Braga Insider’s Guide

Jorge:Throughout its history since the 11th century, and given its importance in the Portuguese Empire, the monastery has gathered the largest and most valuable estate in the region. It stood out from painting, sculpture and sacred art to a vast collection of books on various subjects. After the property was sold in 1834, most of the estate was lost. The present museum retains only a fragment of this estate, to which are added new pieces related to the history of the monastery and the Benedictine congregation. It is also possible to go through the "Museological Trail", where you can appreciate the area surrounding the Monastery, its architecture, the ruins of previous buildings, the woods, the gardens, and various agricultural fields such as gardens, orchards, and cornfields.

Jorge:It is one of the biggest natural attractions in Portugal, for its rare and impressive landscape beauty and for its ecological and ethnographic value and variety of fauna (ibex, roe deer, wild horses, wolves, birds of prey) and flora (pine, yew, chestnut trees, oaks and various medicinal plants). It extends from the Gerês mountain range to the south, passing the Peneda mountain range to the Spanish border. It includes sections of the Roman road that connected Braga to Astorga, known as Geira. In the park are two important pilgrimage centers, the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Peneda, a replica of the Bom Jesus de Braga sanctuary, and São Bento da Porta Aberta, a place of great popular devotion. Peneda-Gerês National Park is considered by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.

Jorge:Nice modern restaurant in Braga historic center, where you can taste regional flavours presented on a modern style. A curiosity: you can visit in the restaurant’s building roman ruins that testifies the roman shape of the old Bracara Augusta.

Jorge:Even if it is located in Braga historical center, this restaurant combines the tradicional and avant-garde styles, both in the decoration and food. You can expect a modern place with original fusion food proposals.

Jorge:Porta Nova Collection House is the hotel where you can find “Restaurant Praça Velha”, a delicious sharing place, open to the public. A restaurant where we can come and eat anytime, alone or well accompanied; the cozy and relaxed atmosphere, the friendly terrace and the running tables invite conversation and sharing. The menu consists of traditional and contemporary dishes for all tastes and lifestyles, always with a twist.

Jorge:Dona Petisca is a tinny place in front of Braga Cathedral, where you can snack some local “Petiscos” (Tapas). The specialties are: different sizes of wooden plate with a mix of ham, regional sausages and cheeses; different types of Bifana (seasoned pork meat sandwich) according to diferent regions of Portugal.

Jorge:A very cosy place in Braga historical center for all diferent lifestyles. Meeting point of artists, mainly musicians, in here you can count with a nice wine and beer, but also, some traditional snacks like: Caldo Verde (potatoe and cabbage soup with chorizo), Pataniscas de Bacalhau (Codfish Beignets), Alheira (traditional portuguese soft sausage) and a variety of toasts.

Jorge:Very small place, where you can have a drink, but also eat some international inspired snacks like “, homemade Pizza, and a variety of Bruschetta.

Jorge:It may seem bizarre recommend a Thai Restaurant in Braga, but if you enjoy Thai food you don’t want to miss that spot. Lakkana is a restaurant in Braga historical center that makes real Thai food.

Jorge:Are you in the mood for a Hamburguer? Don’t search anymore, this is the right place to have a delightful hamburguer, all of them with a portuguese twist.

Jorge:Why not a pizza in Braga? La Piola is a fantastic small restaurant owned by an italian guy, that makes, with italian products, wonderful Italian pasta and specially Pizzas.

Jorge:In fact it’s not a restaurant, it’s a cheese store with a very good cheese and wine selection, and of course you can taste their products. Ideal for an evening cheese and wine meal!

Jorge:Clearly inspired on a biker’s american bar, this place offer a good variety of beer and live music on Friday and Saturday, but specially a Blues Jam Session on Wednesday.

Jorge:The best tour operator in Portugal. With a main focus on wine tourism, that company also promote city tours all around Portugal and specially can design a tour that fits on your needs and desires.