Braga Bound: The Ultimate 5-Day Family Adventure

Discover the charm of Braga - Portugal's perfect family destination!

19 July 2023

Braga, Portugal is a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip with its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the city's stunning ancient architecture, such as the Braga Cathedral or the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, which offers breathtaking views. Kids will love the interactive and playful exhibits at the Science and Technology Museum, while the whole family can indulge in delicious Portuguese cuisine and soak in the charm of this vibrant city.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Historic Braga

  • Start your day at Sé de Braga, the city's oldest cathedral which boasts stunning architecture and panoramic views from its bell tower.
  • Immerse yourself in local culture at Biscainhos Museum, housed in an 18th-century palace, featuring exquisite Baroque art and lush gardens.
  • Visit Bom Jesus do Monte, an awe-inspiring sanctuary with a grand staircase leading to a beautiful church, offering breathtaking vistas of Braga.
  • Stroll through the charming historic center, packed with narrow streets, colorful houses, and delightful cafes, perfect for a relaxing afternoon break.
  • Enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner at Taberna Belga, serving delicious petiscos (tapas-style dishes) and refreshing local craft beers.
Day 2

Family Fun in Braga

  • Spend a thrilling day at Aquamuseu Rio Vizela, a water park combined with an environmental education center, featuring water slides, pools, and educational exhibits.
  • Explore Parque da Ponte, a park filled with playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic spots, offering a serene escape for outdoor family activities.
  • Head to Braga Municipal Stadium for a soccer match, joining the passionate locals in cheering for the city's team, Sporting Clube de Braga.
  • Visit Museu da Imagem, a quirky museum dedicated to photography, showcasing vintage cameras, memorable images, and interactive displays.
  • Treat your palate to tasty homemade ice cream at Gelateria Grom, with a wide selection of flavors made from natural and sustainable ingredients.
Day 3

Day Tripping to Guimarães

  • Embark on an enchanting day trip to nearby Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, exploring its medieval streets, charming squares, and imposing castle.
  • Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, an enchanting medieval palace filled with antique furniture, beautiful tapestries, and stunning gardens.
  • Discover the captivating history of Guimarães at the Alberto Sampaio Museum, showcasing intriguing artifacts and medieval art.
  • Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch at Tasquinha da Linda, a cozy restaurant serving regional specialties, including the famous Bacalhau à Braga (salted codfish).
  • Take a leisurely walk through the historic center, stopping at local pastry shops to indulge in delicious and colorful regional sweets.
Day 4

Nature and Culture

  • Spend the morning exploring the peaceful Parque Natural Da Peneda-Gerês, a stunning national park known for its stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
  • Visit the captivating Citânia de Briteiros, an ancient Celtic settlement, offering a glimpse into the region's pre-Roman past.
  • Discover the impressive Braga Municipal Theater, a charming neoclassical building hosting a variety of cultural events and performances.
  • Enjoy a delightful lunch at Café Vianna, an iconic cafe in the heart of Braga, serving delicious traditional snacks and aromatic coffee.
  • Wrap up the day with a relaxing boat ride at Monte do Bom Jesus, a picturesque park with a lake, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful scenery.
Day 5

Shopping and Farewell

  • Explore the bustling Mercado Municipal de Braga, a lively market filled with stalls selling fresh produce, local delicacies, and crafts.
  • Visit Liberdade Street, the city's main shopping avenue, lined with a variety of shops, boutiques, and cafes, perfect for some retail therapy.
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at Bira dos Namorados, a trendy restaurant offering traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the riverside promenade, admiring the scenic views and finding a cozy spot for a farewell picnic.
  • Bid a fond farewell to Braga, savoring memories of captivating history, delightful gastronomy, and the warmth of its friendly locals.

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.

More travel plans

Budget-Friendly Braga: 5 Days of Fun & Adventure

Braga, Portugal, is a charming destination for budget-conscious travelers looking to experience the country's rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the city's stunning Baroque architecture, including the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, and indulge in traditional Portuguese cuisine at affordable prices. Low-cost accommodations, such as budget hotels and hostels, are readily available, making Braga an accessible and wallet-friendly vacation spot.

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Braga, Portugal is a historic and charming city that offers a variety of budget-friendly activities and accommodations. The city boasts numerous free attractions such as the impressive Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary and the beautiful Jardim de Santa Barbara park. Visitors can also enjoy delicious budget meals at local cafes and restaurants that serve traditional Portuguese cuisine.

The Ultimate 3-Day Family Adventure in Braga, Portugal

Braga, Portugal is an ideal destination for a family-friendly trip, offering a blend of history, culture, and fun activities. Explore the city's historic center, famed for its beautiful architecture and numerous churches, such as the stunning Bom Jesus do Monte. Children will love the nearby Peneda-Gerês National Park, where they can enjoy nature walks, picnic spots, and even spot wildlife in their natural habitat.

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