Cardiff Stag Do - The Best Cardiff Stag Weekend Ideas

Cardiff stag weekend is sure to be memorable, for all the right reasons. Home to dragons, leeks, rugby and some legendary night life, Cardiff is the third most popular place in the whole of the land for a stag do. There’s even an area of the city called the Brewery Quarter. But there’s far more to this special city than just bars, eateries and brewing, what more convincing do you need to have a Cardiff Stag do?

Boasting a large array of Cardiff Stag Activities, you and the lads won’t get board easily, with a fine selection of stag friendly pubs, club and glitzy nightclubs, to finish off your Cardiff Stag in Welsh traditional style!

Cardiff's best stag do activity!

Your Cardiff stag do would not be complete without a visit to Welsh Games.

Cardiff's most popular stag do activity offers high-octane competitive fun in the form of 9 hilariously Welsh-themed games competing in your own group during a day out that you will all remember for years to come....

plan your Cardiff stag weekend...

Cardiff truly is a city unlike any other. If your mates like rugby, a Cardiff Stag Weekend is ideal. Cardiff has two big rugby venues: the impressive 74,500 capacity Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Arms Park. There are loads of national and international matches to enjoy here.

The Welsh love their rugby. On a match weekend, the sound of tuneful Welsh voices singing Delilah and the sheer adrenaline create an atmosphere that is hard to beat.

The Millennium Stadium also offers tours, so you can walk the hallowed turf for yourself and peek behind the scenes into the giants’ lair.

cardiff Stag Party Essentials

Cardiff Stag Weekend Guide

Knowing how, where, and when to start planning the most epic of all epic-ness Cardiff stag do’s is such an important task, and can be tricky, especially for larger groups of stags. The quicker you get underway and start to weigh up your options and making some executive decisions the better, not to mention it easier planning this Cardiff stag weekend will be. One of the initial factors, and the one that will determine so much of the weekend is numbers – how many stags are you looking to organise?

The group size will considerably determine where you’re going to eat, sleep, party, and the types of activity you can do. It’s up to you whether to bravely ask the main man himself what the plan of attack should be, and who is coming.

Once you know numbers, it’s time to consider the digs and the all-important Cardiff stag do activities.

It’s normal to start planning and booking things about three months in advance of the stag do – sometimes even longer if you’re planning the stag in crazy season.

Once you have an accurate idea of costs per head, it’s a case of asking people for a deposit not only helps with reservations (some restaurants, hotels or activities might ask for money upfront), it also ensures the flakier (cannot get a pass) stag members have committed.

Lots to do on a Cardiff stag do

The city boasts loads of other sporting endeavors to get all shouty at on your Cardiff stag weekend! Football fans can head to Cardiff City to enjoy a match. For a 5-star cricket experience, you can head to the Glamorgan County Cricket Club.

For dedicated petrol-heads, there’s the high-octane action of Cardiff Speedway to enjoy. And if you’d like to watch the fastest team game in the world, Cardiff Devils provide the very best in ice hockey combat.

Pick of the best Cardiff Stag Activities

If you’d like to pit your wits, stamina, and strength against your mates, there are oodles of Cardiff stag activities on offer. You can whizz your way around a go-kart track, inflict pain on each other at paintballing or even make like a rocket-man and take up water jet pack riding on Cardiff Bay.

There are dozens of other choices too, from bouncing off your friends at bubble football to scrambling around in a waterfall whilst gorge walking to the ever-popular quad biking.

The call of the wild

Cardiff is a stone’s throw from the epic wilderness of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. It’s also close to the Wye Valley and some top-notch Welsh surfing beaches. What will you choose for your Cardiff stag activities?

Get your mates chuckling with glee with the adrenaline-busting thrill of white-water rafting, the lemming-style leaping of coasteering, and the good, old dirty fun of tearing around on mountain bikes.

The call of the bar

Now, all this high adrenaline activity might sound, well, a bit blooming exhausting! You’ve probably earned yourselves a beer or two. Brains Brewery offers a tidy tour, where you get to learn stuff and quaff golden ales at the same time. There are loads of great craft beer pubs to try on your Cardiff stag weekend too.

If you get your timing right, you could sample ales to your heart’s content at one of the festivals. Why not try the Great Welsh Beer and Cider Festival, Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival, or Wales’ first independent beer festival, Cardiff Brewfest, which would make a great end to a stag do in Cardiff?

