Travel Guide of Braga in Portugal by Influencers and Travelers
The district of Braga is a district in the northwest of Portugal. The district capital is the city of Braga, and it is bordered by the district of Viana do Castelo in the north, Vila Real in the east, Spain in the northeast and Porto in the south.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Braga
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1 - Porto
Porto or Oporto, is the second-largest city in Portugal, one of the Iberian Peninsula's major urban areas. Oporto city has a population of 237,559 and a metropolitan area with 2.4 million people in an area of 2,395 km², making it the second-largest urban area in Portugal.
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2 - Skydiving in Porto
Looking for an extreme adventure near Porto? This Tandem Skydive activity from 4000m is perfect if you need a sensational experience of free-falling in Portugal. You can arrive to the Skydive drop zone in Braga from the most known destinations in the...
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3 - Bom Jesus do Monte
Bom Jesus do Monte is a Portuguese sanctuary in Tenões, outside the city of Braga, in northern Portugal. Its name means Good Jesus of the Mount.
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4 - Peneda-Gerês National Park
The Peneda-Gerês National Park, also known simply as Gerês, is the only national park in Portugal and is located in the Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Vila Real Districts.
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5 - Allrad in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Explore one of Europe's most beautiful national parks and discover hidden spots that are known only to locals! This trip to Peneda-Geres National Park, Portugal is made for nature lovers who want a real country break, off the well-beaten track....
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6 - Vila Nova de Famalicão
Vila Nova de Famalicão is a Portuguese town with a population of approximately 140,000 inhabitants in an area of 201,59 km², subdivided into 49 parishes.
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7 - Terras de Bouro
Terras de Bouro is a municipality in the district of Braga in Portugal. The population in 2011 was 7,253, in an area of 277.46 km². The present Mayor is Manuel Tibo, elected by the PSD. The municipal holiday is 20 October, day that celebrates the granting of a charter by King D. Manuel I in 1514.
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8 - 4x4 in Peneda-Gerês National Park
Explore one of Europe's most beautiful national parks and discover hidden spots that are known only to locals! This trip to Peneda-Geres National Park, Portugal is made for nature lovers who want a real country break, off the well-beaten track....
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9 - Foz do Douro
Foz do Douro is a former civil parish in the municipality of Porto, Portugal. In 2013, the parish merged into the new parish Aldoar, Foz do Douro e Nevogilde. The population in 2011 was 10,997, in an area of 1.88 km². It became a parish in 1836.
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10 - Clérigos Church
The Clérigos Church is a Baroque church in the city of Porto, in Portugal. Its tall bell tower, the Torre dos Clérigos, can be seen from various points of the city and is one of its most characteristic symbols.
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11 - Hiking in Porto
Peneda-Gerês National Park - Where adventure meets nature, tradition and culture. This tour is more than a simple visit to Peneda-Gerês National Park. Embrace your adventurous side outside the busy city of Oporto: experiencing beautiful l...
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12 - Garden of Santa Barbara
The Garden of Santa Barbara is a municipal garden in the civil parish of Sé, municipality of Braga, alongside the eastern wing of the historical Archbishop's Palace of Braga.
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13 - Felgueiras
Felgueiras is a municipality in Porto District, Portugal. The current mayor is Nuno Fonseca. There are two cities located in the municipality: Felgueiras and Lixa. The population in 2011 was 58,065, in an area of 115.74 km².
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14 - Hiking / Trekking in Porto
Gerês National Park is a Portuguese treasure and it will be a pleasure for the team to show you the best of the park during this one day hiking tour!The main goal of the day is to offer you a full day surrounded by the beautiful nature of Ger&e...
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15 - Ponte do Bico
Ponte do Bico is a bridge in Portugal. It is located in Braga District, crossing the Cávado River. It is a work from the time of minister Fontes Pereira de Melo who is mostly remembered for conducting dynamic industrial and public infrastructure policy which become known as Fontismo.
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16 - Largo Carlos Amarante
The Holy Cross Church in Portuguese, Igreja de Santa Cruz is a Portuguese 17th century church in Braga, Portugal, dedicated to the Holy Cross. The Church of the Five Wounds in San Jose, California was modeled after the Holy Cross Church in Braga.
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17 - Amares
Amares is a municipality in Braga District, Portugal. The population in 2011 was 18,889, in an area of 81.95 km². The present Mayor is José Gonçalves Barbosa, elected by the Socialist Party. The municipal holiday is June 13.
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18 - Ponte de Lima
Ponte de Lima is the oldest vila in Portugal. It is part of the district of Viana do Castelo. The population in 2011 was 43,498, in an area of 320.25 km². The town proper has about 2,800 inhabitants.
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19 - Povoa de Varzim
Póvoa de Varzim City Hall is the seat of government of the municipality of Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal. It houses the office of the mayor of Povoa de Varzim, the city council chamber, as well as other city services.
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20 - Amarante
Amarante is a municipality and municipal seat in the Tâmega e Sousa subregion in northern Portugal. The population in 2011 was 56,264, in an area of 301.33 square kilometres. The city itself had a population of 11,261 in 2001.
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21 - Vila Nova de Gaia
Vila Nova de Gaia, or simply Gaia, is a city and a municipality in Porto District in Norte Region, Portugal. It is located south of the city of Porto on the other side of the Douro River. The city proper had a population of 178,255 in 2001.
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22 - Esposende
Esposende is a city and a municipality in Braga District in Portugal. The population in 2011 was 34,254, in an area of 95.41 km². The city itself had a population of 9,197 in 2001. It gained city status on 2 July 1993. The present Mayor is Fernando Couto Cepa, elected by the Social Democratic Party. The municipal holiday is August 19. It is located on the Portuguese Way of the Camino de Santiago.
