Bom dia! Welcome to Braga, one of the oldest towns in Portugal, and definitely the most religious one. Thanks to a large number of churches, as many as 47, it’s often called the Rome of Portugal. What’s more, Braga is an important stop for pilgrims walking the Camino Portugues, one of the spiritual routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. But don’t worry if you aren’t a religious person! Braga has much more to offer than just churches! Stay with us and discover what to do in Braga for a day.
Interesting fact. An ancient Celtic tribe Bracari most likely founded Braga. Later, around 136 BC, Romans conquered the region and called the city Bracara Augusta.
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Braga, Portugal FAQ
Braga is located in northern Portugal in the Alto Minho region in the Braga District. It’s the fourth most populated city in the country, after Lisbon, Porto, and Amadora.
Yes, Braga is an interesting town definitely worth visiting. It’s one of the biggest and most modern places in northern Portugal with a charming historic center where you can feel like stepping back in time. It’s a place that has something to offer to everyone – there are museums, amazing viewpoints, restaurants with delicious food, and of course dozens of churches.
Braga is best known as a city of churches, as they are literally on every corner. Besides that, the city is famous for its charming old town, interesting architecture, museums, historical buildings, and landmarks. A bit out of town, you’ll find some great viewpoints too.
One day is enough to explore all the main Braga attractions, both in and outside the city, without spending too much time in the churches or museums. If spiritual experiences and/or exploring museums interests you, we recommend staying at least 3 days in Braga.
What to do in Braga for a day?
Braga Old Town Streets
The best way to get to know Braga is to stroll among its charming old town streets. There, you’ll admire beautiful buildings, historical landmarks, and many churches. Just let yourself be carried away, and sooner than later, you’ll discover every corner. Braga Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot, perfect for a day in Braga.
Among Braga’s old town streets, you’ll find points of interest like the Cathedral, Arch of the New Gate, Republic Square, Raio Palace, Garden Of Santa Barbara, Biscainhos Museum, and Museum of Archeology D. Diogo de Sousa. Many churches, restaurants, cozy cafes, and small shops are there too!
Braga Tourist Office is located in the heart of the city, on Avenida da Liberdade, just right next to the Republic Square.
Republic Square
Republic Square (pt. Praça da Republica) is located in the heart of Braga. Locals, as well as travelers, love this beautiful square. Locally it’s known as Arcada Square, thanks to the 18th-century arcade building. For a long time, it served as a sheltered place for merchants selling their products.
Nowadays, in this big, traffic-free area you’ll find a beautiful fountain, restaurants, and cafes, including two very famous: Café Vianna (the oldest cafe in Braga, dating back to 1858) and Café Astoria. There is also a big green space, Park Avenida Central. Exploring this square is simply a must during one day in Braga.
Braga Tower
Behind Republic Square, you’ll find an important historic landmark: 30m high Braga Tower. It’s the last standing remains of the 13th-century fortified castle, which was demolished in the early 20th century.
Avenida da Liberdade
While still on Republic Square, don’t miss a stroll along Avenida da Liberdade, Braga’s main shopping street lined with beautiful and colorful flowers. This is also where you’ll find the 20th-century Theatro Circo, which is considered one of the most beautiful theaters in Portugal.
Raio Palace
Raio Palace (pt. Palácio do Raio) is another impressive building located in the Braga old town, best known for its spectacular blue facade covered in blue azulejos. It was designed by Andre Soares and built in the 1750s as a private residence of Joao Duarte de Faria, a wealthy merchant and knight of the Military Order of Christ, better known as the Knights Templar. Nowadays, Raio Palace is classified as a Property of Public Interest.
Raio Palace was renovated in 2014-2015 and is now home to a small museum. Inside, you can learn about the history of Braga, as well as see various religious artifacts. Entrance is paid. To check current prices and opening hours visit scmbraga.pt website.
Braga Cathedral
Braga Cathedral (pt. Sé de Braga) is Portugal’s oldest cathedral, which is actually… older than Portugal itself! Its construction started in the 11th century, in 1070, and in August 1089 it was consecrated under the devotion of Santa Maria de Braga. Back in time, it used to compete for power with the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Currently, it’s the most important religious building in the city, as it’s the seat of the Archdiocese of Braga. Because the Cathedral was modified many times over the years, it combines several architectural styles: Baroque, Romanesque, Gothic, and Manueline. Braga Cathedral has been a National Monument since 1910.
The entrance to Braga Cathedral is paid. You can choose from a few options: visit only a Cathedral (€2), Chapels & High Choir (€2), or Treasure Museum (€3), or buy a combined ticket to all of them for €5 (December 2025). For current prices and opening hours visit se-braga.pt website. Visiting the cathedral is one of the best things to do in Braga in one day, especially for those interested in religion or church architecture.
Garden of Santa Barbara
Garden of Santa Barbara (pt. Jardim de Santa Bárbara) is another great place to see during one day in Braga. It’s located just a few steps from Praca da Republica and behind Old Archbishops Palace (pt. Antigo Paço Arquiepiscopal). It’s a charming and relaxing place filled with hundreds of colorful flowers and benches on which you can sit and take a short break.
In the central part of the garden, you’ll find a 17th-century fountain featuring a Santa Barbara statue. In the back, there are remains of Gothic arches. Garden of Santa Barbara is open daily, 24 hours a day.
Arch of the New Gate
Arch of the New Gate (pt. Arco da Porta Nova) is an iconic arch that was originally built in the early 16th century as part of Braga city walls and served as the main entrance to the city. The current version was designed in 1772 by Andre Soares. It’s made of stone, with baroque and neoclassical details. The Arch of the New Gate has been a National Monument since 1910.
