Planning a stag do can feel like a huge responsibility, but choosing Lisbon makes it a whole lot easier. With its sunny weather, lively nightlife, and affordable prices, the Portuguese capital has quickly become a top choice for a final weekend of freedom. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip, from where to stay to what to do.
An epic Lisbon stag do — what works, what to plan, and how to mix fun and chill so the weekend is memorable for all the right reasons.
Accommodation Options
Lisbon offers a wide range of accommodation to suit any group size or budget. If you’re looking for luxury and convenience, a hotel in the city centre is a great option. For larger groups wanting a shared space, renting an apartment through a platform like Airbnb provides flexibility and a chance to live like a local. If you’re on a tighter budget, modern hostels offer clean, private rooms and social areas, which can be a great way to meet other travellers. Areas like Baixa and Chiado are central and put you right in the middle of the action.
Daytime Activities
Lisbon is packed with activities to keep your group entertained during the day. For a classic stag do experience, a boat party along the River Tagus is hard to beat, offering music, drinks, and incredible views of the city. If your group is more competitive, head to an indoor go-karting track for some high-speed fun. For something a bit more relaxed, a brewery tour is an excellent way to sample some local craft beers and learn about the brewing process. The city’s famous yellow trams also offer a scenic way to see the sights.
Nightlife in Lisbon
When the sun goes down, Lisbon comes alive. Bairro Alto is the city’s main nightlife hub, with a maze of narrow streets filled with over 100 small bars. It is common for people to grab a drink and stand outside, creating a vibrant street party atmosphere. From there, you can head down to Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho), a former red-light district now famous for its lively clubs and bars. For a more sophisticated evening, the area around Avenida da Liberdade has plenty of upscale cocktail bars.
Food and Drink
A trip to Lisbon wouldn’t be complete without trying the local food. Be sure to try a bifana, a simple but delicious pork sandwich, or some fresh seafood from a local tasca. For a sweet treat, you cannot leave without eating a pastel de nata, the iconic Portuguese custard tart. When it comes to drinks, try the local cherry liqueur, Ginjinha, often served in a chocolate cup. Portugal is also famous for its wine, so a wine-tasting session can be a great addition to your itinerary.
Getting Around the City
Lisbon has an efficient and affordable public transport system. The metro is the quickest way to get around, connecting the airport to the city centre. Trams and buses are also available and cover most of the city. For late nights, ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are widely available and generally cheaper than traditional taxis. Much of the city centre is walkable, so a good pair of shoes is essential for exploring the cobbled streets.
Your Perfect Stag Weekend
Lisbon offers the ideal mix of culture, great food, and exciting nightlife for a stag do. It provides a backdrop for a trip that can be as relaxed or as wild as you want it to be. With a little planning, you can give the groom-to-be a fantastic send-off that the whole group will remember for years to come.
