The World Travel Awards has a new winner for its Europe’s next emerging destination — for the first time in five years.
While the prestigious award has been given to Batumi, Georgia for the last five years, a new city has been crowned the continent’s hottest up-and-coming destination: Braga, Portugal.
Braga is a city in the north-west of the country, around 30 miles north of Porto.
Combining beautiful architecture and bags of culture, it’s well worth a visit. It’s also budget-friendly, reachable for less than £60 depending on the time of year you do.
But what exactly makes the little-known city such a gem?
Braga: What you need to know
- Braga is the oldest city in Portugal and one of the oldest catholic cities in the world.
- It is home to ancient architecture and Roman ruins.
- With a population just under 200,000, Braga is the third most populated city in Portugal, after Lisbon and Porto.
- Braga is home to one of the best universities in Portugal, the University of Minho.
- The closest airport to Braga is Porto.
- Braga is about 30 miles north of Porto and can be reached via car, bus or train.
The ‘Portuguese Rome’
Braga is the oldest city in Portugal — and one of the oldest cities in the world.
A mainstay of the Roman empire, Braga has had much significance in Portugal’s history, and has even been dubbed the ‘Portuguese Rome’ thanks to its impressive landmarks.
The city is home to beautiful architecture, ancient buildings and ruins, making it a great place to visit if you’re up for a dose of history.
Must see attractions in Braga
- Take a visit to Se, Portugal’s oldest cathedral, which is home to azulejos (classic Portuguese tile work) which tells the story of Braga’s first bishop, and connect to the modern treasury museum.
- You can also wander around Braga’s ancient ruins, including Postigo Tower (or Torre de Postigo in Portuguese) which forms part of the ancient city walls.
- For a dose of nature as well as culture, you can take the 560 steps up to the pilgrimage site of Bom Jesus do Monte, which is accessible by bus from Braga city centre.
- If hidden gems are your thing, seek out Fonte do Ídolo (meaning Fountain of the Idol), a Roman fountain located below street level.
Braga youth culture
As the location of one of the best universities in the country, Braga is characterised by its large student population and lively nightlife. It was actually named the European youth capital back in 2012.
As such, you can expect young people lining the streets of an evening, and affordable food and drink throughout the city.
What to do in Braga
- Visit the creative centre of Braga, GNRation, which is located inside an old police headquarters. Here you’ll find galleries, concerts, film screenings, workshops and theatre performances.
- Braga is home to amazing bars and restaurants, with a lively atmosphere. Tripadvisor recommends checking out the Sardinha Biba nightclub if you fancy a dance.
- If you’re less of a dancer and more of a drinker, bars Tosga, 7Haus and Estudio 22 also come highly recommended.
- For food, Braga has an impressive nine Michelin restaurants. Portuguese joint Charme Restaruante comes highly recommended by The Fork.
Religious festivities in Braga
As one of the oldest Catholic cities in the world, Braga is not short of religious celebrations.
The city has one of the most famous and highly attended Holy Weeks in Portugal, with some 100,000 attendees each year.
This is one of Braga’s most popular tourist attractions, and includes parades, processions and concerts, as well as large masses.
How to get to Braga
To get to Braga from London, you need to fly to Porto.
Flights from London Heathrow to Porto cost as little as £60 depending on when you book.
From Porto, Braga can be accessed by train, bus or car. Trains cost around £6 and buses cost roughly £10.
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