Location: Braga
Top Things to do in Braga
Countries
The 10 Best Day Trips from in Braga, Northern Portugal
Sometimes called the “Portuguese Rome” for its many churches, Braga is an ancient town in northwest Portugal. Its history and livelihood are tied to Christianity dating to the 3rd century. The city’s 12th-century Sé (Cathedral) is still one of the most popular attractions. Just outside of town lies the renowned Bom Jesus de Monte pilgrimage sanctuary, with its striking Baroque stairway. After dark, the stoic town turns upside down, with a rich nightlife thanks to its many university students.
Restaurants in Braga
1. Full-Day Tour to Guimarães and Braga from Porto
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
This is a full-day tour in a van. It includes a day trip to Guimarães and Braga cities with a stop at "Bom Jesus" Church and lunch in Guimarães.
Inclusions: A Local Guide accompaniment;, Pick-up and drop-off anywhere in a 9 seat van;, Lunch in Guimarães in a typical restaurant (meat or fish – tell us if you’re vegetarian!
Exclusions: Entrance in Dukes of Bragança Palace (optional)
Reviewed By AndrewVH43
This day trip out to the Douro valley was the highlight of of two week trip around Portugal. Diana, our guide and the company are well organised and efficient. Diana was very knowledgeable, unhurried, good-humored and made our trip very enjoyable. After a pleasant boat trip on the Douro river admiring the scenery of the valley and just relaxing, we went to a small little winery close by up on a high hill with great views over the valley. Here we had a tour on how they make olive oil, afterwhich we had some wine tasting, together with almonds, bread and local olive oil. This really got everyone relaxed and in an enjoyable spirit. We were then taken back down the valley to a restaurant for lunch and enjoyed good company with good food and wine. In the afternoon we were taken to a larger wine and port producer and had a tour on how they make Port, followed by some port wine tasting, which was very yummy and enjoyable. From here we headed back to Porto, but after all the wine and Port, we slept the whole way home. Overall, a great experience with professional company and superb guide.
2. Braga & Guimarães Tour - Historical Castle, Palace, Cathedral and Lunch included
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A journey through history from the foundation of Portugal to the establishment of Catholic Empire. Experience the North, two cities that were important in establishing the kingdom of Portugal. Braga is a profound religious city and this journey will get you in touch with the well-known Triangle of Faith: The Cathedral, The Sanctuaries of Sameiro and Bom Jesus. Close to 12:30 is time for a delicious Traditional Portuguese Lunch with "Vinho Verde" (green wine) that is the magnificent fizzy wine of the Region. Then we will drive you to Guimarães which is the birthplace of Portugal Nation. We start by visiting the Guimarãe's Castle located oven a hill. From one of its seven towers located over you will observe the wonderful city view. On our way to Guimarães historical center (UNESCO Site), I will describe some of the most important buildings, such as The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.
Inclusions: Lunch { Traditional Portuguese Food }, All activities, Driver/Local guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Ana_Rita_Vilaca
Me and my boyfriend were staying in Porto in december and have decided to visit the Douro Valley with BL Heritage Tours. We couldnt make the best option!!! We have booked their Premium Wine Experience through Douro Valley and it was fantastic... Amazing views, delicious gourmet food and much more. We visited a boutique Winery and tasted Douro Valley wines guided by a proper wine educator. Very comfortable vehicle with a relax driving. I have no words to describe how fantastic it is. Top notch was the private tour with some snacks and Port wine onboard. The price looks high but is nothing comparing what is included. Highly recomended.
3. Braga and Guimarães from Porto ( Entrance fees included )
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation in Oporto. Prepare to discover Braga and Guimarães known as "The two most Portuguese cities". Embrace an amazing historical tour. Arriving in Guimarães, considered world heritage site by Unesco, and the cradle of the nation, you will find a rich and medieval city where you will first visit the castle that accomodated the Counts of Portugal during the 10th and 11th century and then the 15th century Palace of the Duques of Braganza. Have a beautiful walk around the Historical City center where you will also have an amazing Portuguese lunch. You will after be taken to Braga, a city with over 2000 years of history. Braga is the oldest city in Portugal and one of the world’s oldest catholic cities. Founded by the Romans in the year 16 b.C. and named “Bracara Augusta” in honor to the emperor Cesar Augusto. Starting with the Cathedral and followed by the Sanctuaries Bom Jesus & Sameiro. Depart towards Oporto around 5pm.
Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, Bottled water, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Entry tickets: Guimarães Castle, Palace and Braga Cathedral, Wi-Fi
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By amelietjedietje
We did a private tour to Coimbra and Aveiro with Touch Tours in the first days after the reopening post Corona on 24 June. A super positive experience. Spacious luxurious vehicle, super punctual and caring guide called Tiago, full respect for the new corona safety measures - I travelled alone with my 3 teenage children. The commutation with Touch Tours (André) from start to finish was impeccable. The company listens to what you want to do. We are very satisfied.
