This guide gathers information about Braga and will help you to get to

know our City. It contains information about different places in Braga that

you may want to visit. It also includes links to Google maps to make it

easier for you to find the places you would like to visit.

We wish you an awesome stay!

And most of all, have fun!

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Index

1. The country

Geography

Climate

Cultural Facts

Cost of Living

2. The City

Braga

3. How to Get Around?

TUB (Braga Urban Transports)

Braga’s CP Station (Portugal Train Service)

Braga’s Bus Station

How to get to Braga

4. The University

Minho University

School of Health Sciences

ICVS

5. Places of Interest

Central Avenue

Arcade

Donjon Tower

Liberty Avenue

Garden of Santa Barbara

Arch of the New Gate

Braga’s Cathedral

Roman Thermal Baths

Good Jesus of the Mountain

Sameiro Sanctuary

Ponte’s Park

6. Lodging

7. Culture and Leisure

Image Museum

Nogueira da Silva Museum

Theatro Circo

Public Pools

8. Cafés and Bares

University Bars

A Brasileira Café

Vianna Café

Coimbras’ House

Spirito Cupcakes and Coffee

Culinatrum Café

SVBVRA Tavern

Studio 22

Mavy Minimarket

Bar Code

Latino Pub

Velha-a-Branca Café

Beco Bar

Bananas’ House

Frigideiras do cantinho Pastry Shop

Belgian Tavern (Taberna Belga)

Nut’ Braga

9. Night Clubs

Sardinha Biba Club

Academic Bar

Insólito Bar

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1. The Country Geography Portugal is the westernmost country of mainland

Europe, situated at the south west point of

Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula, and includes

the Atlantic Madeira and Azores archipelagos.

It is bordered on the East and North by Spain

and on the West and South by the Atlantic

Ocean.

Mainland Portugal occupies an area of 88,889 km2. It is 218 km wide, 561 km

long, 832 km of Atlantic Coast and a 1215 km border with Spain.

It is split by its main river, the Tejo.

The northern landscape is mountainous in interior areas, with plateaus indented

by river valleys. The south, between the Tejo and the Algarve (with Alentejo in the

middle), features mostly rolling plains.

Climate There are two fundamental aspects to the pleasant Portuguese climate: the

Atlantic, felt more in the north, especially the northeast, and the Mediterranean

which dominates the south.

The climate in Portugal varies considerably from a region to another and is

influenced by the relief, latitude and proximity to the sea.

On the coast the winters are particularly mild. In the northern area, particularly

inland, the winters are colder, although the temperatures are still mild when

compared to the rest of Europe. There is some snowfall, mainly in «Serra da

Estrela» («Star’s mountains»), the highest point in continental Portugal (19991m)

and where it is possible to ski! The South is warmer, specially Algarve, which

enjoys a Mediterranean climate.

Summers are hot and dry, especially in the inland areas («Trás dos Montes» and

«Alentejo») and autumn and spring can be rainy but also warm and sunny.

Most parts of Portugal are sunny. Daily hours of sunshine average from eight to

ten in winter and thirteen to fifteen in summer.

In Braga, summer months (mainly July and August) are usually very hot and dry,

so don't forget to bring your summer clothes! Nevertheless, in the last few years,

sometimes we had witness periods of cold and rain and so, packing an extra-

sweater will never be a bad idea!

Cultural Facts Portugal is one of the oldest countries in all Europe. Outstanding monuments,

castles and churches meet the futuristic new buildings and technologies.

Portuguese culture is based on a past that dates from prehistoric times into the

eras of Roman and Moorish invasion. All have left their traces in a rich legacy of

archaeological remains, including prehistoric cave paintings at Escoral, the Roman

township of Conímbriga, the «Temple of Diana», in Évora, and the typical Moorish

architecture of such southern towns as Olhão e Tavira. Throughout the centuries,

Portugal's art has been enriched by foreign influences, including Flemish, French

and Italian. The voyages of the Portuguese discoverers opened the country to

Oriental influences and the revelation of Brazil's wealth of gold and jewels fed the

Baroque flame in decoration.

Cost of Living A member-country of the European Union since 1986, Portugal has kept, for

centuries, the greatest treasure of a renowned reputation for hospitality that

makes the country a haven of congeniality and safety.

In terms of the cost of day to day life you’ll be happy to learn that Portugal is one

of the cheapest countries in the European Union...though costs are beginning to

increase as Portugal falls into fiscal step with the rest of the EU. Entrance ticket to

a Museum, National Monument or exhibition may cost between €2 and €5. A

cinema ticket costs around €4.50 to €6.50. Theatre tickets may vary between €10

and €30 and tickets for concerts, opera or ballet performances between €25 and

€75.

