10 BEST Things to Do in Funchal on Madeira

Oct 4, 2023

Woman in jeans and hat poses at waterfront in Funchal, pointing toward a yellow fort. Hills and ocean in the background.

If you’re planning a trip to Madeira, there’s no better place to start than its capital, Funchal. As the biggest and most lively city on the island, it’s packed with things to do, great food, and a wide range of accommodations for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s historic streets, try local cuisine, or just soak up the atmosphere, Funchal has something for everyone.

It’s also the main hub for tours and day trips, making it a great base for exploring the rest of Madeira. But if you’re more of an independent traveler or want to experience Madeira beyond its capital, check out our E-Book Guide, where we break down the best places to stay, with all the pros and cons to help you choose the perfect spot.

Aerial view of Funchal at sunset, with sunlit buildings, a harbor with ships, and dramatic clouds over hills. Warm, tranquil mood.

TOP-10 Best Things to do in Funchal, Madeira

Watch our viral YouTube video bout best things to do in Funchal and get ready for your trip to Madeira Island!

Various fruits on Funchal Market, including bananas, cherimoyas, and oranges, are neatly displayed in baskets at a market. Price tags are visible.

Madeira Farmers Market: Mercado dos Lavradores

Begin your adventure at the Mercado dos Lavradores, a bustling market in the center of Funchal. Here, you can smell delicious food and try exotic fruits that you might have never seen before. You can also purchase some local souvenirs from Madeira here, but be aware, shopping here is a bit pricey. This is a tourist attraction, so you're here for the experience, not everyday shopping.

Madeira Wine Tour & Tasting – A Sip of Island Tradition

Madeira is world-famous for its fortified wine, a unique and flavourful drink with centuries of history. Joining a Madeira wine tour is the best way to dive into the fascinating story behind this iconic beverage and see firsthand how it’s made.

Women discuss wine tasting on Madeira at a wooden table with bottles and glasses. A mural and large barrel are in the background. Attentive mood.

During the tour, you’ll walk through aging cellars filled with wooden barrels, learn about the Estufagem process (which gives Madeira wine its distinctive rich taste), and discover why this wine was once a favourite among European royalty and even American presidents.

Of course, the best part comes at the end—a wine tasting where you’ll get to sample some of the finest Madeira wines, from dry and crisp varieties to sweet, velvety ones. Whether you’re a wine lover or just curious to try something new, this experience is an absolute must when visiting the island!

Cable cars with passengers glide above a coastal city with orange rooftops and ocean view. Green poles support the cables.

Madeira Cable Car: A Moving Panoramic Viewpoint

For one of the best views over Funchal, hop on the Madeira Cable Car, which takes you on a breathtaking 10-minute ride from the city center up to Monte. As you ascend, you’ll get an incredible bird’s-eye view of Funchal’s red rooftops, green hills, and the vast Atlantic Ocean stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to take in the city from above.

The cable car is a popular attraction, so expect long lines, especially during peak hours. However, the waiting time usually moves quickly. Just remember—buy your ticket first before joining the queue to avoid any delays.

Once you reach the top, you’ll find yourself in Monte, home to the stunning Monte Palace Gardens and the famous Toboggan Ride—both great ways to continue your adventure!

Monte Palace Gardens - A Green Oasis

Perched high in the hills of Monte, the Monte Palace Gardens are a true green oasis, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Funchal. This stunning botanical garden is home to a vast collection of exotic plants from all over the world, impressive waterfalls, and beautifully designed walkways that lead you through a mix of nature and art.

Red pagoda surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees in /Monte Palace on Madeira. Three people walk across a bridge. Overcast sky in the background. Peaceful ambiance.

One of the highlights is the Oriental Garden, a serene space with red bridges, koi ponds, and intricate sculptures that give it a magical, far-eastern feel—it’s definitely our favourite spot! As you wander through the gardens, you’ll also come across traditional Portuguese azulejos (painted tiles) depicting Madeira’s history, as well as unique art pieces scattered throughout the landscape.

Colorful mural depicting historical scenes of D. Alfonso IV, battles, and events. Surrounded by ivy, with vivid blues and oranges.

With breathtaking views over Funchal and endless hidden corners to explore, you’ll want to set aside at least two hoursto fully take in everything Monte Palace Gardens has to offer. It’s one of the most beautiful and relaxing spots on the island!

Two people in a wicker sled are guided by two men in hats down a sunlit road with green ivy on the wall, evoking a joyful mood.

Toboggan Ride – A Thrill from Monte to Funchal

The Toboggan Ride is one of Madeira’s most unique and exciting attractions—a must-try experience that blends tradition with pure fun. This thrilling downhill ride takes place in a wicker basket sledge, expertly guided by two carreiros (drivers) dressed in white uniforms and straw hats, who skilfully navigate the narrow streets of Funchal using only their feet and ropes for control.

People ride wooden carts - Toboggan on Madeira on a paved road, guided by men in straw hats. Joyful expressions, lush greenery, and a clear day set the scene.

Originally used as a fast mode of transport for locals traveling from Monte to Funchal in the 19th century, today it’s a favourite among visitors looking for an adventurous yet safe way to enjoy the island’s traditions. The 2 km descent takes about 10 minutes, with speeds reaching up to 48 km/h, making it an exhilarating ride through the winding streets.

If you’re looking for a fun and memorable way to experience Madeira’s history, the Monte Toboggan Ride is an absolute must!

Try Local Food

Madeira’s traditional cuisine is something you don’t want to miss. From juicy espetada (meat on a skewer) to fresh tuna steak, picado, and prego, you’ll find these dishes on most restaurant menus. But if you really want to experience the best of Madeira’s flavors, we highly recommend joining a Food Tour.

One of the best options is Madeira Exquisite Food on Foot Tours, which takes you on a delicious journey through Funchal’s local food scene. You’ll get to taste some of the island’s most authentic dishes, from homemade pastries and fresh seafood to traditional meat dishes, exotic fruits, and, of course, Madeira wine and poncha.

If you’re a foodie, this tour is a must! Plus, readers of our eBook Guide get a 10% discount, so make sure to grab your copy and plan your trip to Madeira without missing out on the best flavours the island has to offer.

Woman in black dress and hat sits on a red-tiled rooftop in Funchal, smiling at sunset. Church tower in background. Text: picturetheworld.co.

Get Lost in Funchal’s Streets

One of the best ways to experience Funchal is to simply get lost in its charming streets. Head to the Zona Velha, the city’s old town, where history, culture, and creativity blend together in the most fascinating way.

As you wander through its narrow, cobbled streets, you’ll be surrounded by colorful decorations, traditional Portuguese tiles, and vibrant street art—especially on Rua de Santa Maria, where painted doors turn the entire street into an open-air gallery.

street art—especially on Rua de Santa Maria in Funchal, where painted doors turn the entire street into an open-air gallery

Among the historic gems, don’t miss Sé Cathedral, one of Madeira’s oldest and most important churches, standing proudly in the main square. Another must-see is São Tiago Fort, a striking yellow fortress by the sea, once built to defend Funchal from pirates.

Zona Velha is a place where every corner has a story, so take your time, explore at your own pace, and soak in the atmosphere—it’s like stepping back in time while still feeling the pulse of modern Madeira.

People on a white catamaran trip in Madeira with blue canopies, sailing by rocky cliffs in sunny weather. Mood is relaxed and scenic.

Funchal Promenade

End your day with a relaxing walk along the Funchal promenade, where the ocean breeze, swaying palm trees, and soft golden light create the perfect evening atmosphere. Find a spot at one of the many waterfront cafés and enjoy the views with a classic Bica (Portuguese espresso) or a Garoto (a smooth coffee with milk) taking in the city’s laid-back charm.

Woman in a brown jacket smiles on a boat with a mountainous city in the background beneath cloudy skies.

The promenade leads straight to Funchal’s harbour, where you’ll find a variety of whale and dolphin watching tours departing daily in the morning and in the afternoon. Madeira is one of the best places in the world to see marine life year-round, with over 20 different species of whales and dolphins passing through its waters. Hop on a catamaran, a speedboat, or even a traditional sailing ship for an unforgettable experience spotting marine life in the Atlantic.

With our eBook Guide, you’ll get a 10% discount on dolphin and whale watching tours in Madeira! So make sure to grab your copy and plan your trip with exclusive savings on some of the island’s best experiences.

Try Poncha on Madeira

Poncha is Madeira’s most famous traditional drink. This strong, fruity cocktail is made with aguardente de cana (a local sugarcane rum), freshly squeezed citrus juice, and honey, all mixed together using a caralhinho, a wooden muddler designed specifically for this drink.

Poncha originated in Câmara de Lobos, a small fishing village just outside Funchal, where fishermen used it to keep warm before heading out to sea. Over time, it became a local favourite, with different variations appearing as the locals got creative.

If you want to experience the real Madeira flavour, go for Poncha Pescador (Fisherman’s Poncha) or the Original Poncha, which stays true to the classic recipe. It’s typically made fresh in front of you, so you can watch as the ingredients are blended to perfection. Whether you’re at a cozy poncha bar in Funchal or sipping it in a small tavern in Câmara de Lobos, this is a drink you absolutely have to try when visiting Madeira!

Woman in white shirt walks on grassy cliff overlooking ocean at sunset. Funchal Cityscape in background. Serene mood. "picturetheworld.co" visible.

Best Viewpoints in Funchal

If you want to see Funchal at its best, head to one of its stunning lookout points. Two of our favorites are Pico dos Barcelos and Miradouro do Pináculo.

Pico dos Barcelos, perched at around 355 meters above sea level, right in the centre of the city, offers a panoramic view over Funchal, stretching all the way to the ocean. It’s a great spot to take in the city’s red rooftops and the dramatic coastline.

For an even higher perspective, Miradouro do Pináculo sits on the eastern side of Funchal and provides a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the city, the surrounding mountains, and the vast Atlantic. It’s like looking at a perfectly painted postcard of Madeira.

Both viewpoints are easy to reach and well worth the stop—especially during sunrise or sunset for that extra magical touch!

Fireworks explode over Funchal at night, illuminating the water and buildings below. The scene is vibrant and festive.

A woman in floral attire and a colorful hat holding flowers at a festival. Crowded, festive atmosphere with blurred background.

Funchal - The City of Festivals

Funchal is also where you can enjoy exciting festivals. The most popular ones are the Madeira Carnival, Funchal Flower Festival, and the Madeira Wine Festival. These start in late winter and spring, and they fill the streets with music, colour, and happiness. It's like a big party for everyone!

Our Madeira e-Book Guide for Photographers and Travellers

For over two years, we’ve called Madeira our home, exploring every breathtaking corner of this stunning island. Since launching at the start of 2024, our guide has helped hundreds of travellers and photographers plan their dream trip to this magical destination.