Funchal is much more than a convenient base for exploring Madeira.
Madeira’s capital combines historic streets, tropical gardens, ocean views, colourful markets, traditional food and some of the island’s most iconic experiences. It is where you can ride a cable car above the city, travel downhill in a traditional wicker basket, taste authentic poncha and explore one of Madeira’s most characterful old towns, all in the same day.
We visited Funchal during the final part of our seven-day Madeira road trip. After exploring the island’s mountains, waterfalls and quieter northern coastline, it was refreshing to leave the car at our hotel and discover the city on foot.
This complete Funchal travel guide covers the best things to do in Funchal, where to eat, how to visit Monte, where to stay, how many days you need and the practical details we wish we had known before our visit.
Is Funchal Worth Visiting?
Funchal is absolutely worth visiting, even when the main purpose of your Madeira holiday is hiking or driving around the island.
The city provides a completely different experience from Madeira’s mountain villages and rugged northern coast. Its historic centre is filled with tiled buildings, painted doors, cafés, gardens, markets and restaurants, while the surrounding hills offer panoramic views across the city and Atlantic Ocean.
Funchal is also one of the easiest places in Madeira to explore without a car. Most central attractions are within walking distance of one another, although you should still expect hills and uneven pavements.
I recommend spending at least two days in Funchal. This gives you one day to explore the city centre and Old Town, followed by another day for Monte, the cable car and the traditional wicker toboggans.
The Best Things to Do in Funchal
1. Explore Funchal Old Town
Funchal Old Town, known locally as Zona Velha, is one of the most atmospheric parts of the city.
Its narrow streets are filled with restaurants, cafés, small shops and historic buildings. Although the area becomes livelier in the evening, it is worth visiting during the day when you can see the architecture and street art more clearly.
The Old Town is also home to several of Funchal’s most popular attractions, including Rua de Santa Maria, Mercado dos Lavradores and the lower station of the Monte cable car.
Allow at least a couple of hours to explore the area without rushing.
2. Walk Along Rua de Santa Maria
Rua de Santa Maria is one of the most recognisable streets in Funchal.
It is particularly known for the Painted Doors Project, which transformed previously neglected doors into individual works of art. Each one has a completely different design, turning the street into a colourful open-air gallery.
Look carefully as you walk because some of the most interesting pieces are easy to miss. The street is relatively peaceful in the morning but becomes much busier later in the day when restaurants place their tables outside.
3. Visit Mercado dos Lavradores
Mercado dos Lavradores is Funchal’s famous farmers’ market and one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Inside the historic market building, you will find tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, fish and regional products. The colourful flower stalls and traditional tiled entrance make it worth visiting even when you do not intend to buy anything.
Friday morning is generally one of the liveliest times to visit. The market is usually open Monday to Saturday but closes on Sundays and public holidays.
Be Careful When Buying Fruit
Some fruit stalls offer visitors samples of unusual tropical varieties before charging surprisingly high prices. Always ask for the price per kilogram and the approximate final cost before agreeing to buy anything. Do not let this put you off visiting the market, but be clear about the price before fruit is cut or placed into a bag.
4. Visit Funchal Cathedral
Sé Catedral do Funchal is one of the city’s most important historic buildings. The cathedral dates from the late 15th and early 16th centuries and combines Gothic and Manueline architectural influences.
Its exterior is relatively understated, but the interior contains an impressive wooden ceiling that is easy to overlook when entering. The cathedral remains an active place of worship, so opening hours can vary around services and religious celebrations. Entry is generally free, although donations are appreciated.
5. Relax in Parque de Santa Catarina
Parque de Santa Catarina is one of the best free places to visit in Funchal.
The park overlooks Funchal harbour and offers views across the bay, marina and surrounding hills. It has lawns, shaded paths, tropical plants and several benches facing the ocean.
It is a peaceful place to begin your day or stop for a break after walking around the city. From the park, you can often see cruise ships arriving in Funchal’s harbour.
6. Walk Along Funchal Waterfront
Funchal’s waterfront connects several of the city’s central attractions.
The promenade passes the marina, harbour, gardens and numerous cafés. It is also one of the best places to appreciate Funchal’s dramatic setting, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and houses climbing the steep hills on the other.
