Braga, Portugal: 22 ultimate things to do in Braga, Portugal

Let’s explore the best things to do in Braga, Portugal – one of the country’s oldest and most charming cities! Did you know that Braga is known as the ‘Rome of Portugal’ for its rich religious heritage? Yes, there are countless churches in the city!

We visited Braga during our trip around northern Portugal and actually stayed there for over a week. There’s so much to explore, from the famous Bom Jesus do Monte to the beautiful Jardim da Avenida Central and Sé de Braga, the oldest cathedral in the country!

In this blog post, you’ll find all the best things to do in Braga, Portugal, including all the must-see landmarks and some hidden gems, complete with photos and locations on Google Maps. I hope you enjoy your time in Braga as much as we did! Happy travels!

1. Pass through Arco da Porta Nova

We started our visit to Braga by passing through one of Braga’s most recognizable landmarks – Arco da Porta Nova, or the Arch of the New Gate. This stone arch marks the entrance to the old town and is the perfect place to start exploring the city.

This place has been known as the western entrance to the city for many centuries. The original city wall was built back in the 14th century, however, the arch you see today is a new version redesigned in the 18th century by André Soares, one of Braga’s most famous architects.

The arch proudly boasts the city’s coat of arms and serves as the symbol of Braga. We actually rented an apartment just outside the old town near this arch, so this was the perfect place to start our visit to this majestic city. Did you take a picture? Yes? Let’s go!

Location: Arco da Porta Nova

2. Admire the Portuguese architecture at Largo do Paço

As you walk through the Arco da Porta Nova, you will find yourself on one of the most popular pedestrian streets in Braga – Rua do Souto. It is lined with countless shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as with traditional Portuguese-style houses.

As you continue walking, I recommend stopping by Largo do Paço along the way. It is a historic square in Braga surrounded by beautiful 17th and 18th-century buildings that once formed part of the Archbishop’s Palace.

But what I loved most about this place was the view of the iconic Portuguese-style buildings (see photo above). How are they so narrow and windows so big? We made sure to snap a few photos here, because I somehow knew other places in the city would be busier.

Location: Largo do Paço

3. Stroll through the beautiful Jardim de Santa Bárbara

If you make a small detour, there’s a special place to stop by right next to the Largo do Paço. Located on the other side of the Archbishop’s Palace is one of the most beautiful places in Braga – Jardim de Santa Bárbara.

Strolling through this flower garden was one of my favorite things to do in Braga. It is also another photo-perfect spot, especially the beautiful arcade in the garden, all surrounded by plants and flowers.

The garden is well-maintained and offers a peaceful escape from the busy streets. There is a large central fountain and lots of flowers and greenery, even though it was fall when we visited.

Next to the garden, you can see the ruins of the medieval section of the Archbishop’s Palace. These are public gardens, so you can freely enter them and stroll around as much as you want. It is just one of those must-see places with an undeniable charm!

Location: Jardim de Santa Bárbara

4. Stop for breakfast at Braga’s most iconic cafés

As you walk further along Rua do Souto, you will finally reach the heartbeat of the city – Praça da República square. If you come to Braga in the morning, I recommend stopping by one of the city’s most iconic cafés for a quick breakfast.

Enjoying the local café scene was one of my favorite things to do in Braga. There are two iconic and historic cafés in Braga center – A Brasileira and Café Vianna.

A Brasileira is an iconic café that was founded in 1907. It boasts a beautiful facade and an even more beautiful Art Déco interior. It’s a long-time favorite among locals and tourists, so we decided to stop here for breakfast. We had a toast, pastel de nata, coffee, and orange juice.

Café Vianna is even older and actually dates back to 1858. It is often described as the oldest café in Braga! We really wanted to visit this café too, so, because we stayed in Braga for over a week, we came back to Café Vianna later for lunch.

Café Vianna has hosted many local elites for well over a century and has seen many changes in the city over the generations. But the café has stayed. If you can, come back here for lunch or a glass of wine later in the day.

Yes, it is rather touristy today, but it definitely has the vibes!