What’s occurring in the evening?

The nightlife and atmosphere of a stag do in Cardiff are second to none. The city has become more and more cosmopolitan in recent years. There’s every type of bar and restaurant here, from traditional spit and sawdust to a dedicated music hub, to as swanky as you like.

The great thing is that all of the nightlife is compacted into two bite-sized areas of the city, making a Cardiff stag do simply to navigate.

The locale around St Mary’s Street is the main party hub. Then there’s the alternative nightlife spot of Cardiff Bay, which on a hot summer’s evening knocks the socks off going to Europe!

Musical shenanigans

Wales is well-known as the ‘Land of Song’. It’s not surprising then that Cardiff has a vibrant music scene. On your Cardiff stag do, you could throw some shapes to iconic Welsh songsters like the Stereophonics, Catatonia, Tom Jones, Super Furry Animals, and The Manic Street Preachers. There are new and exciting bands coming through too, like Catfish and the Bottlemen.

Community and male voice choirs are on the up and up in Wales. There’s some surprisingly tuneful singing to be had in the pubs and bars, and even out on the streets of the city. There’s sure to be something to set your feet tapping, or your tailfeather shaking, on a Cardiff stag party.
So, whatever you do to celebrate your final days of bachelorhood, make sure that it’s a Cardiff stag weekend. With a warm Welsh welcome, oodles of live music, and an amazing range of activities on offer, we reckon you’ll have a Cardiff stag do to remember.

Where to stay – Cardiff stag do Accommodation

The best stag do accommodation in Cardiff isn't necessarily the most luxurious. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider the cheaper Ibis hotel. Alternatively, the Riverside hotel offers a deluxe 4-star experience.

Here is a dive into some of the best options for Cardiff Stag Do Accommodation...

Ibis Hotel

2-star hotel in Central Cardiff with good room rates.  If you are on a budget Stag do in Cardiff, then the Ibis ticks all the boxes.

The Ibis Cardiff hotel is situated in the heart of Cardiff's bustling city centre. It offers easy access to major attractions, shops and restaurants. In fact, it's only a five-minute walk to the Cardiff Arena, a world-class sporting venue.

Holiday Inn

If you are looking for a modern hotel near Cardiff City Centre, then the Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre is ideal for you. It offers 157 rooms with a range of amenities. The bar is a good place to have a few drinks, while the lounge bar serves light meals all day long.

This hotel is also well located, with a direct route to the M4 motorway, and it is only a ten minute walk from the central railway station. A bit more on the plusher side of Cardiff stag do options, and very accommodating.

Wynford Hotel

The Wynford Hotel is located in Cardiff, Wales. It offers 40 bedrooms, a restaurant and a bar. Aside from this, it has two function rooms.

Group rooms for stag dos in Riverside, just outside the city centre.  This is the cheap – cheap option, and OK if you don’t mind sharing the place with loads of other stag & hen parties descending on Cardiff to party hard.

The hotel is located close to the city center, so it is easy to visit Cardiff Bay and the nearby areas.

Jury’s Inn

If you're looking for a great place to stay in Cardiff, the Jurys Inn is a popular choice. This hotel provides a range of excellent facilities.

4-star Central Cardiff hotel with car parking spaces on site.  For the more dis-earning Cardiff stag weekend, not your obvious choice for a stag do crash pad, but perfectly located.

The hotel offers a great location, close to the city's most popular attractions.

Hilton Hotel

With a prime location in the heart of Cardiff, the Hilton Hotel Cardiff is an elegant and luxurious five-star hotel.

A plush 4-star hotel with spa overlooking Cardiff Castle.  For the more high-end, gentlemanly Cardiff stag do, then the Hilton could be a great option.

This is a really central hotel, just 5 minutes stumble from all the action.

What to do – Cardiff Stag Do Activities

Cardiff has a wide variety of activities and events to keep your stag do busy for the weekend. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline filled activity, a chilled day out or an evening of entertainment, you're sure to find something to suit your group.

Here is a list of the best activities Cardiff has to offer...

Welsh Games

9 wild activities are all brought together to provide a unique Cardiff stag do experience that you’ll never forget.  Open from March through to October, they provide one of the most unique day outs in South Wales.

Welsh Games is an activity designed specifically for stag groups and will entertain the group for around 2 to 3 hours, the perfect activity for your stay in South Wales.

