Braga

Photo of Braga
Credit: Image by Elrutitas from Pixabay
Photo of Braga
Credit: Flickr user Raul Lieberwirth
Photo of Braga
Credit: Flickr user Turismo en Portuga
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About Braga

The Romans built Braga over 2000 years ago, and it flourished as a well-established trading hub well into the medieval era. Once a major religious centre and pilgrimage destination, the city is studded with heritage landmarks — some of which now house the best places to stay in Braga. Romantics, history buffs and cultural aficionados alike will be fascinated by this slice of Northern Portugal.

At the heart of Braga's rich heritage stands its 12th century Cathedral — the oldest in Portugal. The Cathedral’s Treasure Museum, with its impressive collection of religious artefacts, is not to be missed. Explore the city’s winding streets on an expert-led guided tour, admiring baroque townhouses, Gothic churches and the remnants of Roman gates. Delve into Braga’s Roman origins at the Archaeological Museum, and follow its development with a visit to the Biscainhos Museum, housed in a magnificent Baroque palace.

Braga’s most dazzling religious monument is undoubtedly the Bom Jesus do Monte, a hilltop pilgrimage site reached by a staircase symbolically depicting the stages to heaven. Make the climb in the early morning or late afternoon if you can, before picking a perch at one of the cafés and eateries which line little lanes and city squares for a coffee or a glass of wine. Braga is surrounded by some spectacular wineries, many of which offer tours and tastings. Our list of the best places to stay in Braga includes one vineyard hotel, perfect for romantic escapes.

The Best Places to Stay in Braga

For old town romance

  • Hotel Moon and Sun overlooks the landmark São Francisco Church. Contemporary guest rooms are decorated in pastel tones, with crisp white linens and small balconies for a morning coffee or evening glass of wine à deux. The wine bar is excellent. An urban bolthole for romantics or solo travellers.
  • Braga Heritage Lofts are ideal for couples seeking a little more privacy. Each floor is inspired by an era in the building's history, and the vibe is cool and understated. Breakfast hampers of fresh pastries are a nice touch. Private balconies promise superb city views, and the best of the city is just steps away. 
  • Porta Nova Collection House is a seriously hip boutique hotel. Sloped ceilings, part-exposed stone windows and wooden shutters reflect the building's heritage, whilst contemporary design pieces and city photographs create a hip, fresh feel. The lovely restaurant serves buffet breakfasts and laid-back dinners. Great for couples. 

For families

  • Old City Guest House is a family-friendly B&B in the heart of the old town. Spacious guest rooms offer flexible options for those travelling with little ones, and big breakfasts set guests of all ages up for the day. The friendly team is on hand with suggestions of things to see and do. Also appealingly affordable. 

For a rural escape

  • Quinta da Cancela is a 300-year old hotel and vineyard, now owned by the 6th generation of the same family. Atmospheric interiors feature beamed ceilings, exposed stonework, wonky walls and lovely antiques. Sink into the gorgeous granite pool, tuck into flavoursome cuisine cooked using locally grown produce, and taste the estate's own vines. Wonderful. 

For an apartment or cottage

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to Porto International Airport, and continue 40 minutes by road or 45 minutes by rail to Braca. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance.
  • Northern Portugal is fantastic to explore by car. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • This is a great year-round destination. Travel in July and August for the warmest weather (averaging around 30°C) but do expect a crowd! Time your visit for the spring or autumn months for cooler climes and fewer visitors. This is a hugely popular region so book well in advance to avoid missing out.

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The best hotels in Braga

Old City Guest House
Old City Guest House

Braga

This charming B&B is set in a lovingly restored family residence in Braga's old town. Guests can enjoy use of the spacious, well-appointed living room and kitchen, where family heirlooms and antiques complete the home-away-from-home feeling. This B&B makes a great base for local exploring.

  • Local exploring - With most of the city's main attractions, from museums to monuments, close by, this hotel is a great base for local sightseeing
  • Families - With family suites available that are designed to accommodate parents with children, book this hotel for a family city break
  • City Style - Set in a stately family mansion in the heart of the historic old town, this hotel has lots of local Braga charm
  • Great walks - Explore the picturesque cobbled streets of the historic city centre, starting from the city square a stone's throw from this B&B
from AU$97 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel
Hotel Moon & Sun
Hotel Moon & Sun

Braga

This boutique bolt-hole is nestled in the heart of Braga, overlooking the landmark São Francisco Church. Contemporary guestrooms are dressed in a perfectly balanced pastel palette with luxury linens and city views. Unwind at the hotel's wine bar after a day out sightseeing.

  • Foodies - With an onsite restaurant that serves contemporary Portugese classics, this hotel is a great option for foodies
  • Romantic Break - The cosy, well-appointed suites and romantic wine bar make this hotel a great choice for a couples's getaway
  • City Style - Boasting a central location and bespoke interiors, this hotel has plenty of modern city style
  • Sights nearby - Visit the Braga Sé Cathedral, the city's landmark Baroque cathedral located a stone's throw from this hotel
from AU$102 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on My Luxury Hotel
Braga Heritage Lofts
Braga Heritage Lofts

Braga

This hotel offers stylish and contemporary lofts in the heart of Braga. Each floor is inspired by an era in the property's history, from industrial site to architectural atelier. Enjoy great city views from your private balcony in this charming pied-à-terre, great for local sightseeing.

  • Romantic Break - These spacious and modern apartments are perfect for couples for prefer a more discreet stay on a romantic break
  • City Style - Set in a newly renovated heritage property in the heart of Braga, this hotel has plenty of local city charm
  • Local exploring - This hotel has an excellent location for local exploring, with museums, galleries and landmarks close by
  • Great walks - Discover the picturesque cobbled streets of the historic city centre on a long walk, starting from the nearby Braga Cathedral
from AU$105 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on My Luxury Hotel
Quinta da Cancela
Quinta da Cancela

Braga (S. Lourenço de Sande )

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.

  • Country Escape - The ideal country house to totally unwind in; swim in the pool, soak up the characterful interiors and sample local wines.
  • Sights nearby - Visit the prehistoric site of Citania Briteiros.
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
  • Restaurant
from AU$193 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Porta Nova Collection House
Porta Nova Collection House

Braga

This stylish hotel offers boutique suites in Braga's historic centre. Inside, part-exposed stone windows with wooden shutters recall the property's heritage, juxtaposed with contemporary design pieces and unique city photographs. Dine at the laid-back hotel restaurant after a day tour.

  • Local exploring - Located steps from the best museums and most famous landmarks, book this hotel as a base for your local sightseeing
  • Romantic Break - With well-appointed guestrooms and a cosy restaurant, book this hotel for a romantic European city break
  • City Style - Set in a heritage mansion in the heart of Braga, this hotel has reams of chic city charm
  • Sights nearby - Take a tour of Bom Jesus do Monte through the hotel and discover this Baroque pilgrimage site with an expert guide
from AU$194 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia Check availability on My Luxury Hotel