The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Hen Do in Edinburgh

Hey there, hens! The awesome crew at Mad Max Adventures are here to help you throw the ultimate Hen Do in Edinburgh! Planning a hen do in Edinburgh can feel overwhelming, but fear not! 

Whether your bride tribe craves classy spa days, boozy brunches, or a mix of museums and mayhem, Edinburgh offers something for every kind of hen. This historic city boasts stunning architecture, world-class museums, and enough pubs and cocktail bars to keep the party going all weekend long. 

But Edinburgh isn’t just about sightseeing and sipping – think hilarious hen do activity games, heart-pounding adventures, and delicious restaurants to fuel all the fun. Get ready to create unforgettable memories with this ultimate guide to planning your hen weekend in Edinburgh!

Things to Start Planning For Your Hen Do In Edinburgh

Edinburgh Hotels

Edinburgh offers a fantastic range of hotels to suit every budget and hen do style. Whether you’re craving a luxurious stay in a historic building overlooking the city, a modern hotel in the heart of Edinburgh and in the action, or a budget-friendly option close to the nightlife, you’ll find the perfect place to rest your weary heads (or celebrate late into the night!). From charming boutique hotels to characterful pubs with rooms, Edinburgh’s accommodation options are as diverse as the city itself.

Book Your Travel Arrangements

Getting your hen party to Edinburgh is a breeze!  Whether your hens are hailing from nearby towns or jetting in from afar, Edinburgh boasts excellent travel connections. Many regional trains and coaches arrive right in the city centre, while flights land at Edinburgh Airport, a short tram or taxi ride away. Once your travel is sorted, consider how you’ll navigate the city itself.  Edinburgh is walkable, but for large groups or late-night pickups, a reliable taxi service or minibus hire can be a lifesaver. Companies like Edinburgh Minibus Taxis or Edinburgh Premier Taxis offer online booking and cater specifically to groups, ensuring a smooth and stress-free arrival for your hen do adventures!

A Complete List Of Hen Party Activities in Edinburgh, Scotland

Pamper Before Hitting The Edinburgh Nightlife

Spoil the bride-to-be with a luxurious spa morning. Book a group package at a swanky spa for massages, facials, and a bubbly prosecco poolside lunch. Most spa days in the area have the option to book for a light afternoon tea. Then, hit the town feeling refreshed and ready to paint it red!

Culture Clash & Cocktails

Embrace Edinburgh’s rich history with a guided walking tour of the Royal Mile. This bustling street cuts through the Old Town, is a short walk away from Grassmarket, and it connects the mighty Edinburgh Castle (atop volcanic rock!) to the grand Palace of Holyroodhouse, dwarfed by the looming Arthur’s Seat. Towering tenements line the street, hiding secret alleyways (closes) and narrow staircases that lead to a forgotten world below.

History buffs will love The Real Mary King’s Close or the Scottish Storytelling Centre, while St Giles’ Cathedral is a must-see landmark. Craving a bite? The Royal Mile boasts some of the city’s best restaurants and pubs. And for a touch of the modern, don’t miss the architecturally stunning Scottish Parliament building. So much to explore, all along this iconic mile!

After this flush of history, you can then continue the fun of your Edinburgh hen do with a cheeky cocktail masterclass where you can flourish as a mixologist and learn to mix your own signature drinks.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Get your giggle on at one of Edinburgh’s many fantastic comedy clubs. From stand-up routines to improv shows, there’s something to tickle everyone’s funny bone. Pair it with pre-show drinks and post-show pub hopping for a night of laughter and libations.

Hit George Street

George Street is the central thoroughfare of the First New Town of Edinburgh. It’s bustling with bars full of live music and restaurants and is the perfect way to get your hen night going. Start with a three-course meal at a fancy restaurant, Tigerlily, Copper Blossom and Black Ivy are popular choices, and then get yourselves on a George Street bar crawl! 

Bottomless Brunching

A guide to planning a hen do in Edinburgh without a bottomless brunch option wouldn’t be worth looking at would it. It’s a vibe of a plan to include in your Edinburgh hen weekend!

Hidden Gems & Gin Bars

Uncover Edinburgh’s secret alleys and hidden courtyards on a quirky walking tour. Discover independent shops, and unique cafes, and maybe even stumble upon a hidden speakeasy for a truly unique Edinburgh experience.

