Braga on a Budget: 4 Days of Adventure

Experience historic Portugal without breaking the bank in Braga.

21 June 2023

Braga, Portugal is a beautiful city that can be enjoyed even on a limited budget. With plenty of affordable accommodation options and cheap eats in local cafes and restaurants, visitors can comfortably stay and dine in Braga without breaking the bank. Exploring the city's historic sites, such as the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary or the Braga Castle, can also be done for free or at a low cost.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Getting to Know Braga

  • Stay at the Braga Flag Hotel, a budget-friendly hotel located near the historic center
  • Start the day with a traditional Portuguese breakfast at Pastelaria do Picoto
  • Visit the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a Baroque-style church with stunning views of the city
  • Explore the historic center and see the Braga Cathedral, the oldest in Portugal
  • Enjoy a late lunch at Taberna Belga, try the mussels and the famous Belgian fries
  • Take a stroll in the beautiful Santa Barbara Garden to end the day
Day 2

Discovering the Locals' Favorites

  • Head to Café Vianna for breakfast, a popular spot amongst the locals
  • Visit the Palacio do Raio, a beautiful 18th-century palace that now serves as an art center
  • Have lunch at the cozy restaurant Adega do Ti Joao for a taste of traditional Portuguese cuisine
  • Explore the popular shopping street, Rua do Souto, with boutiques and souvenir shops
  • Admire the beautiful Baroque architecture at the Sao Marcos Church
  • End the day with a picnic in the Jardim da Picota, a peaceful park with lovely views
Day 3

Exploring Braga's Surroundings

  • Start the day with a delicious custard tart and espresso at Confeitaria A Brasileira
  • Take a day trip to the charming medieval city of Guimaraes, a UNESCO world heritage site
  • Visit the Guimaraes Castle and Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
  • Have lunch at the traditional restaurant Cozinha por Antonio Loureiro, try the signature dish "bacalhau confitado"
  • Return to Braga for a visit to the Bom Jesus Funicular, one of the oldest funiculars in the world
  • End the day with an authentic codfish dinner at Bira dos Namorados
Day 4

Relaxing In and Around Braga

  • Head to the trendy coffee shop/boutique, Rialto Living, for breakfast and some shopping
  • Relax at the Termas Romanas do Alto da Cividade, the Roman baths, to unwind before heading home
  • Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Tasca do Preguica, known for their delicious tapas and sangria
  • Visit the Museu D. Diogo de Sousa which showcases artifacts and history of the Braga region
  • Take a scenic walk through the Parque Natural do Bom Jesus
  • End the day with dinner at the cozy Taberna Do Matias, known for their pork "alheira" sausage.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Braga, Portugal by plane is to fly to Porto Airport, then take a direct train from Porto Campanhã station to Braga.

Car

The best way to get to Braga by car is to take the A3 motorway from Porto, which takes around 40 minutes.

Train

There are direct train services from major cities in Portugal such as Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra to Braga station.

Boat

As Braga is located inland, there are no boat services available to the city.

Bus

Several bus companies operate services from Lisbon and Porto to Braga bus station.

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