• Braga

  • 1-3 Days
1-3 Days
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  • The city of Braga in northern Portugal is the 3rd most populated urban area in Portugal, second to Lisbon and Porto, and one of Portugal’s main religious centres. The city is home to the oldest Portuguese archdiocese of the Catholic Church, and to numerous churches scattered in and around the city.

    Braga which was founded by the Roman, is located 50 km north of Porto within a green countryside region, mountains, valleys, and rivers. With the numerous churches and Roman and Medieval monuments, the city still maintains a lively atmosphere generated by the large population of students occupying its two leading universities. While visiting Braga you will enjoy and admire elegant Baroque mansions, grand plazas, colourful gardens and obviously impressive churches and pilgrimage sites.

    While visiting Braga TheTjoy.com recommends,

    • Stroll the small historic center streets starting at the Praca da Republica and its impressive fountain, the main city’s square. Walking south on the city’s main avenue, Av. da Liberdade, you will enjoy the flower gardens, shops, cafes and restaurants.
    • Walk through the beautiful small streets towards Braga Cathedral and Arco da Porta Nova, the 16th century city gate, admiring on the way Palacio Raio tiles covered facade, the magnificent Santa Barbara Gardens, the Biscainhos Museum, and the Archaeology Museum.
    • Visit the 12th century important Braga Cathedral and its highly decorated Baroque Santa Cruz Church.
    • Visit the Braga Tower, Torre de Menagem de Braga, in the western part of the Republica Square, and to enjoy the city scenery climb the tower of Miradouro do Sagrado Coracao de Jesus within the Catholic University complex northwest of the city center.
    • Braga offers great shopping opportunities including in and around Avenue Libertade, the large Shopping center at Braga Parque east of the city center, and in the main food produce market, Mercado Municipal, north of the city center. In the market you will enjoy vibrant vibes and numerous food stalls and small shops. In the Carlos Amarante Square you will find a modern shopping center, coffee shops, restaurants, and the “Braga Letters”.
    • Near town to the northeast, visit the must see vast and iconic pilgrimage sites, the impressive Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary and Our Lady of Sameiro Sanctuary, and to the west The Monastery of St Martin of Tibaes.
    • For a nature 1-2 days retreat visit Peneda-Geres National Park, the only national park in Portugal, 43 km northeast of Braga, offering great landscapes, outdoor activities opportunities, numerous waterfalls and pools, and great opportunities to spot roe deer, the Iberian wolf, garrano ponies, Barrosa cattle, and the magnificent golden eagle.
    • If you happens to visit Braga in the last weekend of May you will enjoy the Bracara Augusta, a festive events that recreates the Roman era, with a period market, parades, and traditional cuisine, and at the end of June you will enjoy the vibrant Festival of Sao Joao.

    TheTjoy.com recommends to visit Braga for at least half a day as part of a day tour from Porto. Consider combining a visit in the city with a visit to the Peneda-Geres National Park and Guimaraes allowing at least 2-3 days trip.

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