© Food & Travel Pursuit 2025
Table of Contents
Introduction to Braga
Is Braga worth visiting? The short answer is, yes absolutely! Braga is one of Portugal’s oldest cities. Braga is a city with an interesting history, stunning architecture, and culture. It’s known as the “Rome of Portugal,”.
In this guide, we’ll help you answer the question, is Braga worth visiting? We will accomplish this by sharing its top attractions, unique experiences, and insider tips. From visiting iconic sights like Bom Jesus do Monte to exploring hidden gems. We will share the best day trip you can take from Porto to explore Braga. This blog has everything you need to decide if Braga should be part of your Portugal adventure.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what makes Braga special—and how to experience it to the fullest!
If you’re considering other day trips and wondering if Aveiro is worth visiting? We have a blog post similar to help you make the decision.
Why Visit Braga and What Makes It Special?
Braga, often referred to as Portugal’s Religious Capital, is filled with history, religious significance, and stunning architecture. This nickname highlights its spiritual heritage with many churches, monasteries, and religious celebrations that honor its historical traditions.
Many visit the famous attraction in Braga, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site globally known for its baroque architecture. Furthermore, it has an iconic staircase that leads to the basilica. This architectural gem is seen by millions of visitors every year.
But is Braga worth visiting just because of its religious significance? Beyond its religious significance, Braga offers a mix of history, culture, and modernity. The city’s food culture features traditional dishes like Bacalhau à Braga, a roasted salted cod dish loved by locals. It’s also home to Portugal’s oldest bakery and a famous cake which we’ll discuss later. We tried it on our day trip to Braga.
In summary, Braga’s diverse offering of spiritual heritage, historical sights, and gastronomic experiences make it a must-visit destination.
Things To See In Braga - Attractions & Sights
When determining whether is Braga worth visiting, we must take a look at the things to see in Braga. We will share through its attractions & sights why Braga has so much to offer when visiting Portugal. After this section, we will share an incredible day trip we took from Porto to explore Braga.
Bom Jesus do Monte
Bom Jesus do Monte is one of the most popular things to see in Braga. Its historic sanctuary is often recognized for its baroque architecture and picturesque panoramic views. There is a monumental staircase with 573 steps leading up to Bom Jesus Do Monte. Luckily we didn’t have to walk up all those stairs because our day tour dropped us off at the top. The basilica was completed in 1811, and the name Bom Jesus translates to Good Jesus. It reflects the site’s honor to Jesus Christ. Walking around the gardens we couldn’t help but notice how well-maintained everything was!
Bom Jesus Do Monte Address: Estrada do Bom Jesus, 4715-056 Tenões, Portugal
There is a funicular that can bring you from the bottom of the stairs to the top near the basilica. Bom Jesus do Monte Funicular costs 3 euros each way per person.
Bom Jesus do Monte Funicular Address: 4715, Estr. de São Pedro 77, Portugal
Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga)
Braga Cathedral, also known as Sé de Braga in Portuguese. It’s Portugal’s oldest cathedral which predates Portugal’s founding. Construction began in the late 11th century, and it was declared sacred in 1089. The cathedral’s architecture is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Is one of the things to see in Braga where you can take a guided tour. The Braga Cathedral holds the tombs of Henry of Burgundy and Teresa of León. These are the parents of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques. You can visit the main church, the High Choir, and the King’s Chapel, which contains these significant tombs. For those interested in religious history and architecture, Braga Cathedral offers a wonderful view of Portugal’s history.
Braga Cathedral Address: R. Dom Paio Mendes, 4700-424 Braga, Portugal
Arco da Porta Nova & Historic City Center
The Arco da Porta Nova, also known as the Arch of the New Gate is a notable landmark in Braga. It was designed by architect André Soares in the late 18th century. You will notice that it features Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles. The arch designates the western entrance to Braga’s historic city center and is the symbol of the city. Experiencing the Arco da Porta Nova offers insight into Braga’s rich architectural heritage, contributing to the question: Is Braga worth visiting?
Arco Da Porta Nova: R. Dom Diogo de Sousa 127, 4700-424 Braga, Portugal
Walking through the streets felt very relaxing and very easy to explore on foot. Whether you’re interested in history, gastronomy, shopping, or culture, you can find it in Braga.
