No trip to northern Portugal is complete without a visit to Braga. Founded two thousand years ago by the Roman Emperor Augustus, the country’s third-largest city has a long cultural and religious history, reflected in its great architecture and pious reputation.
While it is possible to see most of Braga’s top attractions on a day trip from nearby Porto, it is equally possible to spend a night or two exploring the city and its surroundings. Here are the best things to do while in town.
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Enter the cathedral of Braga
Braga Cathedral dominates the city center, and you will find yourself walking its facades several times while exploring the compact old city. The parts date back to the 11th century , and it is probably the oldest church in the country.
However, it definitely doesn’t look the same as it did back then. The cathedral has been restored and added several times over the years, and the Baroque, Gothic, Romanesque, and other architectural styles are clearly evident.
However, don’t just take photos of the outside. Get a ticket at the entrance, where for four euros you will have access to the impressive interior, along with the small museum of the cathedral filled with religious art.
Once inside, be sure to check out the pair of stunning gilded wooden organs. Highly decorated, they were carved in the 1730s and dominate that section of the cathedral. Also be sure to check out the cloisters while you’re there, along with the three adjacent chapels.
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Climb the steps to Bom Jesus do Monte
On the outskirts of the city is Braga’s biggest attraction, the Bom Jesus do Monte basilica, and the 630 zigzag steps required to reach it. Unless the day is particularly hot, don’t worry too much about the climb as it is not as difficult as it sounds. If it seems too daunting, there is a water-powered funicular, the oldest of its kind in the world, that can take you to the top for just a few euros.
Intricate fountains line the steps, around the five senses. Water is poured from a hole in each of the human-shaped carvings, and they are an attraction in their own right.
While the neoclassical church at the summit is the target of the climb, the panoramic views of the city and its surroundings are equally impressive. A nearby terrace café serves cold drinks and welcome snacks, and there are trails and gardens to explore if you haven’t gotten tired of walking yet.
It’s easy to get to Bom Jesus do Monte by car or taxi, or just take bus number 2 from any of the downtown stops. The bus takes about 20 minutes and runs every half hour from Monday to Saturday, less frequently on Sundays.
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Drinking Vinho Verde in Praça da República
The north of Portugal is famous for the production of vinho verde . Literally translated as ‘green wine’, this refreshing and slightly fizzy wine is the perfect summer drink.
Head to Praça da República, find an outdoor table in one of the many restaurants, and enjoy a glass or bottle with friends. Vinho verde comes in red, pink and, more commonly, white varieties; in this case, ‘green’ means ‘young’, as it is traditionally consumed shortly after bottling.
When you’re done, take a few minutes to explore the rest of the great square. With great architecture surrounding a central fountain, including the Congregados church and what remains of the Braga castle tower, and plenty of opportunities for people watching day and night, it is a place to stay.
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Relax in the Santa Barbara garden
Nestled along the eastern edge of the impressive former archbishop’s palace, the manicured Jardim de Santa Bárbara is a haven for visiting both birds and humans. Arranged around a statue of the saint of the same name, the design is a modern reinterpretation of the gardens that have sat at this location since the 17th century.
The colorful flower beds bloom in spring, but the garden is worth a visit at any time of the year. It’s relatively small (10-15 minutes is enough to see everything), but it’s a great place to hang out with a cake or ice cream on a sunny day. Make sure to see the remains of the medieval arches while you are there!
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Explore the chapels and churches
Given its long religious history, it is not surprising that Braga is full of churches. You could spend days exploring them all, but you should include at least one or two in your itinerary, even if you’re only in town for a few hours.
Next to the cathedral is the church of Misericordia de Braga, and if your thing is the churches decorated with ornaments, you should definitely visit it. Construction began in the mid-1500s, but it is the baroque interior from a century later that remains to this day. The area behind the altar is remarkable, covered from floor to ceiling with intricate gilded arches, statues, murals, and much more. There is no registration fee, although donations are always welcome.
The São Frutuoso Chapel is located in the north of the city, not far from the football stadium. The 18th -century Baroque church is interesting enough in its own right, but it’s the little chapel inside that is the real attraction. Shaped like a Greek cross, it dates back to the Visigoths more than a millennium earlier and has been classified as a Portuguese national monument.
It’s open to the public, but you’ll need to schedule your visit carefully – the chapel is closed on Monday, Tuesday mornings, weekends, and some holidays.
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Experience noble life at the Biscaínhos Museum
Braga has a large number of museums, on a wide range of topics. One of the most popular is the Biscaínhos Museum, the home of a local noble family for several generations. The residential palace was in its heyday in the 17th and 18th centuries, and most of the decor and artifacts within the date of that period.
While the furnishings, textiles, and ceramics (including a lounge dedicated to Portugal’s famous blue tiles) are impressive, it’s the grand grounds that steal the show. The terraced gardens and flower beds are considered one of the best remaining examples of a Baroque period garden, and are worth visiting even if you don’t have time to explore the museum.
Entrance to the venue is free, and a museum ticket costs a very reasonable two euros. It is closed on Mondays.