4. Guimarães, Braga & Barcelos Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
You will start you northern Portugal adventure discovering the medieval centre of Guimarães. You will see why the historical center city -the birthplace of the nation- was warranted as UNESCO World Heritage. Besides the ancient center city you will also visit the castle that accommodated the Counts of Portugal during the 10th and 11th century and the 15th century Palace of the ´Duques de Braganza`. In Braga, you will find a religious city with more than 2000 years of history. You will visit Portugal’s oldest cathedral, the famous sanctuary and ancient attractions such as the 14th-century Castle of Braga and the ´Arco da Porto Nova´. After lunch we will drive to Barcelos, where we will walk around in the historic center, famous for its colorful ceramics, medieval monuments and for creating Portugal’s national symbol - the rooster. On Thursdays you can get involved in one of the oldest and biggest markets in Portugal.
Inclusions: Bottled water and softdrinks, Snacks (Candybars), Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Entrance fees, unless specified, Lunch
Reviewed By ranrhotan
My husband and I were fortunate enough be staying where Imagine Tours operated. We had a rental car but after hearing how knowledgeable José was about the history, understanding of key local architecture and notable ‘must see’ areas, we opted to take advantage of an offered, fairly priced, all-day tour. We travelled in a well-equipped, comfortable touring van and important to us, as our Portuguese was almost nonexistent, our lovely hosts both possessed excellent English language skills. We learned so much and are grateful we chose to do this tour because we would have missed some essential information about Northern Portugal, had we travelled on our own. Great outfit, could not have asked for more accommodating and delightful hosts. Would definitely have taken another trip had we more time. We highly recommend hooking up with Imagine Tours
5. Alto Minho: Private & Premium Tour - All Included
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Visit Alto-Minho, absorb the culture of picturesque towns such as Ponte de Lima, Viana do Castelo and Arcos de Valdevez. We will take you through the beautiful green landscapes from the Ocean to the mountains. Our experienced tour guide will take you through the green landscapes of this region in a private mini van. Come with us to the heart of Portugal and feel the history and the culture of this unexplored region.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Lunch, Vinho Verde: wine tasting, All Fees and Taxes, "Chill & Wine" moment
Exclusions: Personal expenses
Reviewed By peter2020l
Our tour is arranged adhoc with very short notice but the company is so accomodating. Pascal is our tour guide, he is sooooo humorous (never had a boring moment) yet so knowledgeable on everything about Porto (and Portugal) from history to architecture, telling us special details around those heritages and observations. It is like a happy discovery journey. Various activities like wine tasting and boat cruise were great that adds to the tour. We also had our 2 80+ years old moms joining us in this trip. Pascal has been very attentive taking extra care to ensure the arrangement works well for them and in the most comfy and safe way. He was so sweet to get our moms a bag of hot chestnuts when it was windy and chill out there visiting the coast of Atlantic ocean, which made it especially yummy and warm. 5 stars, absolutely recommended for the great personal experience.
6. Braga and Guimarães with Lunch Included - Small Group - Full Day
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Arriving in Guimarães we will have time for a calm walk on foot through the medieval city where we will enter in his Catelo that was known for the birth of a new kingdom: Portugal. Then we will visit the Palace of the Dukes where we are dazzled by the luxuries of royalty from other times. A whole history of Portugal will be told by our local guides who have always followed the group. A delicious traditional Portuguese lunch will be served in a restaurant where you can taste the so famous "Vinho Verde", produced in the region. We will leave for the city of Braga, known for the city of the Archbishops where we will visit its historical center, visit the interior of the Cathedral before we go to the top of the mountain and visit the most magnificent Sanctuary in Portugal: Bom Jesus do Monte. A day filled with culture and conviviality with local people, realize the importance of these two cities for the unification of a country and, of course, an excellent lunch and good wine.
Inclusions: Lunch, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Admission Ticket Braga Cathedral, Admission Ticket Guimarães Castle, Admission Ticket Duke's Palace, Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Trek604418
This was a brilliant day out visiting different wineries and port houses in the Douro Valley. We liked all the places we visited and learned a lot about the history and methods of port and wine making. We loved the river trip and lunch in a small town restaurant. It was great to get out into the countryside and be chauffeured around without worrying about anything. Our guide was really charming and knowledgeable – we asked a lot of questions about all sorts of topics and he was very willing to have a good conversation and seemed to know everything. The other people on our tour were lovely and we actually met some of them in town and had a drink a couple of days later.
7. BRAGA GUIMARÃES - Visits included
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
- Pick up: 9 am. Your guide and driver will pick you at your accomodation. - Transport to Guimarães (around 50 minutes). - Guimarães. Paço dos Duques de Bragança e Castelo de Guimarães. The guide will present to you the castle where the constitution of the Portuguese nationality begun. The master guard of the territory between the Minho and Douro rivers. Beside him, but built four hundred years later, the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. Ordered by Alfonso V, king of Portugal, to be the home of the royal family. - Guimarães. Historic centre. Walk through the historic center of the city and get to know the curiosities of the people and how the city was formed. - Transport to Braga. Lunch time. We saved same suggestions, but the choice is on you. - Braga. Bom Jesus do Monte. Get to meet a rare sanctuary. - Braga. Cathedral and historic centre. You can enjoy the Braga Se Cathedral and stroll through the historic center. - Transport to Porto and drop off. (around 1 hour).
