When planning a stag do, it’s easy to focus on the activities and nightlife. However, new restrictions and rising tourist taxes in some European destinations could impact your plans. Jak Kennedy, stag and hen do coordinator at MadMax Adventures, shares what’s changing in popular cities and how these rules could affect your plans.
New rules and restrictions in European cities
“Some cities are introducing measures to manage overtourism and encourage more respectful behaviour from visitors, which could change your stag do plans and ideal experience.”
Noise and behaviour restrictions
“Many popular stag do destinations are introducing measures to reduce noise and rowdy behaviour. For instance, Prague has banned organised pub crawls from 10pm to 6am, while Portugal has imposed fines ranging from £168 to £30,299 for playing loud music on public beaches.
“In Ibiza and the Balearic Islands, restrictions on party boats and alcohol sales after 9:30pm are also in place in an aim to reduce public disturbances. Similarly, from June 1st, the Eixample district of Barcelona will ban pub crawls to curb public disturbances, while public drinking will be prohibited in hotspots like Barcelona, Madrid, and the Balearic Islands, with fines from €100 to €3,000.”
Attire and conduct restrictions
“Cities like Seville and Málaga are cracking down on inappropriate behaviour in public. Seville prohibits walking around half-naked or carrying inflatable dolls with sexual connotations, while Málaga enforces fines of up to £626 for wearing inappropriate clothing or certain inflatables.”
Accommodation and group limitations
“Other destinations are tackling issues related to accommodation and group dynamics. Amsterdam’s crackdown on beer bikes and rowdy groups signals a shift away from its party-focused image.
“Ghent is considering banning stag groups altogether, and Barcelona’s restrictions on short-term rentals could make it harder for larger groups to find accommodation.”
Impact of tourist taxes
“Rising tourist taxes are another factor to consider, especially for budget-conscious groups. Amsterdam, for example, has one of the highest tourist taxes in Europe, with a 12.5% surcharge on accommodation costs. This can quickly add up, making it less ideal for groups on a tight budget.
“For a more affordable option, Budapest offers vibrant nightlife, unique activities like boat parties and a much friendlier price tag with a 4% tax per night on accommodation stays. Other affordable destinations include Krakow and Bratislava, as well as Bulgaria and Croatia. In some places like Bulgaria, tourist taxes are as low as £1.30 per night.”
Tips for planning your stag
“When planning a stag do, research your destination thoroughly to avoid surprises. Check for restrictions like noise regulations, alcohol limits, or bans on certain activities that could impact your plans. Tourist taxes are another factor to consider, as they vary widely and can significantly increase accommodation costs.
“For a smoother experience, focus on destinations with fewer restrictions and manageable costs. Alternatively, balance your expectations by staying local or choosing locations that offer a mix of nightlife, culture, and relaxation, allowing you to customise your stag do while respecting local regulations.”
Explore local alternatives
“For those looking to avoid the hassle of additional restrictions and costs, staying more local or other parts of the UK can provide a simpler yet equally memorable stag do. With a range of activities and venues available, it’s possible to create a great experience without the added stress of international travel.”
