30 Amazing things to do in Funchal Portugal

Funchal is the capital of the Portuguese island Madeira. Chances are, when you visit Madeira, you’ll also visit Funchal. And for a good reason, as there is a lot to see and do! Let’s check out some of the best things to do in Funchal! In this post, you’ll learn more about the sights, excursions and activities you can do. There are fun activities for all ages and many sights nearby to explore.

Things to do in Funchal

Visiting Funchal is well worth it! This beautiful city is located on the south coast of Madeira, about a 20-minute taxi ride from Funchal Airport. Madeira’s capital boasts several sights and plenty of activities for all ages. We love visiting Madeira and always stop in Funchal to see more sights. I’ve compiled a list of 30 popular tourist attractions in the city so you can easily decide which things to do in Funchal! You can find them all on the map below!

Funchal Map

1. Mercado dos Lavradores

Mercado dos Lavradores (the Farmers’ Market) is one of the most colourful places in Funchal Old Town, and the market is a must-see! You can buy so much exotic fruit here! The market hall is a whopping 9.600 m², and you can purchase fresh papaya, passion fruit, beautiful exotic flowers, fish, cheese, spices, and herbs. Although the prices were higher than elsewhere on the island, we bought some sweet and tasty fresh fruits, cheeses, and herbs!

Mercado dos Lavradores is the perfect place to try new flavours, discover regional products or enjoy the hustle and bustle of a market. The structure was designed by Edmundo Tavares and opened its doors in 1940. Aside from being a market hall, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

3. Palácio de São Lourenço

Palácio de São Lourenço is a striking building on Avenida do Mar. It was built between 1529 and 1540. Inside, you can visit a small exhibition about the site’s history. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday and closes shortly during lunch hours.

You can visit the Madeira Story Centre to learn more about Madeira’s history. You’ll discover more about the volcanic origins, the discovery, and hydroplanes. Inside, you can also visit a handicraft store that sells regional souvenirs. It’s open daily from 10 AM until 7 PM. Portugal has some incredible souvenirs, but some are only available on Madeira Island!

6. Rua de Santa Maria

Another bustling place is Rua de Santa Maria. It’s probably the best-known street in Funchal and is famous for its painted doors, which are decorated with street art. But there are also many restaurants. It’s located in the parish of Santa Maria Major, is 600 meters long and lies between Rua dos Profetas (close to Mercado dos Lavradores) and Fortaleza de São Tiago.

Santa Maria Street is lovely to wander about and check out the colourfully decorated doors. If you fancy a bite to eat, this is also the place to be. The street is, however, pretty touristy, so if you prefer a more local approach, there are different places in the city to eat.

8. Monte Palace Madeira

Once in the Monte parish, you can visit Monte Palace Madeira. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Funchal and one of the most popular to visit. The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a massive 70.000 square meters, and it is full of exotic plants, flowers, and even a lake. There are peacocks, flamingos, ducks, and swans. Plus you can visit the Monte Palace Madeira Museum, with interesting exhibitions.

You can walk around here for hours! You’ll probably need at least 3 to 4 hours to discover most of the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Besides nature, you’ll find art, Hispano-Moorish tiles, Monte Palace Museum, statues, fountains, and pagodas. You can also find Quinta Monte Palace, a former hotel near the lake. The Monte Palace Tropical Gardens is certainly a highlight not to miss!

10. A toboggan ride in Funchal

What goes up must go down! And although you can take a bus, taxi, or cable car back to Funchal, a toboggan ride is SO much more fun! It’s known as one of the most unique commutes in the world, and sliding down the mountain in Funchal has already happened over 100 years. We had to wait for an hour and a half in line, but we thought it was one of the most fun and unique things to do in Funchal!

You’ll take place (2-3 people) in a wicker basket, and the two drivers (Carreiros) will slide you down the mountain. You’ll cover 2 kilometres downhill and end up at Livramento about halfway down. From here, it’s a 15-minute walk back to Funchal city centre. You can also take a bus; a taxi will cost around € 10,00.

You can visit the gardens for free on April 30th (The anniversary of the Madeira Botanical Garden) and July 1st (Madeira Autonomous Region Day).

