Experience in Braga, Portugal by Tchuma

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

Bracara Augusta, the name says a lot. City from Roman times has been able to stand the challenges of modernity since ever. Called the city of Bishops for its churches, convents, monasteries, seminaries and interesting place of romage whether for touring or more devotional visit, the "Bom Jesus de Braga." It's University is one of the best and sought not only by Portuguese students but also foreign. To live in Braga is to live in a hub city which connects the seaside with the interior. Equipped with a fine highway infrastructure one can travel the 500 million to the nearest beach in less than 20 minutes. Gerês, the astonishing natural park rivaling many better known sites by its beauty and variety of animals, birds and vegetation, I call it the enchanted forest where, if they still existed, one would surely find unicorns and elves.

What is the student lifestyle like in Braga?

I wouldn't know. I'm past that age.

How much does it cost to live in Braga?

2 bedroom apartment for 300 euros/month, 2 euros a bottle of nice red Alentejo wine, 1 euro coffee, meal out fromantic 5 euros on up, 7 euros movies, in general it's pretty much like any other place in the north or even tiny cheaper.

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

I wouldn't know. Have my own place which, by the way, can also be rented out.

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

The food is stupendous. These people can cook. My favorite is cod which can be prepared in so many ways it's even scary. Want to hear some? Here it goes; cod is bacalhau in Portuguese, so we have bacalhau à Narcisa, à lagareiro, à Zé do Telhado, à tanoeiro, à Bendita, ...