Best Things To Do in Braga

If you plan to visit Portugal and want to get out of the typical circuit of Lisbon and Porto, visiting Braga can be a good option. This city stands out not only for its history, but also for its culture and the architecture of its buildings, which earned it the nickname of the Portuguese Rome, largely due to its number of churches and its religious legacy.

Some of the best things to do in Braga include strolling through the Garden of Santa Barbara, visiting the Diogo de Sousa Archaeological Museum, visiting the Coimbras Chapel, discovering the hiking trails around the city and using the Bom Jesus Elevator, which is located on top of a hill and is well over 100 meters above sea level.

Buying tickets for the Coimbras Chapel in Braga is an excellent introduction to the city. Built in the 17th century, this chapel is small but is adorned with traditional tiles and decorative elements that reflect the baroque style, characteristic of the period in which it was built. In addition, the history of this temple is intertwined with that of the Coimbra family, one of the most influential in the region.

In the Coimbras Chapel you can admire its careful architecture and details, which highlight the influence that Catholicism had in Portugal even during the Enlightenment. Inside, you will also find hand-painted tiles that narrate religious scenes and a series of sculptures and reliquaries that respect the tradition of sacred art.

The Coimbras Chapel is not only a site of historical and religious interest, but is also part of a broader context that reflects the rich cultural heritage that distinguishes Braga as one of Portugal's religious capitals. Its location in the heart of the city makes it a perfect starting point for exploring other surrounding monuments and attractions.

Near the Coimbras Chapel you will also find other places of interest, such as the Braga Cathedral, which is one of the oldest in Portugal and offers a mixture of architectural styles that refer to more than 1000 years of history. In addition, not far from there you can also visit the great zigzagging staircase, where you can take some of the best pictures of Braga.

Located in northern Portugal, Braga is surrounded by mountainous landscapes and green areas that invite outdoor adventure. The hiking trails in the region offer a variety of difficulty levels, allowing both beginners and experienced hikers to enjoy exploring. As such, hiking these trails is one of the best ways to discover this destination.

One of the most outstanding trails in Braga is the Peneda-Gerês trail, which is part of the Peneda-Gerês National Park and passes through dense forests, waterfalls and mountainous landscapes, where you can observe the local flora and fauna. In addition, on this route you can explore picturesque towns and ancient villages, so it is often included when booking a walking tour in Braga.

Another popular option is the Bom Jesus do Monte Route, which is not only a trail of great beauty, but also a cultural journey through time and local traditions. The route begins at the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, known for its baroque staircase and panoramic views of Braga. However, as you walk, you will also find gardens, fountains and historical monuments on a path close to the city center.

Finally, the Ave River Route is a quieter option that follows the course of the river and connects several points of interest in Braga. This trail is perfect for those who want to enjoy a quiet walk surrounded by nature, as along the way you will find rest areas, viewpoints and small bridges that connect both banks of the river channel, especially in its narrower parts.

If you want to know the most popular natural sites around Braga, you can't leave out of the list the Arado, Pincaes and Tahiti waterfalls. These waterfalls are part of the mountainous landscape of the Serra do Gerês, a protected area inside the Peneda-Gerês National Park, surrounded by lush vegetation and idyllic landscapes.

The Arado waterfalls are the best known of the three. They are located in an environment surrounded by rocks that create an unmissable visual spectacle and perfect for taking pictures. There you can walk along the trails and, weather permitting, you can even take a dip in the natural pools that form at the base of the waterfall.

The Pincaes waterfalls offer a similar experience to the Arado waterfalls, although with a smaller crowd. This place is ideal for those looking for a bit of tranquility and to enjoy a serene environment.

Finally, Tahiti Falls is a hidden treasure in the region. Known for their crystal clear waters and natural surroundings, these waterfalls are a perfect place to experience a day in the countryside. Booking a tour of the waterfalls from Braga will allow you to get to know, a few kilometers from the city center, one of the most beautiful green sites in northern Portugal.

Portugal, among so many charms, also stands out for its typical gastronomy, so one of the best ways to get to know Braga is through its food. The cuisine of this destination stands out for its millenary recipes, which include from simple dishes to more complex preparations.

One of the most emblematic Portuguese dishes that you cannot miss is the francesinha, a sandwich that combines meat, sausages and cheese, all covered with a spicy sauce. Although its origin is in Porto, this dish has become popular in Braga and is a favorite among the locals. You can also try bacalhau à brás, a mixture of shredded cod, onion, potatoes and egg.

Also, don't miss the opportunity to try the pastéis de nata, delicious cream cakes that were born in Lisbon and are now a classic all over Portugal.

To immerse yourself in the local gastronomy you can visit the most famous markets, such as the Braga Municipal Market, where you can find fresh products, from cheeses and sausages to fruits. However, you can also book a gastronomic tour of Braga, which will take you through the best stalls, restaurants and bars of the city on a tour assisted by an expert local guide.

