Should I go to Braga or Guimarães?

Braga is also the location of the Bom Jesus do Monte, which is considered as one of the finest monuments in northern Portugal. In our opinion, for a day trip, Guimarães should be visited before Braga, but if you are after somewhere to be based in for a couple of days, then Braga is the better destination.



People Also Ask

Located some 50 kilometers / 30 miles north of Porto, Braga is a paradoxical city. The historic capital of Minho is both a religious center and a modern and trendy student city. With its vestiges of the Roman era, its ancestral churches and its small cafés and charming restaurants, the Braga is well worth a visit.

MORE DETAILS

The most famous sight in Braga is definitely Bom Jesus do Monte, it's one of the most visited landmarks in Portugal. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Portuguese National Monument and the main reason people do a day trip to Braga.

MORE DETAILS

A typical visit to the historic centre takes around three hours, or five hours if you wish to explore all of its museums and religious buildings. Penha hill (Monte da Penha) is a good addition to a trip to Guimarães. It takes around 90 minutes to explore the sights of Parque da Penha and ride the cable car both ways.

MORE DETAILS

Guimaraes, a beautiful city located in northern Portugal, is known for its rich history and charming atmosphere. As the birthplace of Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques, Guimarães is often referred to as the “Cradle City” and is a popular destination for those seeking to explore the country's cultural heritage.

MORE DETAILS

Braga is situated in the northwestern corner of Portugal, not far away from the Spanish border. A city that is famous for its historic monuments, eye-catching landscapes, and quiet charm, Braga has a rich history dating back 2000 years.

MORE DETAILS

Braga is considered an affordable city to live in compared to other European cities. What's more, the cost of living in Braga is lower than in Portugal's major cities, such as Lisbon and Porto, while still offering a high standard of living.

MORE DETAILS

Top Attractions in Braga
  • Bom Jesus Funicular. 6,915. Trams. ...
  • Sé de Braga. 1,554. Churches & Cathedrals. ...
  • Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro. 762. ...
  • Jardim de Santa Bárbara. 928. ...
  • Mosteiro de Sao Martinho de Tibaes. 275. ...
  • Praca da Republica. 702. ...
  • Bom Jesus Do Monte. Religious Sites. ...
  • Estadio Municipal de Braga. Arenas & Stadiums.


MORE DETAILS

As you can see, Braga makes for a great day trip destination to explore and learn a bit about the Portuguese history. Just catch the train Porto to Braga and prepare for a wonderful day of sightseeing. Going back from Braga to Porto is as easy as getting here, so you'll have no issues during your trip.

MORE DETAILS

Aveiro is not your typical tourist town where you run from one site to the next. But it's great for taking a nice stroll through the city. You can enjoy the nice scenery from a boat trip and relax at the beach afterwards. If that sounds like your thing, Aveiro is worth visiting.

MORE DETAILS

Braga is known as the place where the Visigoths renounced the Arian and Priscillianist heresies against Christ's divinity and against sensual pleasures. It was taken by the Moors in 716 and recaptured by Ferdinand I, king of Castile and Leon, in 1040. From 1093 to 1147 it was the seat of the Portuguese court.

MORE DETAILS

A one day tour of Braga. A typical day in Braga is split into two; with the first section exploring the historic centre of Braga, while the second part of the day visits the Bom Jesus do Monte. It is always advisable to have lunch in the centre of Braga as there is a better selection of restaurants and cafes.

MORE DETAILS

Porto to Braga an overview. Braga is 42km to the north of Porto and can be reached by train or bus; however, the train is the recommended means of travel. The train operates a frequent, comfortable and direct service, and is also cheaper than the bus.

MORE DETAILS

There is a nice long promenade boardwalk which extends out over the water is places. The beach itself is at the far end and is very exposed and windy.

MORE DETAILS

We're not sure why, considering Braga, Portugal's third largest city, is also one of Europe's most walkable cities. The local university keeps streets lively, but the pedestrian-only lanes and plazas lined with historic architecture maintain plenty of alluring romance.

MORE DETAILS

Braga's old town is lined with traditional cobblestone streets. The fairly flat and circular shape of Braga Old Town is a far cry from the hilly and sprawling nature of both Porto and Lisbon. From the moment you enter the Arco da Porta Nova gate near the train station, the city has a more humble feel to it.

MORE DETAILS

To travel between the cities on a train, you need to go to Porto's Campanha railway station. There, you can catch a direct Alfa Pendular train that will take you to Guimaraes.

MORE DETAILS