Pedro DominguesThere are many historic cities in Minho and for me Braga is undoubtedly the great queen of them all. Braga is one of the cities of my heart, I lived and worked there for many years, and I hope to return many times more in the future.
Braga has it all, that’s what I always say!
- It has a young soul and therefore a lot of life and energy.
- It has fabulous food.
- The historic center is old and full of monuments, museums and churches.
- It has excellent infrastructure, with good shopping centers and places of entertainment and leisure.
- Its parks and gardens are beautiful and very pleasant.
- Despite not having the sea right next door, there are awesome river beaches.
- There are several unmissable events during the year, and I will introduce the main ones to you in this article.
- And have you heard of Bom Jesus de Braga, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO?
For some reason Braga is considered by many to be one of the best European City destinations. In this article I will give you many tips on things to do in Braga, and what to see and visit there, for a short itinerary. It’s a long article, so I recommend using the table of contents below so you can better navigate between the different topics.
Where is Braga located?
Braga is located south of Viana do Castelo and north of Porto. It is located in the north of Portugal, more precisely in the Minho region, being one of the district capitals of Portugal.
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How to get to Braga?
Braga is one of the main cities in Portugal, so it naturally has an excellent transport infrastructure. For example, it’s easy to get to Braga by train or bus, but of course you’ll need a car to easily reach all the sights I’m going to recommend in this article! 😉 If you need to rent one, do it with Discover Cars.
For train tickets, buy them directly with CP – Trains of Portugal.
Note that It is possible to get to Braga in a day trip from Porto that also passes through Guimarães.
When to visit Braga?
Braga can be visited at any time of the year, without exception. There are many things to do in Braga all year round and many tourist attractions nearby. 😉 Of course, you can plan to visit the city during the main events of the year.
1. Braga Romana Festival – May
Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal, having been founded more than 2000 years ago by Emperor Augustus, as Bracara Augusta. It is often called the “Portuguese Rome” and was once one of the most important cities on the Iberian Peninsula.
Every year, people from Braga decide to recreate the Roman universe, dressing up as Romans in many street shows, with lots of food and drinks. 😉 This is my favorite event.
2. Portugal Rally – May
The Portugal Rally, in turn, could be another reason to visit Braga. Some of the most spectacular stages of the race take place in the neighborhoods of Braga, for example in Fafe or Vieira do Minho.
3. Holy Week in Braga (Easter)
The Holy Week is the main religious event in Braga. This city has churches everywhere, so take the opportunity to visit them throughout this time of year. Did you know that Braga is considered the city of archbishops in Portugal?
4. São João de Braga – June
The biggest popular festival in Braga, São João de Braga, dates back to 1150 and is considered the funniest of all those mentioned. Animation, music and revelry abound in the streets of the city.
5. White Night of Braga – September
Considered the biggest of its kind in Europe, the White Night of Braga is full of entertainment for all ages. It is tradition people wear a white garment during the event.
6. The Falperra Ramp
The falperra ramp is another motorsport event, just like Portugal Rally, and was born in 1950, taking advantage of the fantastic curves of the mountain range close to Braga.
7. “O Bananeiro” – at Christmas Evening
At Christmas time, there is also a fun tradition held every year. This event takes place on the 24th of December, a few hours before Christmas dinner, at Rua do Souto. People from Braga eat a banana and drink a “banano”, which consists of muscatel wine.
Tours to visit Braga
I also leave you with tips on some organized activities to do in this city in the North of Portugal. Why don’t you consider a Tuk-Tuk tour or a simple walking guided tour? At certain times of the year you also have sightseeing tourist buses available.
What to eat when visiting Braga?
As for good food, Braga has the best francesinha in the country at Taberna Belga, in my opinion. For something more traditional, how about Papas de Sarrabulho, Rojões or the typical Bacalhau (codfish)? Be sure to try Frigideiras da Sé and, for dessert, Tíbias de Braga and the delicious Pudding Abade de Priscos. The last one you really shouldn’t miss!
Nice Restaurants in Braga
In addition to Taberna Belga, where you can find the best Francesinha, I also leave you the following tips: Restaurante Tia Isabel, Bira dos Namorados (Burger), Tasquinha Dom Ferreira, Naco na Pedra, Tasquinha do Fujacal or Restaurante São Frutuoso.
