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

Should you visit Porto or Braga?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Porto and Braga can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Porto or Braga?

Porto

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It is also the capital of the Northern Region and a hub for commercial and industrial activity. The city is not as large as you might expect, with a population of only about 300,000 residents, but the metropolitan area has a population of about 2.5 million. This includes nearby cities such as Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia and Gondomar.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Braga or Porto?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Porto is €126, 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 Porto and Braga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Porto 65
    Braga 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Porto 130
    Braga 108
Compare Hotels in Porto and Braga

Looking for a hotel in Porto 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 Porto


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: Porto Hotel Prices and Braga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Porto 21
    Braga 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Porto Bus Station: Transfer to/from Lisbon Oriente: $5.42
  • 1-Way Transfer to/from Porto Airport: $6.52
  • Porto Airport Transfer from/to Porto Center: $9.77
  • Porto Airport Transfer from/to Porto Center: $9.77
  • Porto Airport Transfer (to/from Porto City Center): $11
  • Oporto Airport Shared Departure Transfer: $13
  • Porto Airport: Shared One-Way Arrival or Departure Transfer: $13
  • Private transfer from Porto Airport to Porto City Hotels: $15
  • Oporto Airport Private Transfer to Gaia: $15
  • Gaia Private Transfer to Porto: $18
  • Private transfer:Porto City to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport(OPO): $21
  • Private transfer:Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport(OPO) to Porto City: $21

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): $132
  • Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $103
  • Braga Private Transfer to Porto: $55
  • Esposende Private Transfer to Porto: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Porto or Braga?

Prices for flights to both Braga and Porto 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
    Porto 36
    Braga 40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto

For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Local Wine: $38
  • Tastiest Calories Food Tour: $49
  • Bolhão Market and Codfish Tasting Guided Food Tour: $53
  • Porto Food Tour: Full Meal & Drinks: $57
  • Half-Day Food Tour: $69
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $69
  • Immersive Food Tour Experience: $71
  • Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour: $71
  • Oporto Food Tour Immersive Experience with +12 Tastings: $72
  • Portuguese Craft Beer and Food Tour: $75
  • Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $76
  • Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga

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

  • Private Guimaraes Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $61
  • Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Porto 25
    Braga 16

Tours and Activities in Porto

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.

  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $1.09
  • Porto Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.10
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • From Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.89
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $5.43
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.46
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.80
  • Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.80
  • Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.97
  • Casa São Roque Direct Entry Ticket: $8.69
  • Torre dos Clerigos Entrance Ticket: $8.69
  • Porto Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00

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: $77
  • 2h Buggy Tour | Arcos de Valdevez | Peneda Gerês: $132
  • 4X4 Tour – Mountain - Viana do Castelo - Serra Sta. Lucia, Serra D'Arga: $83
  • 4X4 Tour - Discovering Serra d´ Arga: $176
  • Alto Douro Walk & WineTour: $198
  • Barcelos, Braga & Guimarães Tour: $110
  • Braga & Guimarães: Premium Day Tour: $543
  • Braga Private Walking Tour: $258
  • Braga Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $218
  • Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $7.97
  • Braga and Guimarães Full Day Private Tour from Porto: $167

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Porto 19
    Braga 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $8.69
  • Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket with Wine Tasting: $8.81
  • Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $15
  • Guided City Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $20
  • Pub Crawl with 5 Drinks: $20
  • Mysterious Pub Crawl Interactive City Discovery Game: $20
  • Porto Pub Crawl With Unlimited Beer: $20
  • Pub Crawl Porto Live night: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and Drinking Games: $21
  • Poças: Guided Tour & Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Poças Guided Visit and Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Rooftop Fado concert, Port wine tasting, Portuguese tart: $22

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: $51
  • Green Wine Region-Small Group Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings, from Porto city: $143
  • Douro Valley - Régua-Pinhão - with wine tasting: $149
  • Private Culture and Wine Tourism Tour: $226
  • Vinho Verde Private Wine Tour: $543
  • Douro Valley Private Tour from Lunch & Wine Tour: $1,085


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


Which is Bigger, Porto or Braga?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Braga. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto or Braga?

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 Porto or Braga in the Summer?

Both Braga and Porto during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Braga. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Braga fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Braga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Porto. In the summer, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Braga. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Braga receives 308 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Braga. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Braga receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Porto 21°C (69°F) 
    Braga 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Porto or Braga in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Braga. The autumn months attract visitors to Porto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Porto is around the same temperature as Braga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Braga fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Braga during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Braga receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Braga receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Porto usually receives around the same amount of rain as Braga. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Braga receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Porto 17°C (62°F) 
    Braga 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Porto or Braga in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Porto as well as Braga. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

In the winter, Porto is around the same temperature as Braga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Braga averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Braga. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Braga receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Braga. Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. Porto usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Braga. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Braga receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Porto 10°C (50°F) 
    Braga 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Porto or Braga in the Spring?

Both Braga and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Braga. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Braga fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Braga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Braga during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Braga receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Braga. It's quite rainy in Porto. In April, Porto usually receives around the same amount of rain as Braga. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Braga receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Porto 14°C (56°F) 
    Braga 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Braga and Porto

Porto Braga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)