Download - Exchange in braga
This guide gathers information about Braga and will help you to get to
know our City. It contains information about different places in Braga that
you may want to visit. It also includes links to Google maps to make it
easier for you to find the places you would like to visit.
We wish you an awesome stay!
And most of all, have fun!
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Index
1. The country
Geography
Climate
Cultural Facts
Cost of Living
2. The City
Braga
3. How to Get Around?
TUB (Braga Urban Transports)
Braga’s CP Station (Portugal Train Service)
Braga’s Bus Station
How to get to Braga
4. The University
Minho University
School of Health Sciences
ICVS
5. Places of Interest
Central Avenue
Arcade
Donjon Tower
Liberty Avenue
Garden of Santa Barbara
Arch of the New Gate
Braga’s Cathedral
Roman Thermal Baths
Good Jesus of the Mountain
Sameiro Sanctuary
Ponte’s Park
6. Lodging
7. Culture and Leisure
Image Museum
Nogueira da Silva Museum
Theatro Circo
Public Pools
8. Cafés and Bares
University Bars
A Brasileira Café
Vianna Café
Coimbras’ House
Spirito Cupcakes and Coffee
Culinatrum Café
SVBVRA Tavern
Studio 22
Mavy Minimarket
Bar Code
Latino Pub
Velha-a-Branca Café
Beco Bar
Bananas’ House
Frigideiras do cantinho Pastry Shop
Belgian Tavern (Taberna Belga)
Nut’ Braga
9. Night Clubs
Sardinha Biba Club
Academic Bar
Insólito Bar
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1. The Country Geography Portugal is the westernmost country of mainland
Europe, situated at the south west point of
Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula, and includes
the Atlantic Madeira and Azores archipelagos.
It is bordered on the East and North by Spain
and on the West and South by the Atlantic
Ocean.
Mainland Portugal occupies an area of 88,889 km2. It is 218 km wide, 561 km
long, 832 km of Atlantic Coast and a 1215 km border with Spain.
It is split by its main river, the Tejo.
The northern landscape is mountainous in interior areas, with plateaus indented
by river valleys. The south, between the Tejo and the Algarve (with Alentejo in the
middle), features mostly rolling plains.
Climate There are two fundamental aspects to the pleasant Portuguese climate: the
Atlantic, felt more in the north, especially the northeast, and the Mediterranean
which dominates the south.
The climate in Portugal varies considerably from a region to another and is
influenced by the relief, latitude and proximity to the sea.
On the coast the winters are particularly mild. In the northern area, particularly
inland, the winters are colder, although the temperatures are still mild when
compared to the rest of Europe. There is some snowfall, mainly in «Serra da
Estrela» («Star’s mountains»), the highest point in continental Portugal (19991m)
and where it is possible to ski! The South is warmer, specially Algarve, which
enjoys a Mediterranean climate.
Summers are hot and dry, especially in the inland areas («Trás dos Montes» and
«Alentejo») and autumn and spring can be rainy but also warm and sunny.
Most parts of Portugal are sunny. Daily hours of sunshine average from eight to
ten in winter and thirteen to fifteen in summer.
In Braga, summer months (mainly July and August) are usually very hot and dry,
so don't forget to bring your summer clothes! Nevertheless, in the last few years,
sometimes we had witness periods of cold and rain and so, packing an extra-
sweater will never be a bad idea!
Cultural Facts Portugal is one of the oldest countries in all Europe. Outstanding monuments,
castles and churches meet the futuristic new buildings and technologies.
Portuguese culture is based on a past that dates from prehistoric times into the
eras of Roman and Moorish invasion. All have left their traces in a rich legacy of
archaeological remains, including prehistoric cave paintings at Escoral, the Roman
township of Conímbriga, the «Temple of Diana», in Évora, and the typical Moorish
architecture of such southern towns as Olhão e Tavira. Throughout the centuries,
Portugal's art has been enriched by foreign influences, including Flemish, French
and Italian. The voyages of the Portuguese discoverers opened the country to
Oriental influences and the revelation of Brazil's wealth of gold and jewels fed the
Baroque flame in decoration.
Cost of Living A member-country of the European Union since 1986, Portugal has kept, for
centuries, the greatest treasure of a renowned reputation for hospitality that
makes the country a haven of congeniality and safety.
In terms of the cost of day to day life you’ll be happy to learn that Portugal is one
of the cheapest countries in the European Union...though costs are beginning to
increase as Portugal falls into fiscal step with the rest of the EU. Entrance ticket to
a Museum, National Monument or exhibition may cost between €2 and €5. A
cinema ticket costs around €4.50 to €6.50. Theatre tickets may vary between €10
and €30 and tickets for concerts, opera or ballet performances between €25 and
€75.