Accommodation Tips and Hotels in Braga
There are also several options for sleeping, for different budget types. I leave my suggestions below.
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Souto Guest House | 9.2 | Central Braga |
| Domus 26 Guesthouse | 9.7 | Central Braga |
| Braga Heritage Lofts | 9.3 | Central Braga |
| The Arch Apartments | 9.2 | Central Braga |
| Melia Braga | 8.4 | Surroundings |
| Hotel do Parque | 8.5 | Bom Jesus |
| Hotel Dona Sofia | 8.7 | Central Braga |
| Hotel Moon & Sun | 8.7 | Central Braga |
| Burgus Tribute | 9.1 | Central Braga |
| Signature Apartments | 9.0 | Central Braga |
| Vila Gale Braga | 8.8 | Central Braga |
| Pousada da Juventude | 8.7 | Central Braga |
| Isis Guest House | 9.2 | Central Braga |
| Sé Guesthouse | 8.9 | Central Braga |
Things to do in Braga | Portugal
As far as Braga is concerned, it is very difficult to write an itinerary divided by a certain number of days. Each person has their own pace and likes certain types of sights over others. Personally, despite having already visited most of Braga’s museums (and some are really impressive!), I like the outdoors more, for example.
In this article I will show you all things to do in Braga, regardless of my preferences. Consider the various sections below as possible itinerary days, but again, you should make your own Braga itinerary, based on your own interests, pace, and available time. 😉
- Day 1 – Visit the Historic Center of Braga
- Day 2 – Visit the Sanctuaries of Braga, Falperra and Tibães
- Day 3 – Visit the many Wonders of Cávado River, in Braga
Map with Things to see in Braga
Visit the Historic Center of Braga
My recommendation is that you start visiting Braga at the entrances to the city: at the Arch of the New Gate and Campo das Hortas. Follow the numbering used below to know the visit sequence I propose. 😉 The map above is also numbered using the same sequence!
1. Arch of the New Gate, Campo das Hortas and Image Museum
The Arch of the New Gate gives access to the main street of the Historic Center, completely pedestrian: Rua do Souto. The reddish building you see next to it, houses the Image Museum, and the admission is completely free.
Optionally, you can also go up to Campo das Carvalheiras, where you can find an imposing 17th-century cross monument.
2. Rua do Souto
Before crossing the Arch of the New Gate to Rua do Souto, buy some delicious tibias at the nearby pastry shop. 😉 There are several flavors available in addition to the traditional ones.
Rua do Souto connects the Arch to the Central Avenue of Braga. Along the route you will find many good shops, cafes, restaurants and terraces. And most of what there is to see in the city is just a few meters away, following the adjacent alleys.
3. Chapel of São Geraldo and Church of Misericórdia
Almost reaching the center of Rua do Souto are the Chapel of São Geraldo and Church of Misericórdia. Both are located next to one of the entrances to Braga Cathedral complex, being almost like an annex to it. Honestly, I never found them open for visits, or at least, I don’t remember visiting them inside.
The Church of Misericórdia dates from the 16th century and the Chapel of São Geraldo is from the 12th century. I highlight the fact that São Geraldo was the first archbishop of Braga, and today he is the patron saint of the city. He is supposedly buried in the chapel and is commemorated on the 5th of December.
4. Braga Cathedral, Treasure-Museum and Rossio da Sé
The highlight should be Braga Cathedral, however, the oldest in the country, dating from the 11th century. For times and entry prices, visit the official website.
- There are separate tickets for the Treasury-Museum, for the Cathedral itself and for the Chapels and High Choir, but of course it is worth it to book a complete visit with a combined ticket.
- The cloister of Braga Cathedral has free access, and that’s where the ticket office is located.
From my most recent visit to the interior of the Cathedral, I remember the altar of extraordinary elaboration, the tomb of Infante D. Afonso, son of D. João I and Filipa de Lencastre, and of course, the decoration of the ceilings and the majestic organ!
Rossio da Sé is one of my favorite spaces and squares in the city. It’s especially pleasant in the late afternoon, when the sun goes down, and at night there are several nightlife venues to have a drink with friends.