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2. The City

Braga

Braga is a city in the northwest of Portugal, considered

the oldest Christian archdiocese in the country and one

of the oldest in the world. Under the Roman Empire,

known as Bracara Augusta, the settlement was center

of the province of Gallaecia, being the biggest and

most important Roman city situated in the territory

where Portugal was born.

With a total urban population of 181,494 inhabitants,

Braga is the third-largest city in Portugal (after Lisbon and Porto). Braga is also the

seat of the Greater Metropolitan Area of Minho.

In 2012, the city was awarded with the title European Youth Capital 2012. It is a

city full of culture and traditions, where religion and history live side by side with

the technological industry and the university.

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3. How to Get Around?

TUB (Braga Urban Transports) – Bus

TUB is an Urban Transport service that allows you to

move within the city of Braga. Buses cover all areas of

the city and run quite frequently. There are more than

1700 stops around the city and its surroundings, and

more than 70 bus lines to help you get anywhere you want.

You can buy your ticket on the bus for at least €1.55 or you can buy pre-paid

packs of 5 to 20 tickets for at least €0.74 each. The pre-paid tickets can be bought

on any Tub Kiosk or at the university.

You can use the app (Android or iOS) or Google Maps to choose the right line to

take you wherever you want to go.

Note: Everytime you see a bus line with 3 numbers and the first one is a 9, it’s a

bus that runs at night (after 9pm).

Website:

www.tub.pt

Braga’s CP Station (Portugal Train Service)

CP is a Train Service that allows you to travel between

different cities inside Portugal. The Braga-Porto Urban

line takes you directly to Porto for a cost of 3.10€. From

there you can catch a train to other cities such as Lisbon,

Aveiro, Coimbra and Guimarães.

Address:

Largo da Estação

4700 Braga

Braga's CP Station (Google maps)

Website:

http://www.cp.pt

How To Get there:

TUB’s Line 43 (from the university to the train station), TUB’s Line 943 (from the

university to the train station at night) or TUB’s Line 87 (from the university to the

train station)

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Braga’s Bus Station

From Braga’s Bus Station

you can catch an express

bus to almost every city in

Portugal. There are different Bus Services that you can use, such

as “Renex” and “Rede Expressos”. There are hundreds of

destinations and different timetables that you can choose from.

Address:

Avenida General Norton de Matos

4700 Braga

Braga’s Bus Station (Google Maps)

Websites:

www.renex.pt, www.rede-expressos.pt

How To Get there:

TUB’s Line 2 (A. Herculano), TUB’s Line 24 (A. Herculano) and many others.

How to get to Braga?

From Oporto:

1. Take GETBUS from Oporto’s airport directly to Braga’s bus station. This is

definitely the best option, as it is the easiest, quickest and more

comfortable way of getting from Oporto’s airport to Braga, although it is

not the cheapest. The price is 8 euros. You can find more information at:

http://getbus.eu/index.php?seccao=2&lang=en

2. By taxi it takes about 40 min but it’s really expensive (around 55 euros)

3. Take the metro (purple line E), Aerobus or bus 601/602 to Oporto’s city

center. Once there get to São Bento train station (ticket costs 3.10). This

is the cheapest option but it’s more confusing than the first one.

From Lisbon:

1. Take a train (Intercidades or Alfa Pendular) from one of Lisbon train

stations

2. Take a bus from “Oriente Train Station”. Check www.renex.pt or

www.rede-expressos.pt

Check the train schedules and prices at: http://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/train-

times

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4. The University

Minho University (Universidade do Minho)

Minho University is a Public University located in the

Area of Minho, founded in Braga in 1973. This is one of

the larger Universities in Portugal, offering a vast

amount of graduation and post-graduation courses.

The University is divided into two main campi: one located in the city of Braga

(Campus of Gualtar) and one located in the city of Guimarães (Campus of

Azurém). Both campi are equipped with residences, cafeterias (where you can

lunch or dine for 2,55€), libraries and a sports complex.

On Google Maps:

Minho University – Campus of Gualtar and Cafeteria (8)

Website:

http://www.uminho.pt/

How to get there:

TUB’s Line 41 (Universidade Minho), TUB’s Line 43 (Universidade Minho) or TUB’s

Line 943 (Universidade Minho) and others.

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School of Health Sciences (Escola Ciências da Saúde)

The School of Health Sciences is part of the University

of Minho. Its main project is the Medicine Course, but

it also ensures post-graduate education and

investigation in the Health Sciences field.

