A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Braga vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Braga or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Braga or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is an island community in Normandy, France. It is located about a half of a mile (or one kilometer) off of the country's northwest coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches. The population of the island, at last count, was just under 50 people. The island has been a strategic fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it was named. The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that constructed it: on top, God, the abbey and monastery; below, the great halls; then stores and housing; and at the bottom, outside the walls, houses for fishermen and farmers. One of France's most recognizable landmarks, visited by more than 3 million people each year, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Over 60 buildings within the commune are protected in France as historical monuments.

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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel or Braga?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Braga is €112, while the average daily cost in Mont-Saint-Michel is €156. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Braga 54
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Braga 108
    Mont-Saint-Michel 140
Compare Hotels in Braga and Mont-Saint-Michel

Looking for a hotel in Braga or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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.

Hotels in Braga


Hotels in Mont-Saint-Michel


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 and Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Braga 20
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:

  • Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $102
  • Traditional Vinho Verde Tour in Bowl with Private Transfer (Porto and Braga): $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Braga or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Braga 40
    Mont-Saint-Michel 44

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Braga 16
    Mont-Saint-Michel 30

Tours and Activities in Braga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:

  • Casa dos Coimbras ( Chapel and Tower ) ticket & drink: $5.35
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
  • Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $7.82
  • Tuk Tuk City Tour: $16
  • Bravaes Kayak Park Private Adventure: $38
  • Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $42
  • Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $43
  • Guimarães Old Town Private Walking Tour: $54
  • KAYAK TOUR I Descent of the River Lima in Kayak: $55
  • Stand Up Paddle Tour: $55
  • Lagoons and Waterfalls Tour - Serra do Soajo: $60
  • Tour Soajo - Peneda-Gerês National Park: $60

Tours and Activities in Mont-Saint-Michel

Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self Guided Audio Tour around Mont Saint-Michele island: $5.45
  • Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
  • Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
  • Walking Tour in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel: $16
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
  • Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $44
  • Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $162
  • Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $215
  • Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $261

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Braga 21
    Mont-Saint-Michel 7.86

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Braga and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Braga or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Braga has a larger population, and is about 1520 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Braga and Mont-Saint-Michel, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Braga or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Braga or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Braga and Mont-Saint-Michel. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Braga is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 21°C (69°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mont-Saint-Michel this time of the year. In Braga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Braga usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Braga gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Braga usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Braga gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Braga 21°C (69°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Braga or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Braga as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Additionally, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Braga is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Braga often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Braga gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Braga receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Braga usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Braga gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Braga 17°C (62°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Braga or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Braga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Braga is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Braga in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Braga usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Braga gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Braga. In January, Braga usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Braga gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Braga 10°C (50°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Braga or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Braga during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the natural beauty.

In April, Braga is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 14°C (56°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Braga. In the spring, Braga often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Braga gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Braga gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Braga 14°C (56°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Braga

Braga Mont-Saint-Michel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)