5. São Paulo Square (Churches of São Tiago da Cividade, São Paulo and Nossa Senhora da Torre)
From Rossio da Sé it is possible to see the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Torre in the distance, a monument that you will visit next. If you’re already hungry, stop by Frigideiras da Sé, a good place to buy the traditional puff pastry from Braga.
In São Paulo Square, check out the following places:
- The monument to Friar Bartolomeu dos Mártires, Archbishop of Braga.
- The Church of São Tiago da Cividade, from the 17th century.
- The Church of São Paulo, from the 16th century.
- And the aforementioned Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Torre, built next to one of the entrances to the old city wall of Braga, in one of the medieval towers still visible today.
The last two churches are part of Pio XII Museum.
6. Santiago Square and Pio XII Museum
The entrance to Pio XII Museum is located in Santiago Square, crossing the arch in the picture above. For up-to-date information on opening times and prices, check the museum’s official website.
Pio XII is not my favorite museum in Braga, but it is certainly one of the most important in the city. Among its various rooms, Henrique Medina Gallery stands out, as well as the view from the top of the Medieval Tower, through the window.
7. Church of Santa Cruz in Braga
The Church of Santa Cruz is the next stop, and for me it is the most beautiful church in Braga, without a rival. It’s from the 17th century.
It is therefore mandatory to visit the interior, and if you find it closed, the tip is to coincide the visit with the usual masses (generally at 11am and 6pm).
8. Church of São Marcos and Chapel of São Bentinho
In the same square as the last church, there is also the Church of São Marcos. This imposing building was built in the 18th century, of which the various statues on the façade stand out. For those interested, Hotel Vila Galé is located here. Very central!
On a parallel street is the Chapel of São Bentinho, simple and rough-looking, but with many devotees: almost every time I passed by, I saw people praying at the door.
9. Raio Palace, Costume Museum and Idol Fountain
Raio Palace is one of the buildings in the city of Braga that you will not forget due to its uniqueness. It is also possible to visit the interior, where you can pass through several visiting rooms with exhibitions of objects and goods from the Santa Casa da Misericórdia. If on the outside it is already a work of art, on the inside it will make your jaw drop. Those ceilings and tiles are beautiful!
Nearby is the Costume Museum of Dr. Gonçalo Sampaio and the Idol Fountain. The first is an ethnographic museum where you can learn about traditional Minho costumes and typical musical instruments. The second is what remains of an ancient sanctuary from Roman times associated with the cult of water.
10. Liberty Avenue of Braga and Theatro Circo
Liberty Avenue is full of flowers in the center of Braga, but it also has modern buildings of “eccentric construction”, such as Theatro Circo.
It is possible to take guided tours inside the theatre, but what I really recommend is that you go see a show on one of your nights in Braga. The Theater is beautiful inside, I’ve been there a few times.
11. Braga Central Avenue
At the top of Liberty Avenue, the gardens of Braga Central Avenue begin. If Rua do Souto is the heart of the historic center, these gardens are the heart of the city.
This is also where you will find the Tourist Office (on the corner), where you can get more useful information about things to do in Braga and in the surrounding area.
12. Arcada de Braga (Republic Square)
The Arcade is the most spectacular space on Braga Central Avenue, also known as the Republic Square. In the center there is the Church of Lapa, and on the sides Café Astória and Café Vianna. There is also a fountain that allows for excellent reflections of the Arcade at the end of the day, or even at night when it is lit up.
The Arcade is one of the main meeting points in the city, as is Rossio da Sé. There is no one who does not know where the Arcade is located in Braga, and It is a totally pedestrian area, as is the entire garden on the avenue.
Café Astória dates from the beginning of the 20th century and Café Vianna from the mid-19th century. They are historic cafes in Braga, and very old. Mandatory stops!
13. Basilica of the Congregates
The Congregates Basilica, in turn, is another imposing and emblematic building on Braga Central Avenue, dating from the 18th century but only completed in the 20th century. It was my favorite church the first time I visited Braga, a long time ago, and it continues to be one of my favourites.
14. Nogueira da Silva Museum
Also on Braga Central Avenue, you can visit Nogueira da Silva Museum and its exhibition of furniture objects, tapestries, paintings, tiles, porcelain, among others.
