Braga Bound: The Ultimate 5-Day Family Adventure

Discover the charm of Braga - Portugal's perfect family destination!

19 July 2023

Braga, Portugal is a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip with its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the city's stunning ancient architecture, such as the Braga Cathedral or the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, which offers breathtaking views. Kids will love the interactive and playful exhibits at the Science and Technology Museum, while the whole family can indulge in delicious Portuguese cuisine and soak in the charm of this vibrant city.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Historic Braga

  • Start your day at Sé de Braga, the city's oldest cathedral which boasts stunning architecture and panoramic views from its bell tower.
  • Immerse yourself in local culture at Biscainhos Museum, housed in an 18th-century palace, featuring exquisite Baroque art and lush gardens.
  • Visit Bom Jesus do Monte, an awe-inspiring sanctuary with a grand staircase leading to a beautiful church, offering breathtaking vistas of Braga.
  • Stroll through the charming historic center, packed with narrow streets, colorful houses, and delightful cafes, perfect for a relaxing afternoon break.
  • Enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner at Taberna Belga, serving delicious petiscos (tapas-style dishes) and refreshing local craft beers.
Day 2

Family Fun in Braga

  • Spend a thrilling day at Aquamuseu Rio Vizela, a water park combined with an environmental education center, featuring water slides, pools, and educational exhibits.
  • Explore Parque da Ponte, a park filled with playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic spots, offering a serene escape for outdoor family activities.
  • Head to Braga Municipal Stadium for a soccer match, joining the passionate locals in cheering for the city's team, Sporting Clube de Braga.
  • Visit Museu da Imagem, a quirky museum dedicated to photography, showcasing vintage cameras, memorable images, and interactive displays.
  • Treat your palate to tasty homemade ice cream at Gelateria Grom, with a wide selection of flavors made from natural and sustainable ingredients.
Day 3

Day Tripping to Guimarães

  • Embark on an enchanting day trip to nearby Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, exploring its medieval streets, charming squares, and imposing castle.
  • Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, an enchanting medieval palace filled with antique furniture, beautiful tapestries, and stunning gardens.
  • Discover the captivating history of Guimarães at the Alberto Sampaio Museum, showcasing intriguing artifacts and medieval art.
  • Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch at Tasquinha da Linda, a cozy restaurant serving regional specialties, including the famous Bacalhau à Braga (salted codfish).
  • Take a leisurely walk through the historic center, stopping at local pastry shops to indulge in delicious and colorful regional sweets.
Day 4

Nature and Culture

  • Spend the morning exploring the peaceful Parque Natural Da Peneda-Gerês, a stunning national park known for its stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
  • Visit the captivating Citânia de Briteiros, an ancient Celtic settlement, offering a glimpse into the region's pre-Roman past.
  • Discover the impressive Braga Municipal Theater, a charming neoclassical building hosting a variety of cultural events and performances.
  • Enjoy a delightful lunch at Café Vianna, an iconic cafe in the heart of Braga, serving delicious traditional snacks and aromatic coffee.
  • Wrap up the day with a relaxing boat ride at Monte do Bom Jesus, a picturesque park with a lake, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful scenery.
Day 5

Shopping and Farewell

  • Explore the bustling Mercado Municipal de Braga, a lively market filled with stalls selling fresh produce, local delicacies, and crafts.
  • Visit Liberdade Street, the city's main shopping avenue, lined with a variety of shops, boutiques, and cafes, perfect for some retail therapy.
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at Bira dos Namorados, a trendy restaurant offering traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the riverside promenade, admiring the scenic views and finding a cozy spot for a farewell picnic.
  • Bid a fond farewell to Braga, savoring memories of captivating history, delightful gastronomy, and the warmth of its friendly locals.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Braga, Portugal by plane is to fly to Porto Airport, then take a direct train from Porto Campanhã station to Braga.

Car

The best way to get to Braga by car is to take the A3 motorway from Porto, which takes around 40 minutes.

Train

There are direct train services from major cities in Portugal such as Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra to Braga station.

Boat

As Braga is located inland, there are no boat services available to the city.

Bus

Several bus companies operate services from Lisbon and Porto to Braga bus station.

More travel plans

Two Days of Family Fun in Braga!

Braga, Portugal is a city that offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and family-friendly activities. Explore the architectural wonders of Braga Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the country, or visit the beautiful Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary with its impressive staircase and gardens. Don't miss the fun-filled adventure at the Braga Municipal Stadium, where you can catch a soccer match and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the local football culture.

3-Day Adventure in Beautiful Braga, Portugal

Braga, a beautiful city in northwestern Portugal, boasts an impressive history and stunning architecture. As a tourist, you can visit famous landmarks like the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, explore the beautiful gardens of Parque de Santa Barbara and marvel at ancient Roman ruins. The city's rich cultural heritage, traditional cuisine, and warm hospitality make it a memorable destination for travelers.

Braga on a Budget: 3 Days of Charm and Culture

A trip to Braga, Portugal on a limited budget can still be a memorable experience. Explore the historic city center, visit the famous Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary and journey to the nearby beaches in the town of Vila do Conde. Opt for budget-friendly accommodations and dine on traditional Portuguese dishes in local eateries for an authentic experience.

The Ultimate Long Weekend in Braga, Portugal

As a tourist visiting Braga, Portugal, one can expect to experience a city that offers a blend of ancient and modern architecture combined with rich religious and cultural heritage. Braga features several historic landmarks such as the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary and the Braga Cathedral, among others. Visitors can also explore the city's lively markets and vibrant food scene, or take a stroll in one of its picturesque gardens and parks.