Braga: Small-Group Half-Day Tour With Bom Jesus

Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities, beckons with its captivating history and stunning architecture. This small-group tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the city’s highlights, from the impressive Cathedral to the vibrant Braga Market. But the true gem awaits atop the Bom Jesus do Monte Shrine, where a scenic funicular ride leads to breathtaking panoramic views. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this tour promises to…

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Key Points

A small-group, half-day tour of Braga, lasting 3 hours and limited to 8 participants, exploring key landmarks like the Cathedral, Igreja da Misericórdia, and Braga Market.
The tour includes a ride on the world’s oldest water-powered funicular to the Bom Jesus do Monte Shrine, a UNESCO-listed Baroque-style sanctuary.
Visitors can experience the scenic descent from the shrine’s elevated position via 573 steps, but the funicular and shrine are not suitable for children under 6, those with mobility issues, or the visually impaired.
The tour offers a personalized experience with a guide and includes entrance to the Cathedral, funicular ticket, and travel insurance, but excludes drinks, meals, and other personal expenses.
The tour has an overall rating of 5/5 based on 6 positive customer reviews, and reservations can be made on a "reserve now, pay later" basis with free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Braga: Small-Group Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus offers a comprehensive exploration of the historic city of Braga.

The 3-hour tour, limited to 8 participants, guides visitors through Braga’s notable landmarks, including the Cathedral, Igreja da Misericórdia, and Braga Market.

The highlight is the experience of the world’s oldest water-powered funicular, which transports visitors to the UNESCO-listed Bom Jesus do Monte Shrine.

With English and Portuguese-speaking guides, the tour provides an immersive look into Braga’s rich history and architecture, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a deeper understanding of this fascinating Portuguese destination.

Looking for more options in Braga? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Booking Information

Reservations for the Braga: Small-Group Half-Day Tour can be made with no upfront payment, as it operates on a "reserve now, pay later" basis.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Availability can be checked for various starting times.

The tour group size is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. The tour is offered in both English and Portuguese.

Guests should wear comfortable shoes and avoid high heels or slippers, as the tour involves walking and a visit to the Bom Jesus Shrine.

Tour Highlights

With a local guide, the tour offers the opportunity to explore Braga’s rich history.

Visitors will tour the Cathedral of Braga, whose entrance ticket is included. They’ll discover the Igreja da Misericórdia and the Garden of Saint Barbara.

Visitors will tour the Cathedral of Braga, with entrance included, and discover the Igreja da Misericórdia and the Garden of Saint Barbara.

The tour also takes participants along Avenida da Liberdade and through the Braga Market, open Tuesday to Saturday.

The highlight is the hydraulic funicular ride to the UNESCO-listed Bom Jesus do Monte Shrine. There, guests can admire the Baroque-style sanctuary and enjoy panoramic views before descending the 573 steps on foot.

Funicular and Bom Jesus Visit

One of the highlights of the tour is the hydraulic funicular ride to the UNESCO-listed Bom Jesus do Monte Shrine. This world’s oldest water-powered elevator, inaugurated in 1882, provides a unique and efficient way to ascend the steep hill.

Upon reaching the top, visitors can:

Admire the stunning Baroque-style sanctuary
Take in the panoramic views of Braga from the elevated position
Descend the 573 steps on foot, enjoying the scenic journey back down
Wear comfortable shoes and avoid high heels or slippers for the excursion
Note that the experience isn’t suitable for children under 6, those with mobility issues, or visually impaired individuals.

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Important Information

Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and hiking shoes are recommended for this tour, as walking is involved.

Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and hiking shoes are recommended for this tour, as walking is involved.

Slippers and high-heeled shoes aren’t allowed. This tour isn’t suitable for children under 6 years old, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or visually impaired individuals.

The tour includes transfers to Bom Jesus, a guide, cathedral entrance ticket, hydraulic funicular ticket, and travel insurance.

Drinks, meals not specified, other entrance fees, and personal expenses are excluded.

The tour has an overall 5/5 rating based on 6 positive customer reviews praising the guide’s excellence and informative nature.

There's plenty more to explore in Braga

Customer Reviews

The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with customers praising the excellence of the guide and the informative nature of the experience.

Some key highlights from the reviews include:

The guide’s exceptional local knowledge and ability to bring Braga’s history to life
The well-organized and seamless flow of the tour, covering all the key sights
The breathtaking views from the Bom Jesus do Monte Shrine and the enjoyable funicular ride
The perfect balance of walking, sightseeing, and free time to explore Braga on one’s own
The overall value for money, with the tour exceeding expectations for the price.

Exploring Braga’s History

Braga’s storied history unfolds as the tour guide leads the small group through the city’s captivating landmarks. The Cathedral of Braga, a jewel of Romanesque architecture, stands tall as a testament to the city’s religious heritage. Nearby, the Igreja da Misericórdia impresses with its intricate Baroque facade. As the group strolls through the Garden of Saint Barbara, they are transported to a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling urban landscape. The tour showcases Braga’s rich tapestry of history, blending medieval, Renaissance, and modern elements seamlessly.

| Landmark | Architectural Style |

| — | — |

| Cathedral of Braga | Romanesque |

| Igreja da Misericórdia | Baroque |

| Garden of Saint Barbara | Tranquil Oasis |

Experience the Bom Jesus Shrine

After exploring Braga’s historic landmarks, the tour ascends to the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2019.

The tour ascends to the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2019.

The hydraulic funicular, the world’s oldest water-powered elevator, whisks visitors up the steep hillside. At the top, visitors marvel at the Baroque-style sanctuary and panoramic views of Braga.

The descent involves 573 steps, allowing guests to fully experience the shrine’s architectural splendor.

The tour includes:

Admission to the Bom Jesus Shrine
Ride on the historic hydraulic funicular
Panoramic vistas of Braga from the hilltop
Exploration of the Baroque-style sanctuary
Descent on foot via the 573 staircase steps

The Sum Up

Braga’s Small-Group Half-Day Tour offers a captivating journey through one of Portugal’s oldest cities. Visitors can explore the historic Cathedral, admire the beautiful Igreja da Misericórdia, and discover the vibrant Braga Market. The highlight is the scenic ride on the world’s oldest water-powered funicular to the stunning Bom Jesus do Monte Shrine, providing breathtaking panoramic views. This immersive tour provides a unique opportunity to experience Braga’s rich heritage and architectural gems.