15 Best Things To Do In Funchal, Madeira

Funchal is much more than a cruise port or somewhere to base yourself while exploring Madeira. Between the tropical gardens, historic old town, museums, markets, cable cars and boat trips, you could easily spend two or three days here without getting bored.

If you’ve only got one day in Funchal, I’d focus on Monte, the old town and the waterfront. With longer, you can slow down, visit some of the museums and gardens or head out to sea in search of dolphins and whales.

Here are the attractions I’d prioritise, plus a few practical tips that will save you time and money.

Updated July 2026

Need help deciding where to stay? For great ideas on where to stay in Funchal or elsewhere in Madeira, see these guides:

Best Hotels in Funchal

Madeira accommodation guide

Planning your visit to Funchal

Allow: 2 – 3 days

Best for: first-time visitors, cruise passengers, couples and families

Don’t miss:

• Monte Palace Tropical Gardens
• Cable car
• Mercado dos Lavradores
• Rua de Santa Maria
• Whale watching cruise

Good to know:

Most attractions are walkable in the city centre but Monte is much easier and, in my opinion, more enjoyable to reach by cable car than on foot.

1. Smell the flowers and taste fruit at Funchal farmers’ market

As I mentioned in my guide to food and drink in Madeira, the Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market) is a feast for the senses. Flowers, fruit, vegetables and souvenirs are beautifully displayed in an attractive space full of atmosphere. Look out for the display cabinet with vintage scales on the upper floor and, if you’ve got time, take advantage of the café on the terrace.

Tip: Fruit sold to tourists is often much more expensive than supermarkets, especially exotic fruit. Enjoy the free samples, but check prices before buying.

👉 If you’d like to get a more in-depth understanding of local food and wine, you can visit the market as part of a 3.5-hour food and wine walking tour of Funchal.

2. Check out the fabulous street art in Funchal old town

Funchal’s artE pORtas abErtas project began in 2010 and breathed new life into Santa Maria, the historical centre of the city, by turning disused doorways into works of art. These days, almost every other door in Rua de Santa Maria is testament to the creativity of local artists.

If the profusion of trendy bars and restaurants is anything to go by, the urban art project has succeeded in drawing more visitors into the ancient streets. I loved wandering along Rua de Santa Maria and stopping to look at the artwork.

👉 Explore this area and other highlights of Funchal on a small group Old Town Walking Tour

3. Discover the art-filled Monte Palace tropical gardens

If you only have time for one set of Funchal gardens, make it the ones at Monte Palace (accessible by cable car – see below). You will need about half a day to do them justice. In fact, if you only have time for one experience in Funchal, I’d recommend coming here.

Scattered among the tropical foliage and blossoms, you’ll find all manner of artworks including azulejo (painted tile) panels depicting the history of Portugal in colourful bite-sized chunks, decorative ceramics and a panoply of sculptures thanks to the Berardo Foundation.

The museum is devoted to a collection of African stone sculptures and the most magnificent collection of minerals I have ever seen.

4. Marvel at the views from Funchal cable car to Monte

Monte is Portuguese for Mount so unsurprisingly, this part of the city is high above sea level. It’s possible to catch a bus uphill (or down) but the cable car makes for a far more exciting journey.

As you rise above Funchal, you’ll get fascinating glimpses into private gardens and dramatic views down through steep gorges. The 3,200-metre ride itself takes 15-20 minutes and is both relaxing and thrilling at the same time.

Tip: Think about how you plan to get back down before buying your ticket. Many visitors buy a one-way ticket up to Monte, then return by toboggan (followed by a bus or taxi – see below), or take the bus back into the city. If you know you’ll be coming straight back on the same cable car, a return ticket offers better value. More info and tickets here.

Tip: The cable car can get busy on cruise ship days and during peak holiday periods, so if your schedule is tight, aim to go early in the morning.

5. Ride the famous Monte toboggan

One of Funchal’s most unusual attractions is the traditional wicker basket toboggan ride. Two carreiros, dressed in white and wearing straw hats, steer the basket down the steep streets from Monte to Livramento. It’s undeniably touristy, but it’s also a fun slice of Madeiran tradition.

Before you join the queue, there are two things worth knowing. Waiting times can be surprisingly long on busy days, especially when cruise ships are in port or during the middle of the day. If you’re visiting in peak season, it’s worth heading up early.

The other thing that catches many first-time visitors out is that the ride doesn’t end in Funchal city centre. It finishes in the Livramento district, so you’ll still need to take a taxi or bus back to the waterfront or old town.

The taxi rank at the end of the ride is well organised but ask the driver to use the meter to avoid being overcharged. Local buses are a cheaper alternative if you don’t mind waiting a little longer.

6. Discover the joys of Funchal harbour and waterfront

Our first venture into the centre of Funchal took us to the port and fishing harbour, which has several things to offer. From the fishing harbour, it’s a pleasant stroll along the seafront, past the Santa Catarina gardens (see below), to the marina where you’ll find several cafés and restaurants.

Tip: If you’re walking into old town Funchal from your hotel on the outskirts, make sure you avoid tunnels. I know from experience that they aren’t pleasant to walk through!

7. Sail away on a replica 15th century ship

Sleek, modern cruise ships dock at the harbour but we arrived just in time to watch passengers embarking the Santa Maria, an impressive replica of Christopher Columbus’ 15th century sailing ship, and being greeted by a costumed sailor.

👉 You can book this 3-hour historical boat tour online.

If the historical and theatrical nature of this sailing trip doesn’t appeal, you’ll find  plenty of other boat and catamaran tours leaving from Funchal marina, just a little further on from the port.

8. Spot whales and dolphins on a catamaran tour

One of the best things about staying in Funchal is how easy it is to get out onto the water. Several companies offer dolphin and whale watching trips from the marina throughout the year, with sightings of dolphins being particularly common.

I’d recommend choosing an operator that follows responsible wildlife-watching guidelines, such as this quiet catamaran cruise, which gives you the chance to see marine life without chasing or disturbing the animals. Even if the wildlife marine life proves elusive, you’ll get a different perspective on Funchal and Madeira’s dramatic coastline.

👉 See full details and availability of this eco-friendly tour

9. Observe the local fishing community at work

Funchal’s port area is also used by local fishermen, as evidenced by piles of nets and the squawking of excited seagulls watching a catch being unloaded. We paused to observe the process as ice pumped from the next-door factory along a chute and into the same sacks that the fish were being shovelled into.

10. Swim in natural pools or sea bathing complexes

Madeira Island is not really a beach destination but Funchal has plenty of swimming pools and concrete or rocky lounging areas if you need to swim or sunbathe. The larger hotels in the Lido end of Funchal tend to have their own pools but you can also pay a small fee to use the public ‘beaches’ and natural swimming pools at Doca do Cavacas.

If you need golden sands, you’d be better off heading for Machico – see this article for other places to visit in Madeira.

11. Photograph the patterned pavements of Funchal

One of Portugal’s most precious features is its calçada (patterned mosaic pavements). On the mainland, the designs are usually picked out in black basalt and white limestone but in Madeira, the local volcanic stone is used.

Not only are the stones, and therefore the colours, different in Funchal, I was delighted to see a variety of new patterns. This is my absolute favourite and can be found at the Universe of Memories (see below).

12. Gawp at the amazing collections in the Universe of Memories

We were lured through the gates of the Universo de Memórias on Calçada do Pico by the promise of tea and scones in the garden tea house, not realising that the house itself is packed with treasures.

We didn’t have time for both refreshments and a visit before the museum closed so we opted for the guided tour. It was the right decision.

The 19th century house is charming with its stained glass windows and original ceramic and inlaid wooden floors. The architectural features are, however, completely overshadowed by the myriad of paintings, ornaments and oddities that cover every other surface. Each item is part of a collection built by João Carlos Abreu, Madeira’s former Minister of Tourism and Culture.

There’s far too much to take in during a single 30-minute visit and photos aren’t allowed inside. However, I can call to mind a couple of the horses from the room dedicated to his 600-piece collection of horse sculptures and paintings. 

Guided tours take place on the hour – check the website for up to date information.

13. Visit a traditional Madeiran manor house at Quinta das Cruzes Museum

It seems fitting that the last residence of João Gonçalves Zarco, the man who discovered Madeira, should now be a museum. The typical Madeiran quinta (estate) contains period furniture and ornaments as well as a collection of silverware and ceramics.

I found the black-and-white photographic exhibition to be more interesting than most of the first floor exhibits. The images provide an interesting glimpse into aristocratic life on the early 20th century as well as local industries.

If you’re short on time, you could skip the museum and stroll around the pretty gardens instead.

14. Relax in Santa Catarina park

If you don’t have time to go to Monte but still fancy some greenery when you visit Funchal, the city centre Santa Catarina park is a soothing place for escaping the bustle and enjoying the ocean views.

From the café, you’ll see distant green mountains surrounding the city beyond the central pond with its fountains and swans. There’s also a children’s playground if you need one and a cute little chapel.

Best of all, it costs nothing to enter unlike many of Funchal’s other gardens.

15. Visit the Santa Clara convent

If you’ve already seen the city’s main attractions and enjoy historic buildings, Santa Clara Convent is worth adding to your itinerary. Founded in the late 15th century, it was once home to daughters and widows of Madeira’s wealthy families and has recently reopened following extensive restoration.

Inside you’ll find beautiful azulejo panels, religious art and peaceful cloisters that offer a quieter contrast to Funchal’s busier attractions.

Practical tips for getting around Funchal and Madeira

If you take the airport bus into Funchal, ask for a timetable (on board or at the tourist information centre) so you can work out whether or not you should buy a return ticket.

Alternatively, you can book a private airport transfer in advance.

Before leaving the airport, pop into the tourist information office to pick up a map of Madeira and Funchal as well as the leaflet with bus stop information.

If you plan to use the bus in or around Funchal, use Horários do Funchal (available online or as a free app) to find bus routes and times. Buy a rechargeable Giro card as soon as possible from the marina area and load it with trips for urban travel. This is considerably cheaper than paying for tickets on board.

There’s plenty to do in Madeira beyond Funchal old town so make sure you have time for some Madeira day trips – see this article for ideas and information

If you’d rather get around by sightseeing bus, there is a hop-on-hop-off service in Funchal with the option of 24 hours, 48 hours or 5-day passes to take you to the city’s most important locations and viewpoints.

FAQs about visiting Funchal

Is Funchal worth visiting?

Yes. Although many people use Funchal simply as a base for exploring Madeira, the city itself is worth at least a couple of days. Between the tropical gardens, cable car, old town, markets, museums and boat trips, there’s enough to keep you busy without leaving the city. If you’ve only got one day, I’d focus on Monte, Rua de Santa Maria and the waterfront.

How many days do you need in Funchal?

I’d recommend spending at least two full days in Funchal. That gives you enough time to visit the main attractions without rushing from one place to the next. If you’re planning to explore the rest of Madeira as well, three or four nights in Funchal makes a good base for combining city sightseeing with day trips around the island.

Can you explore Funchal without a car?

Absolutely. The city centre is compact enough to explore on foot, although there are some steep hills once you leave the waterfront. The cable car, local buses and taxis make it easy to reach places like Monte without driving. If you’re only staying in Funchal and taking organised tours to see the rest of Madeira, there’s really no need to rent a car.

Is Funchal walkable?

The old town, marina and main shopping streets are all easy to explore on foot. Outside the centre, though, Funchal becomes much hillier, so expect some steep climbs if you’re heading away from the waterfront. Comfortable shoes are a good idea because the traditional calçada pavements can be uneven and slippery when wet.

What is Funchal famous for?

Funchal is best known for its spectacular setting between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the cable car to Monte, tropical gardens, Madeira wine and colourful Mercado dos Lavradores. It’s also a popular starting point for dolphin and whale watching cruises and for exploring the rest of Madeira.

Should I stay in Funchal or somewhere else in Madeira?

It depends on the kind of trip you’re planning. Funchal has the widest choice of accommodation, restaurants and organised tours, making it a convenient base for first-time visitors. If you’re more interested in hiking or spending time in quieter parts of the island, you might prefer to split your stay between Funchal and another area, such as Porto Moniz, Santana or Ponta do Sol.

These guides can help you find the right base:

Where To Stay In Funchal

Madeira Accommodation Guide