15. Churches of Penha, Nossa Senhora-a-Branca and São Victor
To force you to walk along the entire Central Avenue, why don’t you go visit the churches of Penha, Nossa Senhora-a-Branca and São Victor? The first one is right at the end of the avenue, but the following two are beyond it. Church of São Victor is the furthest away, but it has a beautiful tiled interior you will love to see.
16. Terceiros Church and Tower of Braga
On the way back to the historic centre, the next tourist attraction in Braga is Terceiros Church, which is also really worth visiting from the inside. Next to it is the Tower of the old Castle (14th century) where you can enter for free, but only in the afternoon – Tuesday to Saturday! There aren’t many remains of the old castle, so make the most of your visit to this one!
17. Café A Brasileira and Casa dos Crivos
At Brasileira, however, you can stop at any time of the day for a traditional “café de saco”. You can also order an espresso, but it won’t be as characteristic of that place. The interior space is very pleasing to the eye.
On the way to the next square, along Rua de São Marcos, be sure to admire Casa dos Crivos (or Casa das Gelosias), a still-preserved example of typical houses in Braga from the 17th and 18th centuries. I read somewhere that windows like that were built so that the inhabitants could live in complete privacy, as was due at the time in a highly religious city.
18. São João do Souto Square: Chapel of Coimbras and Casa do Passadiço
In the square itself is a memorial to Francisco Sanches, philosopher, physician and mathematician from Braga. You will also see several other more urban-style works around.
However, the Chapel of Coimbras, from the 16th century, stands out. I find its entrance portico extraordinary, so be sure to contemplate it. The Chapel is open to the public, as is its tower, at a cost of €2.
In front of the entrance to Casa do Passadiço, you can see in the background (on your left) the back of Braga Cathedral, but before heading in that direction I recommend taking a look at Rua do Janes, especially now that it is decorated with several umbrellas and other nice elements. An amazing spot that I recently discovered.
In São João do Souto Square there is another good place selling the traditional Frigideiras de Braga. Search for the pastry shop called Frigideiras do Cantinho.
19. Archbishop’s Palace of Braga and Castelo Fountain
If you have religiously followed this sequence of itinerary to visit Braga, then you have already been to Rua do Souto. The next stop is there again, in a large old square in front of the Archbishop’s Palace.
Notice that this palace is much more than what you see in that square, as it also includes the Public Library of Braga and the castle-like building that you can see next to Santa Bárbara Garden. Today it also functions as the Rectory of the University of Minho!
As for its origins, it is believed that it dates back to the 14th century, but it resulted from a phased construction over the centuries, with traces of different architectural styles, from Gothic to the most contemporary.
In the center of the square you will find a very peculiar fountain, decorated with a female figure at the top and castles below it. It is from the beginning of the 18th century.
20. Santa Bárbara Garden
Santa Barbara Garden is the most beautiful in Braga, at least in the historic center, stunning, very colorful and full of flowers.
At the entrance to the garden, be sure to admire the fabulous dragon statue, which has always amazed me. I recently discovered that it was made by Aureliano Aguiar, a fabulous artist with many other known works in Portugal. Search for him in google, to know more.
21. Town Square: Braga City Hall, Public Library and Pelican Fountain
Going down the street to the right of Santa Bárbara Garden, you arrive at Town Square, which has the Public Library on one side (integrated in the said palace), and the Town Hall on the other. The Town Hall has beautiful tiles inside, but I prefer to highlight the Pelican Fountain outside.
According to legend, the Pelican pecks its own breast to feed its children in case of lack of fish, just as Jesus Christ did when giving his blood to drink. The Pelican Fountain is then a religious fountain in Braga.
22. Biscainhos Museum and Gardens
Finally the best museum in Braga: check their website to find out more about prices and opening times. My last visit was on a Sunday, and on that day of the week museums are free in the city. The Monastery of Tibães, which I will talk about later, is also free on this day!
Either way, the Biscainhos Museum is completely worth every penny. The gardens are free to enter, but you should visit the palace too. The furniture and artwork are phenomenal, but the ceilings were my preference.
23. Pópulo Church, Conde Agrolongo Square and Carmo Church
Not far from the Biscainhos museum is the Pópulo Church and its Convent, but to get to Carmo Church you have to go through the entire Conde Agrolongo Square and turn left at the end. I loved the tiled interior of the first one and the exterior appearance of the second.
