Braga, Portugal: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

Braga offers a mix of historic charm and modern comforts, making it an inviting destination for travelers who appreciate both culture and convenience. For first-time visitors, the historic city center is the most recommended place to stay. This area is home to the Sé de Braga (Braga Cathedral), charming pedestrian streets, and vibrant squares filled with cafés and restaurants. Staying here means easy access to landmarks, local shops, and public transportation. A stylish and well-located option in the heart of the old town is Vila Galé Collection Braga, housed in a former monastery and featuring a pool, spa, and beautiful cloistered courtyards.

For travelers who prefer a quieter atmosphere with panoramic views, the Bom Jesus do Monte area offers a peaceful escape just outside the city. Nestled in the wooded hills surrounding the sanctuary, this area is ideal for spiritual retreats or nature lovers. From here, you can enjoy scenic walks, visit the iconic baroque staircase, and still reach the city center by funicular or taxi. A standout accommodation here is Hotel do Parque, offering classic decor, serene surroundings, and direct access to the sanctuary grounds.

If you’re combining business with leisure or prefer a more contemporary setting, the Avenida da Liberdade and Central Avenue area is ideal. This district is more commercial, with modern boutiques, shopping centers, and a wide range of restaurants. It’s well-connected and perfect for travelers who want modern amenities while staying within walking distance of Braga’s historical core. A reliable and stylish hotel in this area is Mercure Braga Centro, offering sleek rooms, a rooftop pool, and easy access to both business and cultural sites.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Braga. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Visiting Braga in Spring (Best)

Spring is arguably the best time to visit Braga, when the city bursts into bloom and its gardens, like the Santa Bárbara Garden, are at their most colourful. From March to May, temperatures are mild and pleasant, ranging between 12°C and 22°C, ideal for exploring the city’s Roman ruins, Baroque churches, and picturesque squares on foot. This season also coincides with Braga’s most celebrated festival — the Holy Week (Semana Santa). Held in the week leading up to Easter, it transforms the city into a grand stage of processions, music, and religious pageantry that attract visitors from all over Portugal and beyond.

Visiting Braga in Summer

Summer in Braga, from June to August, brings warm, sunny days and lively street life. Average temperatures hover between 20°C and 30°C, with July often being the hottest month. It’s a wonderful time to enjoy Braga’s open-air cafés, vibrant plazas, and evening events. The city also hosts the São João Festival in late June, a colourful celebration filled with parades, music, dancing, and fireworks. For those who enjoy day trips, summer is perfect for visiting nearby natural attractions like Bom Jesus do Monte or the Peneda-Gerês National Park. However, expect larger crowds and slightly higher accommodation prices during this peak travel season.

Visiting Braga in Autumn

From September to November, Braga’s pace slows as the heat eases and the surrounding countryside glows with golden hues. Autumn is a tranquil and beautiful time to explore the city’s historic streets, museums, and parks, often with fewer tourists. Temperatures average between 13°C and 23°C, making it ideal for sightseeing without the summer rush. Cultural life remains vibrant, with concerts and exhibitions continuing through the season. The grape harvest in nearby Minho wine country adds another reason to visit, offering opportunities to taste the region’s famous Vinho Verde at its freshest.

Visiting Braga in Winter

Winter in Braga, lasting from December to February, is cool and often rainy, but rarely severe. Average temperatures range from 5°C to 14°C. This is the quietest season, perfect for those who prefer a more peaceful visit and lower hotel rates. Braga’s historic churches and museums are especially atmospheric on misty winter days, and festive decorations bring warmth to the city centre. December also marks Braga’s Christmas markets and nativity displays, which fill the streets with lights and local flavours. While outdoor sightseeing can be limited by the weather, winter is an excellent time to experience the authentic, local rhythm of Braga life.

Getting to Braga by Air

Nearest airports: The closest airport to Braga is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, located about 55 kilometres south of the city. This international hub offers frequent flights from major European destinations and some intercontinental routes.

Airport transfers: Travellers can reach Braga from the airport by direct shuttle bus, operated by GetBus, which runs several times daily and takes around one hour. Alternatively, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available at the terminal, or you can rent a car for more flexibility during your trip. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Braga on Booking.com.

Getting to Braga by Train

Rail connections: Braga is well connected by train and serves as the terminus of a major northern line operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP). Trains run frequently from Porto’s São Bento and Campanhã stations, with the journey taking approximately one hour on urban or regional services.

Connections from other cities: While most direct services originate in Porto, travellers from Lisbon can reach Braga via Porto, with the total trip lasting around four hours. Braga's railway station, located near Avenida da Liberdade, is a short walk from the city centre, making onward travel convenient. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Getting to Braga by Car

Driving routes: Braga is easily accessible by car thanks to Portugal's excellent motorway network. The A3 motorway connects Braga directly with Porto to the south and Valença (on the Spanish border) to the north. The drive from Porto typically takes about 45 minutes, while the route from Lisbon, via the A1 and A3, takes around four hours.

Parking: There are several public car parks near the city centre, including those at Avenida Central and Campo da Vinha, both convenient for exploring Braga’s main attractions. Drivers should note that some historic areas have narrow streets and limited parking availability. If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Travelling Around Braga

Public transport: Braga's compact city centre is best explored on foot, with most landmarks, museums, and gardens within easy walking distance. For destinations farther out, such as Bom Jesus do Monte or Sameiro Sanctuary, the local TUB bus network offers frequent and affordable service.

Taxis and rideshares: Taxis are available throughout the city, and ride-sharing apps like Bolt and Uber operate in Braga for added convenience.

Cycling and walking: The city’s relatively flat layout and expanding pedestrian zones make it enjoyable to explore on foot or by bicycle, particularly around the historic core and the Avenida da Liberdade area.