Best Things to Do in Funchal, Madeira: Must-Dos and Lesser-Known Activities

There are so many things to do in Funchal, Madeira’s capital city. So much so that planning your time here can quickly feel overwhelming.

Cable cars, boat tours, swimming spots, bars, restaurants… you name it, Funchal probably has it.

After three trips to Madeira (each for 2–3 months), I’ve spent a lot of time in Funchal. I’ve stayed in several different neighbourhoods, caught buses all over the city, gone whale watching, spent evenings bar-hopping in the Old Town and slowly figured out what activities are actually worth doing.

Some activities in Funchal are proper rites of passage, like the cable car to Monte. Others are a bit more under the radar.

In this guide, I’ve narrowed it down to the 12 best things to do in Funchal (because those massive 40-item lists get overwhelming fast), plus a few lesser-known alternatives that I enjoyed.

This guide focuses on what to do in Funchal itself. If you’re planning to explore further, I’m also putting together a separate guide to the best day trips from Funchal.

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12 Best Things to Do in Funchal

1. Whale and dolphin watching

Did you know that you can spot dolphins and whales in the ocean directly in front of Funchal? Boats leave from the harbour, so it’s really easy to fit into your trip even if you’re only here for a couple of days.

On the Magic Dolphin Eco boat tour (my top recommendation), I spotted several pods of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, both resident species all year round.

If you’re lucky, you might see larger (seasonal) migrating whale species like sperm whales and beaked whales, too.

It’s by far one of the best things I’ve done from Funchal, and one of those experiences that actually lives up to the hype. If you’re going to book one thing in Funchal, this would be it.

Check out my guide to whale watching in Madeira for the best time to go, how to choose a tour and what you might see.

2. Take The Cable Car to Monte

I’ve taken the cable car up to Monte a couple of times now, and it’s one of my favourite views over Funchal.

The cable car is a little expensive (€22 for an adult return ticket), but you get to see over the ocean, Old Town, suburbs and, as you soar higher, the lush green valleys at the bottom of the mountains.

At the top is Monte Palace, where you can pay to see the tropical gardens (they have 100,000 species of plants!) or enjoy the view from one of the restaurant terraces outside of the grounds.

3. Try Madeira’s Famous Toboggan Ride

A five-minute walk downhill from Monte Palace is Madeira’s famous toboggan ride.

Originally used by locals to get downhill quickly from Monte to Funchal, the wicker toboggans now carry tourists.

Two men dressed in traditional white outfits and straw hats will steer the basket (with you inside) down the steep roads.

I haven’t done the toboggan myself (it’s a bit touristy for me), but it’s definitely one of those classic Madeira experiences people come here for. Slightly chaotic, but very iconic and rooted in tradition!

4. Explore the Old Town (Zona Velha)

I always end up back in the Old Town. It’s just one of those places that’s nice to wander without a plan. There are cobbled streets, painted doors, little museums, and loads of small restaurants, cafés and poncha bars around almost every corner.

It’s also where you’ll find landmarks like the Gothic-style Funchal Cathedral, plus places like Blandy’s Wine Lodge for Madeira wine tasting.

And while you’re in the Old Town, don’t forget to grab pastel de nata (traditional Portuguese egg tarts) at NATA 7 or stop by a coffee shop to order a chinesa (Madeira’s milky coffee) or a bica (a small, strong espresso).

It’s the most atmospheric part of Funchal, although it can get very busy when cruise ships are in port.

5. Visit one of Funchal’s small museums

There are a handful of small museums scattered about the Old Town in Funchal:

• Madeira Photography Museum has a collection of old photos from the island – a really cool way to learn about Madeira’s history.
• Sacred Art Museum is best known for its Flemish paintings and 16th-century art.
• Immersive Museum of Madeira is an interesting one, with modern, immersive VR experiences, including a Van Gogh exhibit. Fun, although a little random!

6. Unwind at the Funchal Natural Pools (Doca do Cavacas)

If you’re wondering where to go swimming in Funchal, you should know that there aren’t any beaches directly next to the Old Town. The best place to swim is the Funchal natural pools, formed by long-ago volcanic eruptions.

You’ll need to catch the bus to get there, but it’s straightforward and worth the effort with the Atlantic Ocean beating against the side of the pools and Cabo Girão looming on the horizon.

The pools are also home to the Doca do Cavacas bar-restaurant, serving drinks and food. It’s especially nice at sunset.

I’ve got a full guide to the Doca do Cavacas natural pools with more information on how to get there, what to expect, and how to avoid the crowds.

7. Stroll along the promenade at Praia Formosa

Praia Formosa isn’t really your typical swimming beach. It’s pebbly and the waves can be pretty big some days, but I still like coming here for a walk.

There’s a long promenade that runs along the coast with a few small beach bars and outdoor seating. The atmosphere’s really nice, especially in the evenings, with runners out on the promenade, people meeting for drinks, and views towards Cabo Girão in the distance.

8. Walk (or take the bus to) Camara de Lobos for Sardines and Nikita

Câmara de Lobos is a small and gorgeous fishing village that’s easy to get to by bus from Funchal in about 20 minutes (or even on foot if you’re up for it).

It’s known for its sardines, colourful boats bobbing in the harbour and views towards Cabo Girão. There’s not a lot to do here, but that’s kind of the appeal. I really like it for a relaxed stroll and a sardine lunch.

While here, you could try nikita, a delicious, creamy drink with pineapple ice cream, white wine, beer, and fresh pineapple that originated in Câmara de Lobos. It’s my favourite drink on the island (and dangerously easy to drink)!

9. Explore Forte de São Tiago and Grab Drinks at Barreirinha Bar Café

Forte de São Tiago is at the west end of Funchal promenade, a bright yellow fort that you can spot from a long way off. It was placed there in the early 17th century to defend Madeira from pirates.

What I really like to do down this end of Funchal, though, is grab drinks at Barreirinha Bar Café. Looking out over the water, this place is popular for casual catch-ups and it often has parties into the evening.

10. Try the local specialities (poncha and espetada)

I simply couldn’t write a list of things to do in Funchal without mentioning poncha – it’s in the name of my blog, after all!

Poncha is Madeira’s traditional drink, made from aguardente de cana, honey, sugar and citrus juice.

My favourite Poncha bars are actually near Ribeira Brava, but the capital also has plenty of its own, Rei da Poncha being my top pick.

While in Funchal, you’ll also want to try espetada, a traditional Madeiran dish where you’re served large chunks of garlicky grilled beef skewered on laurel sticks. You’ll never forget your first espetada!

My favourite place for espedata is O Visconde, tucked down an alley in the Old Town.

11. Visit a rooftop bar or Restaurant

One thing I didn’t expect before visiting Madeira was how good Funchal’s rooftop bars are. I’ve made my way to quite a few of them, and they’re very much underrated as Funchal activities.

I like Three House for cocktails and parties and Panorama Rooftop Bar for more casual food and drinks. Both have beautiful views over the bay and the Old Town – if you can get to either for sunset, I’m pretty sure you won’t regret it.

12. Visit the Madeira Botanical Garden

The Madeira Botanical Garden is one of the main attractions in Funchal, mainly for the views looking back over the city.

I haven’t actually been there myself, but it’s especially popular to combine with Monte because you can take the cable car directly between the two.

13. Take a day trip around Madeira

There are so many day trips to do in Madeira, and Funchal is a great base to do them from.

With a car, your options are pretty limitless. And if you’re exploring Madeira without a car or simply don’t fancy driving every single day, there are great tours, hiking transfers and bus connections.

I’m working on a complete guide to the best day trips from Funchal to help you decide, but below are a few of my favourites:

• North coast: It has natural pools, black-sand beaches and dramatic cliffs — either drive there yourself or join a north coast tour.
• Machico: Accessible by bus or car, it has a white-sand beach and hikes directly from the city. (See my guide to the best things to do in Machico.)
• Prainha Beach: A small black-sand cove just past Machico, a great place to escape the crowds and also accessible by bus.
• Cristo Rei: A historic Christ statue on Madeira’s south coast, a popular stop on a tuk-tuk tour from Funchal.

14. Go hiking from Funchal

Many of the best hikes in Madeira are easy to reach from Funchal.

For some, you’ll need a car, but several of the island’s most popular trails are also served by hiking transfers and tours that will pick you up directly from the Old Town.

Pico Grande

My Top picks

• Levada dos Tornos (car-free): A relaxing levada walk to Monte, a short bus ride from Funchal.
• Caminho das Voltas to Nun’s Valley (car-free): A zig-zag path down into the Nun’s Valley with dramatic mountain views all the way.
• Pico Grande (car needed): One of the closest mountain hikes to Funchal (around a 20-minute drive), with a challenging but beautiful mountain ridge trail.
• Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1): Madeira’s most famous hike, well-served by PR1 tours and transfers from Funchal.
• Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8): A popular coastal trail on Madeira’s eastern peninsula, popular at sunrise. There are many PR8 tours and transfers from Funchal.
• Vereda dos Balcões (PR11): A short walk with big mountain views, half an hour’s drive from Funchal.

Where to Stay in the City

Knowing where to stay makes a bigger difference than you might think. Each neighbourhood is totally different from the next.

Some are within walking distance of the harbour and Old Town, but others require a bus ride, which can complicate getting to early-morning tours.

I break down the pros and cons of each area in my guide to where to stay in Funchal. For first-time visitors, I usually recommend the Old Town because it’s the most convenient base for restaurants, tours and sightseeing. But there are also quieter and more affordable neighbourhoods nearby.

Lido and São Martinho other options, but they feel more resort-like with large seafront hotels.

FAQs

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I hope this Funchal travel guide has helped you plan your trip — or at least gave you a few new ideas to add to your list of things to do in Funchal!