Bachelorette parties are a celebration of love and friendship—a time when all of your closest friends can connect and party. The feat of getting a group of employed adults in the same room at the same time is a pretty big deal all on its own! Unique bachelorette destinations are on the rise, because let’s face it, we did so much work organizing the event that most of us don’t want to spend this glorious weekend sipping White Claws in someone’s living room.
We want to make an exciting getaway out of it that we’ll talk about for years to come. Admittedly, I’ve been to some pretty amazing bachelorette parties all over the world. One hosted in Mexico, another in Puerto Rico. Boston, South Korea, and more!
I made a round-up of my favorite destinations for bachelorette parties, and what you should do in each place.
10 Unique Bachelorette Destinations
Mexico City, Mexico
One of my best friends got married a few years ago and chose Mexico City as her cool bachelorette destination. The experience was totally unforgettable!
Mexico City has a lot of European influence in its architecture (there’s even a royal castle in the city), so you’ll likely find some similarities between the Romero neighborhood and your favorite city across the Atlantic.
The number of unique activities for bachelorette parties is truly unlimited! Take a day trip to the Teotihuacan, pre-Columbian Mesoamerican ruins, less than two hours from the city center.
You can also rent a colorful longtail boat in the Xochimilco canals, which will give you Venice-but-Mexican vibes. Drink and snack vendors sell goods from their own boats, so you can easily make purchases as you float past.
Prague, Czech Republic
This may come as no surprise to Europeans, as this city earned itself a reputation for its party scene. For everyone else outside of the Union, Prague might be the most eclectic of the cool bachelorette destinations.
Funny enough, Prague has always been preceded by its party reputation. Beer is cheaper than water here, and the National Theater was where Mozart debuted his wildly popular opera, Don Giovanni.
Prague has a little bit of everything for everyone: luxury shopping, funky bars themed after 80s movies, and, not to mention, the largest nightclub in Central Europe.
If your idea of a fun bachelorette includes clubs, bars, and restaurants all in a historic setting, then Prague should be on your list.
Tokyo, Japan
If New York is the city that never sleeps, then Tokyo is its cousin who’s keeping it awake! Tokyo has a kind of wild energy that changes based on the neighborhood you’re in. One section will be historical and low-key, while the other will be energetic and hyper.
Start your night in Shinjuku, where you’ll find world-class shopping and dining. Make sure to try the conveyor belt sushi at Oedo Shinjukuminamiguchiten or my personal favorite: the Edomae SS omakase. It’s a hole-in-the-wall spot with only a few chairs, so make sure to arrive early.
Then get drinks in Golden Gai, where you’ll discover the cutest bars in narrow alleys. Another favorite of mine is the drinking streets near Harajuku. It’s the perfect spot to have late-night snacks and people-watch!
Portland, Maine
We New Englanders have our own Portland, and it’s not in Oregon. Portland is the largest city in Maine, and it also happens to be one of the coolest bachelorette destinations.
Portland acquired a hipster vibe because of its seafaring history. To this day, you’ll see early morning fishermen returning to the docks with lobster.
The city center is lined with old mill buildings and brick structures from a time long past. Now, superb restaurants and fancy cocktail bars take up most of the real estate.
While Portland is not known for its late nights (most of the bars will close around 1 AM), you’ll find plenty to see and do for a full weekend of fun. Check out the Lincolns, a true speakeasy that serves $5 cocktails.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
We can’t get enough of Mexico when it comes to cool bachelorette destinations, and if you ever party in this country, you’ll know exactly why! Mexico is equal parts beautiful weather, fresh food, and great nightlife. The best place to experience all three together is Puerto Vallarta.
Located on the western coast, Puerto Vallarta was popularized by the movie Night of the Iguana with Elizabeth Taylor. The actress fell in love with the then-fishing town and bought a vacation property.
You’ll find remnants of old Hollywood glamour in Gringo Gulch, the neighborhood where celebrities have had their homes. Spend your days whale watching in the cove, relaxing on the beach, and then dancing the night away on the Malecon. My friends and I personally love La Vaquita, a fun nightclub right on the boardwalk.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is a great option for bachelorettes who would prefer a varied cultural experience without having to bring a passport. This is the capital city of Puerto Rico, and you can get there in less than 30 minutes from Miami!
It was the birthplace of the beloved piña colada and remains the ideal city to practice your salsa moves. We recommend La Factoria, a nightclub with lowlights and perhaps one of the most inclusive environments for beginners.
Everyone on the dance floor is there to have fun, and if you’re learning your salsa steps, be ready for someone to come up and teach you.
There’s also The Cannon Club, a restaurant and piano bar owned by a local artist. Speaking of local artists, you can find a variety of pop-up shops with interesting gift items, apparel, and accessories at any time of year.
Discover the Spanish influences by taking a guided tour through San Cristobal, the fortress walls. Puerto Rico is full of fun things to do beyond historical San Juan. Consider a day trip to El Yunque, the only rainforest in North America.
New York City
New York City isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but a cool bachelorette destination? Now we’re talking! While the many thousands of annual bachelorettes will fly off to the warmer climates of the Caribbean or the wild nightlife of Phoenix, come to New York for a truly varied experience.
