Braga
Located in the north of Portugal, Braga is a city of historic charms and a welcoming atmosphere. Known as the “Portuguese Rome” due to its rich religious heritage, you can find magnificent churches such as the Sé de Braga and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, with its impressive baroque staircase. The historic center, full of narrow streets and lively squares, invites visitors to explore traditional stores, cafés and restaurants.
In addition to its historical heritage, Braga also offers plenty of cultural events, such as music festivals, art events and theater throughout the year. For food lovers, Braga offers a rich and varied gastronomy with traditional Portuguese dishes with local influences.
The city is also a convenient starting point for exploring other attractions in the Minho region, such as the Peneda-Gerês National Park and the charming historic villages around it.
With its unique combination of history, culture, gastronomy and stunning landscapes.
Gallery
EXPLORE THE CITY
OF BRAGA
- Walk through a city with a thousand years of history, rich in monuments, characteristic neighborhoods and charming squares, where the city comes alive and demonstrates its young and eclectic culture.
- Visit the city’s historic monuments.
- Enjoy its parks, gardens and viewpoints, or relax in cafés and terraces that offer moments of peace.
- Take part in the cultural events and festivals that take place in Braga throughout the year and which add a lot of life and fun to the city.
- For sports lovers, Braga has several golf courses and proximity to the sea, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and maritime experiences.
- In addition to its rich history, the city also delights palates with its gastronomy. Braga is a delight for lovers of Portuguese cuisine, offering a variety of traditional dishes and regional specialties that capture the authentic flavours of the region.
FEELING THE CITY
OF BRAGA
Located in the heart of Minho, Braga is a city rooted in history, culture and tradition. With over two thousand years of existence, it is one of the oldest cities in Portugal, offering visitors a fascinating journey through the past. It is renowned for its impressive religious monuments, such as the majestic Braga Cathedral and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary. In addition, Braga is a modern and vibrant city, with a lively nightlife, picturesque neighborhoods and delicious gastronomy, with traditional dishes such as the famous “Bacalhau à Braga” standing out. With its privileged location between the mountains and the sea, Braga also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and golf. Whether exploring its history, enjoying its cultural life or simply relaxing in contact with nature, Braga captivates all who visit it with its beauty and authenticity.
What to see and do
Churches and Shrines
The Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary is one of Braga's ex-libris, made up of a church, a well-known staircase and extensive gardens. You can also visit the Sameiro Sanctuary, one of the largest in Portugal. In the city center, don't miss the Braga Cathedral.
Museums and Palaces
The Biscainhos Palace is an aristocratic palace with grand halls, painted ceilings and baroque gardens. You can also visit the Biscainhos Museum, where you'll find collections of decorative arts such as ceramics and goldsmithery. The Palácio do Raio or Casa do Mexicano is another attraction not to be missed.
Arts and Entertainment
The Theatro Circo, part of the European Route of Historic Theatres, stands out for its architecture and the richness of its ceilings. It has a rich program that you can't miss. GNRation is a space dedicated to the creative arts, where you can find disruptive exhibitions and innovative projects.
Parks and Gardens
Braga has lovely parks, such as the large Parque da Ponte, ideal for walks and picnics. The Jardim de Santa Bárbara, in the heart of the city, is an urban oasis, and the Parque da Rodovia, where there is a lovely lake that offers a serene atmosphere, perfectly integrating nature with urban life.
How to get to the hotel
Bus
88 - Praça da República - Meliá Braga (via avenida João Paulo II) - 17 min. 43 - Rotunda Estação II - Meliá Braga (via universidade do minho) - 20 min.
Rent-a-Car
In the arrivals area of the airport it is possible to rent a car through car rental companies. Another option is to make a reservation in advance.
Train
From Porto, you can use the Porto Campanha train station to get to Braga station. Trains depart regularly. Urban train - 1h06 min. Alfa Pendular - 39 min.
By Plane
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto) is about 55KM from the hotel and it takes about 35 minutes to get there via the A3 and A41. - Follow the A41/IC24 from Av. do Aeroporto, Av. Mário Brito and R. Conselheiro Luís Magalhães/N13. - Continue on the A41/IC24. Follow the A3 to Av. Dr. Francisco Salgado Zenha in Braga - Continue on Av. Dr. Francisco Salgado Zenha. Follow Av. Frei Bartolomeu dos Mártires and Av. João Paulo II to Av. Gen. Carrilho da Silva Pinto until you reach Hotel Meliá Braga.
events
in Braga
Authentica Festival
The Authentica Festival in Braga celebrates the cultural authenticity of the region, presenting a variety of artistic, gastronomic and musical events. With vibrant performances and inspiring exhibitions, it's an unmissable celebration of Braga's heritage and creativity.
Semibreve Festival
The Semibreve Festival, held in Braga, is an annual gathering that celebrates the intersection between art, technology and electronic music. With internationally renowned artists and innovative multimedia installations, Semibreve offers a unique experience, exploring the limits of sound and visual expression.
