Things to Do in Braga
In our Braga Essential Free Tour we will tour the entire historic center of Braga, soaking up its history, culture, art and traditions with local guides.
The tour begins in front of the entrance to the city, the iconic Arco da Porta Nova, and winds through the cobblestone streets of Braga to discover monuments such as the Braga Cathedral, the University of Minho, the Largo de Santa Cruz or the Garden of Santa Bárbara .
You may have heard that Braga was an important Roman city, and is considered the capital of the Baroque and the Portuguese Church, but did you know that Braga was the capital of the first medieval kingdom in Europe? Or that it has a hidden castle?
Discover these and many other secrets of the city with us and take home an unforgettable memory of your trip.
Step into the heart of Braga, a city where history and modernity blend seamlessly.
Begin by marveling at the majestic Braga Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that has stood as the city’s spiritual center for centuries. Its striking exterior showcases a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, a testament to Braga’s rich religious heritage.
Nearby, the Archbishop’s Palace, with its elegant façade and beautifully manicured gardens, stands as a symbol of the city’s historical prominence and ecclesiastical power.
As you continue through the historical center, you’ll encounter the Old City Gate, a baroque gateway that once marked Braga’s entrance and continues to be a cherished landmark. Beyond the gate, contemporary streets unfold, lined with theaters, bustling shops, and charming cafes, reflecting Braga’s dynamic blend of old and new.
Our guide will lead you past ornate churches, each with its own fascinating story, and the remnants of ancient city walls, silent witnesses to Braga’s evolution over the centuries. And special recommendations will help you to choose traditional meals and delicacies you would never find in other place.
This tour is perfect for those who wish to explore Braga’s historical and cultural wonders while enjoying the beauty of its open-air landmarks. Join us for an enriching walk through one of Portugal’s most fascinating cities!
On this night tour of Braga, you'll discover the vast heritage of this northern Portugal city illuminated at dusk. It'll be a truly special tour!
Free Tour Braga - The first, since 2016.
Come with us! Look for the green umbrella - MORNING AND AFTERNOON TOURS
A 2h15 tour where you will learn more about the history of Braga and Portugal as you walk through its ancient, winding streets and see the most important monuments and sights. Hear the legends, myths and stories of everyday life in Portugal's oldest city. See how the locals enjoy their life and get a lovely local perspective! On this free tour you will see the must-see monuments and places, and that includes, of course, the imposing Braga Cathedral and the Santa Barbara Garden .
Don't forget to bring a good mood to have a good time and don't be afraid to ask questions about Braga or Portugal. And you can also ask us to teach you Portuguese expressions! Bring comfortable shoes and a good jacket for our winter (October-February).
Strollers, wheelchairs and pet animals are welcome on this tour!
BOM JESUS DE BRAGA
(If your availability doesn't match that of the tour, contact me and together we can try to find a time that works for both sides, my email: mari09fg@gmail.com)
The Bom Jesus is an enblematic simbol of the city of Braga. Classified as Nacional Monument and declared World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. It's situated on a hill above Braga, its monumental steps being seen from all over the city.
This guided tour promises an interesting and fun way to get to know the sanctuary and its stairways, unveiling the symbols of its architecture and the mysteries of its construction.
This guided tour starts at the beginning of the stairways, at the Escadório do Pórtico with the goal of climbing the stairs while its construction and symbolism are explained, as well as some of the most interesting points of its history and of the Portuguese, and especially, Braga's culture.
[Depending on the time you choose to visit, you can also enjoy the sunset on top of Bom Jesus (my favorite place in Braga to see it)]
After the stairs, we also see the outside part of the Sanctuary and the surronded areas, finishing in the elevators (so you can have a wonderfull- and unique in Europe- drive back).
Come and join in a guided tour walking over the 573 steps of this Sanctuary with a local who grew up here and has history as her second passion (the first is my cat)!
Ps. Because of previous experiences, I won’t show up if the tour is not confirmed by the walker at least one hour before the starting and I don’t accept dollars, we only have use for euros here 😊.
My name is Tiago and I consider myself a true Braga lover!
If Braga is beautiful by Day, it is more incredible by night! Don't be afraid of walking in Braga during the night. Braga is known for being one of the safest cities in one of the safest countries.
Come with me if you want to learn and discover every amazing detail of Braga's history, culture, and monuments!
Our night/sunset journey starts in the Monument to the Roman Roads, in Largo de Santiago.
During the tour, we are going to see:
- The Lapa Archway (or Arcada)
- Lapa Church
- St. Marcus Church
- Holy Cross Church
- Coimbra's House and Private Chapel
- The Cathedral
- The New Gate Arch
- The City Hall
- Populo Church
- The Archbishop's Palace
- St. Barbara Garden
- Terceiros Church
- The Castle
- and many others
Book our journey with me to Discover Portuguese Rome and the Baroc Style Portuguese Capital over the moonlight.
Hello everyone!
Welcome to Braga, the oldest city in Portugal!
My name is Tiago and I consider myself a true Braga lover!
Come with me if you want to learn and discover every amazing detail of Braga's history, culture, and monuments!
Our daylight journey starts at the Monument to the Roman Roads, in Largo de Santiago.
During the tour, we are going to see:
- The Lapa Archway (or Arcada)
- Lapa Church
- St. Marcus Church
- Holy Cross Church
- Coimbra's House and Private Chapel
- The Cathedral
- The New Gate Arch
- Biscayne Palace
- The City Hall
- Populo Church
- The Archbishop's Palace
- St.Barbara Garden
- Terceiros Church
- The Castle
- and many others.
Book our journey with me to Discover Portuguese Rome and the Baroc Style Portuguese Capital over the daylight.
Our Soul of Braga Free Walking Tour was launched to offer you the very essence of Braga. Garden by garden, church by church, we will reveal to you the city that was named the Rome of Portugal, the city of archbishops, the capital of baroque.
This walk is ideal as an introduction to the city and we will have dozens of suggestions and advice to share. An unmissable tour in an unforgettable city.
We will visit Braga’s historical center, entering through the famous Porta Nova Arch. Inside the walls of the city, we will reveal incredible baroque monuments like the Church of São Domingos, the Raio palace or the convent of Congregados, beautiful flowered gardens like Santa Bárbara and the mythical Braga Cathedral. Join us and learn the meaning of the expression “See Braga through a straw.”
Please note that we do require a minimum of 4 participants for the tour to take place.