Walk from Parque de Santa Catarina towards the marina and Old Town to create an easy sightseeing route through central Funchal.
7. Visit the CR7 Museum
Football fans may want to visit the CR7 Museum, dedicated to Madeira-born Cristiano Ronaldo.
The collection includes trophies, photographs and memorabilia from his career. Even if you are not interested in entering the museum, you can stop outside to see the statue and waterfront area.
Allow approximately 45 minutes to one hour for the full museum visit.
8. Shop for Portuguese Souvenirs at Comur
Comur is one of Funchal’s most colourful souvenir shops. It specialises in Portuguese canned fish, including sardines, tuna and mackerel presented in decorative tins.
The shop is undoubtedly designed with tourists in mind, but the products are easy to pack and make an original alternative to conventional souvenirs.
9. Eat a Pastel de Nata at Mariazinha
While exploring Funchal Old Town, stop at Padaria Pastelaria Mariazinha. We had one of our favourite pastéis de nata here.
The combination of crisp pastry and warm custard makes it the perfect snack during a day of sightseeing. Order one with coffee and add cinnamon when available.
10. Try Bolo do Caco at Caco Factory
Bolo do caco is one of the traditional Madeira foods you should try in Funchal. Despite its name, it is not a cake. It is a round flatbread traditionally cooked on a heated stone or slab and commonly served warm with garlic butter.
At Caco Factory, you can also try it filled with meat, cheese or other ingredients as a casual lunch. It is a convenient option when you want something local without sitting through a long restaurant meal.
11. Taste Traditional Poncha
Poncha is Madeira’s best-known traditional alcoholic drink. The classic recipe combines sugarcane spirit, honey and citrus juice, although you will find numerous flavours across the island.
We visited Rei da Poncha, where we spent approximately €18 for two people. Poncha tastes sweet and refreshing, but it is considerably stronger than it initially seems. Drink it slowly and avoid driving afterwards.
12. Take the Funchal Cable Car to Monte
The Funchal cable car is one of the city’s most popular experiences. The journey begins close to the Old Town and Mercado dos Lavradores before climbing above the rooftops towards Monte. Throughout the ride, you get panoramic views across Funchal, the harbour and the surrounding hills.
At the time of our visit, adult tickets cost:
- €16 one way
- €22 return
We paid €44 for two return tickets. Book your tickets online before visiting and have them ready on your phone. Arriving close to the 8:45am opening time can help you avoid the largest crowds.
Should You Buy a One-Way or Return Ticket?
Buy a return ticket when you plan to take the toboggan ride, return to Monte by taxi, visit Monte Palace and descend by cable car.
Buy a one-way ticket when you plan to ride the toboggan and then continue downhill towards Funchal by taxi or bus.
13. Ride the Traditional Monte Wicker Toboggans
The Monte wicker toboggans are one of Madeira’s most unusual traditions. Two carreiros, dressed in white clothing and straw hats, guide the wicker basket down steep roads using rubber-soled boots to steer and brake.
We paid €40 for two people.
The experience is fun and unique, but there is one important detail to understand before booking: the ride does not finish in central Funchal. It ends partway down the hill in Livramento.
What Happens After the Toboggan Ride?
After completing the ride, we tried to order both Uber and Bolt but could not secure a driver. Several taxis were waiting nearby. Some initially offered to return us to Monte for a flat fare of around €20, but after politely declining, we eventually paid €10.
Agree on the price before getting into the taxi. When another couple is also travelling back to Monte, consider sharing the journey. Four people sharing a €10 taxi would pay only €2.50 each.
Can You Walk Back to Monte?
You technically can, but the road is extremely steep. Unless you particularly want a challenging uphill walk, taking a taxi is the most practical option.
14. Visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Monte Palace Tropical Garden is one of the most famous gardens in Madeira.
It occupies a hillside above Funchal and combines tropical plants, lakes, sculptures, tiled panels and Asian-inspired landscaping. We paid €18 per person and spent approximately two hours inside. The garden is beautiful, but I would not necessarily describe it as essential for every visitor.