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2. The City
Braga
Braga is a city in the northwest of Portugal, considered
the oldest Christian archdiocese in the country and one
of the oldest in the world. Under the Roman Empire,
known as Bracara Augusta, the settlement was center
of the province of Gallaecia, being the biggest and
most important Roman city situated in the territory
where Portugal was born.
With a total urban population of 181,494 inhabitants,
Braga is the third-largest city in Portugal (after Lisbon and Porto). Braga is also the
seat of the Greater Metropolitan Area of Minho.
In 2012, the city was awarded with the title European Youth Capital 2012. It is a
city full of culture and traditions, where religion and history live side by side with
the technological industry and the university.
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3. How to Get Around?
TUB (Braga Urban Transports) – Bus
TUB is an Urban Transport service that allows you to
move within the city of Braga. Buses cover all areas of
the city and run quite frequently. There are more than
1700 stops around the city and its surroundings, and
more than 70 bus lines to help you get anywhere you want.
You can buy your ticket on the bus for at least €1.55 or you can buy pre-paid
packs of 5 to 20 tickets for at least €0.74 each. The pre-paid tickets can be bought
on any Tub Kiosk or at the university.
You can use the app (Android or iOS) or Google Maps to choose the right line to
take you wherever you want to go.
Note: Everytime you see a bus line with 3 numbers and the first one is a 9, it’s a
bus that runs at night (after 9pm).
Website:
www.tub.pt
Braga’s CP Station (Portugal Train Service)
CP is a Train Service that allows you to travel between
different cities inside Portugal. The Braga-Porto Urban
line takes you directly to Porto for a cost of 3.10€. From
there you can catch a train to other cities such as Lisbon,
Aveiro, Coimbra and Guimarães.
Address:
Largo da Estação
4700 Braga
Braga's CP Station (Google maps)
Website:
http://www.cp.pt
How To Get there:
TUB’s Line 43 (from the university to the train station), TUB’s Line 943 (from the
university to the train station at night) or TUB’s Line 87 (from the university to the
train station)
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Braga’s Bus Station
From Braga’s Bus Station
you can catch an express
bus to almost every city in
Portugal. There are different Bus Services that you can use, such
as “Renex” and “Rede Expressos”. There are hundreds of
destinations and different timetables that you can choose from.
Address:
Avenida General Norton de Matos
4700 Braga
Braga’s Bus Station (Google Maps)
Websites:
www.renex.pt, www.rede-expressos.pt
How To Get there:
TUB’s Line 2 (A. Herculano), TUB’s Line 24 (A. Herculano) and many others.
How to get to Braga?
From Oporto:
1. Take GETBUS from Oporto’s airport directly to Braga’s bus station. This is
definitely the best option, as it is the easiest, quickest and more
comfortable way of getting from Oporto’s airport to Braga, although it is
not the cheapest. The price is 8 euros. You can find more information at:
http://getbus.eu/index.php?seccao=2&lang=en
2. By taxi it takes about 40 min but it’s really expensive (around 55 euros)
3. Take the metro (purple line E), Aerobus or bus 601/602 to Oporto’s city
center. Once there get to São Bento train station (ticket costs 3.10). This
is the cheapest option but it’s more confusing than the first one.
From Lisbon:
1. Take a train (Intercidades or Alfa Pendular) from one of Lisbon train
stations
2. Take a bus from “Oriente Train Station”. Check www.renex.pt or
www.rede-expressos.pt
Check the train schedules and prices at: http://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/train-
times
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4. The University
Minho University (Universidade do Minho)
Minho University is a Public University located in the
Area of Minho, founded in Braga in 1973. This is one of
the larger Universities in Portugal, offering a vast
amount of graduation and post-graduation courses.
The University is divided into two main campi: one located in the city of Braga
(Campus of Gualtar) and one located in the city of Guimarães (Campus of
Azurém). Both campi are equipped with residences, cafeterias (where you can
lunch or dine for 2,55€), libraries and a sports complex.
On Google Maps:
Minho University – Campus of Gualtar and Cafeteria (8)
Website:
http://www.uminho.pt/
How to get there:
TUB’s Line 41 (Universidade Minho), TUB’s Line 43 (Universidade Minho) or TUB’s
Line 943 (Universidade Minho) and others.