12. Dolphin and whale watching in Funchal

Madeira is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and the island is surrounded by sea life! What better way to explore this than by booking a boat tour? Boat tours usually last 2 to 3 hours, and you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the island and Funchal.

⛴️ This is the boat tour we booked!

If you’re lucky, you’ll spot dolphins and different types of whales along the way. The animals like to show up, especially between March and September. We booked an eco-tour from Funchal Marina, and it was a great way to learn more about marine life around Madeira Island.

13. Museu CR7

Did you know Cristiano Ronaldo is from Funchal? You may have already noticed the airport in Santa Cruz is named after him (Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport), and he also has a museum in Funchal.

The CR7 experience offers several attractions. In the museum, you’ll see fan correspondence, signed football shirts, and replicas of trophies, such as the golden boots, up close. You’ll dive into the life of the famous footballer and learn more about his magnificent career.

The museum is close to Funchal Harbour, and the address is Av. Sá Carneiro – Praça do Mar Nº27. It’s open from Monday to Friday from 10 AM until 5 PM. Admission is € 5,00 per person. If you are really interested in his life, you can even do a Ronaldo themed tuk-tuk tour!

14. Go to a Madeiran football match 

It’s even more fun to attend a football match in Madeira! The two teams on the island are C.S. Maritimo and Nacional da Madeira (also known as Clube Desportivo Nacional). Both teams play in the Primeira Liga, and teams like Porto, Benfica, and Sporting visit the island regularly.

A third club in Madeira is União da Madeira. Maritimo is the largest club, and they played the UEFA Cup several times. Cluba Desportivo Nacional was the home of Cristiano Ronaldo. Check the calendar, and maybe you can attend a game during your visit!

15. Bordalo II Plastic Mero

When you’re walking around the harbour, it’s hard to miss a huge plastic fish! It’s the Plastic Mero, created by artist Bordalo II. Artur Bordalo created street art all over the world from plastic waste. If you look closely, you’ll notice all sorts of objects, such as helmets, tyres, and fishing nets. The sculpture highlights overconsumption and is fully made from ocean litter.

If you travel around Portugal, you’ll probably see many more of his colourful works. The mero fish, or Atlantic goliath grouper, has been standing here since 2019. And in the nearby Câmara De Lobos, you’ll spot a plastic seal on the wall. This artwork is located in the harbour and is named Lobo Marinho.

16. Blandy’s Wine Lodge

Do you enjoy a good glass of wine? Then, you should take advantage of a visit to Blandy’s Wine Lodge in the heart of Funchal Old Town. You won’t discover just any wine but the unique and famous Madeira wine!

You can book guided tours, wine tastings, and events, and the wine lodge has been in the family for seven generations! You will visit the ageing rooms, learn more about Madeira wines, and taste a wide selection of Madeira wines. You can enjoy them with a cheese platter or delicious hand-made chocolate truffles from the island! Nom nom!

Tours start at € 10.50 and are available Monday through Saturday (Saturday closes at 1 PM). Visitors with children are welcome. Tours are available in Portuguese, English, German, French, and Spanish. The lodge is open from 10 AM until 6.20 PM. It closes at 13:00 on Saturday, and the wine lodge is closed on Sundays.

17. The 3D Fun Museum

Are you travelling with kids? Then, visiting the 3D Fun Museum will be a lot of fun! Bring your camera and discover the craziest creations and scenes. This Funchal museum, full of optical illusions, is fantastic for all ages.

There is 3D Fun Art, an Upside Down Room, and people shrink in front of your eyes in the Ames Room. You can find 40 different scenarios in which to take pictures!

Tickets cost € 8,00 for children and € 11,00 for adults. Special family tickets are available for € 27,00. These tickets are valid for two adults and one child (5-12 years). Children under four can enter for free. The venue is open daily from 10 AM until 6 PM.

19. Quinta das Cruzes Museum

20. Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro

Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro is the largest Quinta in Funchal, located just outside the city. It was built by João Carvalhal Esmeraldo in 1804, and the views from the Quinta are mesmerisingly beautiful. The gardens are 500 meters above sea level! You’ll find many trees, herbaceous plants and hedges in the park. The pond is a paradise for frogs and water lilies.