24. Mouzinho de Albuquerque Square and Chapel of Guadalupe
Your walk through the historic center of Braga will end up at the Chapel of Guadalupe, with a good viewpoint over the city. You will inevitably pass by Mouzinho de Albuquerque Square on your way there.
If you prefer, you can alternatively watch the sunset on your way back to Braga Central Avenue. By this time, you’ll already have a lot of miles on your legs and a lot of calories lost. Why don’t you go have dinner at Taberna Belga? 😉
Visit the Sanctuaries of Braga, Falperra and Tibães
After visiting the historic center in full, it’s time to leave for the surroundings, with emphasis on the Sanctuaries, mountain viewpoints and the Monastery of Tibães.
1. Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, in Braga
A car is essential, but I dare you to go up to Bom Jesus on foot through the long staircase! 😀 Okay, if that’s too much for you, take the elevator to the top and just walk all the way back down. I believe that both experiences are important.
- The Staircase is beautiful with all its statues and details. There are more than 500 steps, and 3 groups of stairs: of the portico, of the 5 senses and of the virtues.
- Bom Jesus elevator is extraordinary because it was the first to be installed in Portugal (1882), and it still works with a water balance system!
There are many beautiful churches in Portugal, but for me Bom Jesus stands out. For me it is much more beautiful than the Sanctuary of Fátima, for example. Bom Jesus was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, something that should have happened many years earlier.
Next to the church you will find the fabulous equestrian statue of São Longuinho, and also lake, a cave and a park. Be sure to admire the view over the city of Braga, one of the most beautiful.
Note that there is also a magic road in Bom Jesus de Braga. I'm sure you'll pass by it when you visit the shrine by car, but anyway, I'll leave a photo of the spot below. Driving this road you'll feel like you're going downhill, but if you put the car in neutral and take your foot off the brake, you'll see the car climbing backwards on its own like magic. It's actually an optical illusion! The road is not going down, but up. And this has already been proven. Go there and freak out someone with this curiosity about Braga. 😀
2. Sanctuary of Sameiro
If Bom Jesus do Monte is the best church in Braga, Sameiro is the best view. The two giant pillars that flank this viewpoint make the place even more emblematic.
When visiting the Sanctuary, be sure to climb its dome and, underneath the Sanctuary, also check out the crypt. A sunset at Sameiro is a must, especially if it’s not too windy. Bom Jesus is a more secluded spot, so it can be a good alternative on windier days.
3. Church of Santa Maria Madalena and Chapel of Santa Marta de Leão (Falperra)
And then you should go looking for the other corners of Falperra. I find the Chapel of Santa Marta de Leão super interesting because of all the trees and nature around it. The Church of Santa Maria Madalena is another great sanctuary in the mountains, although it does not have the beauty of Bom Jesus and Sameiro.
4. Santa Marta das Cortiças and Esporões Swing
Santa Marta das Cortiças is the highest point in Falperra! If that wasn’t already a reason to visit, now you also have a panoramic swing there, called Esporões. From the viewpoints of Santa Marta das Cortiças you can see the 3 great sanctuaries of the mountain already mentioned: Bom Jesus, Sameiro and Santa Maria Madalena.
5. Picoto Viewpoint and Bridge Park of Braga
On the way back to the city, stop at the Viewpoint of Mount Picoto, considered by many to be the most beautiful in Braga. I, personally, prefer the one next to the Sanctuary of Sameiro, but I understand why they consider it better, as it allows a closer view of the city, and a more detailed view of the buildings.
A walk through Bridge Park (Parque da Ponte, in Portuguese) is a must, and I’m sure you’ll love to rest a little by the large lake, for example, drinking something at the bar. This is an incredible green space to enjoy close to the city, and an excellent place for some beautiful souvenir photos of your trip.
6. Archeology Museum D. Diogo de Sousa and Roman Baths in Alto da Cividade
Before heading to the Monastery of Tibães, you can optionally visit the ruins of the Roman Baths of Braga and the Museum of Archeology located in the vicinity of Alto da Cividade.
They are not extraordinary to me, despite their extreme historical importance. The first remains of the baths were found in 1977, and a few decades later (1999) a Roman theater was discovered next to them. There are still many excavations to be carried out.
7. Monastery of Tibães
The Monastery of Tibães is a must. Not just the monastery itself, but also its large gardens at the back.
