Location: Braga
Top Things to do in Braga
What to do and see in Braga, Northern Portugal: The Best Tours
Sometimes called the “Portuguese Rome” for its many churches, Braga is an ancient town in northwest Portugal. Its history and livelihood are tied to Christianity dating to the 3rd century. The city’s 12th-century Sé (Cathedral) is still one of the most popular attractions. Just outside of town lies the renowned Bom Jesus de Monte pilgrimage sanctuary, with its striking Baroque stairway. After dark, the stoic town turns upside down, with a rich nightlife thanks to its many university students.
Restaurants in Braga
1. Braga Half-Day Tour from Porto
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Enjoy a half-day city tour to "Bracara Augusta", the ancient Roman city with over 2000 years of history! Get to now the oldest city in Portugal, which today is one of the youngest cities in Europe!
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional guide, Entrance in Braga's Cathedral, Entrance in Bom Jesus water powered funicular
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By 523koenp
Guide was very cool, lot of interesting information. Helps you get familiar with different types of port, tastings are really good.
2. Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Enjoy the food of Braga on this 3-hour guided tour. Food plays an important role in day-to-day life in Braga and the city is renowned for its many snack bars, pastry shops, and restaurants. If you enjoy your food, there are few better places to visit in the country. Follow the lead of the food-obsessed Braga inhabitants and spend an afternoon hopping between bars on this 3 hours food tour in Braga! - Meeting local people. Learn about the lifestyle of Braga locals. - Small-group tour of 2–10 people. - Three hours of a culinary walking tour of the vibrant Portuguese city. Includes different Petiscos (tidbits) - Ham, cheese, olive oil, bread, and Port Wine. - Bifana (the Portuguese sandwich based on pork meat) with White Wine – Vinho Verde (beer or soda). - Bolinhos de bacalhau (codfish cake), olives, or lupines with White Wine – Vinho Verde. - Tíbias (Portuguese éclairs) and Fidalguinhos (cookies) with coffee or tea.
Inclusions: Local guide, Port Wine and Portuguese Wine, Food Tasting
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities, Travel insurance, Tickets or Entrances other than mentioned, Telephone and personal expenses
Reviewed By croftonMelbourne
We arrived late due to airline problems but this was not a problem to Eco Trilha, they were there to meet us and transfer to our hotel in Lisbon, which was comfortable and reliable - see separate review Olissippo Hotel. Next morning we were met by our guide Frederico and driver Luis, who both spoke good English. We drove to the Pena Castle in Sintra early to avoid the Easter crowds that arrived (thank goodness because the queue had grown to several hundred metres long by the time we left) Then we drove down around the coast at Cascais and Fred and Luis were always a good source of information. Fred was an exceptionally good guide at Pena as he had worked there for two years. The surprise of the day was custard tarts at Pasteis de Belem - see separate review - a national treasure. On Day 2 Fred and new driver Ubu took us up the coast to the medieval town of Obidos, the amazing beach at Nazare (home of the largest recorded surf wave) and religious town Fatima. They then took us to our next overnight stop at Porto. We stayed at Porto Trindade hotel - a nice hotel, but hard to find as it only has a narrow street frontage. On day 3, Cristiane, who is proprietor of Eco Trilha took us on an interesting walking tour of the city. Despite annoying persistent light rain, we were able to see all the important landmarks and historical buildings. We were amused by the consistent arrays of sardine tins - symbol for the city - there are dedicated shops which just sell painted sardine tins - not just a few, On day 4 our driver and guide was Pedro - an excellent guide, with excellent English and expert on the Douro Valley, home of port wine. He was delightful to be with and took us to numerous viewing points plus highlights of Lamego and Pinha. The Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies stands high on a hill with over 600 steps down to the top of the main street. The view is stunning and Pedro took us to the top by car and we walked down. The Lamego Cathedral is also impressive. Also the railway station at Pinha has various murals of painted ceramic tiles highlighting the town and its history. Of course the highlight was the overall view of the valley where centuries old grape terraces make you wonder how they can produce such volumes in such steep country. The best view was at our Port Wine cellar tour and tasting at Sandeman winery. Well done Pedro. On our last day Cristiane came from her home town of Braga (3rd largest in Portugal) and drove us back to see highlights of Braga. First we went to Bom Jesus de Monte which she told us was built before the Lamego church (which has a similar hilltop and stair structure) with 580 stairs. I prefer the Lamego church as it has more elaborate stair landings and a stunning outlook down into the town's main street. Bom Jesus, however has several re-created lifelike death of Jesus dioramas. It was Good Friday but the shops were open and we wandered through Braga's no-traffic central city area and had lunch. Overall, the organisation at Eco Trilha was very good and they were on time, every time. The guides were excellent (Pedro won our award) and being a small group, they were patient and flexible - my wife is an avid photographer and they were willing to point out features, or wait a short time while she took pics.
