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BragaCulture & history

Our most recommended Braga Culture & history

From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Trip

1. From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Trip

Embark on a full-day guided tour of Guimarães and Braga from Porto. Pass through the scenic Minho region and explore the historical centers of these two cities. Optionally, you can also enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant. Minho is known for having some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Portugal, as well as being one of the richest regions in history. Explore the area and visit the cities of Guimarães and Braga on a full-day trip from Porto. Guimarães is the birthplace of Portugal and of the first Portuguese king. See the medieval castle of Guimarães and spend some time in the historical city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The streets and monuments of Guimarães are so well-preserved that it is easy to imagine the past. Go on to spend the afternoon in Braga, one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit the cathedral and the historical center. See an important sanctuary, Bom Jesus do Monte, before making your way back to Porto.

From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour with Lunch

2. From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour with Lunch

Travel in an air-conditioned van from Porto to the cities of Braga and Guimarães on this guided tour. Savor an authentic Portuguese lunch. Get exclusive access to part of Braga Cathedral and stay hydrated on your trip with the included bottled water.  Starts with pickup your hotel or accommodation and relax with your group on the drive in a climate controlled van. Arriving in Braga, we will start by visiting the Bom Jesus Sanctuary and contemplating its magnificent staircase to the top of the church. After a top view of the city, visit the oldest cathedral in the country where you will have exclusive access to the chapel's and high choir. Sit down to a delicious, traditional Portuguese lunch at a restaurant where you can taste the famed "Vinho Verde" that is produced in the region. During the afternoon visit Guimarães. Have time for a calm walk on foot through the medieval city before entering in the Guimarães Castle where the kingdom of Portugal was born.  Continue to the Palace of the Dukes to be dazzled by the luxuries of royalty from other times. A whole history of Portugal will be told by your local guides along the way. Return to your accommodation in Porto at the end of your tour. 

Porto: Guimarães & Braga Tour with Entry Tickets and Lunch

3. Porto: Guimarães & Braga Tour with Entry Tickets and Lunch

The tour starts with a visit to the birthplace of the Portuguese nation – the city of Guimarães. This was the first city of Portugal chosen by the first king, Afonso Henriques. Known as the cradle of Portugal, Guimarães has preserved a medieval atmosphere at its core and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your first stop takes place in the northern part of the city with a visit to the imposing 10th century castle. Afterward the historical Santa Maria Road leads you to the charming square in the heart of the old town, Largo da Oliveira. After a relaxing lunch break in Guimarães that will certainly allow you to enjoy the pleasures of the cuisine of the north of Portugal, it will be time to continue towards Braga, the oldest religious capital of Portugal. Known to the Romans as Bracara Augusta, for centuries Braga has been and archiepiscopal seat and pilgrimage site. Your first stop is Sé, the 12th century cathedral built by Henri de Bourgogne and Dona Teresa. Then you will head to Bom Jesus Sanctuary, a hilltop pilgrimage site. The 581 steps that the pilgrims climb up to the top of Bom Jesus are one of the most glorious stairways in Portugal. After a visit to these landmarks of faith in the country you head back to Porto.

From Porto: Wonders of Braga & Guimaraes Private Day Trip

4. From Porto: Wonders of Braga & Guimaraes Private Day Trip

From Porto, discover the beauty of one of the most beautiful regions of Portugal, on a trip in a comfortable vehicle and private driver. On this trip to Minho you will get to know the best of the cities of Braga and Guimarães, two of the oldest and historical in Portugal and recognized by UNESCO. Have a memorable lunch at a local restaurant and choose the places to enjoy: • Braga Downtown, Braga Cathedral, Bom Jesus or Sameiro • Igreja e Convento de Sao Francisco, • Paco dos Duques de Braganca and Guimarães Castle • Arco da Porta Nova e Largo da Nossa Senhora Oliveira Return in comfort to your hotel in Porto after a day that will surely be unforgettable. This is a private experience tour. You can adapt the program according to your preferences.

