Portugal

362
THE MINHO REGION & TRÁS-OS-MONTES
14
BRAGA
covered with blue-and-white tiles. Furnishings are standardized but still comfortable, and
the beds are firm. The hotel has a rooftop pool and an eighth-floor snack bar.
Praceta João XXI, 4715-036 Braga. & 25/320-60-00. Fax 25/320-60-10. www.hotelturismobraga.com.
132 units. 65€–85€ double; 100€–140€ suite. Rates include buffet breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Parking 5€.
Amenities: Restaurant; bar; outdoor pool; room service; Wi-Fi (5€ per hour, in lobby). In room: A/C, TV,
hair dryer.
Pousada de Braga, São Vicente A 19th-century classical palace, once belonging
to some Minho nobleman, has been carefully restored and turned into this inviting
inn. You have a choice of standard rooms or better equipped superior rooms, plus two
suites. Regardless of the classification, each is tastefully and comfortably furnished with
tiled bathrooms and generous space. The pousada also has a first-class restaurant on site,
serving regional specialties of the Minho.
Largo de Infias, 4710-299 Braga. & 25/320-95-00. Fax 25/320-95-09. www.pousadas.pt 24 units. 120€–
150€ double; 162€ suite. AE, DC, MC, V. Parking 10€. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; babysitting; outdoor
pool; room service. In room: A/C, TV.
At Bom Jesús do Monte
Hotel do Elevador Near the Bom Jesús do Monte, this traditionally styled hotel
was completely rebuilt in 1998 and named for a nearby and still-working water-powered
elevator from the 1800s. The hotel is now mainly known for its 120-seat panoramic
restaurant, opening onto the best views in Braga. But there is also much comfort here in
the midsize bedrooms, which boast classic decor and tasteful furnishings.
Parque do Bom Jesús do Monte, 4700 Braga. & 25/360-34-00. Fax 25/360-34-09. www.hoteisbomjesus.
pt. 22 units. 75€–115€ double; 120€–140€ suite. Rates include buffet breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking.
The hotel is 3km (2 miles) outside of Braga on a wooded hillside. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; room
service; Wi-Fi (5€ per hour, in lobby). In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, minibar.
WHERE TO DINE
Centurium REGIONAL PORTUGUESE In the Hotel Albergaria Bracara
Augusta, this restaurant is the best in town, housed in a building from the 19th century.
Both the hotel and restaurant lie to the west of the center of Braga. The chefs showcase
the bounty of the rich agricultural province of the Minho, serving regional wines. You
might start with caldo verde, the cabbage and potato soup so famous in the region. Meats
are carefully selected, and the fish is market fresh. Succulent pastas are also a feature of
the restaurant.
In addition to its dining, the hotel itself offers 18 attractively furnished and comfortable
bedrooms, costing 69€ to 99€ in a double, or 109€ to 149€ in a suite, with Wi-Fi
provided free.
Avenida Central 134, 4710-229 Braga. & 25/320-62-60. Fax 25/320-62-69. Reservations recommended.
Main courses 9€–18€. AE, MC, V. Mon–Sat noon–3pm and 7:30–11pm.
O Alexandre PORTUGUESE Since the 1970s, this small eatery has attracted
patrons from all walks of city life, including the mayor and church officials. It seems
busiest at lunch, when businesspeople book most of the tables. Regional wines accompany
most meals. There’s an a la carte menu, but always ask about the daily specials.
Portions are generous, and the cooking is rich. Roast cabrito (kid) is in season in June;
the year-round favorite is bacalhau (dried salt cod), prepared in an infinite number
of ways.