The Romans built Braga over 2000 years ago and it flourished as a well-established trading hub and city well into the medieval era, when it was a major religious centre and pilgrimage site. Teeming with universities, ancient churches, beautifully manicured gardens and some excellent museums, Braga is a great place to stay and explore if you're a history lover: the historic centre is walkable and jam-packed with Baroque townhouses, ornate Gothic churches and the remnants of Roman gates, while the wide public plazas are lined with lovely cafes and restaurants that are ideal for a bite-to-eat and spot of people-watching. Far from the heaving crowds of tourists that you may find in Porto or Lisbon, Braga is charming, ancient and stunning, and the best places to stay in Braga include an old vineyard that embodies the spirit of Braga - quaint, steeped in history and surrounded by enchanting beauty.

What not to miss

• Visit the 12th century cathedral - the oldest in the country! Inside is the Treasure Museum, a haven of religious artefacts...
• Immerse yourself in Roman archaeology at the Archaeological Museum.
• Head to Bom Jesus do Monte, a pilgrimage site on a hilltop, reachable by a famous staircase depicting the stages to heaven.
• Stroll through the historic centre of Braga and marvel at the old buildings and ruins, from the bishop's palace to the Arco da Porta Nova.
• Sit in the plaza, Praca da Republica, and watch the world go by.
• See the Chapel of Sao Frutuoso: inside is a pre-Romanesque chapel founded in the 7th century by Visigoths.
• For a history of Braga, be sure to visit the Biscainhos Museum, housed in a Baroque palace.

A picturesque city that's steeped in history and religious heritage, Braga is a wonderful place to visit and explore for history-lovers. Check out our list of the best places to stay in Braga and start to plan your visit.

The best places to stay in Braga

Outside Town

• Quinta da Cancela is a family run 300-year old property and vineyard now owned by the 6th generation. Atmospheric interiors feature beamed ceilings, exposed stonework, wonky walls and lovely antiques. Regional cuisine is cooked with very local produce, there's a granite pool and plenty of wine on offer.

For an apartment or villa

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• The best time to visit Braga is during the summer months, when the average high is in the mid to low twenties celsius.
• Fly to Sa Carneiro Airport, in Porto, 50kms to the south; from there, you can get an airport shuttle to Braga or a taxi.
• If you want to rent a car, which we strongly recommend if you want to explore further afield, contact our partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include Guimaraes,
• or all the best places to stay in Northern Portugal,
• or contact one of our Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Braga