Location: A Brasileira – Café Vianna

5. Stroll along the beautiful Avenida da Liberdade

To get to the next location in Braga, let’s take a walk along one of the most beautiful places in Braga – Avenida da Liberdade. The beautiful flower-filled avenue starts right at the heart of the city, at Praça da República.

It’s a street like no other in Braga!

Originally laid out in the 18th century, the gardens have been expanded and redesigned over the years. Walking along the avenue is like taking a walk through a popular meadow – you get the nature, but you also get the people.

Avenida da Liberdade is one of Braga’s main streets. Besides people and cars, it is also filled with cosmetics and clothing stores, as well as restaurants and cafés. The avenue also connects several of the city’s landmarks.

As you walk along the street, don’t be blinded by the vibrant flowers – check out the buildings, too!

The avenue is lined with buildings with beautiful architecture and facades decorated with azulejo tiles, iron design elements, and statues. My favorite was the Theatro Circo building – it definitely stands out from the rest!

Location: Jardins da Avenida da Liberdade

6. Take a photo at the BRAGA letters

Now, let’s go for another round through the old town. One of the must-do stops in Braga is Largo Carlos Amarante square, where you will find large BRAGA letters – the perfect place for a postcard photo from your trip!

The letters are located in front of the Igreja de São Marcos church, one of the most iconic churches in the old town, which makes the photo more iconic and eye-catching. We came here in the morning before the crowds.

It does get busier during the day as everyone wants to get that iconic photo!

The square also hosts the beautiful Igreja de Santa Cruz de Braga, a Mannerist Baroque-style stone church dating back to the 17th century. This is one of the churches where you can peek inside for free, so I recommend doing so if the church is open.

Even if you are not into religious buildings, it is well worth admiring the gilded woodwork, blue-and-white azulejos tiles, and the peaceful atmosphere, which is a stark contrast to the busy streets just outside!

Location: Letreiro BRAGA – Igreja de Santa Cruz de Braga

7. Explore the iconic blue palace – Palácio do Raio

Just steps away from the BRAGA letters, you will find Palácio do Raio, one of Braga’s most striking landmarks. The 18th-century palace stands out with its striking blue facade. It immediately caught my eye!

This beautiful Baroque-and-Rococo-style palace, also known as Casa do Mexicano, was built for a wealthy local merchant and is the perfect place to go to see how wealthy people lived back in the day.

Palácio do Raio was designed by André Soares, the same architect who designed Arco da Porta Nova, or the Arch of the New Gate, as well as many other famous landmarks in Braga. He really did something unique here!

Inside, the palace houses a small museum that tells the story of Braga’s history and religious heritage. You’ll find a beautiful staircase, decorated rooms, and all kinds of art.

Probably, the most interesting thing was to see the decorated rooms and furniture, showcasing the way wealthy people lived here centuries ago. There is a small fee to enter the palace.

Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth stopping by just to admire the facade and take some photos – the contrast of blue tiles against the stone and the sky makes it one of the most photogenic spots in Braga.

Location: Palácio do Raio

8. Visit Sé de Braga, the oldest cathedral in Portugal

One of the top things to do in Braga is a visit to Sé de Braga, or Braga Cathedral, which is, without a doubt, one of the main attractions in the city.

Braga Cathedral is not just one of the many cathedrals you’ll probably stumble across while road-tripping around Portugal. It is actually the very first and oldest cathedral in the country.

Sé de Braga dates back to the 11th century and is older than Portugal itself. No matter if you are a religious traveler or not, this splendid architectural wonder is a must-visit place in Braga.

Go there for the history, go there for the relics, go there for the architecture!

The cathedral is located in the very heart of the old town, and you can visit it for a small entrance fee. We actually paid a little extra and bought a combined ticket to climb up to the high choir and visit the cathedral museum on the upper floors.

Just make sure to find the right entrance – you can get to the ticket office from the side entrance located in the cloister next to Igreja Misericórdia, and not through the main doors.

The cathedral is actually everything you would expect from a medieval cathedral – dark, moody, built with stone and wood, and decorated with stole statues, gilded altars, and metal lanterns. I really loved it!

The architecture there reflects many centuries of restorations and expansions as it combines different styles like Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, among others.

