Braga in a day

Just a short distance from Porto lies the city of Braga. This destination is perfect for a day trip, offering a change of scenery to a smaller city that captures a slower, yet equally captivating, atmosphere. Take time to admire the old houses, their balconies, and tiles, stroll through the beautiful parks, and sit down for a coffee alongside tourists and locals.

Arco da Porta Nova

Introduction

Braga, one of the oldest cities in Portugal, was founded by the Romans as Bracara Augusta in the 1st century BC. Over the centuries, it has been an important political and religious center, especially during the Middle Ages when it became the seat of the country's oldest archbishopric. Today, Braga combines its rich history with a vibrant, modern atmosphere. It’s a beautiful city that has also become a magnet for expatriates and retirees who choose Portugal as their new home.

How to Get There from Porto

Option 1: Train The train is the most convenient option to reach Braga from Porto. Trains depart regularly from São Bento station, and the journey takes about an hour.

Option 2: Car We chose to travel by car since we had one for our trip to Galicia the next day. Upon arriving in Braga, we parked at ParkCenter, a clean, safe, and spacious parking facility. See it on Google Maps.

Walking Tour of Braga

Arco da Porta Nova

Our walking tour begins at the Arco da Porta Nova, an intricate city gate built in the 18th century. This Baroque and Neoclassical arch marks the entrance to Braga’s old town and is an iconic symbol of the city.

Praça Municipal

In the Praça Municipal, we encounter the Braga Town Hall (Paços do Concelho), an impressive 18th-century building. Note the perfect symmetry of the building, considered one of the Baroque marvels on the Iberian Peninsula. The square is an austere space with a fountain in the center, offering a good perspective of the building and its Baroque architecture.

Igreja da Misericórdia

Located near the Praça Municipal, the Igreja da Misericórdia is a 16th-century architectural gem. Its Mannerist facade and Baroque interior provide a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of religious art in Braga.

Chafariz do Castelo

We continue to the Chafariz do Castelo, an ornamental fountain erected in 1723. This fountain is a beautiful example of the Baroque style that adorns many of the city’s monuments.

Chafariz do Castelo

Jardim de Santa Barbara

Rose Garden. Jardim de Santa Barbara

Braga and its contrasts. Leaving the stark stone-paved Largo do Paço, we find ourselves just a few blocks away in the colorful rose garden of Jardim de Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara’s garden) with its central fountain. The building in front of the garden is the Episcopal Palace. Another contrast lies within the garden itself, where the geometric perfection of its layout coexists with the random colors of the roses and other flowers that adorn it. I heard that this garden is where couples declare their love or propose marriage. A positive response is almost guaranteed because if one suggests meeting at Santa Barbara and the other prefers Jardim de Avenida Central, it’s a clear sign the feelings are not mutual.

Here you can enjoy a leisurely lunch at Pastelería Lusitana. The salads are fresh, the service is good, and the umbrellas provide a nice shade from the sun.

Rua do Souto

Continuing through the historic center, we walk along Rua do Souto, a lively pedestrian street. Each building has its own charm, with decorated balconies and detailed tiles. There are also plenty of shops to browse and a few cafés where you can sit and relax.

Jardim da Avenida Central

Jardim Avenida Central

We then head to the Jardim da Avenida Central, a beautiful park with a large fountain. It’s an excellent place to walk or sit on a bench and watch people go by.

Basílica dos Congregados

Located across from the Jardim da Avenida Central, the Basílica dos Congregados is an impressive church whose construction began in the 17th century but wasn't completed until the 20th century. The stone-carved facade is an excellent example of Portuguese Baroque architecture.

100ª Página Bookstore

We recommend a stop at the 100ª Página Bookstore. This beautiful bookstore not only offers a wide selection of books but also has an excellent café with an outdoor patio, making it the perfect place for a break and to enjoy an espresso in a literary setting.

Avenida da Liberdade

Avenida da Liberdade

We stroll along Avenida da Liberdade, a lively and beautiful avenue turned pedestrian walkway filled with flowers. It’s the perfect example of a city that prioritizes people enjoyment over cars.

Palácio do Raio

The Palácio do Raio, with its facade covered in blue tiles, is one of Braga's architectural gems. This 18th-century palace is an excellent example of Baroque opulence.

Praça do Largo Carlos Amarante

In Praça do Largo Carlos Amarante, we found the iconic Braga sign, surrounded by historic buildings such as the Church of Santa Cruz and the Convent of the Remedios. This square is a great spot for taking photos and soaking in the historical atmosphere of the city.

Braga Cathedral

Braga Cathedral

Our visit to the Braga Cathedral is the perfect way to end this city walk. More than just a church, the Sé is a cathedral complex showcasing various manifestations of human genius. Consecrated on August 28, 1089, under the devotion of Santa Maria de Braga, it stands on the site of earlier worship spaces. Its structure combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles.

Facade

The main facade is flanked by twin towers and a large Romanesque arch. In the center, there is a large statue of the Virgin and Child. It features an iron gate and several niches with statues of saints, including St. Peter, St. Paul, and the Guardian Angel of Braga. The towers were significantly modified in the 18th century when the large coat of arms of Archbishop Rodrigo de Moura Teles was added, along with the crowning of the towers.

Interior of the Braga Cathedral

The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with a central nave flanked by two side naves and a transept crossing under a Baroque window. The side chapels are particularly noteworthy, especially the Chapel of San Geraldo and the Chapel of the Kings, both richly decorated. The high choir, located near the entrance, is in the Baroque style and houses a magnificent pipe organ built in the 18th century by the Galician organ builder Simón Fontanes and decorated by Marceliano de Araújo.

Bom Jesus do Monte Church

We pick up our car and drive to our final stop outside the city, the Bom Jesus do Monte Church. This church, whose construction began in 1722, is famous for its impressive Baroque staircase of 577 steps, symbolizing the soul's spiritual ascent. The view from the top is spectacular, and the church, with its neoclassical design, is an important pilgrimage site.

Bom Jesus do Monte

Braga is a destination that combines history, culture, and parks. It's a perfect itinerary for a day.

Feel free to join in the comments if you want to add something or have any questions.

We hope you enjoy your day in this wonderful city as much as we did!