples while bubble football ensures plenty of laughs and a chance to show off your footie skills while wearing a one-man zorb.

Which famous attractions should we visit?

No stag do in Edinburgh is complete without a trip to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock with stunning city views. Arthur’s Seat offers a great hike for groups who are keen on some fresh air and photo ops. The Royal Mile is a must-see for its historic charm and lively atmosphere. For something quirky, visit the Scotch Whisky Experience or check out Mary King’s Close for a spooky underground tour. There’s tons to explore here.

What are the best areas of the city for a stag night out?

Edinburgh has nightlife to suit every stag group and budget. The Grassmarket and Cowgate are perfect for lively pub crawls with a combination of traditional Scottish pubs and modern bars. George Street in the New Town offers an upmarket vibe with chic cocktail lounges and late-night clubs. The Old Town’s Royal Mile has a range of quirky watering holes and live music venues. Leith is great for a more laid-back evening with craft beer spots and trendy restaurants by the waterfront.

What’s the weather like in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to pack layers. Summers (June-August) are mild, with temperatures averaging 15-20°C. Autumn and spring bring cooler days with averages around 10-12°C, while winters (December-February) dip to 1-7°C. Rain is common year-round, so a waterproof jacket is a must. If you’re planning outdoor activities like hiking Arthur’s Seat or a beer bike tour, it’s best to check the forecast and prepare for all conditions.

Is Edinburgh expensive for a stag night?

Edinburgh can suit a range of budgets, but it’s generally on the pricier side compared to other UK cities. Expect to pay around £5-£6 for a pint in central areas like George Street or Grassmarket, though smaller pubs may be cheaper. Entry to clubs typically costs £10-£15, but some bars offer free entry. Meal prices vary, with pub grub available for around £10-15 per dish. If you’re on a budget, do your research and get things booked in advance.