The cathedral also hosts the tombs of Henry and Teresa of Burgundy, who were the parents of Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king.

If you decide to pay extra for a combined ticket like we did, you’ll also get to visit the upper floor and see sacred art, ancient relics, and the choir stalls. I guess the museum was quite interesting, but nothing spectacular, so I’m not sure if it is really worth paying extra for.

If you love art and history, then definitely go for it, but if you are just a regular traveler, you won’t miss anything by not visiting the museum. But the cathedral is a must!

Braga Cathedral is definitely one of the most visited monuments in the city, so make sure to arrive early to beat the midday crowds! It isn’t just a historical monument or a building – the cathedral is an important piece of Portugal’s story, so I hope you get to visit it!

Location: Sé de Braga

9. Try the local specialty – Frigideiras de Braga

If there’s one local specialty you absolutely have to try in Braga, it’s the famous Frigideiras de Braga! Frigadeiras are one of Braga’s most traditional foods – the perfect snack in the morning, for a late breakfast, or for a quick lunch!

Frigideiras are golden and flaky pastries filled with seasoned minced beef. A small meat pie, if I can say so! I love savory breakfast, so I was so happy to finally have some savory pastry to try when traveling, haha! It’s always something sweet wherever you go!

The best place to go to try these frigadeiras is a small café near the cathedral – Frigideiras do Cantinho. And, guess what? Frigadeiras originally were created right here, in this historic café, back in the 18th century!

Frigadeiras are quite simple, but also very filling. I ate one with a cup of coffee and felt satisfied! We also saw many locals eating them, so it’s a proper local meal.

Also, what’s special about Frigideiras do Cantinho is that the café is built above ancient Roman ruins! Once you walk inside, you’ll notice that they have see-through floors so that you can see the ruins below you. How cool?

Tip! There’s another popular place that sells them – Frigideiras da Sé. We also ate there, but I prefer the original ones at the original café.

Location: Frigideiras do Cantinho – Frigideiras da Sé

10. Climb the stairs up to the famous Bom Jesus do Monte

Bom Jesus do Monte is one of the most famous attractions not only in Braga but in all of Portugal. Without a doubt, it is one of the most famous churches you can find in Portugal.

This stunning sanctuary sits on a hill just outside the city and is known for its monumental Baroque stairway that zigzags all the way up to the church at the top of the hill.

Climbing the Baroque stairs is one of the must-do things to do in Braga (if you are able)!

I have visited this place three or four times already, and it always takes my breath away – the architecture, the grandeur, and those panoramic views from the top! It is definitely something special.

The religious site dates back to the 14th century, though the current sanctuary and staircase were built in the 18th-19th centuries.

Each level of the staircase features fountains and statues. It’s a true masterpiece and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019.

You can reach the top by climbing the 577 steps or by taking the historic funicular. One of the times we came here, we arrived on Sunday morning, and it looked like locals used the stairs as a gym! So many people were walking up and down there, haha!

The church itself is beautiful, but simple. However, the real adventure of Bom Jesus do Monte is the climb up and the views that await you at the summit.

If you come here during the day, I recommend exploring the hilltop, too. There is a beautiful garden with a fountain, as well as many cafes, where you can relax and soak in the special atmosphere this unique place provides. It is one of those places you simply cannot miss!

Location: Bom Jesus do Monte

11. Enjoy the view from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro

Funnily enough, one of the top things to do in Braga is chasing iconic churches in scenic locations, and I am here to tell you all bout it, haha!

Bom Jesus do Monte is not the only sanctuary on a hilltop near Braga. Less than 2 kilometers from Bom Jesus do Monte on a neighboring hill, 350 meters above Braga, you will find the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro.

I have to say, it is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places we visited in Braga.

The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Sameiro sits much higher than Bom Jesus do Monte, so the views are absolutely incredible. We went there around sunset, and this was one of my favorite experiences we had while traveling around Northern Portugal.

The golden light reflecting on the white domes of the sanctuary, the peaceful atmosphere, the majestic views – I just look at the pictures and I get transported back there immediately in my thoughts. Something I can’t forget for sure!