Luckily, your experience in North America’s biggest city doesn’t have to break the bank either—there are a ton of free (or cheap) things to do in New York City!
New York City has an unmatched nightlife, where you can find massive clubs, outdoor venues for summer music festivals, and the corner bar to cosplay life as a local. Check the event calendar for Brooklyn Mirage, a huge outdoor venue that has hosted Diplo, David Guetta, and Illenium on its stage. For an intimate experience, reserve dinner, drinks, and a burlesque performance at Duane Park.
Check out the hip bar scene in Williamsburg, or the wild energy of Hell’s Kitchen. Greenwich Village and Chelsea are the best neighborhoods for booking a hotel. The best things to do in New York will all be within a short distance from those neighborhoods.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole in Wyoming is most often associated with two things: extreme natural beauty and extreme wealth. It happens to be one of the places where more billionaires per capita have chosen their abode. Still, it’s perfect for nature-loving brides-to-be and their crew.
This town is situated between the Teton Mountains and Grand Teton National Park, giving you the option to soak in the beauty of the landscape on a scenic hike or jump into a thrilling white-water rafting adventure. Don’t forget about the Dude Ranches where you can learn to ride horses through the rugged terrain.
For a more laid-back day, visit the charming town square filled with local boutiques, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Keeping those billionaires in mind, there are plenty of spas and high-end steakhouses in downtown Jackson Hole.
Milan, Italy
You can easily recognize Milan from a mile away, just look for the most stylish city. Located in the cosmopolitan Northern Italy and marked with the annual Milan Fashion Week (MFW), Milan has plenty to offer for those who love luxury.
Go shopping with the girls in Plaza Vittoria or take a 1.5-hour drive north to Lake Como. Fine dine at Verso, a newly rated Michelin winner with a unique open floor layout where chefs prepare and patrons dine all in one space.
Milan isn’t just for the super-rich; there are also plenty of free or cheap things to do in Milan! What makes this city stand out as a cool bachelorette destination is its easy access from the U.S. (there are plenty of direct flights through Delta and United Airlines), as well as its easy access to other parts of Italy. Aside from plentiful day trip options starting from Milan (Lake Como, anyone?), Venice is also only a 3-hour train ride away.
Art lovers, please make it a point to stop at one (or two, or three) of Milan’s stunning art galleries. For the classics, check out The Ambrosian Library (Pinacoteca Ambrosiana), which has a huge selection of notebook sketches from Leonardo DaVinci. You can get into the library for free with certain tickets purchased at the Duomo, which is a 5-minute walk away.
Speaking of DaVinci, you can’t miss The Last Supper (Ultima Cena), located in the dining room of the former Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. But beware, tickets to see the Last Supper sell out months in advance.
Palermo, Sicily
Looking for an Italian destination even further off the beaten path for your bachelorette destination? Hop on a domestic flight south to Palermo, the capital city of Sicily. While it doesn’t have quite as much infrastructure as other parts of the country, that makes it a cool off-the-beaten-path option.
Palermo has an excellent nightlife, with the busiest sections of the city being Old Town (Centro Storico), the ultimate epicenter, and Kalsa. Not to mention the foodie scene–any Italian cuisine lovers will go absolutely crazy over Sicilian food!
Spend the night dancing with your girls at Mak Mixology and spend the day cruising through the Sicilian countryside. Make sure to check out one of the many organic vineyards less than two hours from Palermo.
Malaga, Spain
Wishing for a Mediterranean getaway without the huge price tag? Travelers often think of visiting Barcelona, and often forget about Malaga, the sunny (and coastal) alternative.
Malaga has a blend of rich history, Andalusian culture, and sandy beaches, making it a perfect spot for a cool bachelorette destination. The city has a lively atmosphere that goes from day to night. Spend your days exploring the historic Alcazaba fortress, wandering the cobblestone streets, or visiting the Picasso Museum to dive into the art scene. For some fun in the sun, head to the gorgeous beaches along the coast, where you can unwind, sip cocktails, or even try out water sports like paddleboarding and sailing.
As the sun sets, Malaga’s lively nightlife comes to life with chic rooftop bars, trendy clubs, and intimate tapas bars offering a taste of local flavors.
You’ll find shoppers browsing Plaza Mayor street from the mid-morning hours, and lots of bars open by mid-afternoon. It’s not frowned upon to have a glass or wine (or two) with lunch, as long as you sleep it off during your siesta.
Marrakech, Morocco
While drinking tends to be a focal point for bachelorette parties, I want to be cognizant of the cultural travelers and alcohol-free parties. While drinking isn’t illegal in Morocco, alcoholic beverages tend to be harder to come by.
If your group is looking for the truly unique bachelorette destinations, then Marrakech takes the pinnacle! This city is flourishing with a rich cultural history. Spend your days drinking Moroccan mint tea, hiking mountains, and exploring the colorful medinas (center markets) where so much activity takes place.
For the most bang for your buck, you can easily rent a full traditional Moroccan house and split the cost between your group. For ocean lovers, check out the cities of Casablanca and Agadir as alternative spots in Morocco.
