Braga, Portugal

Braga

Portugal's religious capital, with the zigzag staircase of Bom Jesus.

  • All year
  • 1 night
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Things to do

2 days in Braga

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit Braga Cathedral, the oldest in Portugal, and its treasury.
  2. AfternoonRide the water-powered funicular up to Bom Jesus and walk down the zigzag stairs.
  3. EveningHave dinner in the old town around the Arcada and the Avenida Central.

Day 2

Visit Guimarães, or the waterfalls of Peneda-Gerês.

What to eat

Bacalhau à Braga, fried salt cod with onions, and pudim Abade de Priscos.

Local tips

Make the most of Braga

Beat the crowds

Braga is calm. Bom Jesus is busiest on weekend afternoons.

Best photo spot

The zigzag baroque stairway of Bom Jesus do Monte.

Getting there

Trains from Porto take about an hour. Buses go up to Bom Jesus.

Don't miss nearby

Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, about 30 minutes away.

Good to know

A water-powered funicular, one of the oldest in the world, takes you up to Bom Jesus. Braga has lots of churches and a lively student life.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Braga

Our most hidden places around Braga: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Braga to take with you.

16 km away
30 km away
83 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Braga

Getting there

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryPortugal

Questions

Braga: good to know

Is Braga worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns. Portugal's religious capital, with the zigzag staircase of Bom Jesus.

How many days do you need in Braga?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Braga?

You can visit all year. Braga is calm. Bom Jesus is busiest on weekend afternoons.

How do you get to Braga?

The nearest airport is Porto Airport (OPO), about 40 km away. Trains from Porto take about an hour. Buses go up to Bom Jesus.

What is there to see near Braga?

Nearby hidden places include Porto (46 km), Cíes Islands (85 km) and Aveiro (102 km).

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