Cardiff Bay Blast

Speed around Cardiff Bay in jet boats thanks to several speed boat companies operating from Cardiff Bay usually offering 25-minute rides which are best to be done just before sunset after a visit to Welsh Games, then diner in the bay.

There is also the Cardiff Bay Boat Tour, which includes a stop at the Wetlands Nature Reserve. During this trip, you can view the Welsh Assembly and Mermaid Quay.

Go Karting

Hit the tarmac for a race at Cardiff’s city centre TeamSport Go Kart track, for you go to standard Cardiff stag do activity.

The most important thing to remember about go karting is that it's a challenging sport. It requires good focus and physical and mental strength. There's a lot to learn about kart racing, and it's important to be safe when you're on the track.

Adventure Golf

Get in some putting practice on your stag with two eighteen-hole courses to choose from at Treetop Adventure Golf.

They've designed the course in collaboration with Cardiff Theatrical Services, and it's set to be a unique experience for all groups.

White Water rafting

Take things to the extreme with the Cardiff International White Water centre down in Cardiff Bay.

White Water rafting is an experience that will take you through exciting rapids, a great way to bond with friends.

We wouldn't recommend doing the rafting in the winter months tough as the water can get really cold that time of year!

Places to Eat – Best places to eat in Cardiff

The city of Cardiff is full of great places to eat. Whether you're in the mood for a cosy night out or a quick bite, Cardiff's got you covered.

Here are a few recommendations...

Viva Brazil

This is the ultimate meat feast venue in Cardiff with Brazilian steak slivers flying in from all angles from the Passadors (Meat Carvers) that roam the tables.  This is our best pick for a Cardiff stag do, simply down to the portions!

This restaurant offers a range of meats that are grilled over charcoal. The meats are fresh and the portions are large. They have a salad bar that is well stocked, and the staff are courteous.

Zero Degrees

If you're looking for a tick box stag supper in Cardiff, you should check out Zero Degrees.

This restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious meals, including hearty Italian dishes. It also features an open-plan kitchen and a brewing system that produces beer on site.

Cram in some epic pizzas with this stone-fired powerhouse, which also brews its own beers on the premises.

Wahaca

Wahaca Cardiff offers authentic Mexican cuisine in a contemporary setting. This chain is also one of the first restaurants in the UK to be certified carbon neutral. Founded by 2005 MasterChef winner Thomasina Miers, the company uses fresh ingredients and uses waste not only to make a range of dishes, but also as liquid fertiliser.

Sample a wide range of South American street food with this big and tasty Mexican restaurant.

Steak Of The Art

Get in some great steaks with all cuts cooked to order from beef reared on local farms, some excellent eating experiences for any stag do in Cardiff wanting steak out after a long active day.

Steak Of The Art is a contemporary steakhouse in Cardiff. It's run by classically trained chef Steve Bowen.

The 4,200-square-foot restaurant has an interior featuring an art gallery that changes every two weeks.

Tiger Tiger

Prepare for a big night out with Tiger Tiger’s gastro pup fair and relaxed atmosphere, which gives way to one of Cardiff’s biggest party venues later in the evening.

Located in the city centre, it offers a variety of themed rooms so can cater for a private party, Tiger Tiger can offer you everything you need.

 Cardiff’s best stag friendly Bars & Pubs 

Once the daytime shenanigans are done and dusted, and the stags are all warmed up, it’s time to party!

Your Stag Party will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a great pub or bar. There are over 200 licensed premises in the central square mile, offering plenty of options for a drink or two.

Here are a few options to start the Cardiff stag night on the right foot – and keep you going hard until the last mans’ left wobbling!

Coyote Ugly

Great atmosphere with a bar covered in dancing girls.  The bar is known for its wild, wild West style and chaotic environment. A definite must-visit, stag do Cardiff memory maker, make sure you get in early to avoid disappointment or book ahead.

The Coyote Ugly is open seven days a week. There are 40 booths available. Guests can choose from a range of tasty food options and enjoy karaoke, pool, and drinking shots.

Walkabout

Antipodean watering hole with a huge amount of space and a transition into a nightclub that’s open until late.  Where the stars of the Welsh front row can be seen hanging out after many a home game.

The venue is also perfect for stag and hen dos. It also plays a wide range of music. On the weekends it is one of the best nightclubs in Cardiff.

