This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Braga.
Braga is the third-biggest city in Portugal (after Lisbon and Oporto) and also the oldest one, being a part of Portugal's Northern area of Minho. Braga proudly displays a well preserved Historic Center that is considered to be one of the most relevant in the country, due to its historic significance. No wonder the old town is rich in churches (being the main one the Cathedral, known in Portuguese as "Se"), historical buildings, traditional streets, and museums.
Braga is fairly close to the main city in the north of Portugal, Oporto; Oporto's Francisco de Sa Carneiro Airport is the closest one. In the city, urban buses are recommended to get around, while you can use the national railway system (CP or Comboios de Portugal) to go explore the surrounding areas of the Minho region, from cities like Oporto or Viana do Castelo to seaside towns and villages. Braga makes a good base for many day trips around the area.
Hostels in Braga can be found all around the city, from the historic areas to the more modern neighbourhoods, making it a personal choice where to stay, depending on your taste. In general, the city is very safe and home to a lot of young people that study at Braga's University.
While traveling around Braga, do not think that history is all this city has to offer. Although historically rich, Braga also has a lot of modern-day activities that include shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and, of course, football. If you would like to experience this sport as a local, buy tickets for a match where the Sporting Clube de Braga (SCB) team is playing, to enjoy the raw passion Portuguese people have for this sport!
Written by local enthusiast for Braga hostels
zararock