The sanctuary itself dates back to the 19th century and is the second most important Marian shrine in Portugal after the Sanctuary of Fátima, another famous church in Portugal.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro features beautiful neoclassical architecture with an impressive dome and a detailed interior, but the large open square and the views are what really make this place special.

I can tell you – you can see that dome from miles away when you drive closer to Braga!

If you have a rental car like we did, it’s an easy drive from Braga, and you can combine the visit with Bom Jesus do Monte since they’re located quite close to each other.

But if you can, I recommend coming here around sunset like we did. It is just something so special and so much different than during the day (yes, we also came here another time during the day, because we stayed in Braga for over a week!).

Now, a quick hidden gem for you!

I already mentioned chasing iconic churches in iconic locations, so I might as well add one more to this list.

If you really have a rental car, you might want to stop by another scenic location on a hill – Santuário de Santa Maria Madalena de Falperra.

It is another incredibly beautiful sanctuary just outside Braga, and it was designed by, you guessed it, the famous André Soares, one of Braga’s most important Baroque architects.

This 18th-century Baroque church is surrounded by the lush green hills of Falperra, and might not be as famous as Bom Jesus do Monte or Sameiro, but it’s absolutely worth a visit for its stunning architecture and peaceful setting.

The ornate stone facade is the most beautiful of all the churches we’ve seen in Braga! It features intricate carvings and statues, and it is actually known as one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in northern Portugal.

We didn’t get to visit the inside, but the views from the hill were more than enough to call this visit a complete success. Plus, there was nobody around besides us, so if you love hidden gems, this is a great spot to include in your Braga itinerary!

Location: Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro – Santuário de Santa Maria Madalena de Falperra

12. Explore the serene Monastery of São Martinho de Tibães

Before heading back to Braga, here’s another stunning place to visit, just outside the city – the Monastery of São Martinho de Tibães.

There have been records of a monastery in this location dating back to the 6th century, however, it was significantly rebuilt in the 11th century.

During the Middle Ages, this was one of the most influential monasteries in the world, as it served as the headquarters of the entire Benedictine order here in Portugal and Brazil.

I found it quite mesmerizing! It felt like the long corridors, halls, and rooms were quietly telling their secrets of the past. It really did.

The current buildings mostly date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and proudly boast beautiful Baroque and Rococo details. And, I think you guessed it, the famous Braga architect André Soares also designed much of what you see here today.

For a small entrance fee, you get to see it all – the cloister, the long corridors, courtyards, the kitchen, all the living rooms, meeting halls, the church, as well as the outside of the monastery, including the vineyard, the lake, and walk the nature trail.

It’s a massive monastery complex, and it really shows that this was the headquarters of the whole Benedictine order!

The church is particularly impressive, filled with golden woodwork, altarpieces, and one of the most unique organs I’ve seen. Just look at those faces under the organ (see photo below!).

The monastery was abandoned in the 19th century and fell into ruins for many years. I often think about how many historical places like this are still in ruins. That’s why I don’t mind paying entrance fees – they need money to restore and preserve these places!

Overall, I think we spent over an hour exploring everything there was to explore inside the church and the monastery. It also took us a while to walk the nature path along vineyards, orchards, and the lake, but it was a relaxing and quiet walk.

If you are tired of the city buzz, this is the place to go. It’s an important place in the history of Portugal, and I’m glad we got to visit it.

Learning something new is always on my mind when I’m traveling, and places like these are perfect for that. If you are a history geek, if you love art, architecture, and are fascinated by what life might have been like here centuries ago, this is the place to go to!

Location: Monastery of São Martinho de Tibães

13. Drink a glass of Vinho Verde in Praça da República

As you get back to the city from exploring all the sights around, it’s time for lunch and a glass of the local Vinho Verde wine! Although known countrywide, Vinho Verde comes from the Minho Region, where Braga is located, so it’s a very local thing to try here!

One of the best ways to experience Braga’s laid-back vibe is by sitting for lunch and a glass of wine in one of the city’s squares. And the best square to do that is Praça da República, the main square of the city.

Just pick a restaurant and enjoy!

