Steeped in history and full of charm, Funchal is the capital city of Madeira, Portugal. Exploring the picturesque old town, visiting the city’s historic monuments, riding the cable car to Monte to explore the botanical gardens, and wine tasting all make the list of the best things to do in Funchal. And don’t miss the thrilling toboggan sled ride down the mountain as it is a quintessential Funchal experience.
With its blend of historic charm and lush, exotic gardens, Funchal is a delight to explore. While in town, there are two main areas that you will spend your time: the old town and Monte, which are the hills above Funchal.
While one day in Funchal is enough to cover the main sights, two days allows you to enjoy shopping, savor the local cuisine, and soak in the city’s bustling atmosphere.
Best Things to Do in Funchal
This list of things to do in Funchal is ordered geographically. First, we start with the attractions in the city of Funchal, followed by the sights on Monte.
1. Praça do Município
Praça do Município is Funchal’s main square, located in the heart of the town’s historical center. This picturesque square is made up of light and dark Batistini tiles arranged in wave patterns.
The square is lined with the 18th century Town Hall, the Church of St. John, the Museum of Sacred Art, and the former Jesuits College of Funchal. The Jesuit College is part of Madeira University. The Church of Saint John (São João Evangelista Church) is one of the city’s most beautiful monuments and is renowned for its intricate interior carvings.
Praça do Município | Best Things to Do in Funchal
2. The Cathedral of Funchal
The Funchal Cathedral (also called the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption) dates back to the early 16th century and it is one of the oldest buildings in Madeira.
It was built using blocks of volcanic rock and then plastered white. This cathedral has a Gothic facade with a beautifully decorated altarpiece and cedar ceiling.
It is a charming place to admire on a walk through the Funchal old town. The cathedral is free to visit and open everyday, with reduced hours Saturday and Sunday. Check hours on Google before you go.
Inside the Funchal Cathedral
3. Blandy’s Wine Lodge
Blandy’s is one of the oldest and most popular wineries in Funchal. Located in Funchal’s old town, this small complex of buildings includes distilling and aging rooms, a museum that chronicles the winery’s long history (which even contains letters from Winston Churchill), and tasting rooms.
Visitors can choose to take a guided tour of Blandy’s, or just enjoy a tasting in one of the tasting rooms. We recommend the vintage tasting room as you’ll be surrounded with hundreds of bottles from as far back as the early 1900’s, making the perfect backdrop for a wine tasting.
Reservations are not needed for a tasting, but they are needed for a tour.
You will also find a restaurant at Blandy’s Wine Lodge, and even apartments for guests. For more information, visit Blandy’s official website.
4. Walk Avenida Arriaga
Avenida Arriaga is the main street that runs through Funchal’s historical center. This wide cobbled street is lined with outdoor cafes and many notable sites are located along this street, such as the Funchal Cathedral, Blandy’s Wine Lodge, and the Palácio de São Lourenço.
The Ritz is also located on Avenida Arriaga
There are also beautiful side streets to explore, like tree-lined Avenida Zarco
5. Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers Market)
The Mercado dos Lavradores is the supply point of the city for fresh fish, exotic fruits, handmade items, and vibrant flowers. The bustling atmosphere and cultural significance of the market offers a glimpse into local life on the island. For us, the highlight was trying gourmet chocolate at UAUCACAO.
6. Pereira D’Oliveira
Pereira D’Oliveira is another one of the oldest wineries in Funchal and makes a great spot to rest and enjoy a few tastings. Founded in 1820 and still run by direct descendants of the D’Oliveira family, guests can choose to sample some of the best and oldest Madeira wine available.
Pereira D’Oliveira is one large wine storeroom housing more barrels than you can count, with an area for guests near the entrance. On our visit, they offered free tastings of their newest wines, and surprised us with some sweet honey cake. Their usual tasting menu covers their newer wines, but for a fee you can try some of their older wines.
We visited both Pereira D’Oliveira and Blandy’s, and Blandy’s was our favorite. Overall it was a better experience and we liked Blandy’s wine better, but free tastings at Pereira D’Oliveira is hard to pass up.
