How to: Host the ultimate stag do in Prague

When it’s time to commemorate your mate’s last days as a single man, you can’t go wrong with a Prague stag do. Voted among the top three best stag destinations in the world, it’s one of the cheapest places to buy a pint in Europe, with plenty of things to see and do, and legendary bars and clubs where you can really get the party started.

It’s a great honour to be tasked with planning the stag do, and going abroad is certain to be a popular choice with the lads. However, when faced with an unfamiliar destination, there are a bunch of big decisions for which you’ll be responsible. With the help of this handy guide, we’ll make sure you have everything covered.

Choose when to go

Traditionally, stag dos used to take place the night before the wedding. However, that convention has been thrown out now that the parties are much bigger, last a lot longer, and are often hosted far from home. Ultimately it’s up to the groom when he wants to celebrate—he may suggest a fortnight before the big day so he has enough time to sleep off the excesses and sort out all the final details of the ceremony. However, if he’s happy to leave everything to you, you’ll need to think tactically.

Though it’s natural to crave some city sun, avoid visiting between June and August. This is Prague’s peak season, which means flights and accommodation will be more expensive, and all main attractions and bars will be busier, which could dampen the stag do experience. And while Prague certainly looks beautiful in the wintertime, this could cut any outdoor activities from the agenda. Your best bet is to book in May or September, and enjoy 18 to 20°C temperatures, reasonable prices and shorter queues.

Pick the perfect accommodation

Prague is divided into 22 districts, and tourists typically stay in the central districts 1-10. The area you choose very much depends on the kind of stag do the groom has in mind. For example, he may want to join fellow tourists in lodgings which border the beautiful Vltava River, or delve a little further out for a more authentic residential experience.

These are some of the most popular neighbourhoods to choose from:

Staré Město (Old Town)

As the heart of Prague’s medieval history, it’s no surprise that visitors are often keen to stay in the Old Town. Its Baroque and Gothic architecture makes it one of the most attractive areas, and you can easily visit sites like Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock. There’s plenty to do, with trendy cocktail bars and partygoers galore, though you should bear in mind that the neighbourhood’s popularity also means it can be expensive.

Nové Město (New Town)

It may be called the “New” Town but Nové Město is actually over 700 years old, so there’s still plenty of Prague’s period architecture to appreciate here. This is one of the city’s best places to eat, boasting a wide selection of restaurants, and you’re sure to have a brilliant night in some of its many pubs and bars. Wenceslas Square, thought to be the centre of the city, is also located in the New Town, where you’ll find nightclubs, shops and cafes loved by locals and tourists alike.

Malá Strana

This is one of the most historic parts of Prague, but also far more tranquil than anything on the other side of Charles Bridge. Malá Strana sits at the base of the hill which leads up to the spectacular Prague Castle, and is characterised by its cobblestoned streets, crooked lanes and relaxed entertainment—though more upbeat nightlife is easily found on foot. Hectic during the day but quiet at night, this is ideal for those who want an elegant location, and a good night’s sleep.

Holešovice

If you and your clan consider yourselves to be artsy characters, this urban, former industrial area is the one for you. This hipster paradise is a much more modern neighbourhood, full of converted warehouses and factories taken over by creatives. You’ll experience a strong cafe culture, delicious global eateries, and cool techno clubs.

Vinohrady

Perhaps the best area to stay in if you’re looking for the perfect balance between tourist and authentic, Vinohrady is on the cusp of the Old Town, but ever so slightly off the beaten track. This gives you the chance to mingle with locals, as well as other visitors. Why not spend a sunny day in one of the neighbourhood’s many green spaces? Riegrovy Sady park is a must-see, with a bustling beer garden providing stunning views of the city. Vinohrady also has the best LGBTQ+ scene in Prague.

Žižkov

Perfect if you’re on a budget, Žižkov is a friendly, gritty neighbourhood with numerous lively pubs that always attract crowds of revellers. Wherever you are in the district, there’ll always be a top watering hole nearby. However, that doesn’t mean the region lacks upmarket drinking and dining options either. The closer you get to Jiřího z Poděbrad metro station, the more sophisticated the nightlife becomes.

It’s important to note that it’s incredibly easy to get around Prague, so you certainly won’t need to limit your stay to the area surrounding your accommodation. The city boasts excellent transport links—a single ticket can be used on trams, buses and the Prague Metro—and with some modes running 24 hours a day, you’ll always be able to get back after a late night.

Remember that not all hotels and apartments will be keen to accommodate a rowdy stag party, so make sure your group is definitely welcome before booking.

Plan the wildest nights out

Prague’s cheap booze and diverse nightlife options are probably what drew you to the city in the first place. But with so much choice, and only a limited amount of time to explore, you’ll want to ensure you’re partying at the very best pubs and clubs. According to stag do organisers at Maximise, these are a few places you can’t miss on your wild weekend:

Hangar

This is an aviation-themed venue with Pan Am decor, and waiters and waitresses who play pilot or flight attendant during your stay. Either enjoy a quiet drink in the Pilot’s Lounge, or head downstairs to the Hangar Club, where you can expect gorgeous air hostesses dancing on tables, and skilled bartenders flamethrowing and fire-eating as they prepare knockout beverages.

The Dubliner Irish Pub

The place to be if you want to catch football or any other sport during the stag do, as the pub broadcasts everything on a big screen. Live music is also a regular staple at this much-loved, fun-filled venue.

Karlovy Lazne

You can’t visit Prague and not check out Karlovy Lazne. With five floors of entertainment, there’ll be something for everyone in the gang, whether they love dance music or golden oldies. Open until 5am every day, it’s the ultimate place to dance until dawn.

Of course, rather than leaving it to chance, it could be wise to sign the stag party up to an organised bar crawl, letting you relax while a professional takes your group around all the best Prague haunts.

Find top activities

When you’re not painting the town red, the group needs to be entertained. Whether you’re a bunch of adrenaline junkies or just want to continue drinking once the sun comes up, here are the top 10 activities you’ll be able to find in Prague:

• Tank driving
• Quad biking
• Segway tours
• Brewery tour—Staropramen and Pilsner Urquell are two of the best to visit
• Paintball
• Beer bike—click here for a demo.
• Shooting
• River cruise
• Laser tag
• Zorb football—even former professionals Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher can’t get enough of it!

Find Prague’s best food

Prague is considered one of the foodiest cities in Europe thanks to the innovative ways their chefs blend Czech history with new techniques. Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner destinations, here are three eateries you have to visit:

Naše Maso

A must-visit for meat-eaters (the name literally translates as “our meat”), this butchers is part of Prague’s esteemed Ambiente restaurant group. Fresh, locally-sourced produce is guaranteed, and you can enjoy sandwiches and hot dogs, as well as dishes like steak tartare and pork belly.

Hillbilly Burger

Familiar food is what you’ll be craving on a hangover, and you can’t get better than this. Mouthwatering American-style burgers and dirty fries served in a small, laid back restaurant with friendly staff and great atmosphere.

Sangam Indian Restaurant

Only established in November 2018, Sangam has already cemented its reputation as the best Indian restaurant in Prague. It serves authentic cuisine packed full of flavour, set inside a  stunning interior, which includes an open kitchen so you can watch the pros in action.

The editorial unit