This article contains affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Disclosure for more. Thanks for your support!
Last updated on June 27th, 2025 at 05:35 pm
If you’re travelling to Portugal soon, here’s what to do in Braga, one of the most fascinating places to visit in the country’s north.
Founded by the Romans in 16 BC, Braga is known for being the oldest city in Portugal and a site of great religious and historical significance. In this guide, you’ll learn what to do in Braga on a day trip from Porto.
But is Braga worth visiting for more than a day? With its blend of grand religious sites, eye-catching secular buildings, green spaces and urban vibes, the city has no shortage of amazing things to see and do.
Therefore, if you have more time to spare, take it slow. Braga is worth it.
If you’re considering a trip to Portugal soon, we’re here to answer all your questions.
Fill in this form to book your one-on-one video call with us or to request the perfect Portugal itinerary, customised to your travel needs and desires.
Learn more about our travel planning services.
Where Is Braga?
Located a 45-minute drive from Porto, Braga is one of the biggest cities in Portugal. Along with nearby Guimaraes, it’s a must-visit destination in the north of Portugal.
Is One Day in Braga Enough?
Braga is a popular destination for a day trip from Porto, as the two cities are well-connected. Compared to nearby Guimaraes, it’s clearly bigger, with more things to see and do.
During our one-and-a-half-month stay in Porto, we spent a day in Braga but felt that we should have planned to spend more time in this gorgeous city.
However, if you have just one day, a day trip is enough to see the main sights of the oldest city in Portugal.
If you plan to explore northern Portugal further, Braga is the ideal base to spend several days.
How To Get To Braga From Porto
If you consider including a Braga day trip in your Porto itinerary, there are many ways to get there in less than an hour.
Although Braga is often combined with Guimaraes on the same day trip, we would recommend visiting the two cities on separate days to avoid rushing around.
Similar to Braga, there are many things to do in Guimaraes in one day, so visiting them on the same day trip isn’t a good idea.
By Car
If you plan to rent a car from Porto and explore the region, Braga is an easy 45-minute drive.
By Bus
If renting a car is not an option, taking the bus is the fastest way to get to Braga. The bus ride lasts between 45 minutes and a little over an hour.
Please note that buses to Braga depart from the Campanha Bus Station in Porto. It’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly.
By Train
One of the most convenient ways to get to Braga from Porto is by train. Trains depart frequently from the gorgeous São Bento Station in the heart of Porto.
Trains also stop at the Campanha Train Station at the edge of Porto’s city centre, which may be more convenient for some travellers.
The train ride ranges from 55 minutes to one hour and ten minutes. Braga belongs to Zone 8, so make sure you buy tickets valid for this zone.
You can buy your train tickets from the vending machines in the train station and top them up for future trips.
For more information on train zones and prices, please check here.
On a Guided Tour
If the above ways to travel sound frustrating, the most hassle-free way to visit Braga is on a guided tour.
However, organised trips usually include Braga and Guimaraes in one day, which we don’t recommend if you want to fully appreciate each location. Still, it’s a good option if you’re short on time.
Watch our YouTube video about what to do in Braga in a day
What To Do in Braga – One Day Itinerary
One-Day Braga Itinerary Map
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro
If you’re wondering what to do in Braga, a visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro is mandatory. In fact, that’s the best place to start your Braga day trip if you want to avoid unnecessary uphill walking.
Once you arrive at Braga’s train station or bus terminal, take a taxi or Uber straight to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro.
The Sanctuary is the highest point in this itinerary, so we recommend starting from there and then walking downhill to the rest of the attractions in the heart of Braga.
While there, step inside the church and the crypt, but don’t miss the panoramic views of the city of Braga and the entire Minho region from the Sanctuary’s monumental staircase.
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte
Your next stop is the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, the ultimate highlight of Braga. From the Sameiro Sanctuary, walk along Rua Nossa Sra. do Sameiro and take the scenic path through the forest.
The leisurely stroll down the hill takes about 25 minutes to reach the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is a pilgrimage site that has developed since the 14th century.
The Bom Jesus Sanctuary is renowned for its emblematic staircase, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.
Pilgrims traditionally climbed this staircase to reach the Bom Jesus church at the top of the hill. However, if you come from the Sanctuary of Sameiro, you’re in luck, as you’ll only need to walk down the steps.
Before descending the Baroque staircase, take some time to explore the lush gardens and parks near the church or enjoy a cup of coffee at the on-site café.
Next to the top of the staircase is the Bom Jesus do Monte Funicular, the world’s oldest funicular using a water counterbalancing system.
Take a moment to observe how the two carriages move as water is being loaded into special tanks on them.
