Let our suggestions guide you and discover everything the city has to offer, without limiting yourself to, as the saying goes, “seeing Braga through a straw”.
Braga, city of archbishops
A city with over 2000 years of history, Braga is a city that has emerged in its religiosity, cultural spirit and, despite its
age , in the thousands of young and vibrant spirits that fill its squares and alleys with a contagious energy.
A university city, every year new faces and a new breath of life arrive to transform it into a major tourist attraction and ensure that, in addition to being lively,
Braga is more vibrant than ever . Let yourself be guided by our suggestions and get to know everything the city has to offer, not just, as the saying goes, “seeing Braga through a straw”.
What to visit?
Braga's Historic Center . On Avenida da Liberdade, also known as the street of flowers, and Praça da Républica, we find the true center of the city. Here, its famous fountain, its centuries-old buildings and its wide range of cafés and restaurants invite you to stroll and spend evenings chatting with friends. Here you will find the Theatro Circo, Leitaria Quinta do Paço (mentioned later), Jardim de Santa Bárbara, A Brasileira and Basílica dos Congregados, among other attractions. All are worth a visit.
Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary . A monument dating back to the 14th century, this sanctuary is one of the most emblematic places in Braga. After climbing the challenging 581(!) steps of its monumental staircase, we are rewarded with a panoramic view of the city, an immense green space, carefully preserved fountains and statues and, like a hidden treasure, an artificial lake with rowing boats so couples can enjoy the breathtaking nature. Nearby we find the
Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Sameiro , a Marian sanctuary with its imposing neoclassical architecture that attracts thousands of devotees and curious visitors every year.
Rua do Souto . Braga’s central street during the day (and night), it is a meeting point for young people and students who flock to the nightlife provided by the numerous bars, restaurants and nightclubs. During the day, this pedestrian street offers a long walk accompanied by several options for stopping – from large establishments and traditional shops to cafés with large terraces – making it the city’s main shopping area. The street ends at the iconic Arco da Porta Nova, a building that made popular the expression for anyone leaving a door open: “Are you from Braga?”.
Church of Santa Cruz . Located near the city centre, this church is famous for its Baroque Mannerist architecture, with intricately carved stone façades, for the beauty of its richly decorated interior, and for its legends. Visitors are left wondering where the roosters are. Why? “Legend has it that any self-respecting marriageable girl must see the three roosters of the Church of Santa Cruz – otherwise, she runs the risk of not having her dream wedding. Two of them are already crowing here, and we give good news to whoever finds the third one, the real puzzle”, explains the website vagamundos.pt.
Braga Cathedral . The city's cathedral is one of the city's main tourist attractions. Its construction, in Gothic, Baroque and Roman styles, dates back to the year 400 and its interior continues to impress visitors, with its sumptuousness, gilded carvings and two colossal organs still in operation. It is recommended that you visit not only the cathedral but also its museum, where you can find the cross from the first mass celebrated in Brazil, brought back and forth by Pedro Álvares Cabral.
Arcoense | Restaurant, Braga | All About Portugal
Where to eat?
In Braga, you can taste several dishes that represent the gastronomic richness of Minho. The famous Braga-style cod (or Narcisa-style cod), Minho-style rojões, Braga-style duck rice, sarrabulho porridge, “pica no chão” rice or roast goat; these are just some examples of what you can try (and certainly repeat) at the tables of Braga restaurants.
Arcoense . Known for its use of local produce, some of which are homemade, we are treated to rojões or cozido à portuguesa, as well as sea bass cataplana with clams or grilled octopus. All the options on the menu respect the preparation of Minho cuisine, in a modern and very cozy atmosphere.
Kartilho. According to its website, Kartilho is “a place where national wines are highly valued, a wine cellar with over 300 references, simple cuisine, where the aim is to do a lot with a little, a place for meat lovers, maturation done “on site”, different breeds and cuts...”. Here, meat is a suggested choice and the wide range of wines creates the perfect atmosphere to lose yourself in the taste that can only be achieved in Minho.
O Filho da Mãe . A place that brings together the flavors of South America and fuses them with traditional Portuguese cuisine. Highlights include the Peruvian Ceviches, the Colombian Patacones and the Argentinian Empadas. In its concept, let yourself be immersed in a new world of flavors and enjoy accompanying your meal with an equally international wine list. For bold and adventurous spirits.
Aunt Isabel . Roasts are king here. From veal to goat, served with rice, potatoes and turnip greens, the regional flavours are prioritised and the dishes that have been made in Braga kitchens for decades are proudly showcased. You can also opt for the Bacalhau à Braga and Papas de sarrabulho or, if you want to make sure your meal is fresh, try the seafood on display in the aquarium in the main room.
Stuffed Codfish Braga Style – Photo by Tia Isabel, Braga - Tripadvisor
Theatro Circo - Braga | All About Portugal
For Culture Lovers
Theatro Circo . This is the entertainment venue and epicentre of Braga’s culture. It has kept pace with the evolution of cinema and has always brought award-winning audiovisual works, offering an alternative to the
mainstream of other venues. Its programme also includes opera, theatre, musicals, exhibitions and more, and allows us to become even more involved in its “genetic” cultural spirit with its museum, bookshop and intimate café-concert.
Altice Forum Braga . A multipurpose area, “
designed for holding fairs, exhibitions, congresses and other events of a socio-cultural, scientific, recreational and sporting nature, as well as all types of recreational and entertainment events ”. Check out the city’s cultural calendar and enjoy a film session or exhibition that is taking place on the day(s) of your visit, marvelling at its size, modern design and cultural offerings of all kinds.
Image Museum . Founded in 1999, the museum was created with the purpose of collecting and preserving the visual memory of Braga. It contains a collection of 210 thousand old films and several historic cameras, and is a true paradise for photographers and photography enthusiasts. In 30 minutes you can explore its 50 different rooms, divided into 3 floors, and learn a little more about the history of the city.
Where sleep?
We have put together a list of the best hotels and
guesthouses where you can spend the night in the “City of Archbishops” and get to know it at a more leisurely pace, without missing out on any of the wealth and hospitality that Braga has to offer.
- Park Hotel
- Hotel Bracara Augusta
- Domus 26 Guesthouse – B&B
- Cathedral Guesthouse
- Melia Braga Hotel
- Hotel Dona Sofia
- Sweet Home Braga Hostel & Guest House
Meliã Braga Hotel & Spa | Technal PT
