Braga

Braga is one of the most visited cities in the North of Portugal, and among the most populated in the country.

Located just 55 kilometers northeast of Porto, many visitors wonder where is Braga exactly – it sits perfectly positioned for day trips and tours from Portugal's second city.

Its history dates back more than two thousand years. It was founded by the first Roman emperor Augustus.

Bracara Augusta was its original name, in honor of the emperor. However, there is evidence of human presence in the area since the Bronze Age.

The city was the administrative seat of the Roman Empire and an important junction point of the Roman roads in the Iberian Peninsula.

What to do in Braga Portugal

When planning what to see in Braga Portugal, start with its religious heritage.

Braga has played an important role in Portugal's spiritual history. The Diocese of Braga is the oldest in Portugal and its Cathedral (Sé de Braga ) was the first built in the country – a must-see for any Braga tour (and Guimarães for that matter).

There is a huge legacy of the Roman past, churches, squares, buildings and gardens that you can explore during your visit. These historical sites form the backbone of what to do in Braga Portugal and showcase why this ancient city attracts thousands of visitors annually.

University campus

Not everything in Braga is religion and past. On the contrary, it is one of the cities with the youngest population in Portugal because it has two of the finest universities in the country, the Universidade Católica Portuguesa and the Universidade do Minho. This translates into a lively atmosphere filled with commerce, cafes, bars and interesting events.

Kind of similar to what happens in Coimbra, another one of those day trips from Porto that you could be doing.

The festivities of St. John in Braga (São João in Portuguese) are very popular, and it is recorded that the municipality has been celebrating them since 1515. Several events are held throughout the month of June.

Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte

From the center, it takes a 10 minutes drive to reach the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a park where nature is combined with several buildings dedicated to the Catholic church. This iconic sanctuary is often the highlight of any Braga tour, offering not only religious significance but also a beautiful green urban space where local families have picnics by the lake or take children to its playground.

Peneda-Gerês National Park

From Braga you can escape in a few minutes to the natural charms of one of the most beautiful wilderness areas of Portugal, the Peneda-Gerês National Park.

It is a paradise for the trekking fans. There are several marked trails (trilhos o percursos) wells, viewpoints and many corners to explore.

How to get to Braga from Porto

You can reach Braga by car from Porto taking the A3 highway. It takes only 48 minutes. See the map here.

Another option is to take the train. Departing Porto-Campanhã Station on the railway “Linha de Braga” takes about fifty minutes. For your convenience, you also book an organized tour with transport and lunch:

Finally, you can travel to Braga by bus. From Porto Campo 24 de Agosto station, there are several companies departing multiple times a day.

Braga is one of the recommended visits near Porto.

Not convinced? If you've beenbeen to Madrid, this place is very similar to Toledo: it not worth renting a car, but doing a Toledo Tour instead.

How far is Braga from Porto?

Braga is approximately 55 km northeast of Porto. By car the drive takes about 45 minutes via the A3 motorway. Direct trains run from Porto's São Bento or Campanhã stations to Braga in roughly one hour, with tickets starting around €3.25. Rede Expressos coaches take about one hour as well. Braga is one of the most popular day trips from Porto.