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School of Health Sciences (Escola Ciências da Saúde)
The School of Health Sciences is part of the University
of Minho. Its main project is the Medicine Course, but
it also ensures post-graduate education and
investigation in the Health Sciences field.
The degree in Medicine started in 2001 and was established in this building in
2006. Our motto is “nothing that is human can be unknown to a doctor”, so we
are encouraged to pursue a lot of activities and design our own curriculum inside
our degree.
On Google Maps:
School of Health Sciences
Website:
http://www.ecsaude.uminho.pt/
ICVS (Life and Health Sciences Institute)
The Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS) is a research Unit in the
context of the School of Health Sciences. The ICVS was created to develop
biomedical, translational and clinical research with relevant impact at regional,
national and international level. Presently, the ICVS is focusing its research on the
following themes: (i) microbiology and infection, (ii) neurosciences and (iii)
surgical sciences.
It’s situated in the same building as the medical school.
Website:
http://www.icvs.uminho.pt/
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5. Lodging
This year your lodging is going to be in Santa Tecla’s residence where you have a
cantine (for dinner) and microwaves. It is forbidden to cook inside the university’s
residences.
You will probably share your room with someone else. The bathrooms are also
shared.
To get to the ICVS and the hospital, you’ll have to catch TUB’s Line 41 outside the
residence (bus stop called “Santa Tecla”) and then get out on “Verdosa (Bairro da
Alegria)” if you are going to the ICVS and on “Hospital” if you are going to the
hospital.
To get home from ICVS and the hospital you’ll have to catch TUB’s Line 40 on
“Verdosa (Bairro da Alegria)” if you are on ICVS and on “Hospital” if you at the
hospital and get out at “Santa Tecla”.
6. Places of Interest
Central Avenue (Avenida
Central)
The Central Avenue is one of the main
avenues of Braga. Located in the City’s
historical center, it is seen has the heart
of the City, where historical buildings
such as the Arcade (Arcada) and the
Donjon Tower (Torre de Menagem) are
located. It has also a colorful and
beautiful garden and various cafés where you can spend a joyful afternoon.
On Google Maps:
Central Avenue
How to get there:
TUB’s Line 2 (Central), TUB’s Line 5 (Central), TUB’s Line 13(Liberdade) or TUB’s
Line 83 (Liberdade)
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Arcade (Arcada)
The Arcade is a building located in Central Avenue. It was built in the XVIII century
next to the city’s old walls. Nowadays it holds multiple cafés and is seen as a place
of leisure.
On Google Maps:
Arcade
Donjon Tower (Torre de Menagem)
The Donjon Tower is one of last remains of the
city’s old castle, which was destroyed along with
the city’s old walls in 1906. It is 30 meters high
and can be seen from Central Avenue, behind
the Arcade.
On Google Maps:
Donjon Tower
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Liberty Avenue (Avenida da Liberdade)
The Liberty Avenue begins in Central Avenue and extends for 1 km. The name was
changed from “Marechal Gomes da Costa Avenue” to Liberty Avenue 41 days
after the Carnation Revolution on 25th April 1974. This revolution effectively
changed the Portuguese regime form an authoritarian dictatorship into a
democracy.
Here you can find the city’s theater (Theatro Circo), and various fashion stores
and cafés.
On Google Maps:
Liberty Avenue
Garden of Santa Barbara (Jardim de Santa Bárbara)
The Garden of Santa Barbara is a public municipal garden alongside the eastern
wing of the historical Archbishop's
Palace of Braga. It consists of geometric
designs carved from beds of boxwood,
decorated with cedar topiaries.
Delimiting this space are the broken
ruins of an arcade, which pertained to
the medieval palace. Located in the
middle of the garden is a statue of Saint
Barbara on a fountain, which represents
the patron saint of the garden, and
namesake.
On Google Maps:
Garden of Santa Barbara
Arch of the New Gate (Arco da Porta Nova)
The Arch of the New Gate is a Baroque and Neoclassical
arch, built in the 18th century to decorate the western
entrance to the medieval wall of the city.
On Google Maps:
Arch of the New Gate
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Braga’s Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Braga)
Braga’s Cathedral is one of the most important monuments in the city of Braga.
Due to its long history and artistic significance it is also one of the most important
buildings in the country. Inside its walls you can find the tombs of Henrique de
Borgonha and his wife Teresa de Leão. These were Counts of the Portucalense
County and parents of D. Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal.
On Google Maps:
Braga’s Cathedral
Roman Thermal Baths (Termas
Romanas)
The Roman Thermal Baths are ruins that date back
to the city’s Roman Era as Bracara Augusta. They
were discovered in 1977 during excavations in the
area.