Braga Cathedral, known as Sé de Braga, is one of the most emblematic and ancient monuments in Portugal. This cathedral, which has more than 1000 years of history, not only bears witness to the religious and architectural heritage of the region, but also reflects the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles that have left their mark on its design.

However, the most beautiful sites of the cathedral you will find inside, where you can visit the main altar, which is decorated with gilded wood carvings and reliefs that review biblical passages. During your visit, you can also visit the side chapels, which house works of sacred art, sculptures and paintings that contribute to the atmosphere of this building.

In addition, Braga Cathedral offers access to its 14th century cloister. This site, crowned with elegant arches and gardens, provides a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. There you can also visit a small museum with religious objects and liturgical elements that offer a deeper insight into the cathedral's history.

If you want to live one of the most traditional and at the same time most striking local experiences, you can't miss the Elevador do Bom Jesus in Braga. This elevator, inaugurated in 1882, is one of the oldest in Europe and connects the city center with the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a place of pilgrimage and worship, and one of the main tourist attractions in the region.

The elevator, with its wooden and iron structure, provides easy and convenient access to the Sanctuary, which is 116 meters high on top of a hill. This sanctuary is known for its baroque staircase, decorated with fountains, statues and well-kept gardens, but also for the panoramic views it offers.

In addition to providing easy access to the Bom Jesus Sanctuary, the elevator also connects visitors to several hiking trails and paths leading to other areas of interest in the surrounding mountain range. From the elevator station you can explore trails that lead to viewpoints, lakes and wooded areas, ideal for nature lovers and those seeking an outdoor getaway.

Touring the Santa Barbara Garden in Braga is an activity that combines natural beauty and tranquility in the midst of urban noise. This garden, located next to the Episcopal Palace, is one of the most popular green spaces in the city and a perfect place to relax between excursions. Its landscaping, with winding paths, flower beds and ornamental fountains, makes it an oasis in the heart of Braga.

In the garden you will find a flower path that changes with the different seasons of the year, offering a unique visual spectacle; but you can also come across ancient trees and sculptures that adorn the paths. In addition, the various areas of the garden are designed to offer shade and shelter, making it an ideal place for a picnic or simply to rest before continuing your tour of the city.

The garden also hosts cultural events and exhibitions throughout the year, making it a dynamic place that is well used by locals. The garden's proximity to the historic center of Braga allows visitors to enjoy activities such as festivals, concerts and fairs, amidst an unmissable natural landscape.

Touring Viana do Castelo is one of the best things to do from Braga and a getaway that promises to dazzle you with its beauty and rich cultural heritage. This coastal city, located an hour's drive from the center of Braga, is characterized by its architecture, history and natural landscapes due to its location on the banks of the Lima River.

One of the main attractions of Viana do Castelo is its historic center, where you can lose yourself among the cobblestone streets and squares. The Church of Santa Luzia, located on top of a hill, is a must-see point of the visit. From there you can admire the neo-Byzantine architecture of this site, but also enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

In addition, this coastal town is famous for its cultural traditions, which are manifested in festivals and events throughout the year. One of the highlights is the Nossa Senhora da Agonia Festival, held in August and known for its colorful parades and traditional dances. Booking a Viana do Castelo excursion from Braga is one of the experiences you can't miss in the surroundings of the city.

Visiting the Diogo de Sousa Archaeological Museum in Braga is a fascinating experience that will immerse you in the rich history and cultural heritage of Portugal. This museum, founded more than 100 years ago, is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of archaeological finds spanning from prehistoric to Roman times.

The museum houses a collection of objects, including ceramics, tools, sculptures and coins, although one of the highlights is the collection of Roman artifacts, which provides an insight into life in the ancient city of Bracara Augusta, the name given to Braga during the domination of the Roman Empire. In this room you will find mosaics, funerary stelae, utensils and coins of daily use.

The tour of the museum also includes temporary exhibitions that highlight specific themes of archaeology and local history. These exhibits change regularly, which means you'll always find new options to discover on each visit.

Guimaraes Castle is one of the most famous sites in northern Portugal and discovering it is one of the best things to do from Braga, as it is only 25 kilometers away, making it an easy and accessible getaway. This castle is known as the Cradle of Portugal and is a fortress that played an important role in the founding of the Kingdom of Portugal and in the struggle for independence.

In the Castle of Guimaraes you will find the walls and towers that have stood the test of time and provide testimony to the architecture of the building, which has a Romanesque style and from the top of which you can access panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

In addition, right next to the castle you will find the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, which houses a collection of traditional Portuguese art and furniture. This palace, with its distinctive architecture and well-kept gardens, perfectly complements a visit to the castle and a walk through the cobblestone streets of the old town of Guimaraes.