When we planned our trip to the idyllic Portuguese island of Madeira, we decided to base ourselves in Funchal.
It is the perfect place to stay – not only because it’s the capital, but a hub of activity and excellent restaurants, cafes and shops.
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Although our travel plans had us exploring every corner of Madeira, we were intrigued by the incredible number of Things To Do in Funchal!
We discovered lush green spaces, sampled scrumptious local cuisine and stepped inside historic sites. The ocean also beckoned us out to sea on a sunset cruise and along coastal paths.
During our adventures, we took in the top attractions but also stumbled onto hidden gems. With our list of fun Funchal things to do, you can plan your perfect Portugal island vacation, too!
Want to see how we wrap it all into one epic trip? Our 1-Week Madeira Itinerary showcases a day-by-day plan for an amazing vacation!
25 Fun Things To Do in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Our list is based on our personal experiences while visiting Funchal. Later in the article, we provide a map marked with our suggested activities – as well as a few bits of trip planning advice.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Funchal Travel Guide to plan your trip to Madeira!
#1 Walk the Funchal Waterfront
The city of Funchal sits right on the island’s southern shoreline. Comprised of a marina, park and beach, we found ourselves returning to the impressive seafront time and time again.
A wide, pedestrian promenade stretches for nearly a mile along the busy waterfront, which is fantastic for morning and evening strolls.
Praca do Povo – or People’s Square – is a good starting point for visitors who just want to check out the view. The open public space hosts manicured gardens, alfresco cafes and an assortment of food trucks.
There are a few things to see in Praca do Povo Square. Find the colorful Madeira sign, which is great for photo ops. Other points of interest include the Nelson Mandela Memorial and Gandhi Statue.
Our favorite feature, however, is the tiered lawn that faces the sea. We often brought our picnic lunches to this spot so that we could dine with ocean views.
Looking to the south, the brilliant water extends to the horizon, with the distant Desertas Islands visible to the southeast. North of the promenade the town of Funchal crawls steeply up the hillside.
#2 See the Se Cathedral
Historic and divine, the majestic Cathedral of Funchal, Madeira took our breath away. The church dates to the late 15th century and was officially inaugurated in the year 1514.
The interior is lavishly decorated with glittering gilded altars. We spent time admiring the paintings, statues and traditional tiles.
However, the most outstanding feature of the Se Cathedral is the intricate wood-carved ceiling. So don’t forget to look up!
There is no fee to enter. Visiting the Cathedral is one of the things to do in Funchal for free!
#3 Admire Funchal City Gardens
These exquisitely manicured green spaces burst with tropical blossoms. During our trip, we circled back to the colorful parks on numerous occasions.
Jardim Municipal do Funchal is an absolute gem, boasting an incredible variety of flowers, plants and trees from around the globe.
The garden is a serene and calm space right in the heart of the city. Fun events are often held at the amphitheater, so be sure to check the schedule during your visit!
Parque de Santa Catarina is another must-visit Funchal sight. Walkways weave through this wonderful park, passing flower beds and zippy lizards along with swans and ducks on a central lake.
A little off the beaten path is Jardim de Santa Luzia. Marked by a towering chimney that stands as a reminder of the sugar cane industry, this park features a spacious lawn, a kids’ play area and a pleasant café and snack bar.
Two more top-rated parks in Funchal are the Palheiro Gardens and Quinta da Boa Vista. However, both of these require tickets to enter – and with the plethora of fantastic free parks, we didn’t see the point in paying to get in.
Monte Palace Gardens and the Botanical Gardens are two other top things to see in Funchal – and we detail both later on our list.
#4 Shop at the Mercado do Lavradores
One of the great things about Madeira Island is the local produce. So it comes as no surprise that one of the top things to do in Funchal is to go to the local market!
The Lavradores Farmer’s Market is the biggest in the city. It is housed in a 2-story, open-air building dating to the 1940s and separated into 3 sections. Fruit, Flower and Fish.
Fruit vendors appealingly display their bright and colorful offerings to entice passersby. Passion fruit, dragon fruit, papayas and bananas are artfully arranged.
In the flower market, visitors can see and smell native plants. Plus, the sellers wear colorfully stripped traditional Madeiran dress.
Not to be missed is the pungent fish market. The ugly Black Scabbardfish is a Madeira specialty, and thankfully, it tastes much better than it looks!
We’d also head up to the rooftop patio café for a refreshing drink or to A Confeitaria on the ground floor for something sweet.
#5 View the Restock Gallery at Armazem do Mercado
We simply stumbled onto this fun little area selling locally made products and are so glad that we did!
Displaying works by artists from around the world, Armazem do Mercao is tucked into a quiet space just steps from the Funchal Farmer’s Market.
The space, which also hosts the Restock Art Gallery, is hip and modern. Each of the distinctive shops presents different products – from paintings and plants to used books and one-of-a-kind Funchal souvenirs.
#6 Find the Painted Doors on Rua de Santa Maria
Rua de Santa Maria is one of the original Funchal Old Town streets. In fact, in the 15th century it was the main thoroughfare.
The narrow cobblestone lane is crammed with restaurants offering al fresco dining and shops peddling tourist trinkets.
We often found ourselves wandering this street in the evening, when it is especially atmospheric. As diners fill the outdoor seats, tantalizing scents waft down the street and enthusiastic laughter fills the air.
That said, what truly drew us to Rua de Santa Maria the first time was the unusual and fascinating painted doors. They are the result of the Art of Open Doors project introduced in 2010.
Artists from Madeira and around the world were invited to refresh the area with tropical scenes. The result is an open-air gallery of unique street art that led to a reborn district.
#7 Marvel at the Funchal Main Square
Praca do Municipio is a must-see Funchal sight. The center features traditional Calcada a Portuguesa pavement.
Created using black-and-white limestone tiles, the pieces are arranged to create intricate designs. The mesmerizing mosaic paving is common throughout Funchal (and all of Portugal).
After checking out the pavement, be sure to step inside a few of the buildings.
The Council Palace of Funchal – or Town Hall – was built in the middle of the 18th century. The foyer is decorated in Portuguese azulejos tiles and the elegant inner courtyard is architecturally stunning.
It’s free to enter and the woman who works there was happy to share the history of the building!
The Museum of Sacred Art is housed in the former Episcopal Palace, a structure that dates to the 17th century.
The vast collection of artwork is inclusive of religious paintings and artifacts from the Cathedral treasury. For a fee, you can go to the top of the tower for views over the Funchal rooftops.
The Jesuit College and Church is the most intriguing building on the square. When it was built in the 17th century, the complex ranked as the largest structure in Funchal.
Despite the rather mundane façade, the glittering interior impresses and it’s free to go inside. Don’t miss the nearly hidden room to the left of the altar!
#8 Wander Funchal Old Town
Downtown represents the historic area of the city – and it’s far and away one of the best places to visit in Funchal, Madeira. We highly recommend spending time just exploring the quaint squares and lively streets.
Some of our favorite places to walk are Rua da Carreira, Avenida Arriaga, Avenida Zarco and Rua Dr. Fernao de Ornelas.
A few more beautiful squares to seek out while sightseeing are Chafariz Square and Fountain and Praca do Colombo (also called Praca Amarela/Yellow Square).
Specific monuments to look for are the Joao Concalves Zarco statue (the navigator credited with discovering Madeira) and the Portas da Cidade (Varadouros Old Gate).
Those interested in learning the history of Funchal should consider joining a guided Old City Tour. On the 2-hour walk, guests are led by a local to historic sights and entertained with personal stories.
Budget Tip: Looking for a Free Walking Tour of Funchal? Check out Free Walking Tours Funchal for tip-based walks
#9 Ride a Cable Car in Funchal
The telefericos in Madeira are a unique way to get around Funchal. Originally built to help locals navigate the steep inclines, today they also serve as Funchal tourist attractions.
In total, there are 7 cable cars around the island – but the Funchal Cable Car (sometimes called the Madeira Cable Car) is the most popular for visitors.
The modern ride opened in the year 2000 and replaced the long defunct Monte Railway (which ceased operations in 1943).
The line stretches more than 2 miles, connecting the Praia do Almirante Reis Waterfront to the mountain town of Monte.
#10 Visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden
When looking for more fun things to do in Funchal, everything pointed us in the direction of the tropical gardens at Monte Palace.
The sprawling space, which cover more than 17 acres of hillside land, are simply enchanting. Containing an incredible array of colorful flora and artistic enhancements, we were in awe at every turn.
Walkways wind through the exotic gardens, featuring exhibitions, statues and classic Portuguese ceramic tile work.
Not to be missed are Central Lake, the Santana Traditional House and Oriental Gardens. That said, we recommend walking the entire grounds, as you may even spot peacocks and pink flamingoes!
You can easily spend half a day in the gardens and at the on-site museum – and we suggest timing your visit to stay for lunch.
Bring your own picnic or dine at one of the cafes. The one at the bottom of the park offers a free tasting of local Madeira wine!
#11 Discover Charming Monte
While the Palace Gardens are a top Monte attraction, there are a few more things to do in the area that entice visitors to stay just a bit longer.
The outstanding Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte is a must-see sight. Sitting atop a steep staircase, Our Lady of Monte was completed in 1818 after the previous church was reduced to rubble by an earthquake.
The interior is adorned with sparkling chandeliers, gilded altars and blue azulejos tiles. An altar holds the tomb of Charles I, the last Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary.
If you have time, consider visiting the nearby Santa Maria Chapel and the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, as well.
Monte is also the starting point for the famous Funchal Basket Ride. To partake in this age old tradition, hop in a wicker toboggan and let the Carreiros push and steer you down the hillside on an active road!
If you’re seeking a beverage, Local Shop is an ideal spot for a cool drink with a superb view. We lingered here for quite awhile gazing down the gorge and out to sea.
Sip a Portuguese Craft Beer or get a fresh-squeezed Madeira juice. They also offer tasty cakes and toasted sandwiches.
#12 Stroll through the Madeira Botanical Garden
The beautiful hillside Madeira Botanical Gardens are dedicated to both native plant species and flora from around the world.
Highlights include the cactus garden, the ‘choreographed’ gardens, palm gardens, turtle pond and exotic flowering plants.
With a direct cable car connection, you can definitely visit both the Monte Palace Madeira Garden and the Funchal Botanical Garden in the same day.
#13 Indulge in the Local Madeira Fare
Wherever we travel in the world, we are keen to sample the local food – and Funchal was no exception. Eating out in Funchal is a highlight of traveling to Madeira Island!
We detail what and where to eat in our Guide to Madeira Food – but we have a few tips here, too.
First, we were quick to notice that food in Madeira is not like the Portuguese Food in Porto or Lisbon. The local Funchal cuisine is unique and has twists on classic mainland Portugal fare.
Funchal seafood specialties include Black Scabbardfish (which they often pair with passion fruit or banana) and Limpets (a shellfish that is grilled and seasoned with garlic, butter and lemon).
Some of the best meat dishes in Funchal are Espetada (skewered, grilled beef), Carne de Vinha d’alhos (pork cubes marinated in a garlic wine sauce) and Bolo do Caco sandwiches (featuring thin steak, lettuce and tomato on special Madeira bread).
#14 Go on a Funchal Dolphin Watching Cruise
Embarking on a boat trip in search of dolphins is a Funchal must-do activity! Dolphins frequent the area around the island and boat trips depart throughout the day to track the cetaceans.
We opted to take a Sunset Dolphin-Watching Funchal Cruise with VMT Madeira. The 3-hour tour includes sailing along the eastern coastline (which is where we saw an entire pod of playful dolphins) and a swim stop below Cabo Girao.
One more thing that we liked about VMT Boat Trips is their guaranteed sightings policy. If no sea life is spotted, you can join a second cruise free of charge!
#15 Tour Convento de Santa Clara Funchal
The Santa Clara Convent is one of the most historic buildings in the city. Built in the late 1400s, the convent housed Franciscan nuns.
They were mostly daughters of wealthy Madeira families, who believed having a nun in the family improved their religious standing.
Highlights of a visit are the elegant chapel, fine cloisters, choirs and an example of a nun’s accommodations. Furthermore, the convent houses sacred art, an extravagant ceiling and an abundance of decorative tiles.
#16 Conquer the Hilltop Funchal Fort
In the 17th century, Funchal was a thriving city, but its location left it vulnerable to attacks. In order to defend itself, a number of defensive fortifications were built.
Sitting at 365 feet above sea level, the Fortaleza de Sao Joao Baptista do Pico is a landmark sight. The once mighty bastion, which is free to enter, boasts phenomenal views over the Atlantic Ocean, harbor and Funchal city center.
Additionally, the upper level houses a small museum that details the history of the fort. While we were interested in the historic aspects, we have to admit that we spent most of our time taking in the view!
The Pico Fort in Funchal has limited opening hours. Be sure to check current times before trekking up the steep and narrow street!
#17 Admire Artifacts at Museu Quinta das Cruzes
Visiting the Quinta das Cruzes estate is one of our favorite Funchal experiences. The original 15th century residence was the home of the island’s founder, Joao Goncalves Zarco.
Offering an intriguing glimpse into the history of nobility in Funchal, the museum is styled just as it would have been in the 18th century.
The dwelling is adorned in fine furnishings, local artwork, tapestries and candelabras. Additionally, the venue features an extensive collection of cameos, jewelry and silver pieces.
There is a small fee to enter the house, but the tranquil gardens and quiet chapel are open to the public for free. The on-site café offers an affordable afternoon tea – and stellar views of the sea.
Note that there are two nearby sights worth seeing. Just below the museum is a small, shaded viewpoint, called Miradouro da Quinta das Cruzes. It’s a total hidden gem!
Across the street is the Universo de Memorias Joao Carlos Abreu, which houses an eclectic collection of art.
#18 Taste Madeira Wine
Long an island specialty, the origins of wine on Madeira can be traced to the 15th century – and the industry was booming by the 18th century.
In fact, in 1776, after signing the United States Declaration of Independence, the 56 delegates made a toast…using Madeira wine!
Madeira wine, which is usually consumed as an aperitif or digestif, is sweet. Even the dry (seco) and medium dry (meio seco) contain a slightly sweet taste due to it’s exposure to heat during the maturating process.
Of course, all palates are different, so we recommend sampling several different wines in Madeira to find one you prefer.
Every bar, café and restaurant in Funchal offers Madeira wine, but we believe it is best to go straight to the source.
Blandy’s Wine proudly proclaims to be one of the founders of the Madeira wine trade. Their lodge in the city center is an ideal place to get an introduction.
HM Borges is located in a 100-year-old building in the bustling center. You can opt to join a short informative tour, partake in a tasting or order specific samples by the glass.
At Pereira d’Oliveira, you are able to enjoy a Madeira wine tasting for free. It’s a great place to test a few small samples and then buy a bottle of your favorite to take home!
#19 Browse Livraria Esperanca Book Shop
Shopping doesn’t typically rank high for us when traveling, but we love browsing book shops – and Livaria Esperanca is truly unique.
Occupying multiple floors of a rustic building, it’s a maze of literature. Not only do books line the shelves, but they are also arranged in hanging displays.
In all, there are more than 100,000 books for sale – and it’s a great place to get lost on a rainy afternoon. While most of the books are in Portuguese, there is a small English selection.
#20 Celebrate a Football Legend at CR7 Museum
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most famous footballers (aka soccer players) in the world – and he was born and raised in Funchal, Madeira.
The CR7 Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, which celebrates his accomplishments, sits along the harbor front. The venue features trophies, medals and jerseys – even his shoes are on display.
A bronze statue of Ronaldo (which doesn’t seem to resemble him much at all) stands in front of the museum. His hands (and other body parts) are polished to a shine by fans seeking for good luck.
#21 Snap Photos at Fortaleza de Sao Tiago
Painted an ochre yellow (like many of the historic buildings in Funchal), Fort of Santiago clearly stands out along the eastern coastline.
Built in the 17th century as part of Funchal’s defensive system, the fort features lookout towers and waterfront views. Most of the site is inaccessible, but it’s free to admire the architecture and snap a few photos.
Additionally, dining here is a romantic thing to do in Funchal Old Town. Restaurante do Forte offers multiple course meals that can even include transportation in their vintage car.
#22 Soak up the Sun at Praia da Barreirinha
Looking for the best beaches in Funchal Old Town? Sandy shores are few and far between on Madeira Island and you won’t find any in the center of Funchal.
Instead, aim for Praia da Barreirinha, located just to the east of Fortaleza de Sao Tiago. An entry fee is required and for a few euros more includes sun loungers and umbrellas. There are also showers, changing rooms and toilets.
#23 Contemplate Art at the Franco Brothers Museum
Brothers Henrique and Francisco Franco are born-and-bred Madeirans, both of whom excelled as artists. Since 1987, the Museu Henrique e Francisco Franco has shared a collection of their works.
The Henrique and Francisco Franco museum is small and intimate. We spent less than an hour inside contemplating the brothers’ sculptures, drawings and paintings.
#24 Savor Views from Funchal Miradouros
While the hills of Funchal are sometimes challenging, the elevated views are nothing short of spectacular. We feel the best place for panoramic sea views are from the lookout points – called miradouros.
We already mentioned Miradouro da Quinta das Cruzes, but the best miradouro in downtown Funchal is Miradouro Socorro. Located above Praia da Barreirinha, it’s a great place to start or end your day.
Two nearby viewpoints are Miradouro da Vila Guida (which requires a steep uphill climb but features a nice garden) and Miradouro do Lazareto (which offers a superb view of the Bay of Funchal at sunset).
Best reached by bus, Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos is the most popular viewpoint near Funchal. Serving up super views of the mountains and the sea, there’s an onsite cafe, too.
#25 Things To Do Near Funchal
While we were thoroughly entertained by Funchal attractions, we explored as much of the island as we could during our extended trip.
We wandered the coastal path to swim at Praia Formosa Beach and navigated our way around the Camara de Lobos fishing village.
Additionally, we stood at a dizzying height on the edge of the Cabo Girao Cliff and toured both the East and West sides of the island.
We also trekked along the most incredible Madeira hiking trails – including the famous Pico to Pico hike, down into the Valley of Nuns and along the Levada waterways.
We share all these amazing adventures in our guide of Madeira Island Things To Do!
More of Madeira: Funchal Things To Do
Above, we shared our list of personal favorites in Funchal, but there are a few more activities and sights that we want to highlight.
Funchal Museums
We’ve mentioned a few museums in our list of Things To See and Do in Funchal, but we didn’t cover them all!
Madeira Story Centre Museum: One of the best places to visit in Funchal to learn about the history of the island. Plus, there is a rooftop terrace restaurant! Small fee to enter.
Museum of the City of Sugar: A small underground space featuring information and artefacts relating to Madeira’s sugar trade, artwork and culture. Free to enter; audio guide in English.
Madeira Photography Museum: Displays historic photographs and old-fashioned photography equipment. Small fee to enter.
Casa Museu Frederico de Freitas: Historic mansion displaying the former owner’s collection of artwork and tiles (limited information in English). Small fee to enter.
Natural History Museum Funchal: Housed in the Palace of St. Peter, the exhibitions consist of taxidermy animals and a fragrant garden. Entry is free.
Palacio de Sao Lourenco and Military Museum: Entry into these was a bit confusing (it’s still an active military base) and we were turned away more than once. Apparently, there’s a small Military Museum that features the history of the armed forces. The Palace is only open at very specific times and prior registration may be required.
House of Light Electricity Museum (Museu de Electricidade Casa da Luz): A surprisingly interesting museum (especially for engineers and children) that details the history of electricity on Madeira Island. Small fee to enter.
Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias Performing Arts
A gorgeous performing arts venue boasting excellent acoustics, the intimate Municipal Theater Baltazar Dias dates to the late 1800s.
The concert hall still hosts performances – and attending a show is one of the best things to do in Funchal at night!
Funchal Shopping
The city center of Funchal is full of shopping opportunities; Rua Dr Fernao de Ornelas is one of the best shopping streets. That said, big brand clothes shops in Funchal can be found at the La Vie Mall.
Casino Madeira
A hotel and entertainment complex, Casino da Madeira is one of the established attractions in Funchal. A project of renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer, the building is a distinctive Funchal icon.
Tourist Map of Funchal, Portugal
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Funchal Map of Attractions below.
Planning a Trip to Funchal
Funchal trip planning can be a big task and we’re here to help. In addition to determining what to see, we’ll sort out some of the less fun parts in our Funchal Travel Tips!
Madeira Trip Logistics
Being an island, most travelers arrive by plane. Compare fares and routes on Skyscanner – and use our tips for Finding Cheap Flights.
There are tons of places to stay in Funchal…but finding one in your price range might be more of a challenge. Use our tips for Booking the Best Hotels for Cheap.
Organize Your Funchal Trip
As you begin to plan your trip to Funchal, organization is key. Use our Travel Planner Printables to stay on top of all the details of your Madeira vacation!
More Portugal Vacation Destination Guides
We’ve been traveling to Portugal since 2010 and have tons of honest advice and pertinent tips!
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- Plan the Best European Vacation
Start planning your trip to Portugal! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more vacation advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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