Santa Barbara Garden - Hidden Gem
One of the hidden gem things to see in Braga is Santa Barbara Garden. It’s located next to Braga’s 14th-century Archbishop’s Palace and is a beautiful garden. It’s open year-round and has various flower beds, historic statues, and remnants of medieval arches. Upon walking in you will see a fountain with a statue of Saint Barbara in the center. So when is the best time to visit Santa Barbara Garden?
The best time to visit Braga’s Santa Barbara Garden is during the spring and early summer months. From March to June, the flowers are fully bloomed. Additionally, during these months you will experience more comfortable temperatures. It’s easily accessible a short 6-minute walk from the Arco Da Porta city gate. So knowing all these attractions so far, is Braga worth visiting? If this hasn’t convinced you yet, we know the historical food culture will!
Santa Barbara Garden Address: R. Dr. Justino Cruz 129, 4700-317 Braga, Portugal
Braga Food: Visit Portugal's Oldest Bakery
As you may have noticed, Braga is a very historic place. We’ve already revealed that Braga is home to the oldest cathedral in Portugal. One more thing is the oldest in Portugal: a famous bakery.
Frigideiras do Cantinho is famous for its Bolo Romano cake. It’s a unique pastry introduced in 2000 to celebrate its 2,000-year history. The recipe of this cake was adapted from an ancient Roman recipe attributed to the 1st-century Marcus Gavius Apicius. The pastry is made from dried fruits, wine, honey, spices, eggs, and milk.
To explore its menu, you can visit their official website, Cantinho Pastelarias
Frigideiras Do Cantinho Address: Largo de São João do Souto 1, 4700-326 Braga, Portugal
Frigideiras Do Cantinho Operating Hours: 8 AM–8 PM everyday except Mondays
Other Popular Braga Food
Two of Braga’s most celebrated dishes are Bacalhau à Braga and Pudim Abade de Priscos.
Bacalhau à Braga
This style of dish was born in Northern Portugal, and is often known as Bacalhau à Minhota. This dish features the shining star, fried cod loins topped with grilled onions and peppers. It’s often served with potato chips. It was allegedly created by a restaurant in Braga during the 1930s. Then it gained popularity throughout the Minho region and then around the entire country.
Pudim Abade de Priscos
This traditional Portuguese dessert originates from Braga. It is a rich and creamy flan known for its unique ingredients. The pudding includes sugar, water, bacon, cinnamon, lemon peels, and a significant number of egg yolks. Is it even a Portuguese dessert if it doesn’t have eggs right? The inclusion of bacon adds a salty, distinctive flavor, which is how it differentiates from other flans around the world.
Is Braga worth visiting for its food? We would say there is a lot of food culture in this historic city. It highlights both incredibly tasting sweet and savory options. Although Portugal’s most iconic fish is cod, different regions have its own version of the dish.
Day Tour To Braga & Guimarães With Lunch
Braga & Guimaraes Tour From Porto Itinerary
Now you know things to see in Braga and eat in this historic city. At this stage, we hope you’re able to answer yes to the question, is Braga worth visiting?
Did you know that you can visit not only Braga but also another popular Northern Portuguese city, Guimarães! This 1-day itinerary to Braga & Guimarães features our favorite day tour from Porto. At the end of our itinerary we will share how to book this exact tour. On this tour, you will explore all the major sites and attractions in Braga we previously noted. In addition, you will also get to explore an equally enjoyable city in Guimarães. It was one of the most incredible and underrated tours we have done in Portugal. Let’s dive into the Itinerary starting in Braga.
Braga & Guimarães Day Trip From Porto (10 Incredible Stops)
From Porto city center, you will board a tour bus which will return to this location at the end. You will have a local guide who will depart with you for the first location, Bom Jesus Do Monte. This comprehensive day tour itinerary lasts 9 hours.
1st Stop: Bom Jesus do Monte
From Porto to Bom Jesus Do Monte it takes about 56 minutes. The tour bus will drop you off at the top parking lot avoiding 573 steps up to the basilica. You have about 45 minutes to explore, go inside the basilica, and take in the amazing panoramic views.
