Braga walking tour & city guide
Portugal's religious capital, with a famous Baroque staircase.
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Braga, in northern Portugal, is one of the oldest cities in the country, founded by the Romans as Bracara Augusta. Known as the 'Portuguese Rome' for its many churches, it is also a young and lively university city with elegant squares and gardens.
Bom Jesus do Monte
Just outside the city, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is reached by a monumental zigzagging Baroque staircase that climbs a wooded hillside, with chapels, fountains and statues on each landing. Pilgrims traditionally climb it on their knees. The sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Alongside the stairs runs a water-powered funicular, opened in 1882 and the oldest of its kind still operating in the world, which uses the weight of water to move the cars.
The historic center
Braga Cathedral, the oldest in Portugal, combines Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements and has a treasury of religious art. Nearby, the Jardim de Santa Bárbara, a flower garden beside the walls of the old episcopal palace, is one of the most beautiful spots in the city.
Avenida Central and Praça da República form the lively heart of Braga, with fountains and cafés. During Holy Week, the city hosts Portugal's most famous Easter processions, with streets decorated and lit at night, as one of the walking tours shows.
Visiting tips
Braga is about an hour from Porto by train, and it is easy to combine with Guimarães, just 25 kilometers away. The Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal's only national park, offers mountain scenery a short drive to the north.
Top sights in Braga
- 1
Bom Jesus do Monte
A Baroque sanctuary with a monumental staircase.
- 2
Braga Cathedral
The oldest cathedral in Portugal.
- 3
Jardim de Santa Bárbara
A flower garden beside medieval walls.
- 4
Praça da República
The lively main square with a fountain.
- 5
Bom Jesus funicular
A historic water-powered funicular.
- 6
Sameiro Sanctuary
A hilltop sanctuary with wide views.
Food markets & where to eat in Braga
Mercado Municipal de Braga
The city's market for fresh produce.
Historic center tascas
Small taverns serving Minho cooking.
Avenida Central cafés
Classic cafés in the heart of town.
Pastry shops
Local convent sweets and cakes.
Food to try in Braga
Bacalhau à Braga
Fried salt cod with onions and potatoes.
Pudim Abade de Priscos
A rich pudding made with bacon and port.
Vinho Verde
A light, slightly sparkling wine from the Minho region.
Frigideiras
Small savory pastries filled with meat.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Braga
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in BragaCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Braga.
- eSIM for PortugalStay online from the moment you land.
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