Monte Palace Is Worth Visiting When:
- You love tropical gardens
- You enjoy photography
- The weather is reasonably clear
- You have at least two hours
- You do not mind steep paths
Consider Skipping It When:
- You only have one day in Funchal
- The mountain is completely covered by cloud
- You are not particularly interested in gardens
- You have limited mobility
- You are travelling on a strict budget
There is a small poncha bar inside, but we paid approximately €6 for one drink, which was noticeably more expensive than poncha elsewhere in Madeira.
Wear comfortable shoes because the garden is large and some paths are steep.
15. Watch the Sunset at Cristo Rei
For one of the best sunset viewpoints near Funchal, drive to Miradouro do Cristo Rei in Garajau. A large statue of Christ stands on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. From the surrounding viewpoint, you can see along the coast towards Funchal.
The viewpoint is technically outside central Funchal but close enough to include in your visit, particularly when you have a rental car. Arrive before sunset so you have enough time to walk around and enjoy the coastal views.
16. Eat Traditional Espetada at Talho do Caniço
After visiting Cristo Rei, continue to Talho do Caniço for dinner.
This is a memorable place to try traditional Madeira espetada.
Espetada usually consists of seasoned beef cooked on a long skewer. It is often served suspended vertically above the table.
Order it with:
- Milho frito
- Bolo do caco
- Salad
- Chips
Milho frito consists of seasoned cornmeal cut into cubes and fried until crisp.
Where to Eat in Funchal
Caco Factory
Best for bolo do caco, casual lunches and affordable meals.
Padaria Pastelaria Mariazinha
Best for pastel de nata and coffee while exploring the Old Town.
Rei da Poncha
Best for tasting traditional poncha and comparing different flavours.
Mercado dos Lavradores
Best for seeing local produce, flowers and tropical fruit, although you should check prices carefully.
Talho do Caniço
Best for traditional espetada and a memorable Madeiran dinner outside central Funchal.
Free Things to Do in Funchal
You can experience a large part of Funchal without paying for attractions.
Some of the best free things to do in Funchal include:
- Explore Funchal Old Town
- Walk along Rua de Santa Maria
- Visit Mercado dos Lavradores
- Enter Funchal Cathedral
- Relax in Parque de Santa Catarina
- Walk along the waterfront
- See the exterior of the CR7 Museum
- Explore the city’s squares and gardens
- Watch the sunset from a public viewpoint
This makes Funchal a relatively easy destination to enjoy on a smaller budget.
Where to Stay in Funchal
We stayed at Terrace Mar Suite Hotel during the final part of our Madeira road trip.
The hotel was well located, offered useful facilities and, most importantly, included parking. Parking in central Funchal can be difficult, so I strongly recommend choosing accommodation with a confirmed parking space when travelling with a rental car.
Before booking your Funchal hotel, consider:
- Whether parking is included
- How steep the walk into the centre is
- Whether restaurants are within walking distance
- Whether the room has air conditioning
- Whether you will need to use your car every evening
Funchal is built across steep hills, meaning a hotel that appears close to the centre on a map may involve a challenging uphill walk.
How Many Days Do You Need in Funchal?
I recommend spending at least two days in Funchal.
One day allows you to explore central Funchal, including the Old Town, market, cathedral, waterfront and local food. Use a second day for the cable car, Monte wicker toboggans and Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
With three days, you could also add:
- The Madeira Botanical Garden
- A whale-watching or dolphin-watching trip
- More museums
- A Madeira wine tasting
- A relaxed pool afternoon
- A day trip outside the city
Suggested Two-Day Funchal Itinerary
Day One: Central Funchal and Old Town
Start at Parque de Santa Catarina before walking past the CR7 Museum and along the waterfront.
Continue towards Funchal Cathedral, Comur and Mercado dos Lavradores.
Spend the afternoon exploring Rua de Santa Maria, eating a pastel de nata at Mariazinha and trying bolo do caco at Caco Factory.
Stop at Rei da Poncha before returning to your hotel for a break.
In the evening, drive to Cristo Rei for sunset and have dinner at Talho do Caniço.
Day Two: Monte
Take the Funchal cable car shortly after opening.
Ride the traditional Monte wicker toboggans before taking a taxi back uphill.
Spend at least two hours exploring Monte Palace Tropical Garden, then return to Funchal by cable car.
Have lunch in the Old Town and spend the afternoon relaxing or revisiting your favourite part of the city.
Visiting Funchal on a Sunday
Try not to make Sunday your only day in Funchal.
Mercado dos Lavradores is closed on Sundays, and several independent shops and local businesses may also close or operate reduced hours.
Major attractions, restaurants and the Monte cable car may still operate, but you will not experience the city at its liveliest.
When your schedule places you in Funchal on a Sunday, plan an additional weekday or Saturday morning in the city.
Getting Around Funchal
Walking
Walking is the easiest way to explore central Funchal.
The waterfront, cathedral, market and Old Town are all relatively close together.
Remember that streets become considerably steeper as you move away from the coast.
Local Buses
Funchal has an extensive local bus network.
We paid €2.05 per person for a local journey during our visit, although fares can change.
Buses are a useful option after the Monte toboggan ride when you do not intend to return uphill.
Taxis
Taxis are widely available in central Funchal and around major attractions.
Agree on the price beforehand when the driver is offering a fixed fare rather than using the meter.
Uber and Bolt
Uber and Bolt operate in Madeira, but availability can be inconsistent.
We could not secure a driver after completing the Monte toboggan ride, so do not rely on ride-hailing apps as your only transport option.
Driving
You do not need a car to explore central Funchal.
A car is useful for Cristo Rei, restaurants outside the centre and exploring the rest of Madeira.
Choose accommodation with parking when renting a car.
What to Eat and Drink in Funchal
During your visit, look for:
- Bolo do caco
- Espetada
- Milho frito
- Black scabbardfish
- Pastel de nata
- Bolo de mel
- Poncha
- Madeira wine
Bolo do caco with garlic butter is one of the easiest traditional foods to find, while espetada is better enjoyed during a sit-down restaurant meal.
What Souvenirs to Buy in Funchal
Popular Funchal souvenirs include:
- Portuguese canned fish
- Madeira wine
- Bolo de mel
- Local honey
- Traditional embroidery
- Poncha ingredients
- Ceramics
- Passion-fruit products
- Decorative tiles
Decorative tins from Comur are particularly easy to pack and take home.
Check airline restrictions before buying bottles or plant products.
Best Time to Visit Funchal
Funchal is a year-round destination, but each season offers a slightly different experience.
Spring
Spring is ideal for flowers, gardens and comfortable sightseeing temperatures.
Summer
Summer offers warm evenings and outdoor dining but attracts more visitors.
Autumn
Autumn can remain warm while being less crowded than peak summer, although rainfall becomes more likely.
Winter
Funchal remains mild compared with much of Europe, but Madeira’s mountain weather becomes less predictable.
Remember that Funchal may be sunny while Monte is completely covered by cloud.
Is Funchal Walkable?
Central Funchal is walkable, particularly around the waterfront, cathedral, market and Old Town.
Areas further uphill can be very steep.
Do You Need a Car in Funchal?
No. You can explore central Funchal without a car.
A rental car is useful when Funchal forms part of a longer Madeira road trip.
Is the Funchal Cable Car Worth It?
Yes. The cable car provides impressive views over the city and is the most enjoyable way to reach Monte.
Arrive near opening time to avoid the largest crowds.
Are the Monte Wicker Toboggans Worth It?
The experience is relatively expensive for its duration but completely unique to Madeira.
Remember that the ride finishes partway down the hill rather than in central Funchal.
Is Monte Palace Worth Visiting?
Monte Palace is worth visiting when you enjoy gardens, plants and photography.
It is less essential when your time is limited or the weather is poor.
Is Mercado dos Lavradores Open on Sunday?
No. The market is normally closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Is Two Days Enough for Funchal?
Two days is enough to see the main attractions without rushing excessively.
Spend one day in central Funchal and one day visiting Monte.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Funchal
Funchal was the perfect place to finish our Madeira road trip.
After several days of driving, hiking and exploring the island’s quieter coast, we enjoyed leaving the car at our hotel and discovering the city on foot.
The Old Town, market and traditional food helped us experience another side of Madeira, while the cable car and wicker toboggans added one final adventure.
Not every paid attraction is essential. Monte Palace is beautiful but best suited to visitors who genuinely enjoy gardens, and the transport arrangements following the toboggan ride require more planning than you might expect.
Allow at least two days, avoid making Sunday your only sightseeing day and choose accommodation with parking when travelling around Madeira by car.