7. Stroll Along the Promenade & Marina
Funchal has a pretty seafront promenade, great for a peaceful walk on the edge of the urban center. There are artistic works, cafes, and small garden areas all along the seaside walk.
Located along the promenade are the Funchal Cable Car Station, the CR7 Museum, the Forte São José, and just across the street is the Funchal old town.
8. Rua de Santa Maria Street Art
The painted doors that line one of Madeira’s oldest streets is a popular attraction for tourists and a great place to admire local street art.
However, we didn’t find this to be all that impressive when we visited. Maybe it has changed in recent years (our visit was in 2024), but we found a minimal amount of art and a road crowded with small restaurants. From our experience, it’s not worth going out of your way to see this.
9. CR7 Museum
This museum is dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese football player and regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
This museum highlights his accomplishments in European football while offering a look into his life through photos, videos, and interactive content. See the impressive collection of golden trophies, write a note to him through the Fans Correspondence, and take a photo with him through augmented reality.
Learn more about the museum and get hours and pricing on the official website.
10. Take a Walking Tour of the Old Town
For those who want to learn more about Funchal’s history and sights, this walking tour of the old town gets rave reviews.
This walking tour explores the winemaking traditions in Funchal and Madeira’s role in the sugar industry.
And for foodies, this food and wine walking tour visits local markets, bars, and restaurants.
Funchal Old Town
11. Sample Some of Funchal’s Best Restaurants
Funchal is home to a long list of excellent restaurants. Here are a few recommendations.
Ákua by Chef Júlio Pereira
For some of the best seafood in Madeira and one of our favorite dining experiences, enjoy a meal at Ákua. Tucked away on a small side street in the heart of Funchal’s old town, Ákua may be small, but it packs a powerful punch. Inside guests will have a clear view into the bustling open kitchen, with bar top seats that put guests right in front of the action. There are also a few tables on the outdoor patio.
The first time we ate here, we were seated at the bar. Here we got an up-close view of the chefs preparing the food, which was the highlight of our experience. Not to mention that everything we ordered absolutely blew us away. If you decide to dine here, then you have to try the Codfish tacos!
On our second visit, we were seated outside, which was also very nice.
Ákua has a sister restaurant, Kampo, also by Chef Júlio Pereira. They share a similar menu and it is a good spot to check out in case you can’t get seating at Ákua.
We strongly suggest making a reservation in advance for both of these restaurants.
O.Giro Churros & Panini
Enjoy a treat at O.Giro Churros & Paninis, a place known for their churro desserts covered in chocolate sauce or ice cream.
Restaurante Informal
Also located in the old town, this highly rated restaurant serves small plates of food in a rotating menu each week, to keep things fresh and seasonal.
Restaurants Located in the São Martinho District of Funchal:
The São Martinho District is located west of the old town of Funchal. It’s too far to walk to from the old town, and more accessible by car or taxi. We visited several great restaurants here which we recommend.
We had one of our best meals in Madeira at Restaurante Imperfeito, a European restaurant with a Madeiran twist.
Alforno Madeira is an Italian restaurante that serves wood fired pizzas. We ate here after a big hike and it was just what we needed.
And for those who want a Michelin experience, take a look at William Restaurant (1 Michelin star) and Il Gallo D’Oro (2 Michelin stars).
Things to Do in Monte, Funchal
1. Ride the Funchal-Monte Cable Car to Monte
Ride the Funchal cable car (Teleférico Funchal-Monte) for great views over the city and to reach other great attractions. The bottom cable car station is located just off of the promenade and upper station is in the suburb of Monte.
Monte has a beautiful garden to walk through, a prominent church to see, and you’ll find the start of the toboggan wicker sledges here. You can also connect to the Madeira Botanical Garden from here.
You can buy a two-way ticket for this cable car, or buy a one way ticket and ride the toboggan wicker sleds back towards the main town. Note that the toboggan only goes halfway down to Funchal main town. You will have to take a taxi or walk the rest of the way.
The cable car station gets busy midday, but the line moves quickly. You can buy tickets in advance so you do not have to wait in the ticket queue. Find more information on the official website.
