The Top 5 City Escapes Of Eastern Europe
Everybody knows Eastern Europe is the new go to for budget travellers looking for vibrant cities and exciting nightlife. Travellers are packing their bags and booking tickets to Croatia, Hungary and Bulgaria simply because they’re cheap as well as hidden gems that have been outshined by other more mainstream destinations like France, Italy or Spain. But lately, all the travel blogs and magazines are trying to find out what’s so interesting about these eastern, exotic places and it seems there’s more to them than we would have thought.
1. Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest comes in first because its a cultural and party Mecca. Dubbed the “New Berlin” because of its art scene and sleepless nights, Bucharest is a surprising city of contrasts which makes it a great destination for a stag party.
Bucharest is well-known for its never ending evenings. Clubs and bars are open till late all week and the streets are packed in the city center at all times of night. 24/7 corner shops and deliveries are normal in Bucharest, so you’ll not only party till 5 in the morning but you’ll also be able to get something to eat when that party is over.
The party scene in Romania is really diverse. If you’re looking for mainstream entertainment, Lipscani, Bucharest’s old city center is where you should go. Live music, DJs and bar dancing are common here and the weekends (including Friday) are packed.
For guys on the alternative side, try Control Club, the staple underground bar located really close to Lipscani. This is where the hipster scene goes to party and you’ll find really cool acts and great prices here.
2. Prague, Czech Republic
While Prague isn’t 100% Eastern Europe, it is a front runner of the cheap stag party scene on the old continent. Although the Czech Republic was a communist country for more than 40 years, it was not left in the same appalling state as other countries who survived communism were, and Prague is on the same page here, with a beautiful historical center that often reminds people of Paris. Apart from that, Prague is stag party heaven. Cheap beer and exciting night entertainment are at their best here and it’s exactly what attracts all the tourists each year. .
Beer gardens are good place to meet new people, especially locals, and they will take you off the beaten track and onto new streets and areas. Letna Park, in Prague 7, is a good place to start.
3. Budapest, Hungary
Often confused with Bucharest and the other way around by artists coming to play here, the capital of Hungary has the second oldest underground system in the world. Line 1, which is Unesco-listed, takes passengers to where they want to go quickly and safely. At rush hour, there is a train every two minutes.
When you visit Budapest for a stag party, don’t miss the “ruin bars”, drinking establishments set in anachronistic buildings or in the courtyards of run-down apartment blocks. You’ll keep returning for the cheap beer and cool music as much as for the novelty of the idea.
For a night you’ll never forget, A38 is the club to be in. This renovated Ukrainian stone-carrier ship floating on the Danube hosts the best parties and electro, jazz, progressive or pop concerts. Lonely Planet declared it the best party destination in the world, so make sure not to miss it.
4. Riga, Latvia
A while back, people usually didn’t think of Riga first as a party destination, but things are changing fast. Riga has a short history of hosting stags, which started around 2004, when RyanAir started flying there. FHM nominated Riga, in 2006, as number 1 stag party destination in Europe, and since then it has been building quite a reputation.
The nightlife in Riga is usually cheap and lively, with many new clubs and bars opening. Many of the best bars are located in Old Town and you can expect to party with both tourists and locals at hot spots such as, Cuba Cafe, which provides great dancing and drinks. While in the neighborhood also check out Skyline Bar at the Reval Hotel. Although it is a hotel bar, it is definitely a great place to have some drinks and get a good view of the city.
5. Sofia, Bulgaria
Bulgaria is usually known for its cheap beaches where all-inclusive holidays in lavish hotels go for incredible prices during summertime. But Sofia is a wonderful city too and it’s a cheap and solid stag party destination.
Ranked as cheapest capital city in Europe, Sofia provides a great night scene, with secret clubs and underground bars that will offer surprising experiences. Candle Bar is a great place to start, for cool music and cheap drinks, while The Apartment, on Neofit Rilski, which is accessible through an unmarked door, boasts a bohemian interior which resembles someone’s cosy house.
Eastern Europe is a great destination for a stag party for obvious reasons. It’s great value for money and it’s really worth exploring, not only for the nightlife, but for the culture, the people and the landmarks you won’t find in any other country.
Amber Kingsley is a freelance writer for RedSeven and has written several articles on travel. After spending a semester abroad as an art student she set out to backpack through Europe and loved the affordability and tourist friendly countries of Eastern Europe.
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