The 11 essential things to do in Braga

On a trip to Braga, the third city of Portugal? Discover our selection of incontours to do and see to visit Braga during your stay.

Founded by the Romans more than 2000 years ago, Braga is a city rich in history and monuments to discover. The third city after Lisbon and Porto is known as the Portuguese Rome for the number of religious buildings found there. Despite its size, it is a city that is visiting in a few days thanks to the concentration of monuments in the historic centre. If you are looking for what to do in Braga, it is not easy to find it between the multitude of churches, sanctuaries and other palaces. To help you prepare, we have compiled a list of the 11 essential things to do if you are going to visit Braga.

1. Sanctuary Bom Jesus

Registered to UNESCO’s World Heritage since July 2019, Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte is the unmissable monument when you come to visit Braga. In fact, registered with Unesco’s World Heritage in July 2019, it comes for its basilica, which is accessed by a monumental staircase divided into three parts. During your visit, you will take the baroque part dating from 1723, the part of the five senses and the part of the three virtues dedicated to Christian faith, hope and charity. If you are looking for what to do in Braga for an afternoon, the visit of this sanctuary is ideal. In addition to the stairs and the basilica, you will have access to the gardens, caves and fountains that complement the whole. You can even navigate by boat on the lake!

If you do not want to climb the few 600 steps that lead to the building, opt for the oldest funicular to the water counterweight system. A road also allows you to reach the top by car and reserves a surprise. And for cause, a part of the road gives the impression of descending while... it climbs! A true well-known attraction of tourists who, unbelievably, cut off contact and watch their car back on what seems to be a slope.

2. Cathedral Sé de Braga

“ But velho que a Se de Braga » (older than the Braga Se) is a popular Portuguese expression. It illustrates the oldness of this emblematic monument, to be seen absolutely when you come to visit Braga. It dates from the 12th century and combines several architectural styles according to the ages to which it was enlarged.

You will observe the original Romanesque style, then gothic elements and finally a baroque decoration. The main points of interest are tombs like that of the king’s son D. Joao 1 , the works of carved wood, the two bells and the monumental organ.

3. Garden of Santa Barbara

In the city centre there is a beautiful garden, attached to the old episcopal palace. Take a relaxing break for a day to visit Braga and its historic centre. In the middle of the garden, a 17th century fountain is surmounted by the statue of Santa Barbara. If you have the chance to visit Braga in the spring, you will enjoy the flowers that invade space for an explosion of colors and scents.

4. Biscaínhos Museum

This museum is ideal when you are looking for what to do in Braga to immerse yourself in the history of the city. Built in the 17th century, the Biscaínhos Palace was transformed into a museum in 1978, after serving as a house for several Portuguese fortified families.

The building today presents the manner in which the nobility lived between the 17th and 19th centuries, as well as the servants and the slaves. The collection is exhibited in various pieces arranged according to the time, with furniture, ceramics, glasses or jewelry of all beauty. A real time machine.

5. Arco da Porta Nova

This monumental gate in the form of an arc of triumph was built in its present form in 1772. At that time, the city was already extending beyond the walls and the ark was not intended to close the passage. It is often used in official ceremonies as an opening symbol of the city.

Its architectural style is double: baroque on one side and neo-classical on the other. You will necessarily pass under this arch when you come to visit Braga.

6. Theatro Circo

It is one of the most beautiful theatres in Portugal and Europe. Its construction took three years, from 1911 to 1914. The room can accommodate 1500 people and has a sumptuous decoration that will not leave you indifferent.

If you're looking for a Tuesday or a Saturday to do in Braga, you should know that these are the only two days when the visits are possible. Guided tours start at 2:30. Participation of € 3.5 is requested.

7. Palácio do Raio

This palace is one of the most beautiful examples of baroque architecture in Portugal. Sponsored by a rich merchant, João Duarte Faria, it was built by architect André Soares between 1754 and 1755. He took his name from the vicomte Miguel José Raio, who bought it in 1853. The magnificent azulejos of the façade are extremely well preserved. Inside, a museum tells the history of the building and other institutions in the city of Braga.

8. Tibães Monastery

Located 6 kilometers from Braga, the Mosteiro de Tibães was one of the richest Benedictine monasteries in northern Portugal. Founded in the sixth century, it expanded throughout its history. Since the 17th century, it has 4 cloisters, making it one of the largest in the country. Today it is no longer inhabited by monks and it is possible to visit it.

It presents the typical elements of a Portuguese monastery with carved wooden works, azulejos and a baroque organ dating from 1786. Part of the monastery was rehabilitated in the hotel, a good idea if you are looking for an original place to sleep when you come to visit Braga.

9. Museum of Archaeology

The rich historical past of Braga has left traces in the region. The Museu de Arqueologia D. Diogo de Sousa the mission was to gather the results of archaeological research in Braga and the region. From the Paleolithic Age to the Foundation of Bracara Augusta under the Roman Empire, the collections reveal the history of this millennium city.

10. Miradouro do Picoto

If you are looking for what to do in Braga to get out of the bustle of the city, the mirador is just 3 kilometers from the center. It offers a panoramic view of Braga and its region. You can admire the imposing silhouettes of the shrines Bom Jesus do Monte and do Sameiro overlooking the city. Over there, Picoto Park offers many activities.

Accrobranche, paintball, climbing, what to give you ideas if you are looking for what to do in Braga with family.

11. Take a coffee in the Brasileira

Coffee-restaurant Brasileira is an institution in Braga. He is one of the most beautiful in the city and has been open since 1907. Set on the terrace and enjoy a drink or a nice typical dish before continuing to visit Braga. The specialties are the saco coffee and coffee mazagran .

How to get to Braga?

If Braga has a small airport, flights from France will take you to Porto, only 50 kilometres away. To find tickets at the best price depending on the time you go to visit Braga, use a comparison of flights like Ulysses .

From the airport of Porto, there are several choices:

• By bus : Getbus offers direct buses from Porto Airport to Braga Bus Station. The journey takes 50 minutes and costs 8€, including luggage. You can buy tickets directly to the driver or book online.
• By train : from Porto Station, trains connect Braga in 40 minutes, with departures every 30 minutes. The ticket price is 3.50€. To reach the train station, take the E line from the metro to Trindade, then line D to Sao Bento.
• By taxi : you can find taxis at the airport to get to Braga from 40€.
• By car : if you rent a car to visit Braga, take the A41 then the A3 to the exit Braga. The journey takes about 45 minutes.

Where to stay in Braga?

Braga being the third city of Portugal, the possibilities of accommodation are not missing. Many guesthouses are available in the cathedral district. In the historic centre you can also find three or four-star hotels at reasonable prices. We advise you to use one Compare hotels to find the best rooms. Apartments Airbnb are also a good option, they allow you to visit Braga independently.

You know everything, there is only one! Good trip to Braga!