The 19th-century Bom Jesus do Monte Funicular is yet another way to get to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and back. However, for us, it was more exciting to see how the funicular operates from the outside.
Not to mention that we wanted to walk down the gorgeous staircase, one of the best things to do in Braga.
After walking down the beautiful staircase, you’ll find the bus stop on the main road where you can catch a bus to the city centre.
Centesima Pagina
Start your walk to the city centre from Centesima Pagina, a charming bookshop with a little on-site coffee shop near Republic Square, the main square of Braga.
The bookstore is housed in Casa Rolao, a stunning 18th-century Baroque building designed by the architect Andre Soares.
Santa Barbara Garden
From the Centesima Pagina bookstore, cross the lively Praça da República and walk to Santa Barbara Garden.
Located next to the Archbishop’s Palace, the beautiful garden is a flower heaven and a great place to unwind among colourful flower beds.
Cathedral of Braga
A 5-minute walk from the Jardim de Santa Barbara is the Cathedral of Braga, the first Cathedral in Portugal, established even before the country itself existed.
The stunning Sé de Braga features different architectural styles with prominent Gothic and Romanesque elements.
Don’t miss the Cathedral’s interior, where you can admire the church, its adjoining chapels and the high choir.
The high choir is particularly noteworthy for its intricately crafted wooden ceilings, which make it the highlight of the visit.
Please note that a separate ticket is required to access the high choir, which can be purchased at the on-site ticket office.
Santa Cruz Church
A short walk from Braga Cathedral, Santa Cruz Church appears more impressive inside than it does from the outside. Take a moment to step inside and admire the ornate interior.
Palacio do Raio
Your next stop is one of the most beautiful buildings in Braga. Designed by the famous local architect Andre Soares, the 18th-century Palacio do Raio was commissioned by a wealthy merchant.
Although we didn’t have time to visit the small museum inside the mansion, it’s certainly worth making a stop to admire the splendid blue-tiled facade adorned in the Baroque style.
Café A Brasileira
From Palacio do Raio, walk back to the city centre through the vibrant Avenida da Liberdade.
Located near Praça da República, the historic Café a Brasileira dates back to 1907 and it’s one of the best places to recap what you saw in Braga over a cup of coffee or glass of wine.
Arco da Porta Nova
On your way back to the train station, you’ll exit Braga’s historic centre through the western entrance of the medieval city wall.
The iconic Arco da Porta Nova, or Arch of the New Gate, has been the official gate to Braga since the 18th century.
FAQs About Visiting Braga
Is Braga a walkable city?
Yes, Braga is a flat city and it’s easy to explore its historic centre on foot. Two of the best attractions we have included in this Braga itinerary are outside the city, though, and they’re quite uphill.
For these two, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and Sameiro Sanctuary, we recommend taking a taxi.
What is the best time to visit Braga?
Braga is a city in the north of Portugal. As such, it often experiences rain. The summer months are the best time to visit to avoid rainy days. However, we visited Braga on a somewhat sunny day in October and loved it.
Where can I eat good vegetarian food in Braga?
In Braga, we had the pleasure of savouring one of the best vegetarian meals in Portugal.
The cosy and homelike Gusto Superior serves delectable vegetarian and vegan dishes, among which the meat-free versions of Portuguese staples stand out.
In this restaurant, we tried a delicious vegetarian version of Francesinha, Porto’s signature sandwich.
What museums can I visit in Braga?
Located a few steps from Arco da Porta Nova, the Museu dos Biscainhos is a 17th-century Baroque mansion featuring Baroque artwork from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Apart from the Biscainhos Museum, another significant museum is Diogo de Sousa Museum that showcases the rich history of Braga.
The museum exhibits archaeological finds from the Palaeolithic Era to the Middle Ages.
Its most important collection dates back to the Roman Times when Braga was the Rome of Portugal or Bracara Augusta, as Romans called it.
Why is Braga often nicknamed the Rome of Portugal?
Braga has been a spiritual centre of great religious significance since the 16th century. The city’s large number of churches and strong Christian heritage earned it the nickname Portuguese Rome.
To this day, Braga is famous for the celebrations that take place during Easter Week, such as the religious processions along the main thoroughfare and other historic streets.
What churches can I visit in Braga?
If you’re wondering what to do in Braga, the city’s numerous churches can never go unnoticed.
The most notable churches to see are the city’s Cathedral, the famous Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, Igreja de Santa Cruz, Santuario de Nossa Senhora, Igreja de Sao Marcos and the Monastery of Sao Martinho de Tibaes.
Now that you know what to do in Braga, we’re sure you’ll agree with us that this lovely city in northern Portugal is worth adding to your itinerary in this country of utter natural charm and magnificent historical wonders.
WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria