Braga is the third-largest city in Portugal and it offers plenty for visitors to explore, although it’s often forgotten. This town is filled with baroque churches, ancient narrow lanes, public squares, and reminders of Braga’s age-old devotion to spirituality at every corner.
In fact, it’s a religious center for Portugal and there are many religious festivals held here throughout the year.
For those looking for trendy things to see and do, you won’t be disappointed. Just head to the upscale old center to find an array of low-key bars, high-end boutiques, and lively cafes.
Are you ready to see what the buzz is about with Braga? You’ve come to the right place to plan your Porto to Braga day trip!
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Best Tours from Porto to Braga
Joining a tour for your day trip from Porto to Braga is a great idea to forget about transportation options and figure out an itinerary, as all will be arranged for you beforehand. Below are the best tours for your day trip to Braga.
▶️ The Braga & Guimarães Full-Day Tour With Lunch takes you around the religious and architectural buildings and Braga, and includes a trip to the city of Guimarães, considered the birthplace of Portugal. Hotel pick up and drop-off is included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Trip takes you to both Braga and Guimarães with a knowledgeable guide, so you learn all about Portuguese history in the process. Traditional lunch in a restaurant is included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ You can otherwise choose the tour without the lunch option. It’s a great way to enjoy the activities for a smaller price. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
How to Get from Porto to Braga on Your Own
Braga is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Porto which makes lots of sense, being that the Porto-Braga distance is only 50 km. There are many transportation options, so getting there is quite easy.
Take the Train from Porto to Braga
Taking the train to Braga from Porto is one of the best ways to travel from Porto.
You can take the yellow metro line (D Line) from the Sao Bento station. Once there, make sure to validate your ticket before getting on the train. This line will also take you to a station in Braga that is very close to the historic center, for your added convenience!
Another option is to take the urban train from Campanha Train Station that has a relatively inexpensive ticket and will take roughly 1 hour to get to Braga. The standard ticket for this Porto-Braga train costs 5.45 Euros.
Take the Bus from Porto to Braga
There is also a direct bus, which is another option for your day trip. The bus services depart every 30 minutes and operate on a daily basis. The travel time is approximately 1 hour too.
Things To Do in Braga in One Day
Ride the Bom Jesus do Monte Funicular
The Bom Jesus do Monte Funicular was built in 1882 and the first of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula. Currently, there are only 7 cable railways operating in Portugal but this one is the oldest (and currently in use).
You can get to Bom Jesus by taking Bus Number 2 from the train station and getting off at the last stop.
You should know that this funicular is more than just an attraction in itself – you can also ride it to get to the next must-see attraction in Braga – the Bom Jesus do Monte Church & Sanctuary and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro.
Marvel at the Sé de Braga (cathedral)
Sé de Braga, the main cathedral, is the oldest in the city and a highly recommended stop.
Located right in the center of the historic city, it’s one of the most important buildings in Portugal because of its historic and artistic significance. You’ll witness the amazing Gothic architecture style and why it’s a symbol of extraordinary beauty.
Go WOW at the Raio Palace
Raio Palace was built during the mid-18th century and it used to be the home of a wealthy merchant within the urbanized area of Braga.
This palace is known as one of the best examples of late Baroque and early Rococo architecture. This grand palace is a work of architect Andre Soares and was celebrated for starting the northern Baroque movement.
Sample Bacalhau with Vinho Verde
Tasting a sample of authentic Portuguese cuisine is also something that you need to add to your itinerary when you visit Braga for a day trip.
Portuguese bacalhau is one of the city’s most prized gastronomy offerings, and you’ll quickly notice how it can be savored in a variety of recipes but poached bacalhau and arroz de bacalhau are among the best ones.
Don’t forget to enjoy your fish with a serving of vinho verde produced in a region of the same name near the Portugal-Spain border where the climatic conditions in the region produce a unique variety of wines only available there.
Visit the Braga Theatro
The Braga Theatro, also known as Theatro Circo, is a 20th century revivalist theater in the municipality of Braga. This ancient theater is also quite storied as this is where the first operas and public performances were held in Braga.
It was recently restored by the municipal government and reopened to the public in 2006.
Chill at Praça da República
If you want to experience a microcosm of life in Braga, head to Praca da Republica. This public square is an iconic landmark in the city. It’s broad and is filled with an array of cafes and restaurants to enjoy.
It’s a great place to relax whether you want to start or end your day. In fact, this plaza is a favorite spot for people of all ages to gather – both locals and tourists. It has a relatively mellow atmosphere and is also a great place to enjoy as the buildings light up at night.
Stroll around Jardim de Santa Barbara
Another must-see attraction is the Jardim de Santa Bárbara, or the Garden of Santa Barbara. It was in 1955 that the landscaping works began, and they were inspired by the romanticism of that period and were designed by Jose Cardoso da Silva.
Aside from a variety of flowers and plants, you’ll also find many architectural elements to this garden including the ruins of an arcade, cornices, and coat of arms in rock.
Step Back in Time at Chapel of São Frutuoso
One last destination to add to your itinerary is the Chapel of Sao Frutuoso. This pre-Romanesque chapel belongs to the municipality of Real in Braga.
It’s one of many religious buildings that were originally built in the 7th century forming a Greek cross. It also flaunts a Visigothic architectural style and is also –known as a National Monument in Portugal.
As you can see, Braga is a great day trip destination where you can explore and learn a bit about Portuguese history.
Just catch the train, and prepare for a wonderful day of sightseeing. Going back from Braga to Porto is as easy as getting here, so you should have no issues during your trip!