2nd Stop: Arco da Porta Nova
From Bom Jesus do Monte the tour bus will drive about 17 minutes to Arco Da Porta Nova. On this stop you will be dropped out front of the main gates to the city of Braga. You can snap a quick picture before walking with your group tour to see the oldest cathedral in Portugal.
3rd Stop: Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga)
From Arco Da Porta Nova we walked 4 minutes to Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga). Our tour guide was amazing at providing us all the historical facts about the cathedral. You will get a guided tour around the interior and exterior of the cathedral. For more photography inside the Braga cathedral refer to our Braga attraction section of this blog post.
4th Stop: Traditional Portuguese Lunch
On this tour the traditional lunch is optional. You will have to add this option when booking the tour. From the Cathedral, you will then walk with your group about 2 minutes to the restaurant. You will be asked whether you want vegetarian, meat, or fish! The multi-course lunch includes wine, a soup appetizer, dessert, and espresso at the end.
5th Stop: Garden Of Santa Barbara
After you finish eating lunch you will have about 1 hour to self-explore before visiting the next city, Guimaraes. The tour guide provided us two recommendations which we visited. From lunch it’s a 5 minute walk to the Garden of Santa Barbara. It’s a very small but picturesque garden. You can relax and sit on one of the many benches or observe the stunning architecture and vibrant flowers.
6th Stop: Frigideiras do Cantinho - Oldest Bakery in Portugal
This is the last stop in Braga is visiting Portugal’s oldest barkey, Frigideiras do Cantinho. From Santa Barbara Garden it’s a short 3 minute walk to the bakery. We were eager to try the hisotric bolo romano (Roman Cake). It was a really hot day so we decided to enjoy an ice cold beer!
From the bakery we walked 5 minutes back to Arco da Porta to board the bus. Now it’s time to visit the next exciting city, Guimaraes!
Introduction To The City of Guimarães
Guimarães is often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal. It’s known for its well-maintained medieval architecture and prominent role in Portugal’s history. The city has historic landmarks such as the 10th-century castle. This is where Afonso I, Portugal’s first king, was born. There is the Romanesque Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira. The historic city center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Northern Portugal is known for its iconic Portuguese soup, caldo verde. It originated in the Minho region, which includes areas like Braga and Viana do Castelo. Near the end we will share where to enjoy an authentic soup for a snack before boarding the bus back to Porto.
7th Stop: Guimarães Castle
Now after a brief discussion about the city highlights of Guimarães, let’s get back to the itinerary with stop 7. From Braga to Guimarães Castle it’s 28km and took about 30 minutes. The castle is located on a hill and we were happy that the bus dropped us off at the top.
You will have about 30 minute tour of the castle both inside and around the exterior. The guide will share interesting facts about the castle.
8th Stop: Guimarães City Tour
After visiting the beautifully preserved castle, you will walk downhill to explore Guimarães’ historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you stroll through its narrow, cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter beautiful medieval buildings, traditional houses with balconies, and charming squares. The city’s layout reflects its medieval origins, with winding alleys leading to open plazas.
Other notable sights include the Palace Duques de Bragança, and Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira. You will pass by both of these on the tour.
9th Stop: Trying Authentic Caldo Verde
At this stage of the day the guided-tour portion has concluded. The guide provides you with a final 45 minutes to self-explore at your leisure. We decided to try a local hidden gem to try Portugal’s iconic soup, caldo verde.
From the historic center it’s about a 6 minute walk to a local tasquinha. A tasquinha is a small, traditional Portuguese eatery, often family-run, that serves authentic, home-style Portuguese dishes. Tasquinha do Tio Júlio is a small local, family-run restaurant located on the corner of a quiet square. We enjoyed the Caldo Verde soup and refreshing Super bock beer.
Caldo Verde is a traditional Portuguese soup made with potatoes, finely shredded kale, and slices of chorizo sausage. Its name translates to “green broth,” referring to the color which comes from the kale.
It’s now time to make our way to the last and final stop before going back to Porto.
Tasquinha do Tio Júlio Address: R. de Couros 20, 4810-225 Guimarães, Portugal
10th Stop: Garden of Largo Republic of Brazil
From the tasquinha walk 7 minutes to the final stop, Garden of Largo Republic of Brazil. The Garden of Largo Republica do Brasil is a peaceful square with well-kept lawns, trees, and flower beds. The gardens are absolutely breathtaking, make sure you take some photos for the memories. This is offically the last stop and is where you will now board the bus back to Porto. The next section will allow you to book this tour directly in accordance with your desired date.
