Known as Portugal's religious heart, Braga blends centuries of spiritual heritage with the energy of a modern city. Its streets tell stories through an impressive collection of religious architecture and historic monuments, from Gothic cathedrals to Baroque palaces, all woven into a tapestry of traditional streets and elegant plazas.

Despite being Portugal's third-largest city, Braga maintains an unexpectedly peaceful atmosphere. Its compact historic centre makes it ideal for exploring on foot, while the magnificent Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, perched above the city, offers a spectacular finale to your day of discovery.

Getting to Braga couldn't be simpler, with regular trains running from Porto throughout the day. The city proves remarkably budget-friendly too - expect to spend less than €30 for a full day of exploration, including your lunch and all transport costs.

In this guide, we'll walk you through a carefully planned day trip to Braga, complete with an interactive map, detailed transport information, and insights into the city's most captivating sights.
Related article: Sights of Braga

The must-see sights that make Braga an unforgettable destination:
Bom Jesus do Monte - Portugal's most spectacular religious sanctuary, where a magnificent Baroque stairway zigzags up the hillside. The dramatic 116-meter climb features ornate fountains and statues telling biblical stories, while the summit rewards visitors with panoramic views across the region. Even if you skip the stairs, the world's oldest water-powered funicular offers a charming ride to the top.

Sé Cathedral - As Portugal's oldest cathedral, this architectural masterpiece spans centuries of design. Its imposing Gothic facade gives way to an interior that showcases everything from Romanesque elements to Baroque splendour.

Jardim de Santa Bárbara - One of Portugal's most beautiful formal gardens, where meticulously maintained flowerbeds create geometric patterns against the backdrop of the ancient Archbishop's Palace.

Palácio do Raio - A stunning example of Portuguese Baroque architecture, this 18th-century palace stands out for its distinctive blue-tiled façade.

Prices and Entrance Fees
An independent day trip to Braga need not be expensive - most attractions have modest entrance fees, and public transport is reasonably priced. Here's what you can expect to pay:
Porto to Braga train - €6.90 (adult return)
Sé (cathedral only) - €2.00
Sé (cathedral and museum) - €5.00
Museu dos Biscainhos - €2.00
Bus to Bom Jesus - €1.65 (single)
Uber or Bolt to Bom Jesus - €5 (one-way)
Funicular at Bom Jesus - €2.00/€3.00 (single/return)

A Walking Tour of Braga's Highlights
Make the most of your day in Braga with our carefully planned walking route, shown in the interactive map below. Green markers guide you through the historic center's highlights, yellow markers show the key spots at Bom Jesus, and the grey dashed line indicates the bus connection between them.

Legend: 1) Arco da Porta Nova 2) Sé de Braga 3) Jardim da Praça do Município 4) Convento do Populo 5) Palácio dos Biscainhos 6) Jardim de Santa Barbara 7) Largo São João do Souto 8) Largo do Paço 9) Arcada 10) Convento dos Congregados 11) Theatro Circo 12) Palácio do Raio 13) Igreja de São Marcos 14) Igreja de Santa Cruz 15) Capela De São Bentinho 16) Capela da Nossa Senhora da Torre
Bom Jesus do Monte: 1) Elevador Bom Jesus do Monte 2) Santuário do Bom Jesus 3) Via Crucis 4) Miradouro do Santuário do Bom Jesus

The Gothic Sé Cathedral

Many visitors to Porto find themselves choosing between Braga and Guimarães for a day trip destination.

Guimarães draws visitors with its medieval charm and historical significance as Portugal's first capital, where narrow cobblestone streets wind past well-preserved castles and palaces. Braga, meanwhile, captivates with its religious heritage, baroque architecture and the stunning Bom Jesus sanctuary.

If you only have time for one city, we recommend starting with Guimarães. Braga, while offering more attractions including the must-visit Bom Jesus sanctuary, does not have quite the same Portuguese charm as Guimarães.

For independent visitors, each city deserves a full day of exploration. Don't be tempted to rush both cities in a single day - even with a rental car, you'll spend more time travelling than experiencing these fascinating places. While some tour companies offer combined day trips, these only provide a glimpse of what makes each city special.

If your schedule allows for an extended stay in Porto, we strongly recommend visiting both cities on separate days. They form essential stops on any northern Portugal itinerary, alongside other regional highlights like Aveiro's romantic canals, the Douro Valley's terraced vineyards, and the coastal charm of Viana do Castelo.
Related articles: Porto day trips

A day trip to Braga, including the essential visit to Bom Jesus, typically takes 7-8 hours. The journey from Porto takes about two hours return, while you'll want to allow three hours to explore the historic centre's churches, gardens and squares. Plan for two hours at Bom Jesus, including transport time, plus extra time for a relaxed lunch and coffee breaks along the way.

This makes for a full but well-paced day that lets you experience the city's highlights without rushing. Starting early gives you more flexibility to linger at sites that particularly interest you or to explore some of the city's excellent museums.

Regular direct trains connect Porto to Braga from São Bento station in Porto's city centre. This is a slow urban train service with many stops, and the journey takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Trains run at least hourly in both directions, with increased frequency on weekdays. You'll find the latest timetable on the Comboios de Portugal (CP) website:
www.cp.pt/StaticFiles/timetables/oporto-braga-urban-trains.pdf

(Note: This link downloads as a PDF on mobile devices)

Return tickets cost €6.90 for adults and €3.50 for children, available from station offices or machines. As this is an urban service, you can't book in advance, but there are always plenty of seats available. Remember to purchase your tickets before boarding. Once you arrive, Braga station is conveniently located just a 500-metre walk from the historic centre.

While express trains also run to Braga, we recommend sticking with the urban service. The express trains require a connection at Campanhã station, cost twice as much, and surprisingly don't save any time on the journey.
Related articles: Porto to Braga by train

The Urban train to Braga

Small group tours offer an enriching way to discover Braga, combining local expertise with the social aspect of meeting fellow travellers. Portugal's tour industry has evolved significantly in recent years, with companies now offering sophisticated experiences led by knowledgeable local guides who understand what modern travellers want from their visit.
Based on our seven years of experience working with GetYourGuide.com, here are some of their most popular Braga tours:
• Braga and Guimarães full-day tour with Lunch
• Guimarães and Braga tour with tickets and lunch
• A private tour of Braga and Guimarães

The advantage of these tours is that they handle all the logistics - from transport to entrance tickets - leaving you free to focus on enjoying Braga's rich history and architecture. Your guide will provide cultural context and historical insights that you might miss when exploring independently.

Bom Jesus do Monte, located 6km east of Braga, is an unmissable highlight of any visit to the city. There are several convenient ways to reach this historic religious complex:

By Bus
The most economical option is the number 2 bus operated by TUB (Transportes Urbanos de Braga). Buses depart regularly from both Avenida da Liberdade and the train station, with the journey taking approximately 30 minutes. A single ticket costs €1.55. You can check the route map and current timetable on the TUB website:
Website: tub.pt/percurso/2/
Timetable - tub.pt/uploads/horarios

(Note: The timetable is a PDF file which may download automatically on mobile devices)

By Ride-Hailing
For more flexibility, ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt offer direct transport from Braga's centre to Bom Jesus. Expect to pay between €5-6 for this convenient option.

From Base to Summit
The number 2 bus terminates at the base of Bom Jesus hill, where visitors have two options to reach the summit. The first and recommended choice is the historic funicular – the world's oldest water-powered counterbalancing system. Operating since 1882, this unique transportation method offers a return journey for just €2.00.

The alternative is to walk up to the church complex, though this involves a challenging uphill climb. If you choose to walk, it's worth noting that most of the ascent follows shaded forest paths, with the famous Baroque stairway concentrated in the upper section. For the best experience, consider taking the funicular up and then exploring the ornate staircase from the top down. While at the summit, be sure to visit the spectacular viewpoint located just south of the church complex.

The Funicular to the top of the Bom Jesus hill was constructed in 1882, and each carriage has a water tank of 5,850L to act as a counterweight

Your day in Braga naturally splits into two distinct parts - a morning exploring the historic centre's atmospheric streets, followed by an afternoon discovering the magnificent Bom Jesus do Monte. This practical route lets you experience both the charm of Braga's historic heart and its stunning hilltop sanctuary.

Start with our walking tour of the historic centre, which takes around three hours and guides you through centuries of Portuguese history, from medieval churches to elegant baroque mansions. We recommend having lunch in the city centre, where you'll find everything from traditional Portuguese restaurants to modern cafés - far more choice than up at Bom Jesus.

The afternoon is ideal for visiting Bom Jesus do Monte. Since the bus departs from the city centre rather than the train station, you can easily continue from your historic centre exploration to this spectacular religious complex. Our suggested walking route, marked in green on the interactive map below, ensures you see all the essential sights while maintaining a relaxed pace throughout the day.

