Where to Stay in Braga and Guimaraes

Braga and Guimarães are two of northern Portugal’s most rewarding cities: one full of churches and baroque stairways, the other the medieval “birthplace of Portugal”. Both are easy day trips from Porto, but they’re also great bases for exploring the Minho and Peneda-Gerês. Here’s where to stay.

Quick answer: in Braga, stay in the historic centre around the cathedral and Avenida da Liberdade. In Guimarães, stay inside or beside the walled old town near Largo da Oliveira. For Bom Jesus, there are hotels on the hill itself. Braga is the better base for Peneda-Gerês. See places to stay in Braga and in Guimarães.

Where to stay in Braga

The historic centre

The best choice: walk to the cathedral, Rua do Souto, the gardens and the lively cafés and restaurants. Pedestrian streets make it pleasant in the evenings.

Bom Jesus do Monte

Stay on the hill above the city, next to the famous baroque stairway and sanctuary. It’s peaceful, with views over Braga, but you’ll need a car, a bus or the funicular (one of the oldest water-powered funiculars in the world) to get down to town.

Near the train station

Handy for day trips to Porto, and a short walk to the centre.

Where to stay in Guimarães

The old town

Guimarães’ UNESCO-listed old town is beautiful at night, with squares like Largo da Oliveira and Praça de Santiago full of tables. Stay here for the atmosphere.

Near the castle and palace

Close to the Ducal Palace and the castle, and a short walk from the old town.

Penha

The wooded hill above the town, reached by cable car, with a sanctuary and views.

Which to choose?

• Braga: bigger, livelier and better for exploring the national park and the Minho.
• Guimarães: smaller and more medieval, with a magical old town.
• Both: they are only about 25 km apart, so you can stay in one and visit the other.

See the Braga and Guimarães guide, or see Braga and Guimarães tours from Porto.

Getting there

Both cities have direct trains from Porto (about an hour). See day trips from Porto by train.

More: Peneda-Gerês, Viana do Castelo and the Minho and where to stay in Porto.

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