Founded by the Romans in 16 BC, older than Portugal itself: discover Braga, the city of archbishops, with a local guide. Book for €1.50, then decide at the end what it was worth.
Fun fact: Braga is older than Portugal: the Romans founded it as Bracara Augusta around 16 BC.
Highlights
- Two thousand years of history: from Bracara Augusta to today
- Braga Cathedral, the oldest in Portugal
- Picture-perfect baroque: Palácio do Raio and City Hall
- The legend of the three roosters and Braga’s Sephardic heritage
- Finish among the flowers in Santa Bárbara Gardens
Full description
Braga is older than Portugal. The Romans founded it as Bracara Augusta more than two thousand years ago, its archbishops turned it into “Portugal’s Rome,” and today it is one of the country’s youngest and liveliest cities. Your local guide will introduce it to you layer by layer: you’ll pass through the Arco da Porta Nova, a symbol of a city whose gates are always open, and wander medieval streets to the Igreja do Pópulo and the baroque City Hall. You’ll meet D. Diogo de Sousa, the archbishop who reinvented Braga, hear the story of the First Republic and the Carnation Revolution, and be amazed by the blue tiles of Palácio do Raio, where the legend of the three roosters comes to life. We’ll view the Cathedral from the outside—the oldest in Portugal—discover the curious Christmas tradition of the Bananeiro, and finish among the flowers in the Santa Bárbara Gardens. How does it work? The €1.50 you pay when booking is just a booking fee: it reserves your place in the group, but it doesn’t go to the guide. The tour itself is pay-what-you-wish: at the end, you give your guide whatever you think they’ve earned. Most people tip between €15 and €20 per person, but here the price is set by your smile, not a fixed fee.
Route
Duration: 2 h 30 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Campo das Hortas
Guided visit · 10 min
Meeting point
On foot (2 min)
2Arco da Porta Nova
Guided visit · 10 min
A city gate that is always open
On foot (5 min)
3Calles medievales e Iglesia do Pópulo
Guided visit · 10 min
From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance of Carlos Amarante
On foot (3 min)
4Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Guided visit · 10 min
The baroque style of André Soares
On foot (3 min)
5Campo das Vinhas
Guided visit · 10 min
D. Diogo de Sousa, Braga’s “new founder”
On foot (5 min)
6Praça da República y la Arcada
Guided visit · 10 min
The First Republic and the heart of Braga’s social life
On foot (3 min)
7Theatro Circo
Pass by · 10 min
More than a century of performing arts
On foot (5 min)
8Palácio do Raio
Photo stop · 10 min
Blue tiles and the legend of the three roosters
On foot (5 min)
9Catedral de Braga (Sé)
Guided visit · 15 min
The oldest cathedral in Portugal
On foot (2 min)
10Casa das Bananas
Guided visit · 5 min
The curious Christmas tradition of the Bananeiro
On foot (3 min)
11Jardines de Santa Bárbara
Photo stop · 10 min
Finish among flowers and medieval walls
For reference only: the route and times may change on the day.
Duration: 2 h 30 min
Shared group
Up to 6 people
Guide / driver speaks
Spanish
What's included
Local Spanish-speaking guide
A walking tour of around 2.5 hours through the historic center
Stories, fascinating facts, and recommendations from a local
Not included
Your pay-what-you-wish contribution to the guide at the end of the tour (the average is €15–€20 per person)
Admission to monuments (outside visits only)
Food, drinks, and transportation
Meeting point
Braga, Portugal
The exact meeting point is provided in the booking confirmation.
Important information
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Water
- Cash for your tip
Not allowed
- Groups of more than 6 people, even if booking separately
Good to know
- Look for the blue umbrella with yellow “Free Tour” lettering
- Arrive 10–15 minutes before the start time
- The tour runs rain or shine
- At the end, leave whatever tip you think is fair, in cash
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up until the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, please cancel so another traveler can take your spot.
Company's general termsShowHide
Pay-what-you-wish free tour: the €1.50 paid at booking is a booking fee and does not include payment for the guide. At the end of the tour, each person gives the guide whatever they consider fair, in cash and euros only (the average is €15–€20 per person). Maximum 6 people per booking: we cannot accept groups of more than 6, even if they book separately. Are you a larger group? For large groups, we require an advance payment of €12 per adult and €5 per child, or you can book a private tour. Monument visits are outside only; admission is not included. Drinks, food, and transportation are not included. Stops may vary depending on the guide, weather, or events in the city. Free cancellation until the tour start time.
Questions and answers
Where is the pick-up?
At the hotel, rental or address you give when booking. The company confirms the exact spot and time.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Count children in the number of people. For child seats or other needs, write to the company through the booking messages.
Can we stop wherever we like?
On a private service the vehicle is just for your group: agree stops with the driver, within the service's duration.
Can I cancel?
Free cancellation up until the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, please cancel so another traveler can take your spot.
How do I pay?
Online, by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You get the confirmation by e-mail straight away.
What if I have more questions?
After booking, talk to the company through the booking messages. Before that, write to us at [email protected].