Tiny Rebel

Get in on some real ale action at Tiny Rebel on Westgate St. This urban tap house is a great starting point for an evening out on a stag do in Cardiff, with loads of great ales and ciders on tap, if you are all hungry, try the Brick-walled Bar, which features burgers and a selection of great eats!

Overall, Tiny Rebel is a good brewery, and if you are looking for craft beer in Cardiff, this is a great choice.

The Dock Bar & Kitchen

If you love your cocktails, then you need to check out The Dock Bar & Kitchen. It is located in Cardiff Bay and has fantastic views of the water.

You can also grab a beer and a bite, overlooking the waterfront.  If you are venturing to the bay, then this little gem is great for a few pints with the locals supping up the views of the bay, with great food on offer too.

The Brew House

If you're looking for great food, beer and live music, then the Brew House is the place to go. This Cardiff nightlife venue has a unique design, including a large village hall-style stage.

They also offer a great happy hour, cheap drinks, and a huge selection of drinks and cocktails.

top nightclubs for a Cardiff stag

If you want to dance the night away in Cardiff, there are a variety of interesting places to go. The city is a popular destination for wild nights out, and there are plenty of places to enjoy music and dance after dark.

Retro

Party venue that prides itself on being the home of the 90s.  Now the 80s are finally past us, it’s time for the next decade of reminiscing and trying to sing like Liam Gallagher all over again!

At the Retro Club, they will also mix in some modern hits, across Its two dance floors which will allow you all to get down to some of your favorite tunes on your Cardiff Stag!

Tiger Tiger

Another of Cardiff’s big nightclubs with themed bars and its own karaoke room, designed for any sign-a-long stag do in Cardiff.  A stag and hen nightclub mecca with pretty much guaranteed entry if you don’t get there too late.

Tiger Tiger's Round Room is also available for private hire. Located on the top floor, this space features velvet seating. There are also seven other rooms to choose from. Each one has a unique style and vibe, from Ibiza-inspired dance rooms to graffitied areas from the 1990s.

Prysm

Huge 9-room nightclub complex with something for every taste.  The perfect Cardiff stag do nightclub, with something for everyone and enough space for everyone to get completely lost!

Not to be outdone, the Pryzm nightclub has a number of perks that make it a desirable location for both locals and stag parties alike.

Among its many offerings, the club boasts a state-of-the-art Karaoke room, two cocktail bars and a swanky VIP lounge.

Pop World

Fun and relaxed nightclub with a pop twist.  If you like straight-up simple Pop music, then this is the stag night venue for you, pop, pop, pop and more pop!

If you are looking for a late-night party, Popworld is the place to go. You can expect to see lots of stags and hen parties here. This is one of the best nightclubs in the city. There are also themed events held here.

Glam Nightclub

There's no doubt that Glam nightclub is Cardiff's finest drinking hole. This two-floored establishment offers superior service and tasty cocktails. The place is ideal for a Cardiff stag do blowout!

With its own impressive list of regular visitors, you can be sure that you'll have a fun time. Aside from its impressive bar, it also has a clubroom and a rooftop terrace home to some of Cardiff's hottest DJs.

When to visit Cardiff on a stag do?

Cardiff can get pretty busy, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead to get the most out of your stag weekend. If you’re dead set on coinciding with some of the big games that take place in Cardiff then you’ll need to plan things a long time in advance and expect a pricier stag do.

However, if you’re looking to give them a miss then you might want to avoid the Autumn International weekends throughout November and the first weekend of December, and the 6 Nations matches in February and March.

Obviously, Cardiff gets its best weather during the summer months, but it can also deliver some stunning sun in late spring and early autumn. The city gets its most rainfall in January and March, with October, November and December close runners up, so the earlier summer months in the year are the best to have your stag do in Cardiff really.

May is the driest month on average, and with average high temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius, it could well be the best month of the year to go for.

Local helpful tips

When in Wales, you might want to brush up on a few Welsh words in a bid to impress the locals, or just as an inroad to chats at the bar after a few shots. You can find a few openers here.

You can also sample a few of Cardiff’s food specialities, which include Lamb Cawl, Welsh Cakes and a big plate of meaty faggots.  However, if you’re looking for something special to on your Cardiff stag do, then you can always opt for Welsh Games to truly make the weekend one not to forget!