Braga

Braga a city full of churches

City Overview

Braga is known as the “Rome of Portugal” because of its more than 30 churches. The original name was Bracara Augusta, having been founded by Romans in the year 16 BC!

In Braga, we can find the oldest Portuguese Cathedral and the Motherhouse of the Benedictines, the Monastery of Tibães (Mosteiro de Tibães).

The Roman legacy is another of the attractive factors of Braga, known for its distinct churches, splendid XVIII century houses, gardens, nature parks and recreational areas.

Nearest Airport

The major international airport nearest to Braga is Porto Airport located 50 kilometres away, in the Porto Metropolitan Area. Transfer from Porto airport to Braga by public transit to Braga city centre take roughly 40 minutes or 50 minutes by aerobus.

Getting Around

Braga as Portugal’s third largest city is one of Europe's most walkable cities.

Places to stay

Visitors will be spoilt for choice when choosing accommodation in Braga. There are many hotels to choose from, to suit every taste and budget, from luxurious hotels to smaller, family-run hotels that offer a real home-from-home welcome.

Book a hotel in the city centre so you can walk and enjoy your few days which enough time to explore the city.

Sightseeing

The main attraction of this city is the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, located on top of a hill and to reach it, you’ll have to climb its staircase of over 600 steps.

There are over 30 churches in the city if you have an interested in this type or architecture.

Braga has also been generating interest as a destination for the tourism segments of religious,  cultural and business tourism for city breaks. Gastronomy and wine products are important to promote these forms of tourism.

Bars, Clubs & Parties

Braga is a melting pot of ages, cultures and nationalities, with a large permanent population, many students and thousands of visitors passing through its ancient streets every year. There is much to do here and nightlife in

In many ways, Braga is a typical university city and, as such, offers plenty of entertainment at low cost for those living or travelling on a budget.

Bars, cafés and dance clubs are the order of the day for the youngsters and the young at heart, while there are plenty of restaurants, theatre shows and leisure activities to keep the masses entertained. Whatever you are looking for from Braga nightlife, Portugal’s oldest city is unlikely to disappoint.

Start your evening out in Braga by heading to the Praça da Republica, also known as the Vianna. This is the city’s central square and is a popular meeting place.

Café Vianna is a favourite meeting place. Open from 7am to 2am Monday to Saturday, and from 9am until midnight on Sundays, Café Vianna is the oldest bar in the square, serving drinks and snacks to locals and visitors.

If cocktails are your thing, head to the area around the Cathedral. The Cathedral is located in a prime location, in the heart of the city centre, and is surrounded by attractive architecture and several interesting bars,

Thanks to Braga’s large student population, there are plenty of late-night bars and dance clubs open from 10pm until around 5am.

Cafes & Restaurants

If you want to try something typical of the Braga or Northern region of Portugal, you must try the Francesinha, it is delicious, just sit in the restaurant in the city that suits you best, because they all serve the delicacy.

Francesinha is a type of sandwich stuffed with sausage, ham, steak and other meats that is covered with cheese au gratin and served with a tomato-based sauce, beer and chilli pepper.

Other

Currency - Euro (EUR)

Language - Portuguese

Visas - Not needed for travellers from the US, Canada and Europe

Best Time To Visit - March – October

Timezone - Western European Standard Time (GMT)

Homosexual Activity - Legal