Is Braga expensive to visit?
Braga is a small yet captivating destination that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Braga can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $67 (€62) per day, mid-range travelers spend $154 (€142) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $321 (€296) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Braga.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Braga is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Evora or Gijon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Braga Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Braga?
The average Braga trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Braga travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Braga cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Braga on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $67 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Fortunately, Braga has plenty of hostels such as inBraga Hostel and Barao 35 Guest House. At hostels like these, you can find cheap accommodation in a dorm as well as a social atmosphere, but with very little amenities.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Braga will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $154 per person, per day.
In Braga, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Hotel Rural Alves - Casa Alves Torneiros is a great choice for families, and Hotel Bracara Augusta is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Braga.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $321 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the destination with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Peneda-Gerês Hiking & Sightseeing: Private Experience - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Braga
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Braga can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Braga in the off-season is $79, but in the peak travel season it will average around $147. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Braga to range from $53 to $233. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Braga for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $117 (€108). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $58 (€54) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Braga? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Braga include:
- Burgus Tribute & Design Hotel starting at $97
- Vila Gale Collection Braga starting at $128
- Hotel Moon & Sun Braga starting at $74
- Hotel Rural Alves - Casa Alves Torneiros starting at $86
- Hotel Bracara Augusta starting at $94
By traveling in the low or shoulder season (and avoiding ), you can benefit from cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Braga
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $22 (€20) per person, per day, on local transportation in Braga. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Braga is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$22
€20
There is a nearby airfield in Palmeira, but the principal airport for the city is actually about 50 kilometers away in Porto. You can reach the city center by bus or regional high speed rail, which connects Braga with other major cities. The city is easily accessible by train, but once you arrive you will find that the train station is a little outside of town. You can make your way into the city center from this train station by either bus or taxi. Alternatively, instead of taking the train, it is typically cheaper and faster to reach Braga by bus.
To get around Braga there is a decent bus system. Although public transit here is not as established as in some other Portuguese cities, it is still relatively efficient and your best means of transportation aside from walking.
If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Airport Transfer Porto> Viana do Castelo for $101 details
- Braga Private Transfer to Porto for $58 details
- Private Sedan Transfer from Braga or Guimaraes City to Porto City for $64 details
How much does it cost to go to Braga? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Braga will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Braga
Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Braga can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Braga is $76 (€70) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$76
€70
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Braga is around $76 (€70) per person, with previous travelers spending from $32 to $164. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Braga are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $23
- Lunch: $11 to $30
- Dinner: $23 to $53
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
The food in Braga is actually quite diverse and delicious. There are a good number of affordable restaurants around town. If you're on a tight budget, the best area to find good, cheap food is by the University Campus, which is on the eastern side of town. In this area you'll find plenty of restaurants that cater to students.
There are many regional and local specialties. The dishes are influenced by the diverse natural landscape of the area. Some of these specialties include potato and cabbage broth, a type of corn bread that is made with maize, and roasted meats. Common meats range from pork to fish, including cod or trout. Other dishes are common such as duck rice and local ham. In general, the meals are typically filling and delicious.
For traditional food try Panoramic Restaurant at Hotel do Elevador. It has good food and a great view of the city.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Fill a water bottle rather than purchasing drinks constantly. It's a smart and eco-friendly choice.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Braga, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Braga Small-Group Food Tour: 3-Hour With a Local Guide for $92 details
- Braga Small-Group Food Tour: 3-Hour With a Local Guide for $85 details
- The Lingerie Restaurant Cabaret Show with Dinner for $51 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Braga
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Braga typically cost an average of $17 (€16) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$17
€16
There are a handful of sights throughout the city, including cathedrals, museums, and the fascinating Tree of Life Chapel. This chapel is made with 20 tons of wood, but not a single nail or piece of metal. It's truly fascinating to see. It is also worth doing a trip to the nearby Nacional Park of Peneda-Gerez.
There are also many interesting archaeological and cultural sights within the area. Arch of Porta Nova is on the western gate of the medieval wall. The Castle of Braga was constructed during the reign of King Denis of Portugal. It played an important role in the defense of the city and included a semi-circular walled enclosure and the Se Cathedral. Squares worth visiting include Municipal Square, Paco Square, Conde Agrolongo Square, and Santiago Square. Also visit the Archbishop's Palace of Braga, Born Jesus, and the Biscainhos Museum.
Do try to get outside of the city during your visit, at least for a few hours. The landscape in the area is quite beautiful and worth a day trip. There are nearby parks and some smaller, historic towns that are also worth a trip. Allow yourself at least one day during your visit to make some day trips outside of the city.
The city's nightlife is somewhat limited, particularly on weekdays when many of the clubs are closed. Most are only open on weekends and Wednesdays, which is "academic night", when many students go out. There are some interesting small bars around the historic city center that are worth checking out, so ask a local where the best place to go is. Do keep your wits about you at night as the city center is best not explored alone in the late evening.
Festivals around Braga include Semana Santa (the Holy Week), Sao Joao, and Braga Romana.
A nice way to explore destinations in Braga is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Canyoning Tour for $81 details
- Full-Day Braga & Guimarães Guided Semi-Private Tour with Lunch from Porto for $110 details
- KAYAK TOUR I Descent of the River Lima in Kayak for $58 details
Braga, Portugal
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.