Braga

Photo of Braga
Credit: Flickr user Turismo en Portuga
Photo of Braga
Credit: Flickr user Raul Lieberwirth
Photo of Braga
Credit: Flickr user Quentin LEPAGE
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About Braga

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.

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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 $63 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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 $66 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
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
  • Sights nearby - Visit Bom Jesus do Monte, a sanctuary and in Tenões - a town just outside of Braga - which has a monumental Baroque stairway
from $68 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
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
  • Romantic
from $125 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
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 $126 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia