A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Lagos vs. Braga for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lagos or Braga?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Braga. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Lagos or Braga?

Lagos

A coastal town in the south of Portugal, Lagos is known for its old world charm, plummeting cliffs, and Atlantic beaches. Many come to enjoy a full range of activities from beach-going and watersports to exploring cobbled streets lined with options for shopping and dining. Historic churches and castles add to the charm, as well as a clifftop lighthouse showing the way to Lagos for ships at sea.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Braga or Lagos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lagos is €143, while the average daily cost in Braga is €142. 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 Lagos and Braga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lagos 61
    Braga 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lagos 122
    Braga 108
Compare Hotels in Lagos and Braga

Looking for a hotel in Lagos or Braga? 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 Lagos


Hotels in Braga


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: Lagos Hotel Prices and Braga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lagos 31
    Braga 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • From Porto Airport: Transfer to Lagos Central Bus Station: $37
  • Transfer Algarve: Transport specialists.: $56
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to/from Lagos: $68
  • Private MiniVan Departure Transfer from Lagos to Faro Airport FAO: $114
  • Faro Airport to/from Lagos/Private Transfer max 4 passengers: $129
  • Portugal Taxi and Airport Transfer : $144
  • Private Transfer from Faro Airport Up to 8 passengers: $144
  • Private Transfer from Lagos to Faro (FAO) Airport: $160
  • Private Transfer from Santa Maria (Lagos) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $160
  • Private Transfer from Gil Eannes Square to Faro (FAO) Airport: $167
  • Private Transfer from Budens to Faro (FAO) Airport: $206
  • Private Transfer from Burgau to Faro (FAO) Airport: $206

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:

  • Braga Private Transfer to Porto: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Lagos or Braga?

Prices for flights to both Braga and Lagos 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
    Lagos 59
    Braga 70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lagos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lagos.

  • Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $107
  • Wild West Coast Hiking Adventure with Sunset Picnic Dinner & Wine: $113
  • Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class: $117
  • Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class: Grandma’s Secrets & Recipes: $120
  • Portuguese Cooking Class: Algarve’s Pork & Seafood Cataplana: $147
  • Portuguese Cooking Class: Algarve’s Pork & Seafood Cataplana: $150
  • Portuguese Meat Cooking Experience: $150
  • Market Tour and Cataplana Cooking Class: $176
  • Local Market Tour and Portuguese Seafood Cooking Class: $180

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.

  • Authentic Braga Food Tour with Lunch & Local Guide 3 Hours: $107
  • Local Heritage Food Tour Gastronomy and Culture of Viana: $154

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lagos 26
    Braga 16

Tours and Activities in Lagos

Here are a few actual costs in Lagos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Private Self-Guided Tour: $4.53
  • Portside Tales of Conquest and Conflict: A Lagos Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Guided Walking Tour with Brodie from Australia: $18
  • Ponta da Piedade:Express grotto tours: $19
  • Boat tour through the wonderful caves of Ponta da Piedade : $20
  • Ponta da Piedade Rock Formations Guided Boat Tour: $20
  • Boat Tours: $21
  • Ponta da Piedade Boat Tour to Caves and Beaches with Local Guide: $22
  • Boat tour Ponta da Piedade with local guides: $22
  • Ponta da Piedade 1H15M Boat Guided Tour in Algarve: $23
  • Ponta da Piedade Grotto Tour: $24
  • Grotto Tours from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade: $24

Tours and Activities in Braga

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

  • Braga Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.59
  • Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $4.50
  • Roman Heritage of Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure: $7.48
  • Medieval Guimarães and Legends Exploration Game and Tour: $11
  • Duke of Braganca Palace Skip the Line Entry Ticket: $11
  • A Guimarães Hidden Gems Walking Tour Experience : $24
  • Tree and Slide Adventure in Lamas de Mouro at PNPG: $26
  • Paintball Experience : $44
  • Guimarães Old Town Private Walking Tour: $59
  • Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus Sanctuary: $71
  • E-Bike Tour: $72
  • Pure Nature – Private Outdoor Adventure: $72

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lagos 6.79
    Braga 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Lagos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:

  • Guided Gin Distillery Tour With Tasting at Alma Luz: $23
  • Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Lagos: $78
  • Wine Tasting Off-Road Tour: $93
  • Wine Tasting & Tapas 4x4 Tours: $95
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $107

Sample the Local Flavors in Braga

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:

  • Guided Tour + Exclusive 5 wine Tasting: $42
  • Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $62
  • Tour of the Green Wine villages and wine tasting.: $120
  • Private Culture and Wine Tourism Tour: $245


When comparing the travel costs between Lagos and Braga, we can see that Lagos 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 Lagos Expensive? and Is Braga Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lagos or Braga?

Braga has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos and Braga, 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 Lagos or Braga?

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 Lagos or Braga in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Braga. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.

In July, Lagos is generally a little warmer than Braga. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 25°C (77°F), and Braga fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Lagos usually receives more rain than Braga. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Braga receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lagos 25°C (77°F) 
    Braga 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Braga in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Braga. Many travelers come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lagos is much warmer than Braga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Braga fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Braga. Lagos receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lagos usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Braga. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Braga receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lagos 26°C (79°F) 
    Braga 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Braga in the Winter?

Both Braga and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lagos in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Lagos is much warmer than Braga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lagos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Braga averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Braga. In January, Lagos usually receives less rain than Braga. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Braga receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lagos 27°C (81°F) 
    Braga 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Braga in the Spring?

Both Braga and Lagos during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Lagos is generally much warmer than Braga. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 28°C (82°F), and Braga fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in April than Braga. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Braga receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lagos 28°C (82°F) 
    Braga 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Braga and Lagos

Lagos Braga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 29°C (84°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 202 mm (8 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 316 mm (12.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)