Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Braga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Braga or Lake Garda?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Braga or Lake Garda? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Braga or Lake Garda?
Braga
Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.
Lake Garda
As a gentle Mediterranean wind touches your skin, the aromatic fragrances of olive and lemon trees fill the air. Surrounded by lush gardens and Italian architecture in its ancient tans and beiges, you look to the horizon and find a paradise before your eyes: a shimmering lake, misty mountaintops, and a clear blue sky. Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination for locals of the Lombardy region and tourists alike. It has been shown that about 7% of Italy's tourists head straight for these gleaming blue shores. The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is located about halfway in between Brescia and Verona and between Venezia and Milano. Because it is surrounded by several different districts - Lombardy, Trentino, Alto, and the Veneto - Lake Garda is a culmination of culture that attracts cosmopolitan crowds. The lake is an ancient natural treasure Italy holds dear, with documents referring to Lake Garda dating as far back as the eighteenth century. The name "Garda" comes from the Germanic word "warda," which means "place of guard." Whether you are staying at one of the many luxurious resorts in Riva del Garda or are simply getting a pedicure in spa town Sirmione, Lake Garda continues to preserve its elegance and sophistication throughout the years.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Porto, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBraga €112Lake Garda €166
The average daily cost (per person) in Braga is €112, while the average daily cost in Lake Garda is €166. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Braga and Lake Garda in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBraga €54Lake Garda €84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBraga €108Lake Garda €168
Compare Hotels in Braga and Lake Garda
Looking for a hotel in Braga or Lake Garda? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Braga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Braga €20Lake Garda €66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:
- Traditional Vinho Verde Tour in Bowl with Private Transfer (Porto and Braga): $131
- Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $102
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda
Also for Lake Garda, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109
- Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128
Is it cheaper to fly into Braga or Lake Garda?
Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Braga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBraga €40Lake Garda €42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.
- Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda
For Lake Garda, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
- Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
- Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Braga €16Lake Garda €30
Tours and Activities in Braga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:
- KAYAK TOUR I Going down the Lima River in Kayak | AV: $66
- 1h Buggy Tour | Arches of Valdevez | Peneda Gerês: $76
- 2h Buggy Tour | Arcos de Valdevez | Peneda Gerês: $131
- 4X4 Tour – Minho Litoral - Beaches and Mountains between Viana do Castelo and Caminha: $82
- 4X4 Tour - Discovering Serra d´ Arga: $175
- Alto Douro Walk & WineTour: $197
- TOUR HD BRAGA MERCEDES V EXT LONG: $225
- TOUR HD BRAGA SEDAN: $198
- Barcelos, Braga & Guimarães Tour: $109
- Braga & Guimarães: Premium Day Tour: $321
- Braga Private Walking Tour: $254
- Braga Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $216
Tours and Activities in Lake Garda
For Lake Garda, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium: Open Date Entry Ticket: $9.62
- Lake Garda Mini Cruise: Sirmione Peninsula: $13
- Hotel Villa Cariola Pool Entry Ticket: $20
- From San Felice del Benaco: Islands Boat Tour: $27
- Sunset Tour in Sirmione : $27
- Tour in the Winery and tasting: $32
- Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
- Lazise: Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience: $42
- Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
- Winery Tour and Tasting of Garda Wines in Lazise: $44
- Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione from Garda/Bardolino: $48
- From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBraga €21Lake Garda €19
Sample the Local Flavors in Braga
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:
- Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $50
- Green Wine Region-Small Group Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings, from Porto city: $142
- Douro Valley Private Tour from Lunch & Wine Tour: $288
- Vinho Verde Private Wine Tour: $535
Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda
Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
- Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
- Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
- Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
- Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
- Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
- Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
- E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
- E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
- Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
- Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Braga and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Braga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Braga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Braga and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda than you might in Braga.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Braga Expensive? and Is Lake Garda Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Braga or Lake Garda?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Braga or Lake Garda in the Summer?
Both Lake Garda and Braga during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.
In July, Braga is generally cooler than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 21°C (69°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
In Lake Garda, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Braga. In the summer, Braga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda. Braga gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun.
Braga usually gets less rain in July than Lake Garda. Braga gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBraga 21°C (69°F)Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Braga or Lake Garda in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Braga and Lake Garda. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Braga is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the autumn. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Braga usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during autumn. Braga gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Braga usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Braga gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBraga 17°C (62°F)Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Braga or Lake Garda in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Braga as well as Lake Garda. Additionally, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Lake Garda can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Braga is much warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the winter temperatures in Braga in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 2°C (36°F).
In the winter, Braga often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Braga gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun.
Braga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Braga usually gets more rain in January than Lake Garda. Braga gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBraga 10°C (50°F)Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Braga or Lake Garda in the Spring?
Both Lake Garda and Braga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Braga is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 14°C (56°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during spring. Braga gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Braga. In April, Braga usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Braga gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBraga 14°C (56°F)Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Braga
| Braga | Lake Garda | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (56°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (67°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.