The garden is often called  Blandy’s Garden, as the family has owned it since 1885. Later, Graham inherited it, opening the park to the public. You can visit from Monday to Friday from 9.30 AM until 4.30 PM. Tickets for Paleiro Gardens cost € 11,00 for adults, and children under 15 can visit for free.

22. Santa Catarina Park

A fabulous place for people-watching is Santa Catarina Park. There are plenty of benches in the shade, and the park is filled with beautiful flowers. Santa Catarina Park has a small lake close to Funchal Harbour. Next to the park, you can also visit Quinta Vigia and the surrounding gardens.

22. Visit the beach in Funchal

When the weather is good and the sun is shining, it’s the perfect day for the beach. There are a few Beaches in Funchal, such as Praia Formosa. It’s almost 2 kilometres long with plenty of space for everyone. Like many of the beaches in Madeira, it consists of black sand and pebbles.

This beach in Funchal actually combines three beaches: Praia Nova, Praia dos Namorados, and Praia do Arieiro. There are excellent facilities, such as toilets, showers, restaurants and a lifeguard. The promenade is a stunning place to see the sun go down. You’ll reach Praia Formosa after a short 10-minute drive from Funchal centre.

Praia do Almirante Reis is a beach close to Funchal Old Town. The pebble beach is located between the cable car station and the São Tiago fortress. You can also visit natural pools in Funchal. Head over to the Piscinas Naturais da Doca do Cavacas for a fresh dip into the water! The pools are open daily from 10 AM until 6 PM. You’ll get to use sunbeds and parasols for a small fee, and there is a nice bar at the lava pools.

After a 20-minute drive from Funchal, you’ll reach the small town of Câmara de Lobos. You’ll spot colourful boats bobbing in the Baía de Câmara de Lobos harbour and plenty of restaurants along the shores. The fishing town also had a famous resident, Winston Churchill! You’ll find some of this history back in the centre.

You’ll need about a couple of hours to discover the town, but there are some nearby places you can visit. Câmara de Lobos is surrounded by high cliffs, and if you’re not afraid of heights, you can see the Cabo Girão Skywalk. You’ll walk on a glass skywalk with a 500-meter drop! But the views are incredible! You can book a fun tuk-tuk tour to see both places!

25. Jesuits’College of Funchal

Colégio dos Jesuítas do Funchal, or the Jesuits´College of Funchal is of huge historical importance. You can visit Funchal’s Jesuits College on the Town Hall Square in Funchal. The Jesuits arrived in Madeira in 1570 and stayed in one of the guesthouse houses, São Sebastião. In 1572, they moved into the building complex further north.

Construction of the college started in 1599, and it’s now the most significant building complex in Funchal. It’s now part of the University of Madeira, which offers guided tours around the complex. You’ll discover the high altar, a collection of golden carved altarpieces, and many chapels.

28. Funchal nightlife

Funchal is a vibrant city, and you can definitely enjoy a night out! Funchal Old Town has plenty of bars and restaurants. Near the Mercado dos Lavradores, you’ll find some traditional places to listen to a fado concert. Casino de Madeira is also a popular hotspot, with more bars around Funchal Marina and the Savoy Hotels. 

Tip: we are not party people, but we really enjoyed a drink at the ThreeHouse Rooftop!

29. Try a poncha!

You cannot leave Funchal without trying the traditional alcoholic drink of Madeira: Poncha! The alcoholic beverage is made from aguardiente de cana, a distilled alcohol made from sugar cane juice. Then sugar, honey, lemon rind, and fruit juice are added! The most common variations are made with orange or lemon juice, but I’ve also seen Poncha with passionfruit juice.

Are you going to explore the rest of Madeira too? Stop at Taberna da Poncha in Serra de Agua for a unique Poncha experience!