The degree in Medicine started in 2001 and was established in this building in

2006. Our motto is “nothing that is human can be unknown to a doctor”, so we

are encouraged to pursue a lot of activities and design our own curriculum inside

our degree.

On Google Maps:

School of Health Sciences

Website:

http://www.ecsaude.uminho.pt/

ICVS (Life and Health Sciences Institute)

The Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS) is a research Unit in the

context of the School of Health Sciences. The ICVS was created to develop

biomedical, translational and clinical research with relevant impact at regional,

national and international level. Presently, the ICVS is focusing its research on the

following themes: (i) microbiology and infection, (ii) neurosciences and (iii)

surgical sciences.

It’s situated in the same building as the medical school.

Website:

http://www.icvs.uminho.pt/

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5. Lodging

This year your lodging is going to be in Santa Tecla’s residence where you have a

cantine (for dinner) and microwaves. It is forbidden to cook inside the university’s

residences.

You will probably share your room with someone else. The bathrooms are also

shared.

To get to the ICVS and the hospital, you’ll have to catch TUB’s Line 41 outside the

residence (bus stop called “Santa Tecla”) and then get out on “Verdosa (Bairro da

Alegria)” if you are going to the ICVS and on “Hospital” if you are going to the

hospital.

To get home from ICVS and the hospital you’ll have to catch TUB’s Line 40 on

“Verdosa (Bairro da Alegria)” if you are on ICVS and on “Hospital” if you at the

hospital and get out at “Santa Tecla”.

6. Places of Interest

Central Avenue (Avenida

Central)

The Central Avenue is one of the main

avenues of Braga. Located in the City’s

historical center, it is seen has the heart

of the City, where historical buildings

such as the Arcade (Arcada) and the

Donjon Tower (Torre de Menagem) are

located. It has also a colorful and

beautiful garden and various cafés where you can spend a joyful afternoon.

On Google Maps:

Central Avenue

How to get there:

TUB’s Line 2 (Central), TUB’s Line 5 (Central), TUB’s Line 13(Liberdade) or TUB’s

Line 83 (Liberdade)

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Arcade (Arcada)

The Arcade is a building located in Central Avenue. It was built in the XVIII century

next to the city’s old walls. Nowadays it holds multiple cafés and is seen as a place

of leisure.

On Google Maps:

Arcade

Donjon Tower (Torre de Menagem)

The Donjon Tower is one of last remains of the

city’s old castle, which was destroyed along with

the city’s old walls in 1906. It is 30 meters high

and can be seen from Central Avenue, behind

the Arcade.

On Google Maps:

Donjon Tower

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Liberty Avenue (Avenida da Liberdade)

The Liberty Avenue begins in Central Avenue and extends for 1 km. The name was

changed from “Marechal Gomes da Costa Avenue” to Liberty Avenue 41 days

after the Carnation Revolution on 25th April 1974. This revolution effectively

changed the Portuguese regime form an authoritarian dictatorship into a

democracy.

Here you can find the city’s theater (Theatro Circo), and various fashion stores

and cafés.

On Google Maps:

Liberty Avenue

Garden of Santa Barbara (Jardim de Santa Bárbara)

The Garden of Santa Barbara is a public municipal garden alongside the eastern

wing of the historical Archbishop's

Palace of Braga. It consists of geometric

designs carved from beds of boxwood,

decorated with cedar topiaries.

Delimiting this space are the broken

ruins of an arcade, which pertained to

the medieval palace. Located in the

middle of the garden is a statue of Saint

Barbara on a fountain, which represents

the patron saint of the garden, and

namesake.

On Google Maps:

Garden of Santa Barbara

Arch of the New Gate (Arco da Porta Nova)

The Arch of the New Gate is a Baroque and Neoclassical

arch, built in the 18th century to decorate the western

entrance to the medieval wall of the city.

On Google Maps:

Arch of the New Gate

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Braga’s Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Braga)

Braga’s Cathedral is one of the most important monuments in the city of Braga.

Due to its long history and artistic significance it is also one of the most important

buildings in the country. Inside its walls you can find the tombs of Henrique de

Borgonha and his wife Teresa de Leão. These were Counts of the Portucalense

County and parents of D. Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal.

On Google Maps:

Braga’s Cathedral

Roman Thermal Baths (Termas

Romanas)

The Roman Thermal Baths are ruins that date back

to the city’s Roman Era as Bracara Augusta. They

were discovered in 1977 during excavations in the

area.

