Veganderlust contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. For more info, see the Disclosure Policy.
Day Trip to Braga from Porto: Is it Worth it?
Braga is on nearly every list of top day trips from Porto thanks to its rich history and the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte church.
When I spent a month in Porto, I decided to do a day trip to Braga from Porto with a friend who came to visit for a few days. We climbed the steps to Bom Jesus (not as exhausting as it looks!) and explored the city’s green spaces and churches.
It was a nice trip, but to be honest, not my favorite day trip from Porto. Braga felt a bit one-sided compared to other day trips I took, but lets not get ahead of ourselves. Here’s what to expect, how to get there, what to do, and for who it’s worth it.
How to Get to Braga from Porto
Getting to Braga from Porto is easy, with direct trains running regularly between the two cities. The journey takes between 40 min and 1 hour 20 min, depending on which train you take:
- Urban trains (U): Slower but budget-friendly at €3.55 one way.
- Alfa Pendular (AP): Faster and more comfortable, but costs €16.50 one way.
The urban train departs from São Bento station, the beautiful tile-covered station in the heart of Porto, and also stops at Campanhã, where the fast trains depart.
I chose the urban train because it’s cheaper and honestly, I just wanted the experience of boarding a train at the stunning São Bento station. This Braga trip was the perfect excuse.
Tip: Urban train tickets aren’t sold online, get them at the station (machine or counter). Don’t forget to validate them before boarding, skipping that is a mistake you don’t want to make.
🚄 Book fast train tickets here!
What to Do in Braga for a Day
Braga isn’t called the religious heart of Portugal for nothing, churches dominate the city’s highlights, and they’re what most people come to see. Here’s a list of the best ones and some other things to do in Braga.
Climb the Stairs to Bom Jesus do Monte
Most people visit Braga to see Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Portuguese National Monument, and one of the most iconic landmarks in Portugal.
Perched on a hill overlooking the city, it offers panoramic views of the city. I recommend visiting in the morning, when the long staircase is still in the shade, and the crowds are thinner.
Climbing the steps is easy if you take your time, but there’s also a funicular if you’d rather ride to the top. The church itself wasn’t too impressive, but the views and surroundings were.
It’s still an active pilgrimage site, so it draws a mix of tourists and visitors coming for spiritual reasons. Be respectful and dress appropriately if you want to have a look inside the church.
How to Get There:
Take the local bus number 2 from right outside the Braga train station or the city center (eg station at Avenida da Liberdade), you can buy a ticket directly from the driver.
Visit Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga)
Another must-see church is the Braga Cathedral, also known as Sé de Braga, one of the oldest in Portugal.
The cathedral reflects several architectural styles, but what stood out most to me was the incredible organ.
We entered through a side door and paid a small fee to explore both the church and its quiet courtyard, centered around a small fountain, a peaceful spot for a short break.
If you’re into religious architecture, there are plenty more churches you can visit like Igreja de Santa Cruz.
Relax at Jardim de Santa Bárbara
One thing that stood out to me in Braga was how colorful it felt, especially compared to other northern Portuguese cities where flowers are rare in summer due to the heat and dry weather.
Braga, on the other hand, had vibrant flower beds throughout the city. My favorite was the Jardim de Santa Bárbara, a small but charming garden with bright blooms, a fountain, and beautiful stone arches.
We grabbed a drink at the café next to it, the drinks weren’t great, but the location made up for it.
Explore the Old Town
Braga’s old town is compact and easy to explore on foot, with charming streets, lively squares, and plenty of spots to stop and admire the city’s architecture.
Don’t miss walking through the Arco da Porta Nova, an archway that feels like the perfect gateway into the historic center.
Another standout is the Palácio do Raio, its bright blue tiled façade is absolutely stunning. You can usually go inside, but unfortunately, it was closed when we visited.
Snap a Photo with the BRAGA Letters
If you’re the type who loves a classic city photo, head to Largo Carlos Amarante to grab a shot with the big BRAGA letters.
They’re right in front of the church of São Marcos, making for a fun and very “you were here” kind of moment. It’s a popular spot, so you might have to wait a minute, but it’s worth it for the memory.
Best Time to Visit Braga
The best time to visit Braga is in spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded.
We went in July, and it was a scorching hot. It had 37°C (98,6°F) which made sightseeing tough. For comparison, it was only 28°C (82.4°F) in Porto that same day. So if you can, avoid the peak summer heat!
Is Braga Worth Visiting?
Braga is a lovely city with historic charm and impressive churches, but if you’re only in Porto for a few days, it wouldn’t be my top pick for a day trip. It’s worth visiting if you have more time or have already seen some of the other nearby spots.
That said, a great way to make the most of your time is to combine Braga with Guimarães on a guided tour. That way, you get to see two historic cities in one day without having to worry about the logistics.
🤩 See Braga and Guimarães in one day with this epic tour!
Read more on what to do in the North of Portugal:
- Top 10 Places to Visit in North Portugal
- Ultimate 3 Day Porto Itinerary
- Best Boat Tours in Porto
- The 5 Best Douro Valley Wine Tours
- One Day In Porto Portugal: Ultimate Itinerary
- 7 Best Day Trips from Porto by Train
- We Tried Out 11 Vegan Restaurants in Porto
- Is Aveiro Worth Visiting? A trip to Portugal’s Venice
- Aveiro Portugal: Things to Do for an Unforgettable Time
- Is Coimbra Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons Why It Is!
- Amazing Day Trip from Porto to Guimarães
- Day Trip to Braga from Porto: Is it Worth it?
- Best Beach Near Porto
- Day Trip To Porto From Lisbon: Is It Worth It?
- Lisbon and Porto Itinerary: 7 Epic Days in Portugal
- Amazing 10-Day Portugal Itinerary by Train
Pin it for later:
