Braga, Portugal 🇵🇹
#817
41.551058, -8.428004
Nomad Score:
72%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Braga, known as the 'Rome of Portugal', is located in the Minho region and is renowned for its historical architecture and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 181,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of 100 Mbps available via major providers like NOS and Meo |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.05 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, treated and safe for consumption |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers such as NOS, Vodafone, and MEO offer prepaid SIM cards with 4G connectivity |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Banco Santander and Millennium BCP allow easy setup of expat accounts; popular fintech options include Revolut and Wise |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options available including Airbnb, local apartments, and hostels |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, especially in urban areas |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com provide various rental options |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Braga, offers dorm beds starting around €15 per night |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | COWORK BRAGA, located in the city center, providing a vibrant working atmosphere with good internet |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Avesso, popular among digital nomads for a conducive work environment |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups organized on platforms like MeetUp, generally held monthly at local venues |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Braga Expat Community on Facebook hosts regular meetups |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is commonly used; Uber also operates in the area |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rent-a-Bike Braga offers various bike rental options |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Praia da Apulia, approximately 30 minutes by car |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TAP Air Portugal has regional flights from Porto Airport |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ryanair and EasyJet operate flights from nearby Porto Airport |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A3 motorway connects Braga to Porto and Lisbon |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Braga Train Station, connecting to major cities in Portugal |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Daily and monthly passes available for local buses, operated by Transdev |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains available to nearby cities like Guimarães and Porto |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Braga is the main healthcare facility in the area |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga e Detox offers classes and wellness programs |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Hut is a popular gym chain with various locations in the city |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava e Seca offers laundry facilities; laundromats available throughout the city |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Uber Eats are popular for food delivery services |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Francesinha, a local sandwich served at many cafes in Braga |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Plant-based restaurant, O Provedor, is favored among locals |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastelaria Brasileira is famous for its pastries and desserts |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Municipal de Braga offers fresh produce and local foods |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Worten and Fnac offer electronics and various goods online |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Continente and Pingo Doce provide grocery delivery services |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rua do Raio is known for its vibrant nightlife scene with various bars |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveja Artesanal de Braga offers local craft beer |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinho Verde Wine Bar specializes in the regional wines |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks can be found at local festivals |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Casa de Pasto offers a mix of traditional and international dishes |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its baroque stairway |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museu dos Biscainhos showcases local history and culture |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The iconic Braga Cathedral is one of the oldest in Portugal |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is a significant pilgrimage site |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Braga Romana, an event celebrating Roman heritage, is held in July |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town features lovely cobbled streets and vibrant culture |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Circo is a historic theater hosting performances |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Braga's weekly market offers fresh produce and local goods |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Music festivals and concerts are held throughout the summer months |
| 🎨 Street Art | A variety of street art can be found around urban areas |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking workshops highlighting Portuguese cuisine available at local venues |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galeria de Arte Moderna exhibits contemporary Portuguese art |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palácio do Raio showcases baroque architecture |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Braga is known for its significant Roman and medieval history |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque da Senhora do Sameiro offers beautiful views and hiking paths |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Peneda-Gerês National Park is about an hour's drive away |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Ecovia do Cávado offers scenic routes for cycling and walking |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Bom Jesus offers breathtaking views over Braga |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Natural areas around the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês are great for birdwatching |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public parks allow bonfires in designated areas |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | CTT offers reliable postal services for parcel delivery |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech Fix offers comprehensive tech repair services |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers provide access to table tennis facilities |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The International House offers language classes for Portuguese and other languages |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública de Braga is a tranquil place for reading and studying |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Municipal de Cultura hosts many community events |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Lounge Braga offers a venue for gaming enthusiasts |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Estoril, a bit further afield, offers a variety of gaming options |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €232,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €192,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 28% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income under progressive rates |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 48% |
| 🧾 VAT | 23% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict enforcement exists |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax varies, with rates between 0.3% to 0.8% of property value |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% for primary residence; 8% standard rate for secondary properties |