The general director of the ACB - Associação Comercial de Braga, Rui Marques, is passionate about the trade and urbanism of Braga. We invite him to recommend to the followers of the I SHOP BRAGA a touristic and commercial route through the city that is considered the Capital of Commerce.

Breakfast in Tibias de Braga

It is the place where usually I take my breakfast and is an excellent starting point for a visit to Braga. It is a top pastry shop in Braga, as it would be in Lisbon, Paris or London. The space is very nice, but what really distinguishes this pastry are the cakes. They are of excellent quality and taste and always spotlessly well exposed.

Two iconic locations to photograph: Arco da Porta Nova and Largo do Paço

Near to Tibias de Braga there’s the Arco da Porta Nova, one of the main monuments of the city and perhaps the most photographed by tourists.

It was built in 1512 and corresponds to the last of the seven gates that were opened by Archbishop Diogo de Sousa in the city walls, hence the name "Porta Nova". The current version of Porta Nova results of the initiative of Archbishop Gaspar de Bragança, in the year 1772, to build a triumphal arch in Braga. It is a National Monument since 1910 and serves as the main entrance into the largest artery of the Braga trade.

Going through the Rua D. Diogo de Sousa, we find Largo do Paço, an urban space constituted by a set of buildings that were the former residence of the Archbishops, known as Bishop's Palace. Currently houses the Rectory of the University of Minho, Braga Public Library and Municipal Archives. At the center of this square, is one of the most beautiful fountains of Braga - the Fonte dos Castelos - which was built in 1723 by Archbishop Rodrigo de Moura Telles.

Some fashion boutiques not to miss

In Rua do Souto, are located three of the most emblematic shops of Braga. Janes Boutique, the Pic Pic and Rosi. They have in common more than 30 years of experience, they have been the subject of great projects of urban rehabilitation and provide large international and luxury brands in the apparel segment.

After the clothing stores, if you like watches you will not want to miss two reference jewellers: Pires Jeweller’s and História D'Ouro. The major brands of watches are present there, along with other masterpieces of jewellers and goldsmiths.

It is also recommended to visit one of the most chic Shoe store of Braga - the Sapataria Fernando.

At lunch a burger and an ice cream, both handmade and made in Braga

Right in front of the famous Santa Barbara Garden, one of the most photographed places and pride of Braga, is located Hamburgueria Artesanal Degema. Here they serve excellent burgers whose names are originated in popular expressions and very typical in Braga. The space is small, with minimalist decor but with very tasteful burgers. If weather is nice, lunch on the terrace is the best option.

After the burger, you have to go to Spirito Coffee & Cupcakes. "Visiting Braga and not go to Spirito is the same as going to Rome and not to see the Pope," it is what is said at this fantastic Gelataria. This is the concept store that originated a successful franchising business where is impossible to recommend something: it's all "not to be missed".

A walk to burn up some calories

Start by visiting one of the most beautiful treasures of this city - the garden of Nogueira da Silva Museum.

It is a magnificent French-inspired garden that is a real treasure, though unknown to most of residents in Braga by the localization at the rear of the building that houses the Nogueira da Silva Museum - a legacy made in 1975 by António Augusto Nogueira da Silva to the University of Minho.

Then, go down the flowery Avenida da Liberdade and make a visit to one of the most beautiful concert halls of Portugal - the majestic Main Hall of the Theatro Circo. It is a must.

Below, at the intersection of Avenida da Liberdade and Rua do Raio, look to your right and glimpse the renovated façade of one of the finest examples of André Soares architecture - the Palácio do Raio. This Baroque icon was recently subject to a successful urban renewal project that allowed it to open doors to the Centro Interpretativo das Memórias da Misericórdia de Braga.

Continuing the Avenue, there are two iconic stores of Braga trade.

First you will find Alfilux. If Delta Light or Flos ring you a bell, this is the place. It is an exciting lighting store where you will find rare items and one of the best lighting advice services in Portugal.

Just below you will find Franco Oculista, an authentic boutique of glasses. The space of contemporary lines is marked by several notes of art that live with the products perfectly displayed. Here you will find eyeglasses brands that you do not usually find in other Portuguese opticals.

A Frigideira to snack and a world-class studio to visit

Returning the walk from the Avenue, straight to the Cathedral of Braga, enjoy getting to know one of the oldest shops in the country - Frigideiras do Cantinho.

The establishment was founded in 1796 and became famous by the specialty that gives its business name, the famous Frigideiras - a meat pie that is still made according to the original recipe.

A few meters away another representative of Braga trade - Casa do Passadiço, a decoration workshop with several international awards for its excellent projects. The building that houses the store is a manor house which was built in the early sixteenth century. To access to the Casa do Passadiço, you cross a beautiful garden with rare and old trees.

Visit an award-winning chapel and dining near the Sé

In Largo de Santiago you will meet a disruptive chapel. Braga is known for its churches. In each square you find one, sometimes more than one. All of them beautiful and pleasant to visit. The Chapel Árvore da Vida has the peculiarity of having an approach completely different from the usual. A winner prize for international architecture, it is a work that is worth visiting not only for the architectural aspect, but also for the mystic. It was built in 2011 by excellent joiners and carpenters only using wood. Without a nail, only wood.

Dinnertime. If you prefer just a snack, near the Sé you have two excellent options: Dona Petisca or the Saudade Market. If you prefer the Minho gastronomy, in the same area there are the Diana Restaurant, Brac or Cozinha da Sé. In all of them you will be extremely well received and served.

Ending the day, enjoy a sip of Gin Tonic or a glass of wine at the Copo & Meio.