2. Madeira Botanical Garden
The Madeira Botanical Garden is a large, terraced garden with an enormous collection of exotic plants from all over the world. From vibrant flowers to large cacti, to the pattern display in the center of the garden, it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Funchal. It is also a place of science and culture, with the mission of preserving the world’s endangered species.
Along with walking the garden grounds you can enjoy the view over Funchal from its cafe and from various viewpoints throughout the gardens.
Madeira Botanical Garden | Best Things to Do in Funchal
The view of Funchal from the gardens | Best Things to Do in Funchal
A traditional Santana House at the botanical garden
To reach the Madeira Botanical Garden we suggest riding the Botanical Garden Cable Car (Teleferico do Jardim Botânico). We purchased our tickets for the Botanical Garden Cable Car in Monte. There is a ticket booth near the top station of the Monte Cable Car. Then it is a 10-minute walk down a path to get to the Botanical Garden Cable Car.
Note that this is a separate ticket payment. Get more information here.
The view from the cable car ride to and from the Madeira Botanical Garden
3. Monte Palace Tropical Garden
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is another beautiful garden that descends down the mountainside. It is a much larger garden than the Madeira Botanical Garden, with influences from countries such as South Africa, Japan, China, Australia, and New Zealand. Exotic trees and plants from around the world line the pathways, offering shade and peaceful greenery as visitors stroll down this garden.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden | Best Things to Do in Funchal
We strolled through the Oriental Garden section, which is styled with traditional Japanese statues, Shinto gates, buddhas, pagodas, stone lanterns, bridges, and pools of koi fish. This led to the Central Lake, a nice spot to watch the flamingos, swans, waterfalls, and listen to live music. Arches and sculptures around the lake showcase various works of Portuguese Gothic art.
Another highlight is the ‘African Passion’ exposition with a collection of 1000 Zimbabwean sculptures.
Additionally, museums, Portuguese blue tiles (azulejos), and historical paintings are sprinkled throughout the gardens.
With the massive size of the Tropical Garden, you could easily spend 3 hours here. But if you would like a short walk through the gardens, we recommend the Oriental Garden and Central Lake.
This botanical garden is a 5-minute walk from the Monte cable car upper station. Get hours and pricing on the official website.
4. Church of Our Lady of Monte
This Baroque-style church, also called Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte, with its imposing staircase and decorated interior, demonstrates the local’s devotion to Our Lady of the Mountain, the patron saint of Madeira.
Of particular note is the tomb of Karl I of Austria (Charles I of Austria). He was the last of the Habsburg monarchs to rule over Austria-Hungary. After WWI he was banned from German-Austria and later was exiled to the island of Madeira where he died.
This church is a 5-minute walk from the Funchal-Monte cable car station.
5. Carreiros do Monte
In front of Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte is another highlight of Funchal – taking a unique wicker toboggan sled ride down the mountain. These wicker sledges are pushed by two ‘carreiros’ dressed in traditional white clothes and straw hats. The ride takes about 10 minutes and ends in Livramento. From there, take a taxi or Uber or make the long walk back to the old town of Funchal.
Lines can be long midday. When we were here, it was a 45-minute wait. If you are eager to do this, allow enough time to wait in line. Tickets can be purchased right next to the starting point for the ride.
Note: This should be your final stop on Monte, as you will be making your way back down the mountain.
Find more information at the official website.
Planning Your Time in Monte
Here is an efficient way to plan your time in Monte.
From Funchal, take the Funchal-Monte Cable Car up to Monte. When you exit the cable car station, turn right. You’ll immediately approach a booth that sells tickets for the Madeira Botanical Garden and its cable car. Purchase tickets here and then keep following the path down to that garden’s cable car station. Visit the Madeira Botanical Garden and return to Monte via their cable car.
Walk back up to the booth where you had purchased tickets for the Madeira Botantical Garden. Just past this booth you will see the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. After visiting this garden, follow the road around to the Church of Our Lady of Monte. Visit the church and then catch a toboggan ride, which starts just outside of the church, back down the mountain. The toboggan ride will not take you all the way back to Funchal old town, so you’ll have to walk or take a taxi the rest of the way.
