Best Destinations for a Same Sex Stag or Hen Party

There’s no denying that 2015 was a stellar year for same sex marriage, equality and LGBT awareness. As Ireland became the first country to legalise gay marriage by popular vote in May and same sex marriage was declared legal across the US in June, 2016 is set to a massive growth in LGBT, same sex stag and hen parties.

Here, leading Stag and Hen do organisers Eventhuse look into eight of the world’s best same sex stag and hen do destinations.

Copenhagen 

A little known fact about one of Scandinavia’s hippest destinations is that Denmark made history back in 1998, as the first country in the world to recognise registered same-sex partnerships.

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Today the countries capital Copenhagen celebrates its liberal attitude and reputation for equality daily in the multitude of quirky bars, LGBT-friendly boutique accommodation options, contemporary art and culture offering and edgy fashion outlets. The city also hosts a colourful calendar of gay and lesbian events and somewhere in its charmingly cobblestoned centre there is even a square named Rainbow Square in recognition of its equal rights mentality.

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Prague

Prague already has a reputation as one of Europe’s leading stag destinations with an endless selection of bars, clubs and beer halls, but what you may not know is the city is also the most tolerant, liberal and LGBT friendly of its neighbouring countries. Known as the gay capital of Eastern Europe, Prague legalised registered partnerships for same-sex couples back in 2006 and hosts both the annual Prague Pride festival every August, as well as the Mezipatra Queer Film Festival every year in November.

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Mykonos

The achingly glamorous and highly hedonistic Greek island of Mykonos has a long established reputation as a haven for gay tourists looking to party hard. Home to two gay nudist beaches aptly named Paradise and Super Paradise, the Cycladic island has also become known for its plethora of chic little coffee shops, boutiques, bars and hip hotels. This is an ideal destination for the more extravagant groups who aren’t afraid to splash some cash for an sizzling hot summer stag do.

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London

Everybody loves London and London loves everybody making it an extremely open and all-embracing destination for gay and lesbian stag or hen dos. And while many people assume that gay or lesbian couples would want to hit the drag shows or numerous gay bars and clubs in Soho and Vauxhall, the capital can also cater to those who don’t conform to our stereotypes. A sophisticated spa day in one of London’s high end urban retreats, or a picnic with champers in one of the city’s many leafy green parks  are lovely alternative ways to celebrate impending same sex nuptials.

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Berlin

Famous for a wildly vibrant nightlife scene where anything goes and the party never ends, Berlin is a paradise for hard-core party animals, fetishists and LGBT stag and hen groups looking for exclusively gay bars, clubs and cafés. With gay-friendly men only dance halls around in Berlin since the 1920’s, the German capital has a long history of openness and tolerance and today alternative areas such as Prenzlauer,  Kreuzberg and Schoneberg are known for their plethora of gay establishments and quirky shops. Same sex stag and hen groups can soak up some gay culture and history at the Schwules Museum. Berlin is also home to Easter Fetish Week in March, one of Europe’s largest Pride festivals held in Schoneberg at the end of June, the annual BDSM and leather subculture street fair Folsom Europe in September

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Rio de Janeiro

We know, we know, not all gay men are carnival fanatics, but Rio de Janeiro and its famous Carioca Hospitality, is so much more than the week long festivities in February. In fact the city has the highest percentage of gay or bisexual men in Brazil and was recently names one of the world’s most popular gay tourism destinations. Perhaps it’s because of the ridiculously attractive, skimpy bikini and tiny speedo wearing locals, or maybe it’s the gay friendly bars and cafes around the Farme de Amoedo district or the gay beaches in Ipanema, but an estimated one in every four tourists in Rio are apparently gay or lesbian.

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Amsterdam

While Amsterdam has a notoriously liberal, open and inclusive nightlife scene, the captivating, canalled city also offers a wealth of unique, eclectic and cultural options for visiting stag and hen groups. Fancy a bit of R&R, head to one of Amsterdam’s many gay saunas, or for the culture vultures, a tour of any of the fascinating museums and art galleries makes for an interesting and educational day out. Amsterdam is also home to the old Heineken brewery which offers tours for visiting groups and in fact just cycling around the city on an iconic Amsterdam bicycle is a wonderful way to take in the cities charming lanes, cafes, coffee shops and boutiques.

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Las Vegas 

One of the original Sin Cities, Las Vegas is often described as an adult’s playground of indulgence, excess and debauchery. Fabulous to its core and home to the largest gay nightclub in the world – Krave, Las Vegas’ endless list of adult entertainment options for the LGBT community is expanding beyond the traditional gay pool parties at Tropicana, exclusive gay neighbourhoods and queer nightclubs, and now includes a host of high-end culinary persuits, hipster cafés and bars and a vibrant youthful artsy scene.

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