Dear Blanca,
I recently took a trip to Braga, Portugal and it was a magical experience! I decided that I want to make a permanent move to this enchanting city. The problem is, I’m not sure what I should do for fun in Braga.
My friends have tried to give me suggestions, but I don’t always trust what they say. I thought it would be best to ask someone who has actually been to Braga, just to be sure that I’m not missing out on any of the unique things that this city has to offer.
Thanks in advance,
Tia from Toledo
Dear Tia,
I’m glad to hear that you plan to make a permanent move to Braga, Portugal! It’s such a magical, enchanting city, and you’ll be able to experience a lot of unique attractions in the area.
I have lived in Lisbon for quite some time and have had the opportunity to travel to Braga a few times. Braga is the oldest city in Portugal; it’s located in the northwest part of the country and is full of religious and cultural heritage. During my trips, I have experienced so much in Braga that I believe everyone should experience.
To start off, it takes about 3.5 hours to get to Braga from Lisbon. My preparations for each trip — including purchasing the tickets for the bus ride — were always quite simple and effortless. Once I arrived in Braga, I usually spent 3-4 hours exploring the Praca da Republica, the Cathedral, ancient churches and gardens, and I loved just wandering around the historic centre. I also enjoyed the following:
• Local Villages: Troboada and Sameiro hills offer scenic views of vineyards, forests, and terraced gardens.
• Bom Jesus do Monte: Funicular, monasteries and baroque-style chapels offer plenty of attractions for everyone.
• Local Cuisine: Restaurants like SAllum Braga serve some of the best seafood dishes in town. Try the Broas de Mel, a mix of honey, hazelnuts, and almonds.
Overall, my experience in Braga was nothing short of amazing. As I’m sure you can imagine, it’s a place full of history, filled with captivating attractions, and it immerses you in Portuguese culture. As a traveler, it’s been an experience that I will never forget. Since you plan to make a permanent move to Braga, I’m sure you will have plenty of time to explore and experience the best of this Portuguese city.
Do let me know if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Blanca Valbuena