Posted on Tuesday, 15 October 2019

Braga, Portugal's third largest city, often gets overlooked in favour of nearby Porto, or the capital, Lisbon. However, Braga has a huge amount to offer - whether you're seeking medieval architecture, top class restaurants, or vibrant nightlife. What's more, the nearest airport - Porto - is just over two hours away from Gatwick, Luton or Stansted.

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The centrepiece of any trip to Braga is the city's wonderful cathedral - which is also Portugal's oldest. This extraordinary structure is a fusion of different styles: First came the Romanesque basic design, to which was added Manueline and baroque. Admire the filigree Manueline towers and roof – by João de Castilho, who went on to design Lisbon's iconic Mosteiro dos Jerónimos; and don't miss the Reynard the Fox carving on the west portal or the two Baroque organs inside. The adjacent treasury museum is equally absorbing, housing as it does a dazzling array of ecclesiastical trinkets.

Escadaria do Bom Jesus do Monte

Hop on the city bus 2 and journey 5km east to reach the Escadaria do Bom Jesus do Monte. Ascend the 580 steps and your footwork will be rewarded charming fountains and chapels - and a dazzling view. Some pilgrims even make this trip on their knees. If that all sounds too much, you can always take the funicular up at a reasonably-priced 1.20 euros.

Praça da República

The Praça da República is just one of dozens of plazas that facilitate so much of Braga's laid-back cafe culture. Known by locals as 'Arcada' - because of the arcaded building on the square's west side - it's the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee, or something cooler if the sun's out.

Garden of Santa Barbara

Ideal if you need a little tranquility, this strictly laid out formal garden features numerous geometric flower beds, each of which brackets an explosion of colour. In summer this kaleidoscopic riot attracts many birds and bees.

Dom Diogo de Sousa Regional Museum of Archaeology

This well-organised display features remnants of Braga's earliest days, including Palaeolithic arrowheads and various Suevi-Visigoth artefacts. Don't miss the mighty miliários (milestones) that once signposts the Roman roads. The attached restaurant serves excellent (and affordable) north Portuguese food and is a reason many locals return to the museum on a regular basis.

Dining in Braga

Histórico by Papaboa

Michelin was impressed by the "palatial" feel of this 17th century mansion, where you can expect "well-prepared traditional cuisine" - and large portions. It features a pleasant patio-terrace and its very own tower.

Gosto Superior Restaurante 

It's not so easy to eat meat-free in Portugal, where 'carne' is a big part of the culture. But if you're vegetarian, Braga has a number of excellent options, including the trendy Gosto Superior Restaurante. The limited menu is made up for by the hearty portions!

Accommodation

Hotels and guest houses are considerably cheaper than their equals in the UK. Expect to pay around 30 euros for a clean, simple double room. You can also rent an entire apartment for as little as 50 euros a night on AirBnB.

Getting around

The moderately fit will find Braga a very walkable city - although it is rather hilly in places. If you're feeling weary, you can hop on a local bus for between €1.55 and €2 euros. A one day tourist pass for all zones is €3.35.

Day trip to Porto

If you have time to spare, hop on a train to Porto, Portugal's second city. Yet more beautiful churches are set among the crumbling grandeur of this once-great trading port.

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