From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Tour

5. From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Tour

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia, and then discover the "Cradle of Portugal" on a day trip to Guimarães and Braga. Upon arrival in Guimarães, visit the birthplace of Portugal's first king at the medieval Castle of Guimarães. See the Chapel of St. Michael where he was baptized, and discover the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. Continue to the Church of Our Lady of Consolation (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira) and the Holy Steps. Then, discover a favorite meeting point for several generations in Guimarães on Praça da Oliveira. Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of the historic center, including the beautiful Town Hall. Venture down one of the oldest streets of Guimarães on Rua de Santa Maria, and contemplate the Convent of Santa Clara before you take a break for lunch and soak up the city's youthful vibe on Praça de Santiago. Continue in the afternoon at the old city of Braga. Visit Praça da República, admire the unique façade of the Igreja dos Congregados, discover the House of Riddles and the famous A Brasileira café. Go to the fortified tower of the Torre de Menagem and see the 18th-century fountain of the Largo do Paço. Admire the cathedral that survived many earthquakes to emerge as one of Portugal's most important monuments. Then, head to Monte do Bom Jesus, 6 kilometers from the city center, and see the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Braga to experience the most famous religious sanctuary in Portugal. Depart Braga as the sun begins to set, and return to Porto to get dropped off at your hotel.

From Porto: Guimarães and Braga Full-day private tour

6. From Porto: Guimarães and Braga Full-day private tour

Enjoy a full day traveling trough the greener portuguese region of Alto Minho where even the wine is green! We´ll start the tour visiting Guimarães Castle and Palace following to the city center that is amidst the beautifullest Unesco world heritage european medieval cities. Guimarães it´s considered one of the cradle of the portuguese nationality where the first portuguese king was baptized around 1109 ad. Enjoy the feeling of traveling in time while you´ll walk the narrow streets of coblestone surrounded while by some of the oldest and better preserved examples of medieval, renaissance and barroque portuguese archiitecture. From Guimarães we´ll follow to spend the afternoon at Braga. First we´ll visit the Bom Jesus do monte Sanctuary recently declared Unesco site. Wonder about it´s magnificent barroque architecture dedicated to the passion and life of Christ. Experience taking a ride at the first funicular builted in Iberia and actually the oldest in the world still operating hydraulically. Following to Braga for lunch our guide can recomend you some good restaurants, from local food to other tipe of diets like vegan or vegetarian, Braga has a wide range of gastronomical ofer. After lunch you still have time to visit it´s cathedral, the oldest portuguese religious building still operating and where the parents of the first portuguese king are buried. From here we´ll roam over Braga´s crowded old town, with it´s magnificent barroque architecture and brilliant street trade before we get back to Porto.

Braga Tour(4-Hours): From Oporto; City Tour-Half Day Trip

7. Braga Tour(4-Hours): From Oporto; City Tour-Half Day Trip

Exploration of the historic, yet modern city of Braga Magnificent pilgrimage site of the Bom Jesus do Monte Braga Cathedral visit

Braga & Guimarães: Premium Day Tour

8. Braga & Guimarães: Premium Day Tour

Your premium day tour of Braga and Guimarães begins with a pickup in a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle by your certified guide. You will be led through the streets of Braga, to the busy commercial street of Souto. Along the way, you'll have the chance to gaze at the city's exquisite Baroque facades as well as its beautiful gardens, including the Santa Bárbara Garden. Visit Braga's cathedral, the Sanctuary of Sameiro, and the UNESCO Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a Baroque masterpiece and a famous pilgrimage site. Afterward, pause and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.  Visit the medieval city of Guimarães where your friendly guide will lead you through the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. Listen as they recount historical events from Portugal's past, including the history of the country's independence. Continue the tour by discovering the medieval streets and churches of the city. Before finishing the tour, you will also have time to explore the traditional commercial area of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city.