Revolution Cocktail Making Class

Crank up the hen do fun at Revolution Edinburgh, a vibrant bar and restaurant in the heart of the city. This lively spot is a one-stop shop for your night out, offering delicious drinks, tasty food, and even the chance to become your own cocktail connoisseur!

Revolution boasts an extensive drinks menu, featuring everything from classic beers and premium spirits to creative cocktails that will tantalise your taste buds. Can’t decide? Opt for a pitcher to share with the bride squad, or take advantage of their legendary happy hour deals.

Feeling peckish? Revolution doesn’t disappoint on the food front either. Their menu features a tempting selection of comfort food classics like burgers, pizzas, and loaded nachos, perfect for fueling your pre-club adventures. Plus, they offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone can join the feast.

But the real star of the show for your hen do might just be Revolution’s cocktail-making masterclass. Gather your girls for a fun and interactive session where you’ll learn the secrets behind their most popular cocktails.  Under the guidance of an expert mixologist, you’ll shake, stir, and muddle your way to cocktail mastery, creating personalised drinks and unforgettable memories. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the bride-to-be and get the party started in style!

Master Chefs & Margarita

Channel your inner foodie with a cooking class focused on delicious Scottish cuisine (think haggis with a twist!). Learn to make traditional dishes with a modern twist, then enjoy your creations with a well-deserved glass of wine.  Later, hit trendy bars in the city centre for a night of margaritas, fizz and dancing.

Silent Disco Shenanigans

Ditch the regular nightclub and experience Edinburgh with a silent disco tour. Don your funky headphones and groove to different DJs as you explore the city at night, creating your own silent party wherever you go.

Take a Group Dance Class

Take your Edinburgh hen party from ordinary to extraordinary with a show-stopping dance class! Whether your bride tribe has two left feet or hidden dance stars, there’s a perfect class waiting. 

From sassy Beyonce routines to high-kicking can-can, the options are endless. Many studios offer dedicated hen party packages, featuring an experienced instructor, a fun and inclusive choreography, and even a celebratory cheeky drink (or two) to toast the bride-to-be. 

Book your class in advance to secure your spot, and get ready to unleash your inner dancing queens – it’ll be an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, bonding, and maybe a few sore muscles the next day (all in the best way possible, of course!).

Game On!

Challenge your inner child with a visit to a unique games cafe. Many cafes offer board games, arcade classics, and even virtual reality experiences, perfect for a fun and competitive afternoon with the girls.

MadMax Adventures

Get your adrenaline pumping and unleash your inner warrior princess with a session at our very own, purpose-built, MadMax Adventures. Choose from exciting Edinburgh hen activities like Archery, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Axe Throwing, or even a mini Highland Games competition. It’s a fantastic way to bond with the bride tribe and create memories that will last a lifetime. You may even meet a group of stags here to increase the competition, fun and laughter! 

Extras to Consider For Your Edinburgh Hen Weekend

You’ve decided on an Edinburgh hen weekend, you’ve booked the girls’ accommodation, you’ve organised your travel arrangements and you’ve got your one or two-day itinerary, now it’s time to add the finishing touches with hen party essentials!

Hen Party T-Shirts & Sashes

No Edinburgh hen do is complete without some awesome, personalised t-shirts to commemorate the occasion! These fun shirts are not only a way to show team spirit, but also fantastic conversation starters and hilarious photo props. Sashes are also a classy addition to the hen do, giving off the same message as the t-shirts, but you’re able to wear your own outfit. They’re also great for letting each other know you’re all part of the same group, so it is easier to find people if they go astray!

Cheeky Props

Hen do props such as straws, masks, and photo booth props are always a fun addition to the night. 

Hangover Bags

Edinburgh’s nightlife is legendary, but even legends need a little help bouncing back from a wild hen do. That’s where hangover bags come in! These handy little lifesavers are filled with all the essentials such as water, painkillers, a chocolate bar and face wipes to banish the blues and get your crew back on their feet (or at least feeling semi-human again).

Things for the Bride

Finally, if it’s to the bride’s taste, she may wish to wear a headband veil, an ‘L’ plate, or something a little more classy such as a ‘bride’ sash. 

Remember to take lots of photos and have fun making memories! 

Best wishes for the future, from MadMax Adventures.

Hen Do Activities in Edinburgh with MadMax Adventures

If you’d like to book any of our outdoor activities such as archery, axe-throwing, clay pigeon shooting, or quad bike safari, then click here to begin building your hen party package!