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As you tour Portugal, you can’t possibly miss visiting Braga. With so much to do and see in Braga, Backpacking is such a rich and delightful experience.
A Braga blog is all you need to decide amongst the top things to do in Braga.
In my opinion, 4 days in Braga is good time to see the best that city has to offer. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. Here are the best things to see in Braga along with a list of the most interesting things to do in Braga:
1. Braga Cathedral
Braga Cathedral is a majestic Cathedral standing tall in the city of Braga, Portugal.
Classical music concerts and organ recitals are held on a regular basis within the Basilica. The Church’s front façade has majestic stone columns, beautiful sculptured religious figures and high arched stained glass windows.
Quick Facts:
- Designed by the great architects Juan de Castillo, João Antunes in Gothic architecture style, the construction of the cathedral started in Gothic architecture.
- The cathedral was built somewhere around 13th century.
Address: R. Dom Paio Mendes, 4700-424 Braga, Portugal
2. Peneda-Gerês National Park
Peneda-Gerês National Park is a nature and animal reserve located not far from Braga.
You can either walk or enjoy riding a bicycle through the lush greenery. The reserve is spread over a large tract of land, covering several hundred acres of forested area.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 703 km², it is difficult to take-in all in one go.
- The national park is located at an elevation of 381 m (1,250 ft).
- It was in 8 May 1971 when it was established.
Without a doubt this wonderful national park is one amongst the top things to do in Braga.
3. Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro, one of city’s medieval church, is one of the city’s many architectural gems.
There is a cemetry on the church grounds, quite peaceful to walk around. There is so much beauty in this church, from the front facade to the interior that it’s hard to choose a favorite.
Quick Facts:
- The church belongs to the Catholic faith, but is visited by others too.
- The church is located Hilltop.
Address: Av. Nossa Sra. do Sameiro 44, 4715-616 Braga, Portugal
4. Praça da República
Praça da República is the central square of the city of Braga.
This is where various festivals, concerts and carnivals are held throughout the year.
An incredible sight, Praça da República scores high in the list of the best things to do in Braga.
5. Bom Jesus funicular
Bom Jesus funicular is a short fun ride taking you to the higher part of the Braga.
The city planners built this system of funiculars to aid with transportation to and from the city’s upper areas. The funicula is the quickest method to reach to the top.
Due to its panoramic views over the entire area, Bom Jesus funicular is quite popular among travelers.
Quick Facts:
- It is actually Niklaus Riggenbach who is credited with designing this whole place.
- The funicular was opened on 25 March 1882.
Address: Parque do Bom Jesus, 4715-553 Braga, Portugal
6. Parque da Praia Fluvial de Adaúfe
A nice wide beach, Parque da Praia Fluvial de Adaúfe has all the amenities you need to make for a great experience.
Swim, surf, sunbath, walk, run or play – you can sketch your day as you want. You can relax next to the tranquil sea, very refreshing after a busy day of sightseeing.
With so much to offer, no wonder Parque da Praia Fluvial de Adaúfe is one of the top things to do in Braga.
Address: R. Conde Dom Henrique, Guimarães, Portugal
7. Misericórdia Church
Located in the heart of Braga, Misericórdia Church, is another of the city’s architectural masterpieces.
Even while the facade is gorgeous in their own right, the inside is worth seeing as well. As this is a sacred location, anyone who want to enter are advised to cover their knees and shoulders.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Misericórdia Church is located in Sé.
- The church was built somewhere around 1562.
Address: R. Dom Diogo de Sousa 124, 4700-424 Braga, Portugal
8. Museum of archeology D. Diogo de Sousa
The Museum of archeology D. Diogo de Sousa carefully collects and presents various archaeological finds of the area.
Look no farther than Braga’s superb archaeological museum to properly comprehend the old civilization that once inhabitated this region.
The galleries are packed with stellar exhibitions that have fascinated academics for decades. A treasure trove of relics including clay figures, pottery, leather shoes and coins discovered at the digs are displayed carefully.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Museum of archeology D. Diogo de Sousa features include variety of excavated items used anywhere from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages.
- The archaeology museum was opened on 1918 Holiday opening hours.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Braga trip.
Address: R. dos Bombeiros Voluntários s/n, 4700-025 Braga, Portugal
9. Castle of Braga
Castle of Braga is an age-old fortified structure sitting on a hilltop.
Start with the visitor center, and grab the free map! Occasionally, you will find information boards giving you details about the place.
Quick Facts:
- The castle was built somewhere around 2nd Century.
Address: R. Conde Dom Henrique, Guimarães, Portugal
10. Roman Thermae of Maximinus
Spread over a large area Roman Thermae of Maximinus are the ruins of the ancient Rome.
These fascinating ruins of the Roman Bath are worth a closer look.
In the attached museum you can see a display of coins & ceramics that the ancient civilization used. Awaken the Indiana Jones in you as you discover hidden corners and uncover secrets!
Quick Facts:
- The roman ruins was built somewhere around 1st century.
- The roman ruins stretches for about 35.00 m (114.83 ft) in length.
Add it to your Braga trip if you have time.
Address: R. Conde Dom Henrique, Guimarães, Portugal
11. Fountain of the Idol
Located in Braga city, Fountain of the Idol is an elaborate centuries-old fountain.
Rambling through the streets of Braga, it is impossible to miss this. The marble and limestone used in making this fountain makes it look even more classy.
Address: R. Conde Dom Henrique, Guimarães, Portugal
12. Braga City Hall
Braga City Hall is a historic town hall located in the old town of Braga.
As the Braga developed so does the fortune of its city center, the beautiful Braga City Hall is the testimony to that.
Quick Facts:
- Spreading over an expanse of 183.5 km², it’s difficult to see it all in one go.
- It is architect André who is credited with creating this marvelous town hall.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Braga trip.
13. Holy Cross Church
Holy Cross Church, the centuries old landmark, is considered to be one of Braga’s most gorgeous churches.
A donation at the entrance is optional but encouraged, since it will go towards the preservation of this piece of history. The cemetry is where the famous and powerful people of the Braga are buried.
Quick Facts:
- The church was built somewhere around 17th century.
- The church is dedicated to the Holy Cross.
Address: Largo Engenheiro Carlos Amarante 11, 4700-308 Braga, Portugal
14. Nogueira da Silva Museum
Nogueira da Silva Museum is a museum displaying pieces of fine arts made mainly by the artists of the region.
The museum also houses collection by some of the genre’s well-known international artists.
Quick Facts:
- It was in 1975 when it was established.
- The fine arts museum was opened on 1975.
- Also worth seeing here include gardens with statues.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Braga trip.
Address: Av. Central 61, 4710-228 Braga, Portugal
But beyond the famous attractions in Braga, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Braga for everyone.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Braga. So what are Braga sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.