Trip to Braga, Portugal

Day 1: Arrival in Braga

Welcome to Braga, Portugal! Upon arrival at Porto Airport, you can take a direct train to Braga, which takes approximately 45 minutes. Once there, you can check into your hotel and explore the city on foot. Braga has a lot of historic significance as it was once the former capital of Portugal during the Roman occupation. For a glimpse into the city’s Roman past, you can visit the Braga Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century. You can also visit the famous Bom Jesus do Monte, which is a hilltop sanctuary with stunning views of the surrounding area. For dinner and drinks, check out some of the local restaurants that offer traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Day 2: Historical Walking Tour of Braga

On day two of your trip, you can take a historical walking tour of Braga. This tour will take you to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as the Episcopal Palace, the Palacio do Raio and the Braga Castle. You can also explore the city’s quaint narrow streets and top it off with a visit to the iconic Sé de Braga, the oldest Christian site in Portugal.

Day 3: Shopping in Braga

On day three, take a break from sightseeing and splurge on some shopping. Braga has a number of shopping districts that offer traditional Portuguese crafts and souvenirs, ranging from quaint boutiques and independent stores to high-end designer boutiques. You can also visit the famous Braga Municipal Market, which is a great place to buy local produce and other goods.

Day 4: Day trip to Porto

A visit to Porto is a must during any trip to Portugal and it is only a 45 minutes train ride from Braga. The city of Porto is the birthplace of port wine and has a rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. You can visit some of its top tourist attractions such as the Livraria Lello bookstore, Casa da Musica, and the iconic Dom Luis Bridge which connects Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the Ribeira promenade for stunning views of the Douro River, or take a river cruise to admire some of the city’s magnificent architecture.

Day 5: Explore The Minho Region

The Minho region is home to some of the most stunning landscapes and natural beauty in Portugal. On day five, you can explore this region, which lies just to the north and east of Braga. Some of the highlights include visiting the Gerês National Park, which boasts of natural waterfalls, forests and hiking trails. You can also visit the Peneda-Gerês Forest Park which is home to a rare collection of flora and fauna unique to the region.

Day 6: Religious Tourism

Portugal has a rich history of religious pilgrimage and Braga is no exception. On day six of your trip, you can visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro, which is believed by many to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country. If you have time, you can also visit the Santuario do Santissimo Sacramento and the Bom Jesus do Monte, which we covered on day 1.

Day 7: Farewell Braga

On the last day of your trip, you can take a stroll around the city’s narrow streets, soak up the atmosphere and make some last-minute shopping. You can also visit some famous landmarks that we did not cover before, such as the Municipal Stadium and the Arch of Porta Nova. Upon completion of the day’s activities, take a train back to Porto to catch a connecting flight back home. Bon Voyage!