Best Things To Do in Braga

If you plan to visit Portugal and want to get off the beaten track of Lisbon and Porto, Braga may 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 heritage.

Some of the best things to do in Braga include strolling through the Santa Barbara Garden, 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 sits atop a hill and is well over 100 metres above sea level.

Buying tickets for the Coimbras Chapel in Braga is an excellent way to get to know 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 . Moreover, 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 meticulous architecture and its details, which highlight the influence that Catholicism had in Portugal even during the Enlightenment. Inside, you will also find hand-painted tiles depicting 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 wider 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 cathedrals in Portugal and offers a mixture of architectural styles dating back more than 1000 years of history. 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 the north of 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. This route also allows you to explore picturesque villages and ancient hamlets, and 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 starts 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 centre.

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 connecting both banks of the river channel, especially in its narrower parts.

If you want to see the most popular natural sites around Braga, you can't leave out 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 a visual spectacle not to be missed and perfect for taking photographs. There you can walk along the trails and, weather permitting, even take a dip in the natural pools that form at the base of the falls.

The Pincaes Falls offer a similar experience to the Arado Falls, although with a smaller crowd. This place is ideal for those looking for a bit of tranquillity and a serene atmosphere.

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 waterfalls tour from Braga will allow you to discover, just a few kilometres from the city centre, one of the most beautiful green spots 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 you can't miss is the francesinha, a sandwich that combines meat, sausages and cheese, all covered with a spicy sauce. Although its origins are in Porto, this dish has become popular in Braga and is a favourite with the locals. You can also try bacalhau à brás, a mixture of shredded cod, onion, potatoes and egg.

Don't miss the opportunity to try 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 Mercado Municipal de Braga, where you can find fresh produce, from cheeses and sausages to fruits. However, you can also book a gastronomic tour of Braga, which will take you to the best stalls, restaurants and bars in the city on a tour led by an expert local guide.

Braga Cathedral, known as Sé de Braga, is one of the most emblematic and oldest monuments in Portugal. This cathedral, which has over 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 parts of the cathedral are to be found inside, where you can visit the main altar, which is decorated with gilded wood carvings and reliefs depicting 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 artefacts and liturgical elements that offer a deeper insight into the cathedral's history.

If you want to experience one of the most traditional and yet 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 centre with the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a place of pilgrimage and worship, and one of the region's main tourist attractions.

The elevator, with its wooden and iron structure, provides easy and convenient access to the Sanctuary, which is 116 metres high on top of a hill. This sanctuary is known for its baroque staircase, decorated with fountains, statues and manicured 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 that lead to other areas of interest in the surrounding mountain range. From the lift station you can explore trails that lead to viewpoints, lakes and wooded areas, ideal for nature lovers and those seeking an outdoor getaway.

A stroll through the Santa Barbara Garden in Braga is an activity that combines natural beauty and tranquillity amidst the 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 will also come across century-old 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 proximity of the garden to the historic centre of Braga allows visitors to enjoy activities such as festivals, concerts and fairs, in the midst of a natural landscape not to be missed.

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 town, located an hour's drive from the centre of Braga, is characterised by its architecture, history and natural scenery due to its location on the banks of the Lima River.

One of the main attractions of Viana do Castelo is its historic centre, where you can lose yourself among the cobbled streets and squares. The Church of Santa Luzia, located on the top of a hill, is a must-see. 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 most prominent is the Feast of Nossa Senhora da Agonia, which takes place in August and is known for its colourful parades and traditional dances. Booking a Viana do Castelo tour from Braga is one of the must-do experiences around 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. Founded over 100 years ago, this museum is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of archaeological finds from prehistoric to Roman times.

The museum houses a collection of artefacts, including ceramics, tools, sculptures and coins, but one of the highlights is the collection of Roman artefacts, which provides an insight into life in the ancient city of Bracara Augusta, as Braga was called during the rule of the Roman Empire. In this room you will find mosaics, funerary stelae, utensils and coins of daily use.

The museum tour also includes temporary exhibitions highlighting specific themes in archaeology and local history. These exhibitions 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 kilometres away, making it an easy and accessible getaway. This castle is known as the Cradle of Portugal and is a fortress that played a major role in the founding of the Kingdom of Portugal and in the struggle for independence.

At Guimaraes Castle you will find the walls and towers that have stood the test of time and bear witness 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 cobbled streets of the old town of Guimaraes.