Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest and most charming cities, offers an incredible blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture. I spent several days exploring the city, and one of the most crucial decisions I had to make was where to stay. Choosing the right hotel, especially one with easy access to transportation, can make all the difference when exploring a city. If you’re planning to visit Braga, this guide is designed to help you choose the most convenient and comfortable place to stay, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable trip.
1. The Importance of Location: Why It Matters
Braga is a relatively compact city, and it’s easy to get around, but the convenience of transportation plays a big role in how quickly and effortlessly you can explore the sights. For a tourist, staying in a central location is key to maximizing your time in the city. In Braga, proximity to bus stations, the train station, and main attractions is a major advantage. With that in mind, let me share my experience of staying in a hotel that provided not just comfort and quality but also easy access to all the transport options I needed.
2. Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Bracara Augusta
During my stay in Braga, I chose Hotel Bracara Augusta, which turned out to be a great decision. Located right in the heart of the city, it offered exceptional convenience, comfort, and an overall pleasant experience. The hotel’s central location was perfect for sightseeing, and it had easy access to public transportation, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to explore the city without much hassle.
2.1 Location
Hotel Bracara Augusta is located on Avenida Central, one of Braga’s main streets, and is just a short walk from several major attractions like the Braga Cathedral and Santa Barbara Garden. The proximity to the central bus station and Braga’s main train station is another key selling point. The train station is only about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and the bus station is just around the corner, which makes traveling to nearby cities or exploring other parts of Portugal really convenient.
The hotel’s central position also means you’re close to plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops, which is great if you like to explore the local cuisine or shop for souvenirs.
2.2 Room and Comfort
The rooms at Hotel Bracara Augusta are comfortable and stylish, blending modern amenities with a hint of local charm. I stayed in a Standard Double Room, which was well-appointed with a large, comfortable bed, a work desk, a spacious bathroom, and plenty of natural light. The room was also soundproof, which allowed for a peaceful night’s sleep despite the bustling street outside.
The decor was modern, with touches of traditional Portuguese design, making the space feel both cozy and elegant. The hotel’s attention to detail, from the quality of the linens to the thoughtful room amenities, ensured that I had everything I needed to make my stay enjoyable.
2.3 Hotel Amenities
One of the things that stood out to me about Hotel Bracara Augusta was the range of amenities provided. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk with friendly staff always ready to offer assistance. There’s also an on-site restaurant serving traditional Portuguese dishes, which is perfect if you don’t want to venture far for a meal. I tried some regional specialties and was thoroughly impressed with the quality and flavors.
Additionally, the hotel has a fitness center, which I made good use of after long days of sightseeing. The free Wi-Fi worked well throughout my stay, and there’s a nice little lounge area where you can relax with a coffee or drink.
2.4 Transportation
As I mentioned earlier, transportation convenience is key when choosing a hotel in Braga. Hotel Bracara Augusta really excels in this regard. As it’s centrally located, it’s just a short walk from the Braga Train Station and well-connected by buses that can take you to surrounding areas like Guimarães, Porto, or even the beach towns along the coast. If you’re planning to explore beyond Braga, public transportation is just steps away.
I found it incredibly easy to get around the city by foot, but if you prefer to use public transport, this hotel’s location is ideal. For those arriving by car, the hotel provides private parking, which is convenient and secure.
2.5 Price and Booking
When it comes to pricing, I found that Hotel Bracara Augusta offers excellent value for the level of comfort and convenience it provides. I booked my stay for 4 nights in a Standard Double Room at a rate of around €90 per night, including breakfast. While this price may vary depending on the season, I found it to be reasonable for a city like Braga, considering the quality of the hotel and its central location.
I booked the hotel through Booking.com, which offered the best price at the time. The platform is also very user-friendly, and I was able to make changes to my reservation with ease. I recommend checking the website for any promotions or deals before booking.
2.6 Exploring Braga from the Hotel
One of the great advantages of staying at Hotel Bracara Augusta is how easy it is to explore Braga on foot. Most of the main attractions, such as the Braga Cathedral, Bom Jesus do Monte, and Santa Barbara Garden, are all within walking distance. On my second day in the city, I decided to walk to the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, which is located on a hill overlooking Braga. It was a bit of a climb, but it was worth the views and the beautiful gardens. Alternatively, you can take a bus or even a cable car from the city center, but I preferred the walk, especially since the hotel’s location made it so easy to get started.
I also visited Museu dos Biscainhos, a museum housed in a former aristocratic residence, which was just a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The location really allowed me to get the most out of my time in Braga without wasting any time on transportation.
2.7 Nearby Attractions and Dining Options
Being centrally located means you’re never far from some of Braga’s top attractions. If you love history, the Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga) is an essential stop. It’s just a short walk away and is one of Portugal’s oldest cathedrals, dating back to the 12th century. The Santa Barbara Garden, with its beautiful flower beds and serene atmosphere, is also nearby and perfect for a leisurely stroll.
If you’re into food, Braga is known for its delicious cuisine. The Avenida Central area around the hotel has a variety of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy everything from traditional Portuguese pastries to fresh seafood dishes. I had a particularly memorable meal at Taberna do Lebre, a cozy spot that serves up regional dishes with flair. It’s only about a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
For a more refined dining experience, I highly recommend Restaurante Tia Isabel, located near the Braga Cathedral. This restaurant specializes in modern interpretations of traditional Portuguese cuisine, and I had one of the best meals of my trip there.
Finding the right hotel in Braga is essential for getting the most out of your trip, and Hotel Bracara Augusta turned out to be the perfect choice for me. Its central location, comfort, excellent service, and proximity to public transportation made it the ideal base for exploring the city and beyond. Whether you’re in town for a few days or a longer stay, this hotel provides everything you need for a smooth, enjoyable trip. If you’re looking for an accessible, well-located hotel in Braga, I highly recommend it.