Alternatively, if you have no desire to do the wicker toboggan ride, take the Monte Cable Car back to Funchal. Tickets can be purchased in Monte or you can purchase a round trip ticket for the cable car at the lower station.
Things to Do Near Funchal
1. Take a Whale Watching Tour
Taking a whale watching tour is one of the most popular excursions from Funchal. This can be done all year but the best time is from April through September. This Eco Catamaran tour is one of the most popular options and this all-inclusive tour gets near perfect reviews.
2. Go For a Cruise on Christopher Columbus’ Flagship
The Santa Maria de Colombo is a replica of Christopher Columbus’ flagship that was used to cross the Atlantic Ocean in 1492. Cruises on this ship last about 3 hours, and visitors get beautiful views of the island and the chance to spot dolphins and whales. It is a great activity to add to your list if you are in Maderia with kids.
3. Visit Palheiro Gardens
The Palheiro Gardens are located on a hillside overlooking Funchal. The highlight of visiting these lush gardens is to see the camellias in bloom, which takes place between November and April.
To get here, it is a 15-minute drive from Funchal. Learn more on the official website.
Palheiro Gardens | shutterstock.com
Best Things to Do in Funchal: On a Map
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
How Much Time Do You Need in Funchal?
On a busy, well-planned day, you have just enough time to visit a few sites in the Funchal old town and the botanical gardens on Monte.
Two full days is enough time to thoroughly explore Funchal. Spend one day in Monte, visit the botanical gardens at a leisurely pace and riding the wicker toboggan sled. Spend the second day in the old town with the option to visit the Palheiro Gardens or do a whale watching cruise.
Where to Stay in Funchal
LUXURY: Royal Savoy – Ocean Resort – Savoy Signature. If you want a 5-star resort experience, complete with multiple swimming pools, onsite restaurant, and ocean views, plus the ability to walk into town, look no farther. This resort does not have a beach but it does have a protected swimming cove, and with its multiple swimming pools, you have several spots to spend the day, rather than driving to one of Madeira’s crowded beaches.
LUXURY: Les Suites at The Cliff Bay – PortoBay. This boutique property has a cliffside setting with gorgeous views of the sea. It gets exceptional reviews for its service, onsite restaurant, multiple swimming pools, and amenities. Les Suites is located just outside of Funchal, so you will have to drive or take a taxi into town, but it is a good pick for travelers who want a luxury stay without a big resort experience.
LUXURY: There are a lot to choose from in Funchal, but four more properties that really stood out are Barceló Funchal Oldtown (a highly rated boutique hotel in the city center with a rooftop pool and amazing views of the city), Saccharum Resort (we strongly considered staying at Barceló but preferred the ocean front setting of this resort in Calheta), Quinta Jardins do Lago (located in the hills above Funchal, this resort gets exceptional reviews and prior guests rave about the botanical gardens and amenities), and Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel (a large resort perched on cliffs that has 4 restaurants, a spa, outdoor swimming pool, and beautiful sea views).
UPSCALE: Castanheiro Boutique Hotel. Located in Funchal, this small hotel has a rooftop pool and terrace with views of the city. Take your pick between standard double rooms, junior suites, and family suites that can accommodate up to four people.
UPSCALE: Three House Hotel. Also located near the city center of Funchal, this hotel ticks all the boxes: excellent location, rooftop pool, fitness center, bar, well-appointed rooms, and a near perfect review score. Rooms range from studios to two-bedroom apartments.
MID-RANGE: Edificio Charles 103. This one-bedroom apartment is also located in the city center. It gets exceptional reviews and has a terrace with city views and fully equipped kitchen.
MID-RANGE: Bay View Apartment. This apartment is located outside of the city center, but it has an outdoor swimming pool and gorgeous views of Funchal from its balcony. This two-bedroom apartment can accommodate up to 4 people and is a great pick for families or small groups who want to stay near Funchal but not necessarily in the city.
BUDGET: Jaca Hostel Funchal. This hostel is located in the city center and is one of the top reviewed budget properties in Funchal. Rooms range from mixed dormitory rooms to private double rooms with a sea view.
If you have any questions about the best things to do in Funchal or how to plan a visit to Funchal, let us know in the comment section below.
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