The Big Guide to Your EDINBURGH Stag Weekend

Hands down one of the coolest cities in the UK, an Edinburgh stag weekend is always top-drawer.

If you've been before, you'll know how great it is, and if not, you and the boys are in for a legendary celebration.

Scroll on for all the stuff you need to know about for a stag do in the Scottish capital.

Contents

Is Edinburgh Right for Your Group?

Being a capital city, Edinburgh has a lot to offer stag groups.

If you want a booze-fuelled celebration or you're going alcohol-free. If you want adrenaline-pumping or nice and chilled. If you want classic activities or something completely different... Edinburgh has you covered.

The only thing that isn't guaranteed is the weather.

But with plenty of boozers to jump into along the Royal Mile and Rose Street, you won't be caught out.

For a real taste of Scotland, our Highland Games activity is hugely popular. But don't just listen to us - here's what one of our previous stag legends, Rob, had to say: "Had a cracking weekend in Edinburgh! Perfectly organised and completely hassle-free. Go and do the Highland Games!"

You heard Rob - don't miss out!

The Places in Edinburgh You Need to Know About

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is lined with more than 10 pubs, stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse next to the Scottish Parliament Building.

Grassmarket & Cowgate

The areas in and around Grassmarket and Cowgate (just south of Edinburgh Castle) are packed with drinking spots. We're talking pubs, bars, cocktails joints, and more.

New Town (Rose Street)

North of the castle is an area known as New Town which has bars and restaurants in and around George Street. Our Destination Specialist, Simon, recommends Rose Street which has loads of bars, pubs, and clubs with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

Top 8 Edinburgh Pubs, Bars & Clubs

The Best Time to Go

The beauty of Edinburgh is that it's great to visit all year round.

In 2023, we had stags heading up to the city throughout the year, but 58% of our groups went between May and August.

Why then?

Well, summer is prime wedding time, so it's traditional to have the stag a few months before the big day.

Plus, Edinburgh is just a pretty cool place to be when the sun's shining.

How Long Do People Go For?

69% of the stag groups that booked with StagWeb for 2023 opted for 2 or more nights in Edinburgh.

This gives you enough time to do it all. We're talking about the sights, the pubs, and the awesome activities on offer.

We wouldn't really recommend less than two nights, unless you live locally, as you won't really get to scratch the surface of this incredible city.

How Soon Do People Book?

The average stag in 2023 booked their Edinburgh trip 4 months before they went (129 days).

According to our end-of-year stats, the average for all destinations in 2023 was 122 days, so guys heading to Edinburgh were pretty bang on the money.

If you're reading this and you're coming close to the 4-month mark, we'd highly recommend booking ASAP.

The later you leave things, the more likely the options you want will be booked up.

Get organised and get planning now.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

From apartments to hotels to hiring your own Scottish castle, we have some outrageous accommodation options for you to choose from.

Edinburgh has a lot going on wherever you decide to base yourselves.

However, the closer you are to the centre, the easier it is to get to the nightlife spots and see the sights (and the more money you'll save on taxis!).

Please Note: Not every hotel or apartment in the city accepts stags.

Be sure to check out our stag-friendly Edinburgh accommodation options before committing to something.

What to Do in Edinburgh

You have over 80 Edinburgh stag do ideas to choose from, plus an outrageous selection of pubs, bars and clubs to keep you busy at night.

Any footy fans could catch a game at Hearts or Hibernian if you can secure tickets, plus there are plenty of sights to explore whilst you're there.

You won't be short of things to do, fella.

Things to See in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh's most iconic landmark. It's pretty central and at the top of a big hill, so you'll struggle to miss it.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Situated at the western end of the Royal Mile, this is the King's official gaff when he's heading up to Scotland.

Arthur's Seat

If you and the boys are feeling fit (or want to walk off those hangovers), head to the top of Arthur's Seat for panoramic views of the city. A great photo opp to prove you didn't spend all weekend in those Royal Mile pubs.

Royal Mile

The famous street lined with some of the best boozers in the city.

National Museum of Scotland

For any guys looking for a bit of history and heritage, the National Museum of Scotland is a great way to spend a few hours.

Calton Hill

Another spot which is a great vantage point for Edinburgh's skyline.

How to Get to Edinburgh...

Discover how easy it is to get to Edinburgh by...

Train - Edinburgh Waverley Train Station is situated slap-bang in the centre of the city. It's sandwiched between the Old Town and the New Town, just 0.3 miles from the Royal Mile and 0.5 miles from the famous Castle.

Visit Trainline to book your train tickets.

Car - If you're thinking about driving up, keep your Maps on so you stay on the best route. For context, it'll take about 7-8 hours to drive from London, 5-6 hours from Birmingham, and about 4-5 hours from Liverpool.

If your accommodation doesn't have parking, visit Parkopedia for the nearest parking spots.

Plane - Edinburgh Airport is located just 8 miles from the centre of the city, so getting to and from it is a breeze. Be sure to check in advance, but you can get flights from the majority of UK airports.

One of the easiest ways to get to the city centre is to get a tram from the airport.

There are also plenty of other transport options for you to choose from.

Tips On Getting Around Edinburgh

Walking - OK, there's the odd steep hill, but as capital cities go, Edinburgh is surprisingly compact and easy to walk around.

Buses - Buses are an easy, reliable, and cost-effective way to get around the city. Be sure to plan your routes in advance to save the faff on the day.

Tram - From Edinburgh Airport in the west to Newhaven in the east, the tram hits over 20 stops, including St Andrew Square (for Edinburgh Waverley Train Station), Murrayfield Stadium, Princes Street and more. Plan your journey and book tram tickets in advance.

Uber & Taxis - Uber is available throughout Edinburgh, plus there are a number of reputable local taxi firms to choose from. We'd recommend City Cabs (0131 228 1211) or Central Taxis (0131 299 2468).

Common Edinburgh FAQs

Is Edinburgh good for a stag do?

Edinburgh is a great destination for a stag do. Boasting a range of stag activities to take on - from classics like Bubble Football to the unique and chaotic Highland Games - plus a load of sights to see, you won't be short of options. It's also lively throughout the year, so you won't be confined to a summer celebration.

Is Edinburgh walkable?

Edinburgh is most definitely a walkable city. Start from the Castle and walk down to the central pubs where you can get down to business tasting some traditional scotch whisky!

Where can I go drinking in Edinburgh?

If you're keen on a booze-filled adventure, then Edinburgh will 100% answer your calls. Make sure to visit Rose Street (EH2 postcode), which is famous for its many bars and pubs that are happy to accept stag walk-ins until late. Another great option is Grassmarket Street (EH1 2HY) which is home to many affordable pub houses serving six-pint towers and Belgian pilsners.

What's the easiest way to get to Edinburgh from London?

You can take an hour-long flight from London to Edinburgh, which is the fastest and most convenient mode of transport. Otherwise, prepare to spend around 4.5 hours on a train - it's a bit more money, but with more sustainability in mind.