Biscainhos Museum
Biscainhos Museum (pt. Museu dos Biscainhos) is located in the 17th-century Baroque palace, right next to the Arco da Porta Nova. Once it was the residence of the noble family of the judge and Knight in the Order of Christ, Dr. Constantino Ribeiro do Lago. Currently, it’s a museum that gives an opportunity to take a look at the life of the Portuguese nobility. It features things like art, ceramics, musical instruments, glassware, furniture, or clocks. Outside, you’ll also find a beautiful garden.
Entrance to Biscainhos Museum costs €5 for a normal ticket, and €2.5 for a reduced one (April 2025). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit the museudosbiscainhos.gov.pt website.
Churches and chapels in Braga Old Town
Braga is called the Rome of Portugal, not without reason. In total, there are 47 churches and chapels around the city! Unbelievable, right? Many are located in the old town, and visiting them is one of the most popular things to do in Braga for some people. Besides Braga Cathedral, in our opinion, the following are worth taking a look at:
- Igreja De São Marcos (also called Igreja do Hospital) – one of the biggest churches in Braga, dating back to the 18th century. In front of it, you’ll find big “Braga” letters.
- Igreja De Santa Cruz – a baroque church built in the 17th century, located on the same square as São Marcos church.
- Basilica dos Congregados – this beautifully looking church dates back to the 18th century, located in Park Avenida Central, just a few steps from the Republic Square
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte
Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte (pt. Bom Jesus do Monte) is a city landmark and without a doubt one of the most important places to visit in Braga. It’s tucked away in a spectacular place on a hill, only about 5km from the old town, to which you can drive by car, or arrive by bus (line 2 from Avenida da Liberdade). The sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.
The area is best known for its extraordinary Baroque stairway with 577 stairs leading to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. While going up take a look at statues, chapels, fountains, and stunning views over Braga behind your back. At the top, visit the 18th-century church (it’s free), take a relaxing and well-deserved stroll in the Sanctuary’s garden, and of course, admire panoramic views over the city.
If you don’t want to climb the stairs (or can’t due to health reasons) there’s a great solution – Bom Jesus Funicular. Yes, you can easily reach the top by funicular, which has been shuttling up and down the hill since 1882. A two-way trip costs only €3 (December 2025).
Interesting fact. In nearby Peneda-Geres National Park, you’ll find the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peneda, which is a smaller version of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte!
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro (pt. Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Sameiro) is located only 2km further from Bom Jesus do Monte, on an even higher hill, at the altitude of 566m a.s.l. It’s an impressive neoclassical church with a huge white dome, built in the 1860s. Even if you’re not into churches we advise you to visit this place, if only for truly stunning views of Braga and its surroundings (which in our opinion are better than from Bom Jesus do Monte). The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro can be visited for free.
Parque do Monte do Picoto
Parque do Monte do Picoto (pt. Miradouro do Picoto) is an amazing viewpoint located only 2.5km from the Braga center. From it, you can admire one of the best, and closest, panoramic views over Braga. We didn’t have a chance to experience that but read that it’s an amazing spot for watching sunsets. In the park, you’ll also find a picnic area.
Explore local attractions
How to get to Braga, Portugal?
Braga is located about 55km from Porto, 60km from Viana do Castelo, 40km from Ponte de Lima, and 25km from Guimaraes. The most convenient way to get to Braga is by car, bus, or train.
Where to park in Braga?
There are some paid parking lots in Braga center, but if you don’t want to pay, you can leave your car for free 1km (10min walk) from the old town, on Rua da Restauração or neighboring streets.
Airports near Braga
The closest airports to Braga are located in Porto (55km away) and in Vigo in Spain (100km away). From each airport, you can get to Braga by bus or rent a car. To check the connections that interest you please visit rome2rio.com website.
To Braga by bus
You can quite easily get to Braga by bus. For example, a trip from Porto will take about 45 minutes, 1 hour from Ponte de Lima, and 50 minutes from Guimares. To learn more about bus connections that interest you, visit rome2rio.com website.
To Braga by train
From some places, you can also reach Braga by train. There are connections available from cities like Lisbon, Porto, Viana do Castelo or even Albufeira in the south. Here is a map of Portugal train connections.
Camping Braga
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Camping Braga or GarfePark Camping might interest you. They are located in or near Braga.
To Braga with an organized tour
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can always take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details. For example, you can choose this well-rated Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour with Lunch from Porto. For a wide selection and well-reviewed tour options visit GetYourGuide and Viator websites.
What to do in Braga for a day – Summing Up
All right, that’s it about things to do in Braga in one day. If you are a huge fan of exploring churches – you’ll have a blast in Braga. But even if you’re not, there are plenty of other attractions in the city as well. For sure, you’ll find something for yourself in Braga! Enjoy!
Our opinion about Braga
For us, a visit to Braga was a day trip from nearby Ponte da Barca where we lived for a few weeks. It was quite a long day, but we managed to see all the places we wanted without rushing in about 6 hours. But we didn’t spend much time on churches and museums as they didn’t really interest us. We visited Braga in late April, starting in the early morning hours. Back then we found it still quite sleepy without many tourists and mostly locals going on with their lives.
For us, Braga was a pleasant Portuguese town, but not the best or the most interesting one in the area. But we think it’s worth visiting once in a lifetime. We liked strolling among its old town streets, admiring old buildings, and learning about its history.
But what we liked most was admiring views over the surroundings from many viewpoints outside the city – really, really great! Visiting churches isn’t really our thing so we kept it to a minimum. Overall, there’s nothing to complain about, we’ll remember Braga fondly, as a city of churches.
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Braga?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Braga:
