Things to Do in Funchal

The Top 10 Attractions in Funchal on a Map

To give you an initial overview of where the places to visit in Funchal are located, we have marked them on a map. Two days are ideal to see the most important things in Funchal.

You can easily explore the center of Funchal on foot. For the districts a little further out, it’s better to take the bus, cable car or car.

Old Town of Funchal and Rua Santa Maria

What you need to know: Funchal’s old town with its small, narrow streets is absolutely charming and pleasantly surprising. The highlight is Rua Santa Maria – a pretty alleyway with lots of restaurants that leads through the old town.

Is it worth it? Definitely! The old town is great for strolling and eating out – spending a relaxed afternoon here is one of the best things to do in Funchal.

Our tour tip: Tour through the old town of Funchal

Mercado dos Lavradores

What you need to know: The Mercado dos Lavradores is located at the beginning of Rua Santa Maria and is both an indoor market and farmers’ market. You can buy fruit, vegetables, flowers, and other local products here, or simply stroll through the mercado.

Is it worth it? Definitely. We really enjoyed the lively atmosphere inside.

Our tip: Be sure to try exotic fruits such as passion fruit or pineapple bananas.

Cable Car

What you need to know: The cable car in Funchal is one of Madeira’s best attractions. The gondolas take you 560 meters up from the coast to Monte, a district perched on the mountainside with the Tropical Garden and basket sledding.

Is it worth it? Yes, the views from the gondolas are fantastic and a ride is really fun and one of the best things to do in Funchal.

Note: When cruise ships dock in Funchal, the queues are often very long. It’s best to go up in the morning or, even better, on another day.

Tropical Garden in Monte

What you need to know: The Tropical Garden is located right next to the cable car station at the top of Monte. It is a large, impressive park with various plants, animals and sculptures.

Is it worth it? Yes. While the entrance fee is a bit high, the gardens and views make it worthwhile. There are many great ares to visit.

Our tip: Instead of taking the cable car, you can also go up by bus (lines 20, 21, 22) or car and visit the garden directly at the entrance.

Wicker Toboggan Ride

What you need to know: On the other side of the mountain station in Monte is the departure of the traditional basket sledges. In the 19th century, this unusual means of transportation was the only way to get down the mountain besides walking. Today, the Carrinhos de Cesto are a real tourist attraction in Funchal.

Is it worth it? Yes! The ride down is a blast and for us, a must-do in Funchal.

Entrance fee: 35 euros (for 2 people).

Our tip: Avoid days when cruise ships are in port – you may have to queue for up to two hours. 

Botanical Garden

What you need to know: The Botanical Gardens of Funchal are known for their colorful variety of plants and great views – here we really understood why Madeira is also called the Flower Island. It is located in Monte and is connected to the Tropical Garden by a cable car.

Is it worth it? Yes, the bright colors and views of Funchal are absolutely worth seeing.

Our tip: You can also go up by bus (lines 29 & 30) or by car and be in the gardens by the time you enter at 09:00.

Funchal Cathedral

What you need to know: Funchal Cathedral, also known as Sé Cathedral, is located in the city center and is the oldest church in Madeira. We found it rather unspectacular from the outside, but the interior is much more impressive. It is free of charge.

Is it worth it? Yes, but only if you are interested in churches.

Our tip: the Ottavia Ice Cream Factory near the cathedral serves delicious ice cream.

São Tiago Fortress

What you need to know: If you walk to the end of Rua Santa Maria, you will come out at the São Tiago Fortress. With its yellow façade, you can’t miss it. In the past, the building was used as protection against pirate attacks, but today visitors can walk through the building and up the towers.

Is it worth it? It is. How often do you get to see a bright yellow fortress? Anyway, if you don’t have that much time, you can skip it.

CR7 Museum

What you need to know: Funchal is Cristiano Ronaldo’s hometown and there is a museum about the footballer down by the harbor. A statue of him sits enthroned in front of the entrance. It is a real highlight in Funchal, especially for the little fans.

Is it worth it? Yes, for soccer and Cristiano Ronaldo fans a visit is a must!

Whale Watching

What you need to know: As Madeira is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, there is a good chance that you will see whales and dolphins on a boat tour. And all year round! Whale watching tours are a popular activity in Madeira – most boat trips depart from the port in Funchal.

Is it worth it? Yes! But there is no guarantee that you will see whales.

Our tour tip: Dolphin and whale watching tour by catamaran from Funchal

Beaches in Funchal and Tips for Swimming

There are no sandy beaches in Funchal – only stone beaches. There are also several bathing complexes by the sea with sun loungers and pools, which are a great alternative to swimming.

Check out our tips for beach hotels in Madeira

Praia Formosa

Praia Formosa is the largest beach in Funchal and also one of the most popular beaches in Madeira. It is about 2 kilometers long and a stone beach.

There’s a scenic promenade perfect for a relaxing stroll. However, Praia Formosa is not ideal for swimming and tanning. The large stones are quite uncomfortable and the swell in the water is often strong.

Lido bathing complex

The specially constructed bathing complexes are more suitable for swimming. Most of them can be found near Praia Formosa.

We recommend the Complexo Balnear do Lido and the Complexo Balnear da Ponta Gorda . Both have large pools and plenty of space for sunbathing.

Restaurants and Bars in Funchal

Funchal also has some great food options. These are our tips for restaurants in Funchal:

• Restaurante Alta Vista in Monte: Beautiful terrace with a great view – great for a coffee.
• ComTradições: Delicious restaurant in Rua Santa Maria.
• Rei da Poncha: Typical poncha bar.
• Ni Pio: Inexpensive and authentic espresso bar.
• Ottavia Ice Cream Factory: Best ice cream in Funchal.
• Kampo by Chef Júlio Pereira: Upscale restaurant with super tasty food.

Where to Stay in Funchal

Funchal is the best place to stay in Madeira if you want to do a lot of excursions in Madeira. That’s why you have a huge selection of hotels.

Whether a little off the beaten track by the sea or in the middle of the old town, here are our hotel tips for Funchal:

If you are looking for special accommodation in Funchal, you have a great selection of beautiful boutique and luxury hotels in Funchal.

Check out our tips for boutique hotels in Madeira

FAQs about Funchal

These were our best tips and things to do in Funchal

Have you been to Funchal on your trip to Madeira and more tips on what to do in Funchal? Let us know in the comments.