Vinho Verde wine is a light, crisp, fresh wine. It doesn’t come from a specific grape, but rather describes the way it is produced. ‘Verde’ means that the wine is ‘green’ or young, as it is released 3 to 6 months after harvest.

I quite liked it! The perfect afternoon drink!

Do make sure to experience and explore the Praça da República, too! It is a lively square and boasts a large fountain in the middle, and is surrounded by lines of beautiful buildings built in traditional Portuguese style (see photos).

To the East of the square stretches a beautiful green zone, Jardim da Avenida Central, or Garden of the Central Avenue. If you look closely enough, you can even spot Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary on a hill in the distance (you can see it in one of my photos).

Right next to the Jardim da Avenida Central is also a large basilica, Basílica dos Congregados, which is free to visit. If you happen to stroll by, definitely peek inside this majestic building!

In the late afternoon, the square usually fills with locals meeting friends, eating ice cream, having lunch, and enjoying the warm light. If you’re visiting Braga for the first time, make sure to include this simple pleasure in your itinerary!

Location: Praça da República – Basílica dos Congregados

14. Try Braga’s special Pudim Abade de Priscos

If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t leave Braga without trying its most famous local dessert – Pudim Abade de Priscos. This rich pudding is one of Portugal’s most unique sweets.

Why unique? Well, there’s an unexpected ingredient – bacon fat. However, I can guarantee you, you cannot possibly taste anything else other than just a caramel flavor, haha! I would have never known about the bacon if I hadn’t read about it!

The dessert was created in the 19th century by a local priest, Manuel Joaquim Machado Rebelo, also known as the Abbot of Priscos (that’s where the name comes from!). The priest was an avid cook and created it by using egg yolk, sugar, port wine, and a bit of bacon fat.

Pudim Abade de Priscos is often described as a symbol of Braga’s culinary creativity, and you’ll find it in many traditional restaurants and pastry shops in Braga. We tried it right there in Café Vianna in Praça da República square! And, yes, I loved it and I’d eat it again!

15. Admire the glamour at the Biscainhos Museum

Okay, so if you ever fancy going for a stroll after lunch, I have several great options for you! There are plenty of not-so-well-known places that are worth a visit in Braga!

One of such places is the Biscainhos Museum, one of Braga’s most elegant attractions and a real hidden gem for anyone who loves history, art, or architecture.

It is a palatial home that dates back to the 18th century and is now turned into a museum. You can visit the palace as well as its gardens for a small entrance fee.

The Baroque palace, or the museum, gives a fascinating insight into the lives of Portuguese nobility and how they lived all those centuries ago.

Fun fact! It is believed that the palace was constructed by Basque artisans coming from the province of Biscay who were then working on another project in Braga, and that resulted in the palace’s new name, Biscainhos!

We saw rooms decorated with azulejo tiles, painted ceilings, art, chandeliers, porcelain, hand-made furniture, silverware, and more. Yes, it was quite something!

My personal highlight of the visit was the 18th-century Baroque garden with centuries-old trees, fountains, and statues. We visited on a rainy day, and it looked so moody, a bit spooky, but peaceful (and that’s something I like).

The Biscainhos Museum isn’t big, but it’s packed with character and history. It’s also one of those places in Braga that often gets overlooked by most visitors, which makes it even more enjoyable to explore without the crowds. We only saw a couple of other people there!

If you want to see another side of Braga beyond its churches, sanctuaries, and busy squares, this is definitely a place to add to your itinerary!

Location: Biscainhos Museum

16. Explore the secrets of Museu Nogueira da Silva

Talking about less-visited places in Braga, Museu Nogueira da Silva, with its secret garden, is exactly the place to explore! And it is hiding in plain sight, right next to Praça da República, the main square in Braga.

So what’s so special about yet another museum?

Yes, one of the things you get to see when visiting the Museu Nogueira da Silva is art, period furniture, and other personal belongings of António Nogueira da Silva, a local businessman who lived in this house.

He later donated this mansion to the University of Minho, along with his personal collection of art (paintings, sculptures, furniture, and ceramics) from the 18th to the 20th centuries.