On Google Maps:
Roman Thermal Baths
Good Jesus of the Mountain (Bom Jesus do Monte)
Good Jesus of the Mountain is a sanctuary that comprises a big church, a
beautiful baroque staircase that climbs 116 meters, a savage garden and an
ancient funicular. This shrine became an inspiration for many other religious
constructions all over the world. It is an important tourist attraction of Braga. The
funicular was built in 1882 and is the oldest funicular in the world moving by
water counterbalancing.
On Google Maps:
Good Jesus of the Mountain
How to Get There:
TUB’s Line 2 (Bom Jesus)
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Sameiro Sanctuary (Santuário do Sameiro)
The Sanctuary of Sameiro is a sanctuary and Marian shrine. It is located at the top
of the hill, at an altitude of 566 meters, overlooking the city of Braga.
Construction began on 14th July 1863 with the church of “Nossa Senhora do
Sameiro” (Our Lady of Sameiro). The sanctuary is the largest Marian devotional
shrine in Portugal, second only to the Sanctuary of Fatima.
On Google Maps:
Sameiro Sanctuary
How to Get There:
TUB’s Line 23 (Santuário) or TUB’s Line 88 (Santuário)
Ponte’s Park (Parque da Ponte)
Ponte’s Park is an urban park located at the end of Liberty Avenue. It is seen as a
place of leisure where you can spend a relaxing afternoon. In the center of the
park there is an artificial lake where you can take a paddle boat ride. There is also
a café with a view overlooking the lake.
On Google Maps:
Ponte’s Park
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7. Culture and Leisure
Image Museum (Museu da Imagem)
The Image Museum is a cultural space dedicated to photography. It holds one of
the largest and most important collections of photos in Portugal. Images by both
contemporary and classic photographers illustrate a wide range of subjects,
mainly historic photos of Braga. The museum opened on April 1999 and is located
close to the Arch of the New Gate (Arco da Porta Nova) in a building from the
19th century and a tower from Braga’s Castle.
On Google Maps:
Image Museum
Open:
Tuesday to Friday: 11h00-19h00
Saturday and Sunday: 14h30-18h00
Entrance:
Free
Nogueira da Silva Museum (Museu Nogueira da Silva)
The Nogueira da Silva Museum is located in Central Avenue and consists of the
legacy left by the entrepreneur Nogueira da Silva to the University of Minho. In
his philanthropic activity and enthusiasm for antiques and works of art, he
accumulated an invaluable collection which included many rare pieces of
furniture, paintings, and sculptures from various periods and styles. The museum
comprises significant renaissance pieces, Portuguese painting, furniture, ceramics
and creations in ivory, silver and religious art. In addition to the art collection, the
legacy included the magnificent building, in the center of Braga with beautiful
gardens of French inspiration.
On Google Maps:
Nogueira da Silva Museum
Open:
Tuesday to Friday: 10h00-12h00/14h00-17h00
Saturday: 14h00-17h00
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Theatro Circo
Theatro Circo is a 20th century revivalist theater located in Liberty Avenue. It was
first inaugurated on 21 April 1915 and is considered the most prestigious theatre
in Braga. Following a history that included the first talking films, operas and public
performances, the building was restored by the municipal council of Braga, and
reopened in 2006.
On Google Maps:
Theatro Circo
Website:
http://www.theatrocirco.com
Public Pools (Piscinas Municipais)
If you feel like going for a swim there are several public pools around the city.
Rodovia Complex Public Pool is the closest one to Professor Lloyd Residence. It
has 2 acclimatized indoor pools, 1 Olympic exterior pool, 3 tennis courts and 1
football field. You can also go to Ponte’s Park Public Pool, located next to Ponte’s
Park.
On Google Maps:
Rodovia Complex Public Pool
Ponte’s Park Public Pool
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8. Cafés and Bars
University Bars (Bares da UM)
The University Bars, as they are commonly known, are several cafés and bars
located in Rua Nova de Santa Cruz (a street right next to the University). It has an
academic atmosphere, and it is usually where the students go out to drink at
night or relax in the afternoon. The prices are generally not very high and the
most attended places are usually Sabor da Fruta, Montalegrense, Maria Bolacha,
Dieci, Carpe Noctem, Stephane Bar and Peões.
On Google Maps:
University Bars
A Brasileira Café
A Brasileira (The Brazilian) is a café located in Central Avenue. It opened in 1907
and it is a noble and classical café that underwent an extensive remodeling
process in celebration of its 100 years. It became really famous because of the
excellency of its coffee, with origin in Brazil, marketed as the best coffee. You can
sit outside and enjoy the city center or you can sit in one of its three different
rooms, each one with a different atmosphere, divided by its two floors.
