Berlin
Instead of having a drunken night at a local club followed by an Indian meal at your local restaurant, why not try something different. A recent study revealed that 1.3 million men and women headed abroad from the UK last year for the hen or stag do. This doesn't have to cost the earth either, although if you do have the budget then you can splurge. This is my guide to alternative hen party destinations for everyone.
Riga, Lativa
Riga, the capital of Latvia has beautiful architecture, a cultural centre, and a medieval Old Town.
Good for those that want some culture with their celebrations, in the day go shopping in the UNESCO protected central market and take in the ornate, gothic inspired Nativity of Christ Cathedral, or the House Of The Blackheads, one of Riga's architectural treasures.
At night celebrate with a cocktail or two at the chic Skyline bar with incredible views of the city or visit the Hardcore Hangover Club, with two rooms, a chill out space and a party room/dance floor, the cheap drinks and late hours make it the perfect party place.
Riga's foodie scene has become hip recently. The airy and modern restaurant 3 Pavaru (3 Chefs), is a much-welcomed addition to Riga’s restaurant scene. Featuring contemporary Latvian cuisine, the restaurant has quickly become popular due to the exciting interpretation of traditional Latvian dishes. If you want something totally different, Vincents, has a modern tasting menu with gastronomic food that will blow your mind. The next day when only comfort food will do after the late night out, try a brunch at Pagalms cafe.
Berlin, Germany
Germany's capital and cultural centre is steeped in history.
To keep the mood light avoid the obvious historic sites, like the Berlin Wall and the Topography Of Terror - at least for the time being, you can always visit again. The city is vast so why not take a city bike tour, checking out the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie on your ride, and then soak up the sun at Badeschiff, a floating pool on the top of the River Spree.
Berlin's nightlife is legendary. Berghain is perhaps one of the best known clubs, playing techno. Your time at Berghain will involve dancing to the early hours, whilst at the Panorama Bar, you’ll find a more cheerful atmosphere, playing all variations of house music. Alternatively what about some cool cocktails at Limonadier, or a bit of burlesque in Prinzipal Kreuzberg?
For a meal with a difference check out the underground scene on Berlin's supper clubs, you have to sign up in advance to the email and pray you get in, so this will only work with a small number of people. Alternatively try the eclectically decorated 3 Minutes Sur Mer or the chic Alpenstück for trendy South German cuisine.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland
For awe inspiring landscapes and an ice cool experience, literally, why not visit the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik.
The city centre is walkable so in the day visit the museums tracing Iceland’s Viking history, the striking concrete Hallgrimskirkja church or the rotating Perlan glass dome offering sweeping views of the sea and nearby hills. For something special you could always visit the Blue Lagoon a short drive away, where you can relax outdoors in the warm geothermal spa waters. Those more adventurous can take a trip to the Thrihnukagigur Volcano, the only volcano in the world which you can explore from the inside!
If you want a traditional meal out, Hofnin is the place to sample freshly caught seafood with a great view of the harbour, whilst for a trendy joint try Kol, with it's experimental tasting menu it's the place to go for real foodies. For an awe inspiring experience you could always take a night tour to see the Northern Lights too, something you will remember for the rest of your life or a Game Of Thrones location tour.
Iceland
So these are my top three hen party destinations, for more exciting and alternative hen party destinations check out this guide to hen do hotspots in Europe.
Have you been to any of these cities?
*sponsored post, words and opinions are my own
Berlin is somewhere I have always wanted to go so i would definetly consider it as a hen destination!
ReplyDeleteWe loved Berlin, it has so much history! The Berlin Wall museum was really interesting.
Deletesome gorgeous suggestions here! Looking back I wish I'd gone away for mine.
ReplyDeleteBecca
www.QueenBeeBecca.com
Reykjavik in Iceland is next on our travel list. I think it would make a wonderful destination for any kind of break.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a beautiful destination, the landscape is Iceland is stunning too.
DeleteReykjavik is one of my favourite cities! It's absolutely beautiful and there's so much to do. Little tip: most Icelanders go out later on (they generally drink at home because the alcohol is v pricey) so many of the bars do happy hours between about 5-7pm to try and encourage people to go out earlier so it doesn't have to be that expensive to drink there!
ReplyDeleteWhat an excellent tip thank you so much!
DeleteWhat some great ideas, I would love to visit Iceland so I think that has to be my top one from the list :) X
ReplyDeleteI think that is mine too Sarah-Louise.
DeleteThis would be good, some great destinations. Think hen parties abroad if it can be done would be a great memory + more fun.
ReplyDeleteI think going abroad adds an extra spice!
DeleteI'd definitely go to Berlin! Great location and amazing people :)
ReplyDeleteYes Kristina! They know how to party and awesome clubs!
DeleteBerlin yes, Riga yes, Iceland not so much lol. I am a summer baby so any hint of the cold and I am running away. But lovely ideas
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel but the Blue Lagoon is warm and I've always wanted to go there :)
DeleteI looooooooooooove Reykjavik! We went in February and had a fantastic time. That being said it was super pricey. Particularly if you want to go to the nice bars rather than the Irish / English pubs!
ReplyDeleteYes Reykjavik can be pricey, I am looking to visit this Autumn.
DeleteI highly agree with Berlin, being part of this list. The Germany's capital has its unique vibe and even special kinds of drinking ways (like I once saw in a biycle group with a barrel at the center). Arts and food are all over as well. :)
ReplyDeleteBerlin is fab, it's brilliant for clubs, sightseeing and history.
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