Today, his mansion serves as a museum where you can see how wealthy people like him lived back in the day, see his vast art collection, plus explore other temporary exhibitions inside the museum building.

The museum has a small entrance fee. And I have to say that the guides were so excited for visitors like us and were really happy to show us around the palace.

However, the museum also hides a secret. After the visit to the museum, we were guided out to the palace’s garden (which is free to visit, by the way!).

The garden features beautiful fountains, statues, azulejo tile panels with illustrations, plants, flowers, and more. I loved it so much! It is very picturesque!

If you are looking for a quiet escape and don’t want to drive anywhere or walk long distances, this is the perfect place to explore. The museum isn’t large, but it is beautiful and quiet, and the garden is just wonderful! I’m glad we went there!

Location: Museu Nogueira da Silva

17. Go for a walk up to Monte do Picoto

If you are more of a nature person, here’s an idea for you – go for a walk up to Parque do Monte do Picoto hill next to the city to get panoramic views of Braga (and a possible sunset view?)!

If you start walking from Praça da República, it’s going to be a 50-minute walk to the top of the Picoto Hill. So fitting after a longer lunch or to get your daily step goal up before sunset!

The hill has a beautiful paved pedestrian walkway, which starts at the bottom and ends at the top of the hill on a viewing platform overlooking the whole city (see photos!). It is for sure one of the best panoramas in Braga!

If you’re walking there from the center, I recommend passing through Parque da Ponte park on your way. Parque da Ponte park is one of Braga’s oldest parks, with wide tree-lined paths, ponds, and statues. We strolled around there for a bit before heading uphill.

If you’re spending more than a day in Braga and wonder where to go for a walk, this is a great and easy spot to reach on foot. From the top, you can easily see the whole city and other landmarks like Bom Jesus do Monte and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro.

The view gets especially beautiful at sunset!

Location: Parque da Ponte – Miradouro do Picoto

18. Find the secret cafe inside the bookstore

I loved this hidden gem in Braga!

Hidden deep inside Livraria Centésima Página bookstore is a little café, where you can drink a cup of coffee with a piece of cake or a pastry surrounded by books.

Although the 100° Página Bookstore is located in a central location in Braga, on Avenida Central, just steps away from the main square, you wouldn’t find it unless you knew what to look for.

The cozy bookstore and the café live inside an old, 19th-century mansion, which only adds to the charm. The place is full of character!

The store has a great selection of books, both in Portuguese as well as in English, and a section of different souvenirs. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth stopping by just to soak up the atmosphere.

The wooden floors, vintage furniture, and the smell of coffee from the café in the back make it a perfect place to take a little break. The old building, the books, the coffee shop – it’s a recipe for the coziest place in Braga!

I’m so glad we had the time to explore Braga to the fullest and find such cool places. If you are looking for off-the-beaten-path moments, then definitely peek into this old-looking building on Avenida Central! There’s a cool little secret inside!

Location: Livraria Centésima Página

19. Explore Mercado Municipal – Braga’s main market

If you are staying longer in Braga, just like we did, and want to find some local experiences to do, there’s one thing you should certainly consider: exploring the flavors, the scents, and the atmosphere of Mercado Municipal, Braga’s main market!

This is probably the most popular place where locals come to buy fresh produce, from vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, wine, cheese, meat, and freshly baked bread and pastries, to flowers and even live animals!

The market is renovated and looks very nice with an open design and an old fountain in the middle of the building. It seems that there was a square with a fountain, and the building was built…right around it? I could be wrong.

There’s also a section with small eateries and cafés where you can sit down and try local snacks or have a quick coffee break. This market didn’t feel touristy at all! It’s all locals selling and buying. It was so busy when we were there!

It is definitely a fun way to experience the city like a local. And if you liked that Vinho Verde that you tried back in the main city square, maybe grab a bottle from the market?

Location: Mercado Municipal

20. Go on a trip to the ancient Citânia de Briteiros

Another nice-to-visit place if you have some spare time is Citânia de Briteiros.

This is a place for you if you love ancient archaeological sites, and are fascinated by how people lived back in the day thousands of years ago.

