The stag do capital of the world is a title that Riga has developed over the past ten years, but there is unfairly too much focus on the negatives associated with such a claim.

It is true that Riga stag weekends are very popular with British guys, but the Latvian capital is a long way from becoming a European version of an English city centre. Far from it in fact! This is still very much an authentic European city with a rich cultural heritage and quirky local customs that have to be experienced and enjoyed.

The locals also welcome the tourist trade, providing the visitors are respectful of course, and are more than willing to show stag groups and other holiday makers a memorable time in a city that has taken shape over the last 800 years, during which it has endured many different ruling hands.

Riga Hen weekends do also make the trip over to this Baltic county, although not in such numbers as their male equivalents. However, it is certainly suited to the female visitors with fabulous wine bars and unique shopping experiences on offer in its market square, which particularly comes alive in the winter with a fabulous ice rink.