Half-Day Braga City Tour

9. Half-Day Braga City Tour

You will get picked up at your hotel in the morning and ride in an air conditioned minivan towards "Bracara Augusta" (Braga), the ancient roman city. Begin your visit in the sanctuary of Bom Jesus and prepare yourself to get there in a water-powered funicular (included) built in 1882. From the top of the hill be dazzled with the spectacular belvedere with the entire city below. Reaching the historical center of Braga, it's time to do a small walking tour to get to know the city better. In the outside of the old medieval Wall, visit the church of Congregados and then head  towards the most imposing monument, the Sé Cathedral built in Romanesque style with finishings in Gothic style. Braga being the city of the archbishops, it's cathedral is indeed one of the most spectacular. Visit the old castle tower or the new avenue designed in the early twentieth century where the famous Teatro Circo is located. The visit ends at the prestigious Astoria Café, one of the most beautiful and old cafes in the city. Here you can still get a glimpse of part of the old Wall. After a half day strolling around Braga, relax and enjoy your journey back to Porto.

Porto: Private Braga and Guimaraes Tour

10. Porto: Private Braga and Guimaraes Tour

Your tour will begin with your exploration of the first capital of Portugal, where you will discover the hill where a statue of D. Afonso Henriques (the first king of Portugal) and Guimaraes Castle, followed by the São Miguel Church and Paço dos Duques de Bragança (Bragança's House Palace). Last but not least, you will take a little time to taste a delicious Santa Clara’s Pastry. Next up, it will be time to visit Braga, a modern city that is full of rich Roman and Medieval history. Commencing in the Cathedral (a monument from the 11th century), one of the main attractions is the cross which was used in the first mass service in Brazil. The Bom Jesus Elevator is the only water powered elevator in use in the world. Its construction is due to an idea by a 19th-century Bracaran businessman, and it was built by two well-known engineers of the time, Nikolaus Riggenbach and Raul Mesnier. Whilst here, you will be taught the mechanics behind this fascinating mechanism. Next you will visit the Bom Jesus Sanctuar, which is composed of a staircase which represents the Via Sacra do Bom Jesus and that goes up to the church. The architectural complex also includes the Bom Jesus Park (a forest area), and some hotels which are surrounded by a lush forest. You will then visit the Braga Cathedral. Even today, you will be able to observe the influences of various periods in time in its walls and facades, and in its predominantly Baroque interior. The main entrance and the side entrance enable the locals to use the cathedral to cut their way through their busy routines, and give the Sé an unusual, almost familiar charm that shows the grandeur of this space. The Cathedral continues to be a great symbol of Braga, surprising those who enter with its ceilings and organs of pipes. After your discovery of the cathedral, you will return to Porto.

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What people are saying about Braga

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 188 reviews

We had a fabulous day with our guy Ricardo! He is amazing. He is attentive and knowledgeable. He was able to answer all our questions and explain the history. He gave us enough time to explore. We never felt rushed. He called the restaurant ahead and arranged delicious vegetarian meal for my friend. And of course the non vegetarian meal was also delicious. He picked a nice restaurant. He was very flexible and accommodating. when he realized that I wanted to climb the 500 steps at Braga Bom Jesus, he dropped me off at the bottom of the hill instead of his normal stopping point mid way. He kept the entire trip entertaining. I love the experience and highly recommended!

Paolo Castro was a wonderful tour leader. He was welcoming, knowledgeable, attentive to the older tourists in our group who needed a hand climbing up and down stairs, he was a safe driver which I felt was very important, and he was patient with those who kept missing the meetup times. The tour was wonderful overall, the 3, course lunch and wine was delicious and the portions were very big. I would strongly recommend this particular tour for anyone who is considering it. Book without hesitation! :)

the day was well organised with pickup taking place on time. The guide Sergio , was friendly and knowledgeable. Travelling with a small group is the best way to your, money well spent. I was kept in the loop at all times and knew exactly what to expect.

Rodrigo was amazing. Best tour and great kind. Speaks English perfectly and made sure we enjoyed the tour. He’s a real asset to the tour company. We have done many tours in Porto and his was the best.

Very good tour, well organized. Sylvia was fantastic. The van was very comfortable. Overall a very pleasant experience.