The ancient settlement sits on a small hill overlooking the Ave River valley, just a short drive from Braga, and offers an incredible glimpse into life more than 2,000 years ago.

The site dates back to the Iron Age and was inhabited by the Castro tribe that lived in fortified hill settlements known as castros. Later on Romans came here.

Some of the most interesting features in Citânia de Briteiros are their circular stone houses. Most of them are only ruins with only the foundations visible today, but you will stumble upon some circular home replicas, too!

It was wild to wander around and imagine how people lived up on a hilltop many centuries before Portugal even existed. And how did they bring all this stone to the hilltop to build all the buildings and defensive walls? Crazy.

My favorite place was the ancient bathhouse right next to the road. It was decorated with beautiful carvings in stone (see picture above), but I also liked the beautiful views of the surrounding area we got from the hilltop.

Overall, it is quite a peaceful and quiet place. There were only a couple of tourists when we visited.

I don’t think this is a must-visit place for everyone, but those who appreciate archaeology and ancient ruins will love it! It only adds to the complex and rich history this country has!

There is a small entrance fee to visit Citânia de Briteiros, and we paid it in cash. They will give you a map of the territory and explain the best route to visit all the must-see spots.

Location: Citânia de Briteiros

21. Explore Termas Romanas do Alto da Cividade

If you are really into ancient history and archaeology, you don’t really have to drive far, because there is one special place you might be interested in in Braga, too!

Located just a short walk from the historic center, is Termas Romanas do Alto da Cividade, one of Braga’s most fascinating archaeological sites and a significant reminder of the city’s ancient Roman roots.

This large Roman public bath complex dates back to the 1st and 2nd centuries in the Common Era, when Braga city was still known as Bracara Augusta (its Roman name) and played an important role in the wider peninsula.

If you decide to visit the Roman public bath complex, you’ll see a big area of ruins that were once public baths, as well as parts of an ancient amphitheater, another Roman structure, right next to the baths.

The ruins are located outdoors and are covered with a high roof. There is a small entrance fee to enter the area of about 2 or 3 euros. Not much, but the area is also not that large. It took us about 15 to 20 minutes to see it all.

Although I wouldn’t recommend it as a must-visit place in Braga, it still is an important reminder of the city’s past. It is easy to imagine how Romans lived here 2,000 years ago and went bathing in all the rooms inside the complex. Pretty fascinating, to be honest.

Location: Termas Romanas do Alto da Cividade

22. Go on a day trip to Guimarães

Well, if you’re visiting Braga, I hope you are also planning a visit to Braga’s neighboring city, Guimarães? At least, this is what most travelers do, so I feel the need to mention this to you, in case you haven’t thought about it, haha!

Guimarães is only about 25 minutes away by car or train from Braga, which makes it the perfect destination for a day trip!

So why visit Guimaraes? Guimarães is one of the most historically important cities in the country – it is often called the birthplace of Portugal! The old town of Guimarães is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with cobblestone streets, medieval squares, and beautiful architecture.

The city’s main attractions include the Guimarães Castle, where the first king of Portugal was raised, and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, a magnificent medieval residence built in the first half of the 15th century for Afonso, 1st Duke of Bragança (one of the king’s sons).

Other top things to do in Guimarães include walking the top of the medieval city walls, strolling through Largo da Oliveira, one of the prettiest squares in Portugal, visiting the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, and admiring the city view from Penha Mountain.

We spent over a week in the beautiful Guimarães, and it truly lived up to the hype! I hope you get to visit this charming place where Portugal was born all those centuries ago!

Location: Guimarães

Happy exploring!

Braga is one of Portugal’s oldest cities and a great place to experience a mix of history and modern life. It is full of beautiful churches, lively squares, and cozy cafés where you can sit back and enjoy the atmosphere like a local

We spent over a week exploring Braga and only have the best memories from our time there! And I’m really glad we got to truly explore the city to the fullest – not just the main monuments, but also its market, we tried different food, and discovered Braga’s more hidden corners.

If you’re visiting northern Portugal, make sure to include Braga in your itinerary. Whether you come for the stunning Bom Jesus or the city’s charming old town, Braga will, without a doubt, leave you with lasting memories. Enjoy!

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