10 Essential Edinburgh Stag Do Ideas & Activities

Updated December 2025

Planning a stag weekend is a fine balancing act. You need enough pre-planned activities to keep everyone entertained, but you also need flexibility. Edinburgh is the perfect destination for this mix, offering world-class paid activities alongside incredible free sights.

From tossing cabers in the mud to cracking safes in a museum, here are our 10 essential ideas for a legendary Edinburgh stag do.

1. Mini Highland Games

The Vibe: Scottish & Competitive.

When you are in Scotland, be a Scotsman for the day! The **Mini Highland Games** is one of our most popular activities. You and your stag group will compete in teams in games such as Tossing the Caber, Hurling the Haggis, Tyre Flip, and Welly Wanging. It’s a fun-filled two hours that ends with a bottle of whisky for the winning clan. It’s the perfect icebreaker for the weekend.

2. Whisky Tasting Experience

The Vibe: Sophisticated Sipping.

When in Rome, do as the Romans. When in Edinburgh, drink whisky! A **Whisky Tasting Experience** lets you sample a number of drams of single malt while learning how to nose, drink, and properly enjoy this iconic spirit. It’s a great way to start the evening before hitting the pubs.

3. Rage Buggies

The Vibe: Fast & Furious.

For those who love to get muddy with the smell of petrol in their nostrils, **Rage Buggies** are a must. This high-octane racing takes place on a dirt track where you can race against your group in heats to determine which of your stags is the master of the track.

4. Crack a Safe at Museum on the Mound

The Vibe: Ocean's Eleven (Budget Version).

Free Activity: Museums aren't usually high on a stag list, but the **Museum on the Mound** is different. It’s the old Bank of Scotland headquarters and is all about money. You can try to crack a safe, see what a million pounds looks like, and learn about the history of British currency. It’s a great way to kill an hour in the city centre.

5. Climb Arthur’s Seat

The Vibe: Hangover Cure.

Free Activity: In the centre of Edinburgh sits **Arthur’s Seat**, an extinct volcano rising 250m above the city. It is a reasonably easy climb, and the views from the top are absolutely divine. It’s the perfect way to clear your head after a big session the night before (assuming you enjoy a hill walk!).

6. Go-Karting & Laser Combat

The Vibe: Combat Racing.

Why choose one when you can do both? Visit Central Scotland’s largest indoor race track for some adrenaline-pumping **Go-Karting** Grand Prix action. Then, combine it with **Laser Combat** for some tactical warfare without the bruises of paintball. It represents great value for money and keeps the competition going all afternoon.

7. Visit Famous Film Locations

The Vibe: Movie Buffs.

Free Activity: Edinburgh has been the backdrop for many famous films. You can visit the east end of Princes Street where Renton was chased in *Trainspotting*. Or follow in the footsteps of the Avengers in *Infinity War* with a trip to Cockburn Street. For Harry Potter fans, a visit to **Greyfriars Kirkyard** (to see Thomas Riddle's grave) and **Victoria Street** (Diagon Alley) is a must.

8. Clay Pigeon Shooting

The Vibe: Country Gents.

Don your Barbour jacket and play Lord of the Manor for the day. **Clay Pigeon Shooting** gives you a fantastic opportunity to challenge your friends’ reactions and aim. With professional instruction, you'll learn how to blast clays out of the skies to see who is the "Top Gun" of the weekend.

9. The "Pubic Triangle" & Nightlife

The Vibe: Late Night Fun.

Edinburgh’s nightlife is legendary. Start in the traditional underground pubs of the **Old Town** before crossing North Bridge to the trendy bars of the **New Town**. For a traditional stag activity, visit the West Port area, locally known as the "Pubic Triangle" due to its high concentration of lap dancing venues and gentlemen's clubs.

10. The Party Bus

The Vibe: Mobile Nightclub.

A fantastic option for your Saturday night out is the **Party Bus**. This refitted double-decker bus is the ultimate mobile venue. You will visit at least three different bars with guaranteed entry and no queuing, before being dropped off at a top nightclub. It keeps the group together and the energy high between venues.

Ready to Plan?

The Stag and Hen Experience has been creating bespoke weekends since 2009. If you want to plan a package in the UK or abroad, get in touch on 01202 566100 or browse our full range of Edinburgh Stag Ideas to get started.