On Google Maps:

Roman Thermal Baths

Good Jesus of the Mountain (Bom Jesus do Monte)

Good Jesus of the Mountain is a sanctuary that comprises a big church, a

beautiful baroque staircase that climbs 116 meters, a savage garden and an

ancient funicular. This shrine became an inspiration for many other religious

constructions all over the world. It is an important tourist attraction of Braga. The

funicular was built in 1882 and is the oldest funicular in the world moving by

water counterbalancing.

On Google Maps:

Good Jesus of the Mountain

How to Get There:

TUB’s Line 2 (Bom Jesus)

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Sameiro Sanctuary (Santuário do Sameiro)

The Sanctuary of Sameiro is a sanctuary and Marian shrine. It is located at the top

of the hill, at an altitude of 566 meters, overlooking the city of Braga.

Construction began on 14th July 1863 with the church of “Nossa Senhora do

Sameiro” (Our Lady of Sameiro). The sanctuary is the largest Marian devotional

shrine in Portugal, second only to the Sanctuary of Fatima.

On Google Maps:

Sameiro Sanctuary

How to Get There:

TUB’s Line 23 (Santuário) or TUB’s Line 88 (Santuário)

Ponte’s Park (Parque da Ponte)

Ponte’s Park is an urban park located at the end of Liberty Avenue. It is seen as a

place of leisure where you can spend a relaxing afternoon. In the center of the

park there is an artificial lake where you can take a paddle boat ride. There is also

a café with a view overlooking the lake.

On Google Maps:

Ponte’s Park

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7. Culture and Leisure

Image Museum (Museu da Imagem)

The Image Museum is a cultural space dedicated to photography. It holds one of

the largest and most important collections of photos in Portugal. Images by both

contemporary and classic photographers illustrate a wide range of subjects,

mainly historic photos of Braga. The museum opened on April 1999 and is located

close to the Arch of the New Gate (Arco da Porta Nova) in a building from the

19th century and a tower from Braga’s Castle.

On Google Maps:

Image Museum

Open:

Tuesday to Friday: 11h00-19h00

Saturday and Sunday: 14h30-18h00

Entrance:

Free

Nogueira da Silva Museum (Museu Nogueira da Silva)

The Nogueira da Silva Museum is located in Central Avenue and consists of the

legacy left by the entrepreneur Nogueira da Silva to the University of Minho. In

his philanthropic activity and enthusiasm for antiques and works of art, he

accumulated an invaluable collection which included many rare pieces of

furniture, paintings, and sculptures from various periods and styles. The museum

comprises significant renaissance pieces, Portuguese painting, furniture, ceramics

and creations in ivory, silver and religious art. In addition to the art collection, the

legacy included the magnificent building, in the center of Braga with beautiful

gardens of French inspiration.

On Google Maps:

Nogueira da Silva Museum

Open:

Tuesday to Friday: 10h00-12h00/14h00-17h00

Saturday: 14h00-17h00

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Theatro Circo

Theatro Circo is a 20th century revivalist theater located in Liberty Avenue. It was

first inaugurated on 21 April 1915 and is considered the most prestigious theatre

in Braga. Following a history that included the first talking films, operas and public

performances, the building was restored by the municipal council of Braga, and

reopened in 2006.

On Google Maps:

Theatro Circo

Website:

http://www.theatrocirco.com

Public Pools (Piscinas Municipais)

If you feel like going for a swim there are several public pools around the city.

Rodovia Complex Public Pool is the closest one to Professor Lloyd Residence. It

has 2 acclimatized indoor pools, 1 Olympic exterior pool, 3 tennis courts and 1

football field. You can also go to Ponte’s Park Public Pool, located next to Ponte’s

Park.

On Google Maps:

Rodovia Complex Public Pool

Ponte’s Park Public Pool

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8. Cafés and Bars

University Bars (Bares da UM)

The University Bars, as they are commonly known, are several cafés and bars

located in Rua Nova de Santa Cruz (a street right next to the University). It has an

academic atmosphere, and it is usually where the students go out to drink at

night or relax in the afternoon. The prices are generally not very high and the

most attended places are usually Sabor da Fruta, Montalegrense, Maria Bolacha,

Dieci, Carpe Noctem, Stephane Bar and Peões.

On Google Maps:

University Bars

A Brasileira Café

A Brasileira (The Brazilian) is a café located in Central Avenue. It opened in 1907

and it is a noble and classical café that underwent an extensive remodeling

process in celebration of its 100 years. It became really famous because of the

excellency of its coffee, with origin in Brazil, marketed as the best coffee. You can

sit outside and enjoy the city center or you can sit in one of its three different

rooms, each one with a different atmosphere, divided by its two floors.

