Things to do in Braga
Essential Tips for Your First Trip to Braga, Portugal
Discover the highlights of Braga as we explore the city’s top attractions. Immerse yourself in a traditional food tour, take a fascinating Walking City Tour, or embark on an adventure climbing the renowned Steps of the Five Senses leading up to Bom Jesus church.
Despite being a bustling city with over 190,000 residents, Braga’s center is compact, making it an ideal destination for exploring on foot. Wander through the charming pedestrian streets that showcase the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. From Roman times to the present day, Braga has played a significant role in the region now known as northern Portugal.
Read more: Best Time to Visit Portugal.
Where is Braga in Portugal on a map?
The city is located in the heart of the Minho Region, more specifically in Portugal’s northwest.
Distances from Braga, Portugal
- Guimarães: 25 kilometers (16 miles). It is 25 minutes by car.
- Porto: 55 kilometers (35 miles). It is 45 minutes by car.
- Coimbra: 170 kilometers (106 miles). It is 1 hour and 45 minutes by car.
- Lisbon: 365 kilometers (227 miles). It is 3 hours and 40 minutes by car.
- Faro: 715 kilometers (444 miles). It is 6 hours and 40 minutes by car.
Public Transports from and to Braga
Braga doesn’t have an airport. Do you need a private transfer from or to Oporto Airport? Please check our services here.
If you prefer public transport, the best one is the train. It is clean, safe, and cheap! And Braga train station is a 5-minute walk to the historic center.
Are you planning a day trip to Braga from Porto?
Get ready for an enriching experience! Braga holds a significant place in Portuguese religious history as the former religious capital. The city’s archdiocese, established in the 3rd century, made it the seat of the Catholic Church. Explore the first Portuguese Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century, along with numerous old churches, chapels, and monasteries that showcase the city’s religious heritage.
If you’re Catholic, we highly recommend visiting Braga during Holy Week (Easter). Witness the captivating nightly processions, where the town is illuminated by torches, hooded penitents march, and street altars adorned with flowers and candles, creating a truly mesmerizing atmosphere.
Braga may be rooted in tradition, but it also boasts a vibrant and youthful energy thanks to its university and modern industries. Immerse yourself in the city’s dynamic ambiance, filled with lively nightlife, theaters, exhibitions, museums, and art galleries.
Prepare for a day trip to Braga that combines history, spirituality, and a taste of the city’s lively contemporary scene.
Braga Travel Guide
The Best of Braga Walking Tour
During this half-day tour, you will get to know its history and the secret streets.
That is included:
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- ticket for the first Cathedral in Portugal,
- private transfer from the downtown to the funicular,
- a ticket for the hydraulic funicular to visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus.
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There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Portugal. In that honorable list is the Bom Jesus do Monte. This building is a pilgrimage site. It has been attracting religious devotees for many centuries. And they go up the stairway, which rises more than 640 steps. But we will use the water-powered funicular for your comfort. You will go down on foot and admire these stairs zigzag up the slope and Baroque sculptures. The neo-classical church is at the top of the hill.
Good value for money costs 25€ per person. Book an online Braga city walk!
Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
The tour price includes the services of a knowledgeable guide, a ticket for the Cathedral, a private transfer from the downtown to the funicular, and a ticket for the hydraulic funicular to visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus. However, entrance fees to specific attractions, such as museums or churches, are typically not included. Your guide will provide information about any additional fees that may apply.
How long does the Braga Tour last?
The duration of the Braga Tour varies depending on the specific itinerary and group size. On average, the tour lasts approximately 3 hours, allowing ample time to explore the city’s highlights and visit Bom Jesus Sanctuary.
Explore More Destinations in Portugal Here:
Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, transportation is included in the Braga Tour. You will be transported in a comfortable vehicle with a professional driver, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free experience. However, it does not include the pick-up from our hotel to the meeting point.
Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are not usually included in the Braga Tour package. However, your guide will provide recommendations for local restaurants and eateries where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine during your free time.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible for Braga Tour?
No, because of the terrain on the tours we provide, these particular tours are not wheelchair accessible.