It is a pity that many of the tiles in the cemetery’s cloister have been damaged or lost over the years of the monastery’s existence. But the rest of the ensemble will certainly surprise you, for example the Sacrista, the Church, the High Choir or the Chapter Room.
The foundation of the monastery dates back to the 11th century, dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, although the complex that can be visited today dates from the 17th to 19th centuries. Find out more about opening times and prices on the monastery’s official website.
Visit Braga’s River Beaches
If your stay in Braga is short, head to the river beach of Adaúfe, the best prepared for visitors, and ignore the other possibilities. I believe that one of Braga’s river beaches is enough for a first visit to the region, but they are all fantastic, and it’s worth coming back for more fun in the waters of Cávado River. You can go canoeing there, for example.
1. Cabanelas River Beach
Cabanelas River Beach is located in Vila Verde and not in Braga, actually, but you can see Braga from the other side of the river. Due to its proximity, I decided to mention it here.
- Cabanelas river beach has a support bar and grass where you can spread your towel.
- It has tables for lunches or picnics.
- It has shaded spots under the trees and also a big space in the sun.
- For children there is a playground with a slide and a swing, for example.
- I found a lot of wildlife on its banks, mainly frogs. The sound they make is quite audible to anyone approaching calmly.
- Despite being an interesting beach, it is the one I least like in this list.
2. River Beach of Merelim de São Paio
The river beach of Merelim de São Paio is for me the second or third best prepared of this set of the best river beaches in Braga.
- It has an excellent wooded park at the back of the beach, with a bar, WC, playground, picnic tables and even barbecue grills.
- It has a ramp and wooden ladder for easy access to the water.
- It is supervised during the bathing season and is open to the public 24 hours a day.
- It has an excellent view over Prado Bridge, which is incredibly mirrored in Cávado at the right times of the day.
- It also has a nice trail to do from there, always close to the river. I walked from the beach to the old factory, and then returned.
Note that It is believed that Prado Bridge original construction dates back to Roman times, to connect Bracara Augusta to other territories to the north. In the past it was also widely used as a means of communication between Braga and Ponte de Lima, in Viana do Castelo. From the top of the bridge you can see the river beach of Merelim de São Paio on one side and the river beach of Faial on the other.
3. Faial River Beach
The river beach of Faial is on the edge of Vila Verde, as is the aforementioned river beach of Cabanelas. Both are not from Braga, but Braga is within sight, which is why I mention them here. As in the other one, here I also found lots of frogs by the riverside.
The beach is formed by a huge green grassed area and next to it there is a Nautical Club, dedicated to canoeing. If you are looking to canoe on the Cávado River, this river beach can be an excellent starting point to do so.
4. River Beach of Palmeira
The first time I visited the river beach of Palmeira, I confess that I didn’t like it very much. It is next to Ponte do Bico, but the access to the water looked dirty and poorly maintained. And I found a lot of rubbish near the watermill ruins on the beach.
I went back another day and was amazed. In terms of landscape, it is one of the best, and it is essential to go up to Ponte do Bico near sunset.
Even if you don’t enter the water on this beach (I think there are better options for that), it’s a must for its beauty.
5. River Beach of Adaúfe
- The river beach of Adaúfe has a blue flag and is considered a beach accessible to all.
- It has a huge grassed leisure area. It is the best prepared in terms of support infrastructure. It has a bar, WC and other essentials.
- It has a board to jump into the water, and also a ladder to facilitate access to it, like you find in the pools.
- The waters seemed very calm whenever I visited the beach.
- Canoeing is possible.
- In the summer you can pay to use inflatables, or rent some other equipment to have fun in the water besides kayaks.
I also highlight the old water mills at the end of the beach, which only add to the beauty of the place, and of course, the small waterfalls. At certain times of the year, with less movement, it is a fascinating place for the silence it provides to the visitor. I love it.
6. River Beach of Navarra
At the River Beach in Navarra pay attention to where you bathe. I noticed strong currents when I visited it, but there were also quiet places protected by rocks. It will be dangerous or not according to your good or bad decisions. It is not a guarded river beach.
7. River Beach of Cavadinho (Crespos)
Finally, the river beach of Cavadinho, which curiously surprised me the most. It is for me the wildest, but still has a good picnic area. It is not supervised.
