The Republic Square is a good starting point to explore the essential things to see in Braga. You can get to it through the New Gate Arch, the ancient gate of the city wall built in the 16th century and renovated by the architect André Soares.
Walking through the pedestrian streets of the old town you'll find two of the most important monuments of the city which are also top Braga attractions: the Braga Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. Other mandatory places to visit in Braga for its importance as a religious center are the church do Populo (which follows the design of the Church of the Gesu in Rome), the chapel of Coimbra, the Church of Mercy, and the church of Nossa Senhora. You can also visit other royal attractions in Braga like its many palaces: the Rairo palace and the palace of the Biscainhos, with its characteristic blue tiles and Manueline windows.
However, it's at the edge of town where you'll find the two most famous things to do in Braga: the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and the sanctuary do Sameiro, the second most important pilgrimage center of Marian devotion in Portugal after Fatima.
If you're still wondering what to do in Braga besides visiting religious monuments, two of the most interesting Braga activities are visiting the National Park Pereda-Gerês (the only national park in the country that's just an hour outside of the city) and the upper valley of the river Cávado, one of the most important tourist resources in Portugal.
Browse among the many experiences shared by minube users about stuff to do in Braga and discover all the things to do in Braga, like visiting the Pelicano Fountain, the Largo do Paço, or the ruins of Citânia Briteiros.