 

Your walking tour begins at Braga Railway Station on the western edge of the city.

As you leave the station, head north and turn right onto Rua Andrade Corvo, a peaceful residential street lined with traditional homes. After a 250-metre walk, you'll arrive at your first highlight - the magnificent Arco da Porta Nova (1). This grand 18th-century arch serves as the ceremonial gateway to Braga's historic centre.

The Arco da Porta Nova welcomes visitors into the historic centre

Turn right onto Rua Dom Frei Caetano Brandão, which leads you to the cathedral. The Cathedral (2) is a fascinating architectural journey through time. This sprawling masterpiece showcases layers of history, with each successive archbishop adding their own architectural flourishes over the centuries. As Portugal's oldest cathedral, its Gothic façade tells stories of the nation's earliest days.

Your next stop is the impressive Câmara Municipal (Braga City Hall), which sits on the pretty Praça do Município plaza (3).

Continuing northward brings you to the striking Convento do Pópulo (4) and the spacious Praça Conde de Agrolongo. If time permits, consider a short detour to the Palácio dos Biscainhos (5), where you'll find elegant formal gardens and a fascinating museum housed in a baroque mansion.

From here, join the Rua Dr. Justino Cruz, a charming pedestrianised street that leads you to the pretty Jardim de Santa Bárbara (6). This enchanting formal garden, with its geometric flower beds and perfectly trimmed topiaries, creates a stunning foreground to the Gothic wing of the Archiepiscopal Palace. Look for the weathered stone arches - poignant reminders of the devastating 1834 fire.

The Jardim de Santa Bárbara overlooking the Gothic eastern wing of the Paço Arquiepiscopal

The Rua Dr. Justino Cruz buzzes with life as one of Braga's premier shopping streets. Local boutiques, inviting cafés, and restaurants line the street, making this the perfect spot to pause for a Portuguese coffee and sample some regional pastries.

As you continue, you'll reach the charming Largo São João do Souto (7), home to both the São João do Souto church and the distinctive Capela dos Coimbras.

The Capela dos Coimbras is a newer extension to the São João do Souto church, though its architectural style suggests otherwise

From here, retrace your steps along Rua Dr. Justino Cruz until you reach the central crossroads. A westward turn leads you to the impressive Largo do Paço (8), the grand plaza of the Archiepiscopal Palace complex.

Return to the crossroads and head east to discover the elegant Praça da República, where manicured gardens complement some of Braga's finest architecture. Take note of the distinctive Arcada building (9) with its sweeping archways, and the impressive Convento dos Congregados (10), a masterpiece of Baroque design. Continue along Avenida da Liberdade, a grand boulevard where seasonal flowers add splashes of colour beneath mature trees.

The Arcada has been the heart of Braga's shopping district since 1904

At the majestic Theatro Circo de Braga (11), turn right into the Largo de Santa Cruz, one of the city's most striking squares. Here you'll find two magnificent churches - the ornate Igreja de São Marcos (13) and the impressive Igreja de Santa Cruz (14). The Palácio do Raio (12) stands proudly to the left of São Marcos, its blue-tiled façade marking it as one of Portugal's finest examples of civil Baroque architecture.

The splendid Igreja de São Marcos dominates the square

To the right of Igreja de São Marcos, a narrow-cobbled alley guides you to the Capela de São Bentinho (15), a deeply spiritual site. This intimate chapel serves as a sanctuary for those seeking healing and solace, its interior often illuminated by the warm glow of countless votive candles.

Beyond the chapel and the PSP police headquarters lies the peaceful Largo de Santiago, where you'll find the fascinating Museu Pio XII. The square is notable for the Capela da Nossa Senhora da Torre (16), standing proudly at its edge. Make time to climb the tower's steps - the panoramic views across Braga's historic centre offer a fresh perspective over the city you've discovered.

The Capela da Nossa Senhora da Torre

Turn right onto Rua Dom Afonso Henriques, named for Portugal's first king, to return to the bustling Largo de São João do Souto. This area, with its network of pedestrianised shopping streets, provides excellent lunch options. You'll find plenty of traditional Portuguese restaurants and relaxed cafés serving regional specialities and local wines.

After lunch, make your way back to Avenida da Liberdade to catch the bus (17) to the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary. This marks the transition to the second part of your Braga adventure, where one of Portugal's most iconic religious sites awaits.