Inclusions: Local taxes, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Local guide, Round-trip shared transfer, Bottled water
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Reviewed By romit a
João and Rita are superb. We travelled to Porto few days back and they made our trip. Starting from Lisbon to Porto, our train was delayed due to some track issue. Announcements were in Portugese ( which unfortunately I don't know) and we were stuck for few hours. Just to seek some help, we texted Rita and she was on to it and provided much needed information to us about the service. She could have choosen not to respond ( considering it was late in the day, but she still did ). Thanks Rita !! Next day we had João, to take us to Porto Valley. His passion about Porto is very much to be seen. He was very helpfull in answering any query that we threw at him, his guided tour in one of the vineyard and a local place - to good :) Once the tour ended, we asked him few questions as how should we plan our last day with limited time and so much to see - something he could have easily avoided or endrosed himself for it - instead he choose to explain all the places that we should cover.. In a nutshell - the best experience we had.. Thanks you two... ahh yes, i forgot to mention that we found every single Portugese extremely helpful towards us - that was icing on the cake
8. Tour to Braga and Guimarães
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Braga and Guimarães are considered the birthplace of Portuguese nationality. Braga by its religious power, the city of the Archbishops, is one of the oldest Christian cities in the world and has more than 2000 years of history. Guimarães (city classified World Heritage by UNESCO) capital of the then Condado Portucalense, by the military power. The streets and monuments of Guimarães breathe history and enchant ....
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water
Exclusions: Does not include - Lunch, entrance costs in places to visit.
Reviewed By Vds_go
Super! Great walk also in bad weather! If you take the path that goes along the riverflow, you have a hard start, but then it goes smooth!
9. Guimarães and Braga day tour with Monuments Tickets...Castle, Palace, Cathedrals
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Guimarães, a city of medieval origin known as "Cradle of the Nation", was classified in 2001 as World Heritage by UNESCO. Guimarães has a prominent role in the history of Portugal, and where the battle of São Mamede paved the way for the foundation of the Portuguese nation. It was from here that the conquest of Portugal from the Moors began, by D. Afonso Henriques (1st king of Portugal). Braga, founded by Romans under the name of Bracara Augusta in honor of Emperor César Augusto, it is currently a charming city and the oldest in Portugal with more than 2000 years of history. It is one of the main religious centers in the country, and where the oldest cathedral in Portugal is located. In the long journey through the history of the city, we can find several styles, from Roman to Baroque, with the beautiful houses of the 18th century.
Inclusions: Guimarães Castle, Braga Cathedral and Treasury-Museum, Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro, Guimarães and Braga Historic Center, Private transportation, Guied in your language, Personal accident insurance required by law, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Lunch, Personal expenses
Reviewed By Sadegh K
My wife and I booked an all-day private tour of the Alto Minho region of Portugal with Brand Tours and couldn't have imagined a better experience. Not only did Xavier and Rui bring us to magical places, but they were so well-versed in the history of the region, and that knowledge made our day so much more interesting and meaningful. We visited ancient villages and saw old corn storage units from the 1700s that are still in use today; we explored old forts and climbed towers with spectacular views; we ate lunch in a small place where the locals eat and sampled the local fare including delicious sausages and a special wine. The proprietor even gave me the drinking glass I admired! Rui and Xavier literally went the extra mile to bring us to the top of a mountain in a national park where we looked into the valley and marveled at the beautiful views. During the course of the day, we discovered all we had in common and ended up as friends by the time we were dropped off in the evening. It was a perfect day with perfectly professional and friendly guides. I highly recommend Brand Tours for the tour of a lifetime!
10. Braga and Guimarães: Private & Premium Tour - All Included
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Accompanied by our guides you will have a remarkable journey in the history of Portugal. Visit Braga, a 2000 year old city and climb the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary. Walk through the medieval city center of Guimarães, where Portugal was born. An unforgettable family friendly tour.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Entrance in Braga Cathedral, Drinks included, Entrance in Guimarães Castle, Traditional sweets in Guimarães, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Personal expenses
Reviewed By peter2020l
Our tour is arranged adhoc with very short notice but the company is so accomodating. Pascal is our tour guide, he is sooooo humorous (never had a boring moment) yet so knowledgeable on everything about Porto (and Portugal) from history to architecture, telling us special details around those heritages and observations. It is like a happy discovery journey. Various activities like wine tasting and boat cruise were great that adds to the tour. We also had our 2 80+ years old moms joining us in this trip. Pascal has been very attentive taking extra care to ensure the arrangement works well for them and in the most comfy and safe way. He was so sweet to get our moms a bag of hot chestnuts when it was windy and chill out there visiting the coast of Atlantic ocean, which made it especially yummy and warm. 5 stars, absolutely recommended for the great personal experience.
TAGS