Pre-book Tickets: Day Trip To Braga & Guimarães With Lunch
You can experience this itinerary while visiting Braga & Guimarães on this day trip. Pre-book tickets in advance to secure your date.
Powered by GetYourGuide
Practical Travel Tips for Braga
How to Get to Braga
From Porto to Braga it’s 54km and normally takes about 54 minutes driving.
Traveling to Braga is straightforward from both Porto and Lisbon. From Porto, the train journey takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour. From Lisbon, the trains take approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.
Braga does not have a large airport. The nearest major airport is Porto Airport, located about 50 kilometers away. We believe the best way. to get to Braga for first-time visitors is on a group-organized tour. Most people take this tour from Porto.
Best Time to Visit Braga
When is braga worth visiting? The ideal times to visit Braga are during the spring to early summer (March to early-June). This is because these seasons have mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery with flowers in bloom.
FAQ: Is Braga Worth Visiting
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about is braga worth visiting?
How long do you need in Braga?
In order to experience the best of Braga, a day trip is sufficient. This will allow you to visit the main attractions and sights of the historic city. This includes but not limited to Braga Cathedral, and Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary.
Is it better to stay in Braga or Porto?
Staying in Porto provides a larger range of accommodations, dining options, attractions & experiences. Braga is smaller and provides a more relaxed atmosphere with a focus on its historical sites. We recommend staying Porto and taking a day trip to Braga. In our blog, we highlight the detailed itinerary of this day trip which allows you to experience two cities.
Is Braga or Guimarães better to visit?
The commonality that both cities share is the history and culture. Guimarães is a picturesque city with well-preserved medieval architecture and sights. Braga is Portugal’s third-largest city offering unesco world-heritage site, Bom Jesus Do Monte, shops, restaurants, and bars. In our blog, we share the best tour which allows you to experience both these cities in one day. Even better, if you’re staying in Porto it leaves from the city center. Check out our comprehensive itinerary showing 10 iconic stops you can experience on this tour.
What is so special about Braga?
Braga is a special city in Portugal known as the “City of Archbishops”. It has numerous churches including the Braga Cathedral, and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary. Bom Jesus Do Monte is famous for its stunning Basilica, vibrant gardens, and photogenic stairway. The city centre features public gardens, such as the Santa Barbara Garden, and the oldest bakery in Portugal.
What’s the best way to get from Porto to Braga by train?
The best way to get from Porto to Braga by train is through São Bento and Campanhã stations. The train ride journey takes approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour. The cheapest tickets starting around €9. You can find the best train route and book tickets in advance.
Final Verdict: Is Braga Worth Visiting?
Braga is a historic and must-visit city in Northern Portugal. Without any reservation, Braga is a city worth visiting. Having access to a day tour that allows you to explore not only Braga but Guimarães in one day.
Porto is often the most visited city in the North of Portugal. As a result, cities like Braga which are historic often get over-looked. As you can take incredible Douro Valley day tour from Porto, this convenience is provided to Braga as well. We loved that it provided a diverse experience from the wine route which we also recommend people do!
You can learn more about the best Duorro valley wine tour from Porto below.
Read more Blog Posts
Porto is often a major city hub for day trips to places like Braga. However, there are also many things to do and attractions. You can check out the related blog posts for Porto below. If you’re planning to spend multiple days in Porto check out our ultimate Porto Itinerary.
Wondering if Aveiro is worth visiting?
Andrew & Melissa
@HungryPursuit
Follow the adventures
@HungryPursuit
Thanks for your support!
A lot of time and effort is put into these blog posts. There are some affiliate links throughout where we may make a small commission if you use them. There is no additional cost to you to use the links.
Related post
Is Braga Worth Visiting? The Ultimate Visitor Guide
January 27, 2025
6 Bridges Cruise Porto: One Unforgettable Tour
January 25, 2025
Port Wine Taylors: Best Porto Cellar Tour & Tasting
January 23, 2025
Best 12 Porto Viewpoints You Can’t Miss in 2025
January 22, 2025