Free walking tours in Braga and what to see

Must-sees

Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and its religious centre: it is called the Portuguese Rome for its many churches. The cathedral, the Sé, is the oldest in the country and mixes styles from several centuries. Around it, the historic centre has Republic square, the Raio palace, with its blue-tiled façade, and the Santa Bárbara garden beside the old bishop's palace.

About five kilometres away, on a hill, is the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a World Heritage Site, with its zigzag baroque stairway. You can walk up or take a water-powered funicular, one of the oldest still running in the world. Nearby are the sanctuaries of Sameiro and Santa Maria Madalena.

Free tours and guided visits

The Braga free walking tour covers the historic centre, the cathedral and its churches, and explains the city's Roman and religious past. It is a good introduction before going up to Bom Jesus.

There are guided visits of the Bom Jesus sanctuary, tuk-tuk tours of the city and trips combining Braga with Guimarães and wine tasting. From Braga you can also reach the Peneda-Gerês National Park.

How long to spend

One day lets you see the centre in the morning and go up to Bom Jesus in the afternoon. With two days you can add Guimarães, half an hour away, or the surrounding sanctuaries. Braga is about forty minutes from Porto by train, so many visit it in a day, although sleeping here lets you enjoy it without the groups.

Where to stay

The historic centre, around the cathedral and Avenida Central, is the most convenient: flat, partly pedestrian and with restaurants. On the Bom Jesus hill there are historic hotels surrounded by gardens, with views over the city, for a quieter stay. The newer areas, towards the university, have modern hotels with parking.