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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lagos is €118, while the average daily cost in Braga is €112. 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:

  • Transfer Burgau - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $37
  • Transfer Praia da Luz - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $58
  • Transfer Praia da Luz - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $69
  • Transfer Burgau - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $70
  • Car or Van Departure Transfer Meia Praia or Lagos to Faro Airport: $77
  • Private Transfer from Sao Sebastiao to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Gil Eannes Square to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102
  • Private Transfer from Praia da Luz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102
  • Private Transfer from Santa Maria (Lagos) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to/from Monchique or Lagos: $102
  • Private Transfer to Faro Airport (60 min): $107
  • Faro Airport to/from Lagos/Private Transfer max 4 passengers: $117

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:

  • Airport Transfer Porto> Viana do Castelo: $94
  • Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $101
  • Traditional Vinho Verde Tour in Bowl with Private Transfer (Porto and Braga): $131

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 34
    Braga 40

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: $97
  • Full-Day West Coast Adventure with Hiking, Sunset, Dinner & Wine : $114

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
  • Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $86

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:

  • Guided Walking Tour with Brodie from Australia: $16
  • Brodie's Historical and Fun Lagos Walking Tour: $16
  • Ponta da Piedade Rock Formations Guided Boat Tour: $19
  • Lagos Zoo Admission Ticket: $20
  • Tour to go inside the Ponta da Piedade Caves/Grottos and see the beaches - Lagos: $20
  • Lagos Street Art: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • Ponta da Piedade 1H15M Boat Guided Tour in Algarve: $22
  • Grotto tour Ponta da Piedade Lagos: $24
  • Boat Tours: $27
  • Ponta da Piedade Grotto Tour in Lagos, Algarve: $27
  • NATURA TOUR - Countryside of Lagos - ECO TUK and LOCAL guide: $29

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: $5.32
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.66
  • Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $7.85
  • Tuk Tuk City Tour: $16
  • Private Experiences of Initiation to Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle: $19
  • Tree and Slide Adventure in Lamas de Mouro at PNPG: $24
  • Paintball Experience : $33
  • 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: $42
  • Guimarães Old Town Private Walking Tour: $54
  • KAYAK TOUR I Descent of the River Lima in Kayak: $54

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:

  • Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas: $44
  • Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Lagos: $65
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $86
  • Benagil Secrets: Jeep and Boat Tour with Wine Tasting: $103

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: $141
  • Douro Valley - Régua-Pinhão - with wine tasting: $146
  • Private Culture and Wine Tourism Tour: $223
  • Douro Valley Private Tour from Lunch & Wine Tour: $286


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)