Practical tip: Buses to Bom Jesus run throughout the day, with the journey taking about 20 minutes. Alternatively, ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt offer a convenient option.

The blue-tiled Palácio do Raio is a stunning example of Portugal's Baroque architecture

Bom Jesus do Monte stands as one of northern Portugal's most spectacular monuments, and missing it would be a significant oversight during your visit to Braga. The Baroque staircase is a masterpiece of 18th-century architecture, creating a mesmerising zigzag pattern up the hillside. Each ornate fountain, statue, and chapel along the stairway tells part of a larger story, forming a unique spiritual journey to the summit.

Don't let the prospect of 564 steps deter you - the site offers a delightful alternative in the form of the world's oldest water-powered funicular, which has been carrying visitors skyward since 1882. This historic lift isn't just practical transportation; it's an experience in itself, offering a nostalgic journey to the top.

At the summit, several treasures await:
• The church interior features exquisite paintings and a powerful, though graphic, depiction of Christ's crucifixion
• Sweeping panoramic views across Braga and the surrounding countryside
• Peaceful gardens perfect for quiet reflection
• A selection of cafés offering welcome refreshments

Whether you're interested in religious history, architecture, engineering, or simply seeking magnificent views, Bom Jesus delivers something truly special.

The beautiful interior of the church

From central Braga, several convenient options take you to the magnificent Bom Jesus sanctuary. The most budget-friendly choice is catching the bus from Avenida da Liberdade (17). The journey ends at the base of the Bom Jesus complex, right by the funicular station.

For more scheduling flexibility, both Uber and Bolt operate regularly in Braga, offering a 10-15 minute journey. This option works particularly well for groups of 3-4 people, and drivers can drop you at either the bottom or top of the complex, according to your preference.

Upon arrival at the base, you have two enticing options for reaching the summit. The first is the historic Elevador do Bom Jesus do Monte, the world's oldest water-balanced funicular, which has transported visitors since 1882. Alternatively, you can follow the traditional pilgrim's route up the Baroque staircase. This stunning walkway comprises 580 steps, with each section showcasing ornate fountains and religious sculptures that form their own narrative.

Many visitors choose to ascend via the dramatic staircase to fully appreciate the architectural details and photo opportunities, then return using the charming funicular. This combination lets you experience both the remarkable engineering of the funicular and the artistic splendour of the Baroque staircase.

The Elevador do Bom Jesus do Monte offers a gentle alternative to the stairs

The view stretches across Braga and beyond

The descent from Bom Jesus reveals two magnificent Baroque stairways, each telling its own symbolic story through architecture and art. The upper staircase unfolds across three dramatic levels, each dedicated to a cardinal virtue. A statue representing Charity stands at the first level, followed by Hope on the second, with Faith completing this trinity of virtues on the third level. The craftsmanship and symbolism of these statues provide fascinating insights into 18th-century religious artistry.

The lower staircase presents an even more elaborate design with five distinct levels, each symbolising one of the five bodily senses - sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. While the Miradouro do Santuário do Bom Jesus viewpoint offers pleasant views over Braga, the truly spectacular vistas await at the summit.

Venture down to the lower levels to gain the best perspective of this sacred walkway in all its Baroque splendour. From this vantage point, you can fully appreciate the magnificent scale and intricate design of this architectural masterpiece. The late afternoon light creates particularly stunning photo opportunities.

Miradouro do Santuário do Bom Jesus - a perfect photo spot!

After admiring the Baroque staircase from below, prepare yourself for an invigorating climb back up - 250 steps covering 116 metres in elevation. Though challenging, the artistic landings provide perfect spots to pause and catch your breath while appreciating the detailed sculptures.

Inside the Bom Jesus church, take time to admire the magnificent altar, its dramatic design commanding attention from every angle. Next, discover the atmospheric Gruta do Bom Jesus, where natural stalactites create an otherworldly ceiling that has fascinated visitors for generations.

If time and energy permit, two peaceful retreats await exploration. The tranquil Parque Bom Jesus stretches behind the church, featuring a charming boating lake and a spectacular viewpoint gazing eastward across the landscape. For further wandering, the serene Jardins do Santuário do Bom Jesus lie just north of the park, offering additional peaceful corners to explore.

Conclude your visit with a delightful descent aboard the historic funicular. From here, catch your return bus to Braga city centre. As your full day of exploration draws to a close, board your train back to Porto, having experienced one of Portugal's most important religious and architectural treasures.