Historical city in the northernmost part of Portugal, Braga is a pilgrimage site famous for its baroque stairway. Additional historical charm is given to the city by the presence of several remarkable churches and cathedrals. Braga is known as the home of Portuguese archbishops and as a developing shopping city. Good for the outdoor people, the mountains around Braga hide the only national park in Portugal.
Braga cathedral against the sky
Braga cathedral against the sky
Braga, a Portuguese pilgrimage city and the main gateway to Portugal’s only National Park
A city originally built by the Roman Emperor Augustus, Braga has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Today this lively inland city that is known as the home of Portuguese archbishops hosts several interesting historical sights, the most important of which is Bom Jesus de Monte, an astonishing baroque stairway climbing 115 m/380 ft above the ground. Among other famous historical sights of the area are the 12th century Braga Cathedral that mixes different styles, and the many renaissance and neoclassical churches of Braga. Go to see also the roman fountain, the 18th century Raio Palace, the sanctuaries of Sameiro, and the Palace of the Archbishops.
Bom Jesus stairs near Braga
City activities. Besides all its historical charm, Braga is also about modern-day tourism. The city lies in Portugal’s most dynamic growth area with lots of new investments made to develop facilities for shopping in Braga. Visit also the many museums in Braga that help you to get to know the rich history of the region.
Braga city center
The natural surroundings of the city are fascinating. Braga is situated in forested Cavado Valley, only a short drive away from the only national park in Portugal, Peneda-Gerês. This photogenic area offers lovely surroundings for trekking around Braga and biking around Braga, with courses for golf in Braga offering additional joy to outdoor people. The region around Braga is famous also for its wine, melons, and other fruits. For tours in Braga region, try the World Heritage –listed city of Guimaraes with its popular castle.
Practical information for your trip to Braga
Located in the northernmost corner of Portugal, Braga has no commercial airport of its own.
Guimaraes, Braga
For flights and travelling to Braga, try the connections offered by Porto and Lisbon, both of which offer possibilities to reach the city of Braga by bus or train. The area of the inner city is quite small, which makes walking the easiest way to get around in Braga. For independent tours to Peneda-Gerês National Park and to the many interesting historical towns found in Cavado Valley, car rental in Braga is the best choice.
The climate in Braga is warm in the summer and mild in the winter. Average monthly high temperatures in Braga rise shortly above 25°C during the hottest summer months, July and August. During the winter the inner city of Braga meets 15°C high temperatures. In general, the best time to visit Braga is between April and October.
The view over braga from Bom Jesus
Visitor services. A popular Portuguese pilgrimage city and a lively university town, Braga offers tourist services to suit most tastes. Hotels in Braga range from high class city hotels to cheap inns. Restaurants in Braga are famous mainly for productions of local wine industry, but also local tastes such as Francesinha are worth testing. Although you should be aware of pickpockets, Braga is a safe travel destination that is suitable also to families travelling with small children.
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