32° 38′ S, 16° 54′ W
Overview
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Explore Funchal old town
You can not explore Funchal without passing by Funchal’s Old Town. The narrow streets are full of colorful buildings, cool street art, and little shops. You can just wander around, but if you really want to get the vibe of the place, a walking tour is a great idea. You’ll learn all the interesting stories behind the area and spot things you might miss on your own. Plus, there’s usually time to stop for a snack or drink at some local spots.
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Monte Palace Tropical Garden
If you’re in Funchal, you have to visit the Monte Palace Garden. It was without a doubt one of our favorite things to do in Funchal. It’s like stepping into a magical, hidden paradise, with beautiful paths winding through tropical plants, Japanese buildings, koi ponds, and waterfalls. The gardens are massive, and there’s so much to see, from exotic flowers to quirky statues and even some flamingos and swans hanging around.
To get there, you can take a scenic cable car ride over the city with stunning views of the city and the ocean as you slowly climb up the hills to Monte. The ride itself is an experience, and when you reach the top, you can just wander through the gardens, soaking in all that beauty.
Alternatively, you can drive up, but parking is limited. Just keep in mind that the narrow, steep streets of Funchal can be a bit stressful, so the cable car might be your best and most scenic option. Another great way to visit the Monte Palace Garden is by joining one of the fun tuk-tuk tours.
Practical
Garden: €15,00
Cable Car: Return €18,00, one way €12,50
Toboggan ride: €35,00 for 2
Every day except the 25th of December.
Garden: 9.30 AM - 06.00 PM
Museum: 10.00 AM to 04.30 PM
Cable car: 9.00 AM - 17.45 PM
Tip: While you are up at Monte, make sure to walk up the 50 steps to the Church of Our Lady of Monte to admire a stunning view of Funchal and the ocean.
Toboggan wicker sledges
One of the most fun and unique ways to make your way down from Monte is by hopping onto the famous Toboggan Wicker sledges, a traditional Madeira experience. These handcrafted wicker baskets have been around since the 1800s and were originally used by locals to zip down Funchal’s steep streets with fresh fruits and vegetables. There is no doubt that this is one of the most unique things to do in Funchal, as you cannot do this anywhere else in the world.
The sledges are steered by two skilled runners, called Carreiros, in traditional white clothes and help you glide down for around 2 km at a speed of up to 30 km/h. You can ride solo or with up to 3 people, but the lighter, the faster you’ll go! The ride takes about 10 minutes, and you’ll be weaving through the streets with plenty of laughs along the way. It is, however, important to know that they don’t take you all the way down to Funchal. You’ll either have to walk for around 30 minutes down steeply to the center or you can grab a taxi back up or down.
You can grab a sledge right in front of the Church of Our Lady of Monte. Just note that during busy tourist seasons or cruise ship visits, you might have to wait in line for a bit.
Funchal Cathedral
When you’re strolling through Funchal’s Old Town, you can’t miss Funchal Cathedral or Sé Catedral de Funchal dating from the 16th century. This historic Roman Catholic church was built when Funchal became Madeira’s capital.
From the outside, it might seem a bit humble, but inside, it’s a real gem! The interior features a beautiful wooden cedar ceiling in a Moorish-inspired design, along with intricate ivory details. You’ll also find religious paintings and a stunning Gothic altarpiece framed by traditional Portuguese azulejos tiles.
Mercado dos Lavradores
The Mercado dos Lavradores, or Farmers Market, is right in Funchal’s Old Town, just a stone’s throw from Santa Maria Street (more about this cozy street later). The market is housed in a charming two-story building with a lovely courtyard, and a must-visit spot to soak up local life. It’s filled with colorful tropical fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and you’ll see women in traditional outfits selling beautiful flowers. Downstairs, you’ll find the fish market in the morning, where you can see an array of fresh catches, including the deep-sea scabbardfish.
The best time to visit is on Fridays and Saturdays when also the courtyard gets filled with stalls, and you can sample unique fruits like the maracujá banana. While prices might be a bit higher for tourists, it’s a fun way to taste some exotic flavors.
Sao Tiago Fort
The São Tiago Fort is a bright yellow 16th-century fortress, at the edge of Funchal’s old town, right by the water. It will therefore not surprise you that it is often referred to as the yellow fort. Originally built to fend off pirates, it’s got that classic Portuguese colonial look with small round turrets and sturdy walls. Because of its sunny color, it is hard to miss as you stroll along the waterfront.
Nowadays, you’ll find a fancy restaurant inside the fort, perfect for a scenic meal with views of the Atlantic. Part of the fort is open to the public for free. Just walk through the restaurant’s archway, hang a left, and explore the historic walls. You’ll often find locals soaking up the rays on the pier or cooling off at the little beach right by the fort.
Madeira Botanical Garden
If you’re not done with visiting gardens yet, don’t miss the Madeira Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico), another must-see in Funchal. This garden covers eight hectares and is packed with over 2,000 exotic plants from all over the world. While Monte Palace is known for its koi ponds, Japanese influences, and pagodas, the Botanical Gardens leans more into showcasing the incredible variety of plant species, including plenty of cacti and endemic flora.
In the past, it was a private estate owned by William Reid (of Reid’s Hotel fame), but it’s been open to the public since 1960. From the garden, you have stunning views over Funchal and the Atlantic. You can even combine it with a visit to Monte Palace by taking the second cable car down to the gardens. If you love plants or just enjoy peaceful places to stroll around, this is definitely one of the top things to do in Funchal.
Practical
Garden: €7,50
Garden + Cable car (retour): €20
Garden + Cable car (one way): €15,50
Open year-round except on December 25th.
Daily from 09.30 AM to 05.30 PM
Hotels
Find the best places to stay in Funchal and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Funchal
Funchal
Funchal
via Booking.com
Madeira wine tasting
Wine lovers will know what to do in Funchal! Madeira Island is famous for its unique fortified wines, which range from sweet dessert wines to drier ones perfect as a starter. What makes Madeira wine special is the way it’s aged through a process called ‘estufagem,’ where it’s heated and oxidized. This technique was discovered accidentally during long sea voyages! At first, they thought it was due to the rocking of the sea, but later they discovered that it was the heating that made the wine so good.
For a great wine tasting experience, head to Blandy’s Wine Lodge, one of the oldest and most renowned cellars in Funchal. They’ve been making wine for over 200 years, and their guided tour is a great way to learn about the wine-making process while tasting some of their best bottles. Wine tours around town are another great option, mixing tastings with exploring Funchal’s best food spots.
Dolphin & Whale watching
Madeira is a fantastic spot for whale watching, with its rich, biodiverse waters offering sightings year-round, making a whale-watching tour one of the best things to do in Funchal. If you’re visiting between April and November, you might be able to spot the massive Blue Whale, the largest mammal on Earth!
Most whale-watching tours in Madeira depart from Funchal and they are all about sustainability, so you’ll always keep a respectful distance from the animals. You can head out any time of year and are almost guaranteed to spot some whales or dolphins, as many species call the area home. For an ethical and memorable experience, we can highly recommend a tour with Rota dos Cetaceos.
Funchal City Hall
Funchal City Hall is a beautiful historic building right in the heart of the city. It was originally a palace from the 18th century, that now serves as the center of local government. However, it still keeps its old-world charm. The architecture is stunning, with a mix of traditional Madeiran design and elegant features like the grand staircase and lovely inner courtyard. You can even take guided tours to learn more about its history and admire the lovely tile work and impressive rooms inside. It’s one of the best things to see in Funchal to get a feel for the city’s rich heritage!
Rua de Santa Maria
Rua de Santa Maria in Funchal’s Old Town is one of the most vibrant, cozy, and artistic spots in the city. This charming cobblestone street is famous for its “Art of Open Doors” project, where more than 200 doors are covered with colorful murals, turning the area into a lively open-air art gallery. What started as a local initiative to revitalize the old fisherman’s neighborhood has become one of the coolest things to see in Funchal.
As you stroll down the street, you’ll find doors painted by both professional artists and local amateurs, with some of the designs cleverly incorporating doorbells and handles. It’s a fun, creative place to explore, with plenty of bars and restaurants around to enjoy as you take in the art!
Cristo Rei
One of the best things to do in Funchal is to admire some of the best views around from Cristo Rei, located right outside the city center. This towering statue is similar to Rio’s Christ the Redeemer in Brazil and is built on a cliff with incredible panoramas. There’s a pathway leading down to a lower viewpoint for the best views of the coastline of Madeira and the statue itself. You can also take a nearby cable car down to Garajau beach for a fun little detour.
CR7 Museum
Did you know that one of the best football players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, is originally from Madeira, Portugal? If you’re a football fan, visiting the CR7 Museum is definitely one of the best things to do in Funchal! It’s filled with Ronaldo’s trophies, awards, and memorabilia, showcasing his incredible career. You can check out everything from his Ballon d’Ors to jerseys and even a life-size statue of the man himself right in front of the museum. It’s a fun spot to learn more about his journey from Madeira to being one of the best players in the world.
Practical
Entrance fee for adults is €5
Day trips from Funchal
Funchal is the perfect base to explore the rest of the island. Many tours and day trips are departing from the city. Some fun day trips that we can definitely recommend include:
Canyoning
Fanal Forest
Hiking
Jeep tour
Tickets
Discover all activities and tours in Madeira and reserve your spot!
Where to stay in Funchal
You’ve got plenty of options to stay in Funchal, from fancy hotels to cozy guesthouses, or something in between! The overall best place to stay is near the Old Town in the heart of the city, close to all the restaurants, bars and shops. Just note that it might be difficult to park if you are exploring the island with a rental car. There are also charming boutique hotels tucked away in quieter streets for a more relaxed vibe.
For a bit more luxury, you can check out the beautiful hotels along the Lido area with ocean views and easy access to the promenade. We stayed just outside the city center at Quintinha São João Hotel, around 15-20 minute walk from the heart of the city.
Keep in mind that Funchal is very hilly so if you don’t want to climb too much, make sure you book your stay as low in the city as possible.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay in Funchal and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Funchal
Funchal
Funchal
via Booking.com
How to get around
You can easily explore the city on foot, especially the Old Town and waterfront areas. If you’re heading further out, the local buses are cheap and reliable, and taxis are everywhere if you need a quicker ride.
For a bit more freedom, renting a car is a great option to explore beyond the city. Just note that the streets can be narrow and steep and parking, especially in the heart of the city is limited. To get higher up, the famous cable cars might be a great option for some awesome views while getting around!
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Funchal is pretty much anytime, thanks to its mild, year-round weather! The overall best time to visit the city is spring or early summer. April to June has the most pleasant temperatures and blooming flowers everywhere.
Just keep in mind that Madeira has some bizarre microclimates, so the weather can change quickly, especially in winter when you might encounter the occasional rain shower.
It’s best to avoid late summer if you want to skip the crowds, but honestly, Funchal’s great whenever you go! If you like festivals, you can head to Funchal during the Flower Festival in spring or on New Year’s Eve for an epic fireworks show.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