On Google Maps:

A Brasileira Café

Website:

www.cafe-abrasileira.com

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Vianna Café

Vianna Café is located in the Arcade. It is one of the oldest cafés in the city, open

since 1871. This classical café is a good place to go when you’re in the city center.

It has a beautiful view to Central Avenue.

On Google Maps:

Vianna Café

Coimbras’ House (Casa dos Coimbras)

Coimbras House is a café located in the small garden of an historical building of

the city center (Coimbras’ House).

This outdoor bar is a very quiet and

glamorous spot right in the city’s

center.

On Google Maps:

Coimbras’ House

Spirito Cupcakes and Coffee

Spirito Cupcakes and Coffee opened only in the summer of 2011 but it’s already

one of the hot spots in Braga. There you can enjoy a hot coffee, tasteful cupcakes

or delicious ice creams.

On Google Maps:

Spirito Cupcakes and Coffee

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Culinatrum Café

Culinatrum Café is a modern café located on top of a small hill, offering its

customers an excellent view of the City.

On Google Maps:

Culinatrum Café

SVBVRA Tavern

SVBVRA (Subura) is a small tavern with a cozy atmosphere where you can drink

roman hot wine (Muslum) and play

chess, cards and other board games.

On Google Maps:

SVBVRA Tavern

Studio 22 (Estúdio 22)

Studio 22 is a café located next to Braga’s Cathedral in the city center. It has a

modern look and live music from different genres such as jazz, rock and indie.

On Google Maps:

Studio 22

Mavy Minimarket (Mini-mercado Mavy)

Mavy Minimarket is an alternative Bar located in an old mini-market store.

On Google Maps:

Mavy Minimarket

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Code Bar

Code Bar is an alternative bar located in the city center. It has an intimate

atmosphere and you can usually listen to indie music while enjoying your evening.

On Google Maps:

Code Bar

Latino Pub

Latino Pub is located in the city’s historical center, in the same street as Bar Code.

It has a classic look and a relaxing

atmosphere. There you can enjoy a

cup of Sangria (a typical wine punch)

and listen to alternative music.

On Google Maps:

Latino Pub

Velha-a-Branca Café

Velha-a-Branca is a cultural independent group situated in the Central Avenue.

Every day it has different activities such as concerts, poetry readings, expositions

and workshops. In the 3rd floor of the building there is also a café.

On Google Maps:

Velha-a-Branca Café

Beco Bar

Beco (Blind Alley) is a bar located at the end of a blind alley near the city center. It

belongs to aENIMA, a cultural group,

and it’s a small and intimate space

where you can listen to post-rock

music.

On Google Maps:

Beco Bar

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Banana’s House

Banana’s House is a small wine store and tavern in the city center. It’s a tradition

in Christmas Eve to go there and drink moscatel (muscat wine) while eating

bananas. The street fills up with people who come to wish each other a merry

Christmas.

On Google Maps:

Banana’s House

Frigideiras do Cantinho Pastry Shop

Frigideiras do Cantinho is a pastry shop and café in the city center, open since

1796. It is known for its Frigideiras (a

house specialty) and for its Bolo

Romano (Roman Cake).

On Google Maps:

Frigideiras do Cantinho

Belgian Tavern (Taberna Belga)

Belgian Tavern is a restaurant and café in Braga. It is known for its delicious

Francesinhas (a Portuguese sandwich originally from Porto).

On Google Maps:

Belgian Tavern

Website:

http://tabernabelga.wix.com/home

Nut’s Braga (Nutella shop)

It opened less than a month ago, you

are really lucky!

It’s in Rua do Souto, near Brasileira.

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8. Night Clubs

Sardinha Biba Club

Sardinha Biba is one of the biggest night clubs in Braga. It is usually attended by

university students during the week. There you can listen to dance music and

genres like pop, funk, electro and Brazilian music.

On Google Maps:

Sardinha Biba Club

Website:

http://sardinhabiba.com

Entrance:

3-10€

Academic Bar (Bar Académico)

Academic Bar, usually called BA, is a students’ Bar. It is generally attended by

university students and has a festive and academic atmosphere.

On Google Maps:

Academic Bar

Entrance:

Free

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Insólito Bar

Insólito Bar is an academic and alternative Bar in Central Avenue. There you can

listen to alternative music, rock, indie and electronic music.

On Google Maps:

Insólito Bar

Entrance:

5-10€