Best of Braga

The oldest city in Portugal has been going strong for over 2,000 years. Founded by the Romans in 16 BCE, Braga has a fascinating vehicle-free center where centuries of history are woven into the urban landscape. Braga also has deep spiritual roots as evidenced in the many churches around town, including the Sé de Braga, Portugal’s oldest cathedral. The beautifully maintained center is packed with historic sites, architectural monuments and illuminating museums, while the creative dining and bar scene make it worthwhile to stick around after the day-trippers have departed.  

Walking tours through town peel back the layers of Braga’s past, while taking you to surprising vantage points, like its narrowest street, its smallest church or the remnants of the medieval walls that once encircled the city. You can visit several important sanctuaries, including the Unesco-listed Bom Jesus do Monte and the neoclassical Santuário do Sameiro. Both offer panoramic views from hilltop locations overlooking the city.