Being more wild, access by car is also more difficult (dirt road), but there is a car park a short walk away. If you follow a path along the beach, you will find some ruins of watermills.
Extra – Porto Bridge crossing Cávado River in Braga
Optional and extra places when visiting Braga
I also mention the optional but equally beautiful places near the city of Braga.
1. Palace of D. Chica
The first is the Palace of D. Chica. It is located in Palmeira, right next to the Cávado River.
The Palace has a brutal appearance, and the only reason I don’t consider it one of the mandatory places to visit in Braga is because you can’t get close or visit its interior: it is a private “palace” that unfortunately is in ruins and in poor condition.
But its story is too interesting to ignore! It’s a cursed palace! 😀
Dona Chica was a Brazilian woman who wanted to live in Braga with her Portuguese husband (early 20th century). The palace was the dream of the two, but they ended up getting divorced before the end of construction.
According to legend, in the Palace of Dona Chica lives the spirit of the lady. She cursed it to ensure it would never be inhabited by anyone, as it hadn’t been inhabited by her.
What is certain is that until today it has passed from hand to hand but has never been completed. Any project designed for the palace ended up failing or not moving forward. And there are those who say that Princess Diana of Wales herself wanted to buy the palace, a purchase that in the end did not happen either.
The future of the palace is uncertain!
2. Waterfalls and Mills of Portuguediz (Sobreposta)
The Waterfalls and Mills of Portuguediz are part of a recommended trail to do in Braga. They are a beautiful natural destination and are located in Sobreposta, being part of the Great Route of Serra dos Picos, rated difficult, so you should prepare yourself.
If you just want to visit the waterfalls and mills, you can do that too, as they are easily accessible from the small village of Portuguediz. The village is very interesting because its inhabitants are collectors of antiques! Don’t forget to go down to the river, as there are more mills in ruins and beautiful cenery.
Things to do in Braga at night?
At night Braga is transformed! What to do in Braga at night? Check out the following tips:
- Go see the city lights at night, passing by the Central Avenue and Republic Square in Braga. Braga City Hall is reflected in shades of blue in the Pelicano Fountain, for example.
- Go to Rossio da Sé and have a few drinks in the bars.
- How about driving to Bom Jesus Sanctuary to see Braga viewpoint at night? 😀
- Sameiro’s lighting is also extraordinary, as it enhances its stained glass windows.
There are also other places to visit at night, and below I leave you some photos as a suggestion to include in your itinerary.
1. Visit Braga Arcade / Republic Square
2. Visit Braga Cathedral
3. Visit Braga City Hall
4. Visit Santa Barbara Garden
5. Visit the Arch of the New Gate
6. Visit Raio Palace
7. Visit Church of Santa Cruz
8. Visit São Marcos Church
9. Visit Bom Jesus de Braga
10. Visit Sameiro Sanctuary
Things to do in Day trips from Braga
To finish, some tips on places and cities close to Braga, to extend your itinerary in the Minho Region.
1. Visit Guimarães
Guimarães is clearly the best option for those visiting Braga for the first time. In my opinion, the historic center of Guimarães is the most beautiful in Portugal, much more beautiful than the historic center of Braga itself. Its squares are colorful, old and still have a certain medieval touch.
2. Visit Esposende
If you are looking for sea beaches not far from Braga, you can go to Esposende, still belonging to the district. 😉 How about visiting the place where Cávado river meets the sea, while practicing some water sports there?
3. Visit Barcelos
You can also opt for Barcelos, to discover the region where one of the greatest symbols of Portugal and Portuguese craftsmanship emerged: the Barcelos rooster.
4. Visit Peneda-Gerês National Park
If you are a nature lover, then you will really find interesting some of the best mountain walks in Gerês, in search of its most fascinating waterfalls and lagoons. 😉 This is Portugal’s only national park, and has some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
5. Visit Ponte de Lima
North of Braga, you can also visit Ponte de Lima, considered by many to be the oldest village in Portugal. It has an important Roman/Medieval bridge, but there are many other amazing places to discover, and excellent cuisine.
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Leiria
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
I hope enjoy visiting this city of my country. 😉 If this article with Things to do in Braga was useful for you, please send me your feedback below, in the comment section.
