The underrated European city perfect for a weekend break - £2.10 beer and 18C in April
The city is becoming a popular destination for holidaymakers looking to enjoy the best of the country's climate and culture without the crowds of tourists seen elsewhere.
This beautiful Portuguese city is lesser known than the likes of Porto and The Algarve - but sees highs of 18C and April and cheap beers. Braga in northern Portugal is becoming a popular destination for holidaymakers looking to enjoy the best of the country's climate and culture without the crowds of tourists seen elsewhere. Best of all, it's said to be cheaper than the more established holiday hotspots like the capital Lisbon, despite its architectural beauty and balmy climate.
According to financial tech firm Wise, which broke down the average living cost across various international cities, a pint of domestic beer on draft is around €2.50 (£2.09). Meanwhile, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is estimated to only set you back around €9.00 (£7.53), and a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is around €50 (£41.82).
Braga also boasts bakingly hot summers. In April, at the start of spring, visitors can expect highs of 18C, rising to highs of 23C by September.
However, in the past, it has seen significantly hotter summer temperatures than other areas because of its distance from the ocean, once hitting a scorching 42.2C.
The ancient settlement was founded by the Romans in 16 BC and is home to a wealth of impressive architecture and cultural sites.
Among its more celebrated landmarks is Bom Jesus do Monte, a beautiful 600-year-old Catholic shrine inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, with an iconic baroque stairway leading up to the sanctuary.
DON'T MISS:
The sunny country that's easiest in Europe for Brits to retire to [REPORT]
The world’s 'happiest beaches' unveiled through unique study [INSIGHT]
The incredible 'city' dubbed 'mini Lisbon' 6,700 miles from Portugal [LATEST]
The city remains one of the southern European country's main religious centres and is also home to Portugal’s oldest cathedral - the Chapel of São Frutuoso - which dates back to 1070.
Tourists can also visit a keep tower that is the last remnant of the castle which was demolished in 1905.
You can even watch the city's history come alive every year when the Braga Romana festival sees the city transformed into Ancient Rome, with re-enactments and locals taking to the streets in togas.
It's also a great option for a day trip for those visiting Porto. The city can be accessed via Porto Airport, which is only around 45 minutes away via train, slightly less by car, and an hour by bus.