On Google Maps:
A Brasileira Café
Website:
www.cafe-abrasileira.com
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Vianna Café
Vianna Café is located in the Arcade. It is one of the oldest cafés in the city, open
since 1871. This classical café is a good place to go when you’re in the city center.
It has a beautiful view to Central Avenue.
On Google Maps:
Vianna Café
Coimbras’ House (Casa dos Coimbras)
Coimbras House is a café located in the small garden of an historical building of
the city center (Coimbras’ House).
This outdoor bar is a very quiet and
glamorous spot right in the city’s
center.
On Google Maps:
Coimbras’ House
Spirito Cupcakes and Coffee
Spirito Cupcakes and Coffee opened only in the summer of 2011 but it’s already
one of the hot spots in Braga. There you can enjoy a hot coffee, tasteful cupcakes
or delicious ice creams.
On Google Maps:
Spirito Cupcakes and Coffee
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Culinatrum Café
Culinatrum Café is a modern café located on top of a small hill, offering its
customers an excellent view of the City.
On Google Maps:
Culinatrum Café
SVBVRA Tavern
SVBVRA (Subura) is a small tavern with a cozy atmosphere where you can drink
roman hot wine (Muslum) and play
chess, cards and other board games.
On Google Maps:
SVBVRA Tavern
Studio 22 (Estúdio 22)
Studio 22 is a café located next to Braga’s Cathedral in the city center. It has a
modern look and live music from different genres such as jazz, rock and indie.
On Google Maps:
Studio 22
Mavy Minimarket (Mini-mercado Mavy)
Mavy Minimarket is an alternative Bar located in an old mini-market store.
On Google Maps:
Mavy Minimarket
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Code Bar
Code Bar is an alternative bar located in the city center. It has an intimate
atmosphere and you can usually listen to indie music while enjoying your evening.
On Google Maps:
Code Bar
Latino Pub
Latino Pub is located in the city’s historical center, in the same street as Bar Code.
It has a classic look and a relaxing
atmosphere. There you can enjoy a
cup of Sangria (a typical wine punch)
and listen to alternative music.
On Google Maps:
Latino Pub
Velha-a-Branca Café
Velha-a-Branca is a cultural independent group situated in the Central Avenue.
Every day it has different activities such as concerts, poetry readings, expositions
and workshops. In the 3rd floor of the building there is also a café.
On Google Maps:
Velha-a-Branca Café
Beco Bar
Beco (Blind Alley) is a bar located at the end of a blind alley near the city center. It
belongs to aENIMA, a cultural group,
and it’s a small and intimate space
where you can listen to post-rock
music.
On Google Maps:
Beco Bar
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Banana’s House
Banana’s House is a small wine store and tavern in the city center. It’s a tradition
in Christmas Eve to go there and drink moscatel (muscat wine) while eating
bananas. The street fills up with people who come to wish each other a merry
Christmas.
On Google Maps:
Banana’s House
Frigideiras do Cantinho Pastry Shop
Frigideiras do Cantinho is a pastry shop and café in the city center, open since
1796. It is known for its Frigideiras (a
house specialty) and for its Bolo
Romano (Roman Cake).
On Google Maps:
Frigideiras do Cantinho
Belgian Tavern (Taberna Belga)
Belgian Tavern is a restaurant and café in Braga. It is known for its delicious
Francesinhas (a Portuguese sandwich originally from Porto).
On Google Maps:
Belgian Tavern
Website:
http://tabernabelga.wix.com/home
Nut’s Braga (Nutella shop)
It opened less than a month ago, you
are really lucky!
It’s in Rua do Souto, near Brasileira.
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8. Night Clubs
Sardinha Biba Club
Sardinha Biba is one of the biggest night clubs in Braga. It is usually attended by
university students during the week. There you can listen to dance music and
genres like pop, funk, electro and Brazilian music.
On Google Maps:
Sardinha Biba Club
Website:
http://sardinhabiba.com
Entrance:
3-10€
Academic Bar (Bar Académico)
Academic Bar, usually called BA, is a students’ Bar. It is generally attended by
university students and has a festive and academic atmosphere.
On Google Maps:
Academic Bar
Entrance:
Free
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Insólito Bar
Insólito Bar is an academic and alternative Bar in Central Avenue. There you can
listen to alternative music, rock, indie and electronic music.
On Google Maps:
Insólito Bar
Entrance:
5-10€