30. Enjoy the festivals in Funchal, Portugal!

Madeira has many unique festivals throughout the year, many of which occur in Funchal. You can already start the New Year with a bang, as Madeira has one of the best fireworks displays in Portugal! The Carnaval in Madeira is another highlight, and the main parade on Carnival Weekend is in Funchal. 

The Madeira Flower Festival celebrates the start of spring, and the festivities kick off with the Flower Parade in May. Late August to mid-September is the time for the Madeira Wine Festival, including several Funchal events. The December Christmas decorations are also magical, with the whole city sparkling!

Getting around in Funchal

Funchal is a small city that is partially built on a hill. So, depending on where you’re going, you might walk up the hills! Funchal Old Town is very accessible on foot. The area is flat, and you can even cycle here. Taxis and buses are excellent for exploring the city further afield. But there are more options!

The bus in Funchal

One of the best ways to get around is by hop-on, hop-off bus. This bus stops at all the highlights in Funchal, so you don’t have to search for anything! Funchal also has an extensive bus network. The bus service in Funchal is operated by Horários do Funchal, and buses also drive to nearby places like Monte, Pico dos Barcelos, the Botanical Garden, and Câmara de Lobos. 

🚌 Buy your tickets for the Funcal hop-on hop-off bus

A tuk-tuk tour in Funchal

Another easy way to navigate through Funchal is by tuk-tuk. The knowledgeable guides will also tell you a lot about their city, and it’s especially easy going uphill! There are several special interest tuk-tuk tours in Funchal. For example, combine a tuk-tuk with a toboggan ride, explore Câmara de Lobos, visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden, or see the Christ statue at Garajau.

Car rental in Funchal 

You can also rent a car in Funchl, but to see the city itself, it’s not needed. Funchal has many car parks, but most of them are paid. A car will allow you to explore the rest of the island easily! So renting a car is perfect if you want to see the rest of Madeira, but if you only stay in Funchal, I would advise against it.

How to get to Funchal?

There is no direct ferry from mainland Portugal to Madeira. A ferry service exists on Madeira Island, but this boat only sails to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo.

Flights to Madeira Airport

Most visitors will arrive in Madeira by plane. There are direct flights from Lisbon and Porto to Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, often called Funchal Airport. TAP Air Portugal is a Portuguese carrier with daily flights, but many international flights arrive in Madeira daily. You can use Skyscanner to check available flights and find the best route for you.

By cruise ships

Another popular way to travel to Madeira is by cruise ship. The cruise ships dock in the Funchal Marina, and you reach Funchal Old Town in only a few minutes walk.

Tip: When the cruise ships arrive in Funchal, the city can get very busy. If you arrive by cruise ship, you can expect longer lines at the popular attractions, especially when more than one shop is docking! When visiting Funchal any other way, check the Funchal cruise ship schedule to avoid the busiest days.

Where to eat in Funchal?

There are many restaurants in Funchal Old Town, especially around Rua de Santa Maria. Madeira has some local specialities, such as Bolo do Caco. This is a Madeiran flatbread, usually eaten as a sandwich. There are many different flavours, and a famous place to eat one is Casa do Bolo do Caco. Is the queue too long? You can also enjoy one on the other side of the street at A Arte Do Bolo Do Caco.

Another place to enjoy a traditional meal is Restaurante A Parreira. It’s a folklore restaurant with dancing and local dishes. Try Espetada (Portuguese beef or chicken skewers), Caldo Verde (cabbage soup) or Picado (beef with chips).

👉 Enjoy a € 20,00 discount on your next meal! Reserve your table with the code 8362E39E on TheFork.

Reid’s Palace is the place to be if you want a fancier meal. You can enjoy afternoon tea or a delicious dinner with a view. It’s also a beautiful hotel where you can stay during your time in Funchal.

Hotels in Funchal

Accommodations are available for every budget and in any size. Most hotels are in Fuchal Old Town, the perfect spot to start discovering the city! Are you looking for a hotel with an excellent view? Then maybe Babosas Village, La Chambre de Ker Briac, Vila da Portada, and Quinta Belmonte Funchal are perfect for you! Check the map below to discover a suitable accommodation for your travel group. In addition, I highlighted three hotels that we love to stay at.

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