The eternal city, the home base of world-famous sights such as the Colosseum and the Trevi fountain, and the ancient allure radiates in just about every corner, it is not difficult to see why Rome is at the top of the bucket list for just about every American who has not yet taken it over the pond.
Fascinating as Rome can be (and we would never claim otherwise in a million years), It is not exactly known for its picturesque atmosphere Or budget -friendly prices.
Here JourneyWe have covered Europe from the westernmost tip to the Far East, from the remote edges of the Scandinavian Highlands to the corners of the Mediterranean written by the Sun Including those places that are difficult to do that most tourists would not dream of visits and We have come to an unexpected conclusion:
More often than not, it is the unhearded places, the one you have to zoom in on the map to even find that fascinate us most.
What if we told you, for example, there is a beautiful city in Portugal called the ‘Portuguese Rome“? Except that it is not busy at all, and not nearly as expensive as its Italian counterpart:
Welcome to Braga, the Rome of Portugal
Located in the ‘distant north’ of Portugal, further north, even than the bustling Porto, Braga is a historic city that is home to more than 148,000 inhabitants, and fairly compact, but powerful in culture:
Although it has one of the best preserved medieval centers in Portugal, crooked by winding, paved paths, and covered with age -old houses with colorful facades, It still has to be discovered by most tourists.
Last year, the municipality of Braga included About 680,000 tourist overnight stays, a 6.3% increases compared to 2023, but still considerably lower than on large Portuguese holiday destinations, such as Porto itself, only 40 miles distance, Lisbon or the Algarve.
For example, Porto registered 2,967,090 guests in the same period, and it is not as if it is a lot bigger than a city than Braga, with around 232,000 inhabitants.
Boring data aside, this can only mean one thing: Crowd-free squares flanked by cozy cafés visited almost exclusively by the localsNo long lines in sight to get to a museum, and hardly any large tour groups in the area to photograph your Insta-Perfect Scot.
Why is Braga ‘The Portuguese Rome’?
If you now wonder why Braga is called the Portuguese Rome, it is fairly simple: just like the Italian capital, Its origin can be reduced to a Roman settlement Founded in 16 BC, under the name Bracara Augusta.
Braga was an important Roman colony in ancient times and served as the capital of the province GallaeciaEquipped with all the must-haves for a city of its shape: aqueducts, a forum, luxurious baths and a theater.
Much of it is now in ruins among modern Braga, but the Roman heritage is not the only reason why the Rome connection exists:
Braga distinguishes itself in particular for being Impressive ensemble of baroque monumentsWith more than 30 richly decorated churches and beautiful palaces.
The most famous Braga Landmark is the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a pilgrimage location on top of a hill that is accessible via a difficult path of 600 steps, although the palace of the majestic Archbishop and the adjacent Santa Bárbara Garden are equally impressive.
Ancient miracles in abundance
In the historic center there is an imposing Braga Cathedral, founded in the Middle Ages, and walking through the city, you will literally stumble on pieces of history:
Arco da Porta Nova is One of the oldest city gatesbuilt in the year 1373. Only a few steps away, holds the castle (Torre de Menagem) is another 14th-century architectural masterpiece and the best preserved part of Braga’s once impressive fortifications.
As we have previously indicated, Bracara Augusta Being buried under Braga, so I don’t expect you to find a mini -color or an abundance of intact pagan temples: the Roman charm is certain, but it is absolutely subtle.
That said, some Roman structures can still be visitedIncluding the Thermae from Maximinus, a public bathing complex from the 3rd century AD, one of the greatest discovered in Portugal to this day, and Fonte do ídoloA 1st-century advertising-granite fountain with rare Latin inscriptions.
How does Braga relate to Rome when gastronomy goes?
Just like Rome is Braga A gournage of the first order. You could have pizza and pasta in Italian style trattory here for sure, but everyone knows the thing Portugal Real excels in IS, well, Portuguese dishes:
If you are looking for an iconic lunch place, search no further than Frigideiras do Cantinho: Originally founded as a tavern in 1796, this traditional eatery was loved by the locals for his paste -filled pastries, and for culture lovers there are visible Roman ruins underneath!
Before that firm Francesinha With freshly harvested eggs and the softest meat, and the redest, richest porto wine you will ever try, Taberna Belga However, is a clear winner Velhos tempo (Literally translated as ‘Old Times’), comes a good second with their home -made lut.
Don’t worry, we will not forget to give you the best Pastel de Nata In Braga, so usual in every article, we write about emerging Portuguese cities.
In the case of Braga, that would be Casa Das NatasPurely because of their variety of flavors: there is the classic, non-go-wrong-withw vla one, although the real stars of the show here are the chocolate-covered and cinnamon-play versions.
How affordable is Braga?
Portugal is considered the most affordable destination in Western Europe: with the exception of perhaps Lisbon and Porto, two of the largest urban centers, the most sit-down meals in local restaurants cost an average of $ 15, and takeout, Bakery nacks usually cost less than $ 3.
In Braga it is no different.
Casual meals are Usually $ 10– $ 11While three-course dinners in mid-range restaurants on average $ 27–$ 30 per person, which we think is a very reasonable question.
In recent years we have noticed that tourists regularly complain about the rising accommodation costs in Portugal, despite the overall affordability.
Although food is generally in the cheaper end, hotels in large cities such as Lisbon can do an average of $ 148 per night, in line with much more expensive southern European destinations.
In Braga, however, prices have remained notoriously low. An overnight stay in a double room at the Braga Bells Guesthouse Will put you back $ 21 per adult (or $ 42 as a pair). At the local IbisRates start from $ 34.50 per adult (or $ 69 for 2 adults in the same reservation).
According to Budget your tripThe average daily costs of a Braga holiday are $ 166 per person.
How you can get to Braga from the US
Last but not least, you wondering how you can get to Braga all the way from America?
Unnecessary to say that Braga does not have its own international airport, so most travelers who fly, fly, fly in Porto (Opo) Between 37 and 49 minutes away by train.
Train tickets from the city of Porto to Braga on average $ 6 when booked in advance, and about $ 14 for reservations on the same day or last-minute reservations.
If you go to Portugal this summer or later, make sure that you check the entry rules that apply to American passport holders with our new, free income requirements Checker-Tool.
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