What is the cancellation policy for the Braga Tour?
Please read our terms and conditions.
Can private or customized tours be arranged?
Yes, we offer private or customized tours in Braga. If you have specific preferences or would like a more personalized experience, it’s best to contact us directly to discuss your requirements and arrange a tailored tour.
Best Walking Tour for Foodies in Braga
Join us on this 100% Portuguese Food Tour, where you’ll discover hidden gems, savor delicious treats, and create lasting memories of Braga’s gastronomic treasures.
Are you excited about the Walking Food Tour? Fantastic! Get ready to put on comfortable shoes and embark on a culinary journey through the cultural sights of the town on foot. Indulge in the finest Portuguese cuisine and wine tastings, guided by a knowledgeable local guide. This Food Tour promises an authentic, 100% Portuguese food experience!
Your guide will lead you through the charming and lesser-known neighborhoods of Braga, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history. As you stroll along, take in the vibrant colors of the streets while savoring delicious samples of cod cake and cheese. To complement the local delicacies, quench your thirst with a glass of wine or beer.
Join us on this off-the-beaten-path adventure, where you’ll discover the flavors and traditions that make Portuguese cuisine so special. Let your taste buds and senses guide you through an unforgettable culinary exploration in Braga.
Read more: Best Things to Eat in Portugal?
Braga Attractions
Enjoy a delicious ice cream in Praça Da República
First, nobody uses the plaza’s name! This square is locally known as “Arcada” because of the 18th-century arcade building. That is the best place to find some shade and a cold drink or ice cream during the summer.
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Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro
On another hilltop is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro. The main pilgrimages are on Sundays between June 1 and August 31. This Marian Shrine was created in the 1860s.
Monastery of São Martinho de Tibães
This Benedictine monastery is outside of this city, 15 minutes by car from the Cathedral. The church is well preserved and richly decorated with gilded altarpieces. But, the monastery is empty. São Martinho de Tibães was an opulent house. It was the motherhouse of the Benedictine order in Portugal and Brazil.
The monastery was sold in 1864 after the extinction of religious orders in Portugal in 1834. From 1864 until 1996, this building was abandoned and ruined.
Pra̤a РThe Municipal Market
Praça is a must in Braga. It is located in the city center. This market was recently reclassified. You’ll find fresh produce, meat, cheeses, sausages, bread, fish, and flowers.
Inside the market, there is a small area with a few local restaurants. You must try a suckling pig sandwich in the restaurant O Forno do Leitão do Zé is delicious!
Antigo Paço Episcopal
That is a place you must visit! But, unfortunately, that is only open from Monday to Friday. The palace is not available to the public. But tourists can glimpse the superb tiles, medieval noble hall, and garden.
It is near the Cathedral. We visit during our Walking Tour, but sometimes this palace is closed. Episcopal Palace is now the municipal archives and university office (Universidade do Minho).
Sporting Clube de Braga & Estádio Municipal
The city’s soccer team plays in the Premier League in Portugal (Liga Portugal).
This club plays in the Europa League almost every season, so there is a high standard on show.
You must visit Estádio Municipal if you love architecture embedded in a former quarry. Pritzer prize-winner Eduardo Souto de Moura designed this for Euro 2004.
Where to eat in Braga, Portugal?
Discover the best restaurants in our suggestions here.
Where can I watch the sunset in Braga?
Best places to see the sunset:
- Sanctuary of Bom Jesus
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro
Braga Vacations Packages
What do you think? Have you visited this city?
The north of Portugal is a beautiful and varied destination that never fails to enchant its visitors. Join my team at Eco Trilha, a small-group tour in Portugal. You’ll learn all about its unique culture and history and meet the locals behind the food!
Tips For Your First Trip To Portugal
Here is a short checklist and other helpful information for your next travel to Portugal.
This checklist can help you prepare and make your first trip go as your dream. Read more about Money Exchange. Tip. Whether in Portugal for ten days. Transfer Airport to Hotel in Portugal. Where to eat. Vegan Restaurant. Food Time. Learn a little Portuguese. Arts. Beaches. Safety. Tap water. Visa and Entry Requirements.