3. Braga & Guimarães Tour - Historical Castle, Palace, Cathedral and Lunch included
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A journey through history from the foundation of Portugal to the establishment of Catholic Empire. Experience the North, two cities that were important in establishing the kingdom of Portugal. Braga is a profound religious city and this journey will get you in touch with the well-known Triangle of Faith: The Cathedral, The Sanctuaries of Sameiro and Bom Jesus. Close to 12:30 is time for a delicious Traditional Portuguese Lunch with "Vinho Verde" (green wine) that is the magnificent fizzy wine of the Region. Then we will drive you to Guimarães which is the birthplace of Portugal Nation. We start by visiting the Guimarãe's Castle located oven a hill. From one of its seven towers located over you will observe the wonderful city view. On our way to Guimarães historical center (UNESCO Site), I will describe some of the most important buildings, such as The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.
Inclusions: Lunch { Traditional Portuguese Food }, All activities, Driver/Local guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Ana_Rita_Vilaca
Me and my boyfriend were staying in Porto in december and have decided to visit the Douro Valley with BL Heritage Tours. We couldnt make the best option!!! We have booked their Premium Wine Experience through Douro Valley and it was fantastic... Amazing views, delicious gourmet food and much more. We visited a boutique Winery and tasted Douro Valley wines guided by a proper wine educator. Very comfortable vehicle with a relax driving. I have no words to describe how fantastic it is. Top notch was the private tour with some snacks and Port wine onboard. The price looks high but is nothing comparing what is included. Highly recomended.
4. Braga and Guimarães from Porto ( Entrance fees included )
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation in Oporto. Prepare to discover Braga and Guimarães known as "The two most Portuguese cities". Embrace an amazing historical tour. Arriving in Guimarães, considered world heritage site by Unesco, and the cradle of the nation, you will find a rich and medieval city where you will first visit the castle that accomodated the Counts of Portugal during the 10th and 11th century and then the 15th century Palace of the Duques of Braganza. Have a beautiful walk around the Historical City center where you will also have an amazing Portuguese lunch. You will after be taken to Braga, a city with over 2000 years of history. Braga is the oldest city in Portugal and one of the world’s oldest catholic cities. Founded by the Romans in the year 16 b.C. and named “Bracara Augusta” in honor to the emperor Cesar Augusto. Starting with the Cathedral and followed by the Sanctuaries Bom Jesus & Sameiro. Depart towards Oporto around 5pm.
Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, Bottled water, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Entry tickets: Guimarães Castle, Palace and Braga Cathedral, Wi-Fi
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By amelietjedietje
We did a private tour to Coimbra and Aveiro with Touch Tours in the first days after the reopening post Corona on 24 June. A super positive experience. Spacious luxurious vehicle, super punctual and caring guide called Tiago, full respect for the new corona safety measures - I travelled alone with my 3 teenage children. The commutation with Touch Tours (André) from start to finish was impeccable. The company listens to what you want to do. We are very satisfied.
5. E-Bike Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
This tour was design for everyone who wants to know the wanders of Peneda Gerês National Park in a personalized way. It’s perfect for those who are not a born sportsman, but wants to enjoy the best that nature has to offer far away from the crowds. Our mountain E-bikes offer the big advantage to get to know the most beautiful trails, going further in less time and without getting too tired of cycling. Always with our local guides, who knows the area better that anyone else, you have the opportunity to discover the typical mountain Portuguese villages, visit waterfalls and natural pools and appreciate all the panoramic landscapes along the way. Small groups are formed, which gives us the ability to provide a unique and personalized experience by adjusting the tour to the group capabilities making it easier or harder. It is an experience full of adventure, fun and beautiful landscapes in a course of 25km that can be adjusted to the level of the clients.
Inclusions: Bicycle KTM Macina Kapoho 2973 2020, gloves, helmet, sunglasses, Local qualified guides, Photos and videos, Personal insurance and civil liability
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Transfer Service (extra fee), Sunscreen
Reviewed By JojenR
We enjoyed our canyoning tour today very much! Finding the center and parking was very easy. Our tour started on time with a safety check and trying on the equipment. We then headed to the canyon with two guides just for us two. After another safety check we enjoyed nice views, zip-lines, abseiling, small slides and jumps. We really enjoyed the zip-lines. There were a few nice jumps, too, which were fun, but not too dificult. Let's say up to 6m or so. We had a nice chat with our guides in a small café with lots of recommendations for this area of Portugal. The Burger and sandwich were ok, but very cheap with drinks. I'm curious how the other canyons or bike tours are with this crew. They seem to be experts and very nice. Come to visit!
