Braga

Braga is one of the most known cities of Portugal. It is geographically located in the north of Portugal, 55 km from Porto and 20 km from Guimarães. It can be said that it is the most important place in Portugal in terms of religion and culture.

The city is not much different from Guimarães, but if you are somehow in the city, I highly recommend going to Bom Jesus Do Monte. Bom Jesus Do Monte is the touristic center of Braga, it is located at the top of the city and offers a pleasure of viewing.

The city center is filled with churches. Apart from churches, it is also possible to come across cathedrals and chapels. It is inevitable not to come across history where the church is abundant. Most churches date from 200-300 years to 500-1000 years. Portuguese people are strictly bound to the historical fabric. However, if history, architecture and religion do not interest you, I cannot say that you are in the right place. Apart from this, there are beautiful gardens, city gates, tile samples and a castle in the city center. While visiting the city center, I recommend you to walk, but if you are planning to visit Bom Jesus Do Monte, I recommend you to take the bus from the city center. No card is required for the bus, you can pay the fee in the bus, and if you follow the hours, you do not expect unnecessary.

You can get to know Portuguese best in Braga and Guimarães. The people you see in these two cities are generally similar, but in cities like Lisbon and Porto, you can come across people from all over the world. According to my research before I left, I learned that people are extremely religious. However, I have not encountered any excesses, on the contrary, most people are hospitable and friendly. The population can be said to be old, but if you are in this city for Erasmus, you will have a lot of friends. Minho University's Erasmus student quota covered 10% across the entire university. For example, considering that it has 5000 students, this would be equivalent to 500 Erasmus students.

Transportation to Braga from other cities is as follows:

Using GetBus (About 8 Euros) from Porto Airport,

By train (about 3.30 euros) from Sao Bento or Campanha stops from Porto Center,

Using the private bus (About 3.50 Euro) from the Guimarães Shopping Center,

Using the public bus (About 1.5 Euro) from the center of Guimarães,

You can get there by using the Bus (about 20 Euro) from Lisbon.

(Prices for January 2019)

Places to visit in Braga;

Bom Jesus Do Monte

As I wrote above, the first one (even before the city center) is Bom Jesus Do Monte. Bom Jesus Do Monte is a temple located about 7 km from  Braga city center. I don't know how many temples you will see in your life, but if you are somehow in Braga, it is definitely a place to go. It is possible to see the city center completely from the temple. I recommend you to choose the sunset, especially if you plan to go in an hour.

You can use the stairs to go up to the temple, and it is possible to use the rail system as seen in the photo below :)

Above the temple, there are rest areas. It is located in a small pond in the middle of these resting areas. If you are in Braga for erasmus, I recommend you to spend time here.

The City center

I prefer to explain the city center through photos. You can find the necessary information under the photos.

Avenida da Liberdade

You can find various shops, cafes and shops on this street. You can reach every place to visit in Braga city center by taking this street as the center.

Garden of Santa Barbara

This garden is located right next to the castle in Braga city center. Along with this garden, you can visit Braga castle and various churches, cathedrals and gates near the castle. Since these churches and doors do not interest me, I do not have the photos of these places.

Braga Streets

São Marcos Church

If you want to announce to all people that you are in Braga, you can take a photo like me. :)

In summary: Braga is where you can get to know the Portuguese best. Culturally and religiously, it can be considered the capital of the country. If you are somehow here, I especially recommend you to see the temple. If you want to see various places in Portugal, I do not recommend you to choose this city. (If you are not interested in history and religion, of course) Portugal has many more beautiful cities and places than Braga. It is very difficult for the queue to come to Braga. :)