5 top things to do in Braga, Portugal

Braga is in the north of Portugal, a lively university city with a strong religious heritage and the oldest cathedral in the country. Read on to discover five of the most iconic things to do in Braga, Portugal.

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Explore the highlights of Braga on a comprehensive half-day tour, perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time.

1. What to see in Braga – Visit Bom Jesus

Bom Jesus is one of the most popular places to see in Braga, with lots to offer for all ages. The view from the top is mesmerizing, the environment is calm, quiet, romantic and family-friendly and there are lots of things you can do besides visiting the impressive and beautiful church. There are gardens and grottos, a lake with rowing boats, a relaxed terrace and carriages to enable you to discover the area. For a unique experience, use the water powered elevator to reach the area where the church is located.

In Bom Jesus there are options for everyone. The Hotel do Parque is always a good choice to stay and if you like cocktails, you must go to Casa Velha, a bar that takes the art of creating these kinds of drinks very seriously, providing you with a unique experience in a rustic space.

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Hotels in Braga – Hotel do Parque

The Hotel do Parque is located in a 19th-century building within the lush Bom Jesus Natural Park and among romantic gardens. The recently renovated hotel features a spa, a piano bar and modern rooms.

2. Visit the Cathedral in Braga, Portugal

This is the oldest church in the country and its first construction project began even before Portugal became a nation. It’s possible to observe the influences of various eras on its walls and predominantly Baroque interior. This is a symbol of the city and it is a mark in the lives of the people who live in Braga, thanks to its beauty and historical importance.

Next door, there are some small chapels and a museum where you can learn more about the Church, the Portuguese habits and history – one of the pieces you can see in the museum is the cross used during the first mass celebrated in Brazil when the Portuguese arrived there.

Hotels in Braga – Melia Braga Hotel & Spa

The Melia Braga Hotel & Spa offers superior 5-star accommodations and has transport connections to the city center. You can enjoy their spa with indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub and sauna.

3. Take a cup of coffee in A Brasileira

A Brasileira is the most iconic place when it comes to coffee. After lunch, order the drip brewed coffee and experience the traditional flavor of coffee. This coffee shop is located in the heart of the city, so afterwards you can take a walk around the city’s pedestrian area, discovering the streets of Braga, its most delicate gardens and historical buildings.

Shop for souvenirs or for a special piece for your wardrobe – if you’re a fan of international luxury brands, stop by Boutique Janes where you’ll find the latest collections from Miu Miu, Prada, Chiara Ferragni, Moschino.

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4. Visit the Biscaínhos Museum in Braga

The Biscaínhos Museum opened its doors in 1978 and currently takes us on a journey through the daily life of a noble family in their palace. Visit the gardens – the perfect setting to read a book or go for a romantic walk. Inside you’ll see the noble ballroom where the family used to hold their receptions and balls and a fantastic ceiling painted by Manuel Furtado. This is the perfect Museum to visit if you want to see how a noble family used to live.

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5. Visit the Tibães Monastery

The Tibães Monastery is another of the points of interest in Braga; it’s more than just a visit to an old monastery, it’s a visit to the past, a visit to the present, and a desire to return there in the future. It’s located a bit far from the centre of Braga, but worth the visit. The gardens are an ode to Mother Nature, there’s even a lake lined with centenary trees and the Rococo style church will blow your mind, thanks to the 24K gold covering most of it. And you know what?

Check out these fun tours in Braga

• Take a full day tour of Braga and Guimarães with lunch from Porto

• Discover Braga’s 2000 years of history on a half-day city tour

Author Bio: Thanks for this article to Julia Vilaça who writes at Braga Cool and is an avid collector of happy moments. Her dream is to help people discover the coolest places when they travel.

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This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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