A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Braga vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Braga or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Braga or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

One of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an area of green forests laced with a system of interconnected turquoise lakes. It was set aside as a national park in 1949, and was later designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

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 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Braga 54
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Braga 108
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Braga and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Braga or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Braga 20
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271

Is it cheaper to fly into Braga or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park 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
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

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
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • Plitvice Lakes: National Park Official Entry Ticket: $11
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $14
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36
  • Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour and Boat Ride: $36
  • Plitvice lakes: Guided walking tour with a boat ride: $37
  • Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $38
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Inspiration Buggy Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Braga 21
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14

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 comparing the travel costs between Braga and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Braga Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Braga or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Braga as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Braga is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Braga in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Plitvice Lakes National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Braga this time of the year. In the summer, Braga often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Braga gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Braga usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Braga gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Braga 21°C (69°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Braga or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Braga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Braga is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 17°C (62°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Braga usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Braga gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Braga. In October, Braga usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Braga gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Braga 17°C (62°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Braga or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Braga during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. Braga is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Braga often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Braga gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Braga gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Braga 10°C (50°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Braga or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Braga and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Braga is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Braga in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Braga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Braga usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Braga gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Braga usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Braga gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Braga 14°C (56°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Braga

Braga Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)