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23 - Cais da Ribeira
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24 - Igreja do Carmo
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Pictures and Stories of Braga from Influencers
10 pictures of Braga from Lawless Capture, Vitor Pinto, Danny Ivan and other travelers
- Igreja de São Marcos (Igreja do Hospital), Braga ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Rui Sousa | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Braga ?
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🚢 Pier 🏰 Temple 🗼 Landmark 🏞️ River 🌲 Forest ⛰️ MountainHow to visit Braga ?
Why traveling there?
Braga is a charming city in northern Portugal that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modernity. Known as the "Portuguese Rome," it boasts an impressive array of religious architecture, including the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary. Braga is a vibrant and lively city that offers a unique blend of ancient and contemporary experiences, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Portuguese life.
How to get there?
Braga is easily accessible from various parts of Portugal and Europe. The closest airport is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto, about 50 km away. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transportation (bus or train) to reach Braga. The train ride from Porto to Braga takes approximately 1 hour, with regular services available throughout the day.
What to book in advance?
While Braga is relatively easy to explore without pre-booking, it's recommended to book accommodation and guided tours in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. If you're planning to attend a specific event or festival, such as Semana Santa (Holy Week), it's essential to book your accommodation well in advance to secure your spot.
What are the costs?
Braga is a relatively affordable destination compared to other European cities. Expect to pay around €40-€120 per night for accommodation, depending on the type and location. Meals at local restaurants can range from €8-€20 per person. Public transportation is also quite affordable, with a one-way train ticket from Porto to Braga costing around €3.25. Entrance fees to attractions vary but are generally reasonable, with most sites offering discounts for students and seniors.
What are the best things to do?
Some of the must-see attractions in Braga include Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga), and the ancient Roman ruins of Bracara Augusta. Take a stroll through the picturesque Garden of Santa Barbara or explore the historic streets of the city center. Don't miss the opportunity to attend a traditional Fado performance, a unique and captivating musical experience.
Where to eat?
1. Cozinha da Sé: A popular restaurant in the city center, Cozinha da Sé offers delicious traditional Portuguese cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
2. Restaurante Dom Joaquim: Known for its elegant setting and excellent service, Restaurante Dom Joaquim serves a variety of local and international dishes.
3. Taberna Belga: For a more casual dining experience, try Taberna Belga, a local favorite for its tasty francesinhas and Belgian-inspired dishes.
Where to stay?
1. Vila Galé Collection Braga: A luxurious and historic hotel located in the city center, offering modern amenities and a beautiful outdoor pool.
2. Hotel Mercure Braga Centro: This comfortable and contemporary hotel is conveniently situated near the main attractions and offers a range of amenities.
3. Collector's Hostel: For budget travelers, Collector's Hostel provides stylish and affordable accommodation in a charming setting.
Off the beaten path
For a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the Citânia de Briteiros, an archaeological site located about 15 km from Braga. This ancient Celtic settlement dates back to the Iron Age and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's history. The site features well-preserved stone structures, including dwellings, granaries, and defensive walls. A visit to Citânia de Briteiros provides a memorable and educational experience that allows you to immerse yourself in Portugal's rich heritage.
Learn More about Braga
Braga is a city in the very north of Portugal, northeast of Porto. It is known for its heritage and its religious events. In fact, it is in the city of Braga that the first cathedral of the country was built in the 11th century, and it is here that there is the highest concentration of religious buildings in the country.
Braga is home to the most famous monument in northern Portugal, the Bom Jesus do Monte, which is a church with a staircase that climbs up a hill, but if you don't want to climb the stairs, take the funicular to reach the top, once there, you will have a spectacular view of the city.
The Sé de Braga Cathedral is a Gothic-style building. The oldest cathedral in Portugal has been extremely altered, but the whole is aesthetic. To find the Romanesque traces, you have to examine the south and especially the west portals! Inside, you will have the opportunity to see the monumental organs! The museum is very interesting. It conceals marvels, ivories, and impressive paleo-Christian vestiges. Do not miss this visit during your stay!
There are not only churches to visit in Braga, you will find shopping streets, baroque mansions, and large squares where a good atmosphere reigns. The city is a real labyrinth of narrow streets where you will discover wonders at every corner. Moving around the city, you will come across impressive arches like Arco Da Porta Nova, the city is full of wonders, come and discover its many gardens to relax in the open air and have a picnic.
The Praça da Republica is a large square and the lively heart of the city, you will inevitably pass through this strategic point of the city.
Come also to discover the Palaicio dos Biscaihos which is a palace of the 17th century, where you can discover the beautiful gardens.
Braga is an emblematic Portuguese city not to be missed if you stay in the north of the country, it is an unmissable destination for pilgrims from all over the world, but it also remains an important tourist destination where you will discover impressive historical remains, and the city is very welcoming.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Braga
Braga is an old city, so the streets are narrow and parking will be difficult. There is a big parking lot in Bom Jesus do Monte or there are underground parking lots where you can park, but you have to pay. The easiest way to get around is on foot or by bus.
Braga is connected to Porto by a railway network, so there are regular and cheap trains all day long, the trains leave from Sao Bento station in Porto, the trip takes one hour.
Taking a cab or car takes about 40 minutes.
The trip to Bom Jesus do Monte from the city center takes about 20 minutes, and the one-way ticket costs €1.65. There are several bus stops where you can catch the bus. If you want to go directly from the train station in Braga, there is a bus stop right in front of it.
The funicular runs every day from 8 am to 8 pm and a one-way ticket costs €1.50 (€2.50 return). But this is an option, you can very well climb the stairs, otherwise, the visit to the building is free.
Where to Stay in Braga
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