Braga Tourist Places to Visit in Braga, Portugal, Europe

Braga Tourist Places to Visit in Braga, Portugal, Europe

Braga is a city and the seat of both Braga municipality and district in Portugal geographically positioned at 41°32′39″ N 08°25′19″ W. Braga belongs to the region of Norte and holds rank of Portugal’s 3^rd largest city in terms of population, behind Lisbon and Porto. In 2012, Braga was awarded as the European Youth Capital.

Geography of Braga:

Braga is located in the northwestern part of Portugal at an altitude of 193 meters, sprawling over an area of 183.51 sq. km.

History of Braga:

The first human settlements in Braga dates back to the Neolithic period and the Bracari, an ancient Celtic tribe, settled in Braga since the Iron Age. The Romans conquered Braga around 136 BC as a result Braga was named Bracara Augusta which was derived from Augustus, the founder of the Roman Empire.

How to reach Braga?

Braga is situated around 365 km north of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Braga has an airport but it is served by few flights. So the international tourists are needed to reach Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto first and then take a bus or train to Braga.

Porto Airport is situated about 55 km southwest of Braga receiving flights from Burgas, Paris, London, Toronto, Frankfurt, Madrid, Amsterdam, Caracas, Geneva, Amsterdam and many other international destinations.

By bus, it costs around €8, taking 50 minutes and by taxi, it takes around 40 minutes, costing €60 from the Porto Airport to Braga.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Braga:

Braga has a rich culture with lines of museums, theatres and festivities of Braga Romana, Sao Joao and Semana Santa.

Lenço dos Namorados are colorful handkerchief, very popular among foreign tourists. Braga houses all sorts of restaurants and most budget options are around the University Campus.

Things to do in Braga:

Festival celebrations
Street performances
Shopping

Places to see in Braga:

Roman Thermae of Maximinus:

Roman Thermae of Maximinus is an ancient Roman public bath complex featuring a theatre and a building, dating back to the 1st century BCE. Currently it is in ruined condition, allowed for tourists.

Palace of Raio:

Located in Braga, the Palace of Raio is a Baroque-Rococo residence, constructed in the 18th-century with a blue azulejo façade. The architect of this splendid structure was André Soares.

Theatro Circo:

The Theatro Circo or Teatro Circo de Braga is a cultural centre hosting regular theatre plays and film exhibitions. This revivalist style structure was initially opened on 21 April 1915 and reopened in 2006.

Other places of interests in and around Braga are as follows:

Museum of String Instruments
Museum of Pius XII
Church of São Paulo
Diogo de Sousa Museum
Church of Santa Cruz
Treasure Museum of the Sé Cathedral
Church of São Vicente
Fountain of the Iron Waters
Museum of the Biscainhos
Palace of the Falcões
Chapel of São Frutuoso
Archiepiscopal Palace of Braga
Seven Sources Aqueduct
Residence of the Crivos
Fountain of the Idol

Best time to visit Braga:

Braga features a Mediterranean climate with summer months from May to October and probably the summer months are best to trip Braga.

Accommodation Options in Braga:

Visitors can choose any kind of accommodation centres in Braga for comfort stay at reasonable rent condition. One can find cheaper option in Rua dos Chãos, in the vicinity of Avenida Central. Some reputed hotels in Braga are listed below: