Whether you are a bride-to-be or the trusted maid of honour… planning your hen-do can feel like a pretty daunting prospect! Just where do you go and what do you do that’s going to fit into your lifestyle, budgets and interests?

To give you some great hen party ideas, Want That Wedding has worked closely with Deal Checker to come up with a top 5 hen do ‘hotspots’ for 2016. So whether you’re on a budget, are looking for a more cultural hen-do experience or want to know where the latest hip hen hotspot is, you need to read this post!

1.Riga, Latvia

Perfect for: Foodie hens and those on a shoestring

Previously popular with rowdy stag groups and wild weekenders, Riga has recently blossomed into a sophisticated, trendy city, with much to offer us ladies. From its instagram-able architecture to its newly transformed foodie scene, a hen weekend in Riga is guaranteed fun.

After dark, this buzzing capital’s nightlife leaps into action with sleek cocktail culture blending into underground clubbing, and plenty of opportunities for partying hens to shake their tailfeathers. There are also heaps of options for those looking to relax, and enjoy a hen celebration with a good session of pampering. Riga’s signature stodgy local cuisine makes for killer brunch venues, and the traditional Latvian wood-fired sauna is always on hand to soothe away those pre-wedding nerves.

2. Lisbon, Portugal

Perfect for: Sun-loving hens and culture vultures

Artsy, kitsch and effortlessly cute, Lisbon has recently climbed its way to the top of countless top city-break lists. On paper, Portugal’s capital ticks every hen party box: miles of beach dotted with surfer hunks, charismatic streets to wander in the sun and electric nightlife to suit all tastes. In reality, it’s even better than that.

During the day, snap-happy hens can easily fill a camera with selfies in front of the city’s gorgeous buildings and bustling streets. As the sun goes down, endless bars, clubs, venues and beachfront lounges throw open their doors, with the city’s infamous Pink Street taking on the role of Lisbon partying 101. City chilling is just as simple – throw down a towel on Estoril or Cascais beach and soak up some rays, or book a group pamper session at Lisbon’s pioneering Float In Spa.

3. Berlin, Germany

Perfect for: Wild-at- heart hens looking to really let their hair down

From its buzzing streets and colourful neighbourhoods, to arguably the best and most diverse nightlife in Europe, Berlin is the true city that never sleeps. Its cultural highlights will give cameras a workout and keep twitter feeds topped up, whilst the indescribable energy of this capital after dark keeps hens reminiscing for years to come.

Although vast and varied, Berlin’s sightseeing circuit is handily contained, mostly being found in its central Mitte district. A night out on the town is a little harder to plan, with many of the city’s most iconic clubs operating incredibly strict door policies – let’s just say it’s always handy to have a Plan B. Luckily, most of the more up-and- coming neighbourhoods offer much less exclusive nightlife, with the borough of Kreuzberg a real hotbed of live music and vibrant clubs.

4. Krakow, Poland

Perfect for: Hens in search of something a little different

A hidden gem of a city, Krakow is ideal for a hen weekend with a sprinkling of culture and large helping of fun. From its gorgeous Cloth Hall and central square, to the iconic Oskar Schindler’s Factory (made famous in Schindler's List), there’s much to keep sightseeing hens occupied during the day.

The birthplace of ‘wodka’, any good night out in Krakow starts with a shot or two. The city’s club scene is definitely one for fun-loving hens, with burlesque bars, cocktail lounges and multi-floored clubs tucked down almost every side-street. Taking it easy in Krakow is as simple as a visit to the city’s incredible Hammam Shahrazad, a Turkish bath and spa with enough massage oils and exotic scents to unleash your inner Eastern princess.

5. Reykjavik, Iceland

Perfect for: Adventurous hens looking to pull out all the stops

There are few European destinations as trendy as Iceland right now, and Reykjavik, with its ice-cool chic and laidback attitude is definitely a fitting capital. The city itself is miniscule, with all of its major attractions within minutes from each other. However, it’s when you jump on a bus and head out into the magical landscapes that the fun really starts.

Just a short drive outside of the centre lies the stunning Thingvellir National Park, a haven of outdoor activities and home to the Gullfoss Waterfall and Strokkur Geysir. The best of Reykjavik’s hen party offerings however, is the jaw-dropping Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, a naturally heated pool offering pampering treatments and incredible views.

After soaking up the sights, Reykjavik has no shortage of incredible nightlife to keep the good vibes going. The hub of all things dance and food is Laugavegur Street, lined with venues that start the day as cosy cafes, and end the night as alternative clubs or live music venues.

A huge thanks goes out to Deal Checker for these fab hen-do 2016 hotspot insights. They recently wrote a post on alternative hen-do ideas too, so for even more hen party tips pop on over to Deal Checker now.

For me I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland so Reyjavik would be so cool (excuse the pun), but my sunny side loves the idea of living it up in sunny Lisbon.

image credits (1 & 2) via dishie rentals: photography by justin de mutiis photography

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