10 TOP Things to Do in Braga District (2025 Activity Guide)

Bom Jesus do Monte which includes a garden

Bom Jesus do Monte featuring a castle and a park

Palacio dos Biscainhos which includes a garden and flowers

Most popular experiences in Braga District

Tours & day trips

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BARCELOS Tour - Half-Day

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Cultural Route - Braga & Guimarães - from Porto

Free cancellation available

Water activities

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Kayaking and Waterfall in Peneda-Gerês National Park from Porto

Free cancellation available

Wildlife & nature

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NATURAL PARK OF ALVÃO - FISGAS ERMELO WATERFALLS

Free cancellation available

What to do in Braga District

Popular places to visit

Bom Jesus do Monte

Travel to the hills above Braga to tour an important pilgrimage site for Catholics, an 18th-century baroque church surrounded by gardens, grottoes and sculptures.

Apulia Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Apulia Beach during your trip to Apúlia?

Esposende Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Esposende Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Esposende, Marinhas e Gandra.

Braga Cathedral

One of the oldest churches in Portugal is known for its art, architecture and tombs of notable people from the country’s history.

Sameiro Sanctuary

You can find out about the history of Espinho when you stop by Sameiro Sanctuary. Discover the area's mountain views and cathedral.

Guimaraes Castle

Guimaraes Castle is just one of the places to see in Oliveira do Castelo, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

Santa Barbara Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Santa Barbara Garden, a lovely green space in São João do Souto. While in the area, you can find time to visit its cathedral.

Ofir Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Ofir Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Apúlia e Fão.

In Guas do Gerês

You can take time to visit In Guas do Gerês during your travels to Gerês. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas while you're in the area.

Areas of Braga District

Old Town Braga

Old Town Braga is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Braga Cathedral and Santa Barbara Garden.

#Castelo #castle #Guimaraes #Portugal #History

O Castelo de Guimarães começou por um mosteiro mandado construir por Mumadona Dias no século X, antes, portanto, da formação de Portugal. Como os ataques dos mouros eram frequentes decidiram construir uma muralha para proteger a comunidade e os monges que viviam no seu interior. Foi esta fortaleza que deu origem ao Castelo de Guimarães. Mais tarde, no século XII, foi neste castelo que nasceu Dom Afonso Henriques que viria a ser o primeiro rei de Portugal. Com a falta de uso o castelo foi-se degradando. Recentemente foi recuperado e classificado como Monumento Nacional. É também considerado Patrimônio Mundial pela UNESCO. Um lugar cheio de história e que foi berço de Portugal. Não é à toa que em um pedaço da muralha original tem os dizeres “Aqui nasceu Portugal”.

The Castle of Guimarães began with a monastery built by Mumadona Dias in the 10th century, before, therefore, the formation of Portugal. As the attacks of the Moors were frequent they decided to build a wall to protect the community and the monks that lived inside. It was this fort that gave origin to the Castle of Guimarães. Later, in the twelfth century, it was in this castle that Dom Afonso Henriques was born. Some years after he would become the first king of Portugal. With the lack of use the castle was degrading. Recently it was recovered and classified as National Monument. It is also considered World Heritage by UNESCO. A place full of history and that was cradle of Portugal. It is no wonder that in a piece of the original wall has the words "Here was born Portugal".

Old Town Guimarães

Unique features of Old Town Guimarães include the historic sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Largo da Oliveira or Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira while you're exploring the area.

Cervães

Check out nearby sights like Tibaes Monastery while you're spending some time in Cervães and the surrounding area.

Misericórdia

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Misericórdia and surrounding area, you can visit Arco da Porta Nova and Braga Cathedral.

Petimão

While Petimão isn't home to many top sights, Monastery of Saint Miguel of Refojos Garden and Cabeceiras de Basto Town Hall are some notable places to visit nearby.