6. Braga and Guimarães with Lunch Included - Small Group - Full Day
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Arriving in Guimarães we will have time for a calm walk on foot through the medieval city where we will enter in his Catelo that was known for the birth of a new kingdom: Portugal. Then we will visit the Palace of the Dukes where we are dazzled by the luxuries of royalty from other times. A whole history of Portugal will be told by our local guides who have always followed the group. A delicious traditional Portuguese lunch will be served in a restaurant where you can taste the so famous "Vinho Verde", produced in the region. We will leave for the city of Braga, known for the city of the Archbishops where we will visit its historical center, visit the interior of the Cathedral before we go to the top of the mountain and visit the most magnificent Sanctuary in Portugal: Bom Jesus do Monte. A day filled with culture and conviviality with local people, realize the importance of these two cities for the unification of a country and, of course, an excellent lunch and good wine.
Inclusions: Lunch, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Admission Ticket Braga Cathedral, Admission Ticket Guimarães Castle, Admission Ticket Duke's Palace, Bottled water
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Trek604418
This was a brilliant day out visiting different wineries and port houses in the Douro Valley. We liked all the places we visited and learned a lot about the history and methods of port and wine making. We loved the river trip and lunch in a small town restaurant. It was great to get out into the countryside and be chauffeured around without worrying about anything. Our guide was really charming and knowledgeable – we asked a lot of questions about all sorts of topics and he was very willing to have a good conversation and seemed to know everything. The other people on our tour were lovely and we actually met some of them in town and had a drink a couple of days later.
7. Tour Spain and Portugal (North and Center) 15 days
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This comprehensive 15 Day Private Tour will provide our guests with the most Northern and Central Portugal and Spain has to offer in terms of culture, history, monuments and sightseeing. Our knowledgeable certified driver-guides will escort and provide all the information about the different topics related to this spectacular tour. The pick up will be at place in Lisbon designated by the guest. This tour usually takes from 6 to 8 hours each day and transportation will be provided using highly comfortable Mercedes Benz vehicles with WiFi onboard and bottled waters.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Bottled water, Professional driver-guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
Reviewed By Quest39842961517
This was one of the best tours me and my wife have ever taken during our travels around the world. Premiere Tours is by far the best guiding agency we ever hired, and Jorge Bras is the most knowledgeable guide, a true gentleman, always looking out for our wellbeing. Fatima and Sintra are truly two of the most wonderful places in the planet. The spirituality of Fatima and the mysticism of Sintra with its magical fairytale palaces, made the top on our favorite places in the world list. Even though we were in Portugal for only three days on a business trip, during the pandemic, we decided to contact Premiere Tours for ideas on a one day tour, and we are so pleased that we were advised to take this one. We recommend this highly professional guiding agency to everyone visit Portugal.
8. Sardinhas Braga & Guimarães Van TOUR
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
In all our TOURS, we always give priority to what is most genuine in our culture and in our people. We are proud of our culture. We try to escape the places of greater tourist pressure and we prefer to show the true and deep Portugal going directly to the home of real people and to make contact with them and with their families
Inclusions: Bom Jesus Sanctuary, Guimarães Castle intrance, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Walking Tour with guide in the Historical Center
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Bryan B
Enjoyed day with Manuel exploring wine and history of Douro Valley. Only four of us and enjoyed company of other travellers. Good lunch and guided tour of museum as well as wine tasting and river cruise.
9. Braga and Guimarães: Private & Premium Tour - All Included
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Accompanied by our guides you will have a remarkable journey in the history of Portugal. Visit Braga, a 2000 year old city and climb the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary. Walk through the medieval city center of Guimarães, where Portugal was born. An unforgettable family friendly tour.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Entrance in Braga Cathedral, Drinks included, Entrance in Guimarães Castle, Traditional sweets in Guimarães, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Personal expenses
Reviewed By peter2020l
Our tour is arranged adhoc with very short notice but the company is so accomodating. Pascal is our tour guide, he is sooooo humorous (never had a boring moment) yet so knowledgeable on everything about Porto (and Portugal) from history to architecture, telling us special details around those heritages and observations. It is like a happy discovery journey. Various activities like wine tasting and boat cruise were great that adds to the tour. We also had our 2 80+ years old moms joining us in this trip. Pascal has been very attentive taking extra care to ensure the arrangement works well for them and in the most comfy and safe way. He was so sweet to get our moms a bag of hot chestnuts when it was windy and chill out there visiting the coast of Atlantic ocean, which made it especially yummy and warm. 5 stars, absolutely recommended for the great personal experience.
10. Peneda-Gerês National Park - Nature & Tastings -
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
It’s amazing how people adapt to the fascinating grandeur of Nature in this inspiring Nacional Park of Peneda-Gerês. Expect an enjoyable day diving into fantastic lagoons that will bring back that childlike wonder into your eyes and also partake in the tasting of the regional dishes in a delightful family environment. Together we will make a toast to life!
Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch, A tasty evening in a cosy family business!, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Water & Free internet while on board., Car with infant-child car seat up to 12 years of age and stroller., Civil liability and personal injury insurance., All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Dinner, Excludes all else that is not stipulated in the Terms and Conditions of the Tour.
