Experience in Braga, Portugal by Cecília

What is it like to live in Braga? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I've lived in Braga my whole life and it is amazing.

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The people, the places, the weather it's all good. it's one of the oldests cities in Portugal as it is from the time of the Romans, used to be called Bracara Augusta, and you can find many places where you can see roman ruins.

There are also green places, one of them is called Garden of Saint Barbara in portuguese "Jardim de Santa Barbara" that is very beautiful and is the perfect place for couples to date and even better it's really close to the Public Library.

There are also many places where you can eat and one that i recommend is a place called "Taberna Belga" it's said to be the place where the best "Francesinhas" are served.

As for schools there are 3 main secondary public school, Secondary school Carlos Amarante, Secondary school Sa de Miranda and secondary school D. Maria II. As far as i know there are also 2 prive secondary school which are D. Diogo de Sousa and Extrenato Carvalho Araújo.

There is also the music conservatory and one of the best universities which you might all know is Minho University.

One little curiosity, did you know that really close to the university there is a center of Nanotechnology? you should really visit it.

What is the student lifestyle like in Braga?

Students lifestyle is really good. In Minho university the fees may be a little high but you have to understand it's a famous university and as compensation it's a really good school and you really learn.

There are places to eat everywhere so students don't need to walk much and even if you don't like to walk there are buses that can take you there and they are very cheap. There are coffees near the school so you can relax and study before exams and the is two shopping centers the biggest one is a bit far but there is another a little closer and you can go there to shop or to watch a movie in the cinema. There is also a theater and many other places you can go.

How much does it cost to live in Braga?

There are prices for everyone. If you don't have much money it is not a problem you can still live in Braga because normally the things in Braga are not expensive so relax.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Braga? Is there any advice you can give?

No it is not difficult to find accommodation in Braga. If you are a university student there are houses near the university for students and there are publicity everywhere on the streets near there with phone numbers and such.

If you are just visiting but still don't have much money there is "Pousada da Juventude" you search for it on the internet and you will find it is very close to the center of the city and it's really cheap but if you can spend a little more than please stay at the grand and beautiful Hotel and Spa Meliâ.

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What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is great there are fast food.

there is one thing you have to prove when you go to Braga which is a "Frigideira" you can find it in a place called Frigideiras do Cantinho and the awesome part of it is that in that place the floor is glass so that you can see Roman ruins!

You shoul also taste a soup that is called "Caldo Verde" normally you may find it in any restaurant you go so just try it. There is also a dessert very famous in Braga called Pudin Abade de Priscos.

i would also reccommend the following dishes: bacalhau à Narcisa, bacalhau à Minhota, bacalhau à moda de Braga, Arroz de Pato, Papas de sarrabulho com rojões and the chicken "Pica no Chão" ( the last two are without any doubt my favourite my mother makes it perfectly (got hungry right now).

What places would you recommend visiting in Braga?

I recommend you to visit the center of the city, the Braga Parque Shopping and the many churches including the most special the Sé de Braga which is the church where the first King of Portugal was Baptized. As i said before you should visit the Roman ruins for that there is a museum Called Museum D. Diogo de Sousa.

And you should visit the most beautiful places os all which happens to be churches as the city is knowned to be the city of Archbishops (you can also visit the house of the Braga's Bishop, it's quite big), starting with the one which is a a little out of the city, it's in Gerês and on the road to go there you can also have a glimpse of Cristiano Ronaldo's House in Gerês, and the place is called São Bento da Porta Aberta. Many people go there from everywhere it has the most beautiful landscape and the religious church, a place you HAVE to see.

Now a little close to the city there is Bom Jesus, you can see the whole city from up there, yes it is on top of a mountain, these tree all are.

A little curiosity about Bom Jesus is that there is a road going downwards that if you turn off your car and leave it neutral it will go up by itself! If you go there give it a try.

And last but not least Sameiro, it's so beautiful and so calming i definitely recommend it.

One more thing to visit and even better if you like futebol its Braga's Stadium of course.

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Is it good to eat out in Braga? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

It is good to eat in Braga, as i already said Taberna Belga is one good place to start, i normally go to Braga Parque Shopping there are restaurants there and fast food also like the famous Mac Donalds, there is also a sushi restaurant and many other. These are the places i normally go to eat.

Is the nightlife good in Braga? Where is good to go?

Yes, it is good. You can go to the university Bars if you are a student and then head to the disco but you are just interested in relaxing near the church where the first king was baptized the Sé, in front of it the are lots of coffees you can go to and have a good time with family or friends.

What advice would you give future students headed to Braga?

Don't be shy, talk to native students and even the others, visit as much as you can and if you stay long enough i promise you will not be dissapointed and you will miss this city so much.