Madeira is truly one of my favourite little islands on the planet, and honestly, Funchal plays a bigger role in that than I would’ve expected before visiting. As a mountain lover, we chose our base a little out of the way in the north of the island (rental car was a must), but you can imagine my surprise falling in love with this charming city during our week-long visit to Madeira!
It’s a fantastic base and a beautiful city to explore, but, like most Portuguese cities, it does come with its share of hills! I’ve tried the “let’s just walk around and see” approach, and let’s just say it was a character-building experience (code for a bit annoying and very tiring).
This is the guide I wish I had during my first visit. It highlights the best things to do in Funchal, laid out in a way that makes it easy to follow, rather than turning it into a sweaty sprint from one attraction to the next.
If you’re building a bigger trip, here’s my Madeira itinerary for a week-long route.
A one-day in Funchal itinerary
Start your day by heading up to Monte in the morning. If the cable car is running and you’re in the mood for some stunning views, hop on! But otherwise, just take a bus or a taxi.
Once you arrive in Monte, make a beeline for the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and really take your time to soak it all in. When you’re ready for a bit of fun and a dash of chaos, enjoy the toboggan ride, then make your way back to the centre by taxi, bus, or a leisurely walk downhill.
After that, grab some lunch back in town and then take a stroll through Mercado dos Lavradores. Keep things relaxed in the afternoon by exploring Old Town, wandering along Rua de Santa Maria and down to the fort, stopping whenever something catches your eye.
As the evening rolls in, treat yourself to a tasting at Blandy’s Wine Lodge, then head over to the Lido for a lovely seafront walk or a quick dip at one of the bathing complexes. Afterwards, you can either head back into town or stick around the Lido if that’s where you’re staying. Enjoy a poncha and call it a night!
For two days in Funchal, stick to this plan for your first day and save the marina and a whale-watching trip for day two.
10 Things to do in Funchal
1) Monte Palace Tropical Garden
The garden sprawls over about 70,000 square meters, and you’ll find koi ponds, charming little waterfalls, beautifully tiled panels, and so much more (I loved the flamingoes!).
Ttickets for Monte Palace are around €18 for adults and it’s open every day except Christmas. If I had to give one piece of advice, it’s make sure to comfy shoes as the entire site is on a slope.
2) Getting to Monte, and whether to bother with the cable car
The cable car is definitely a must-do when you’re in Funchal – if you enjoy a good view and aren’t afraid of heights, go for it! You’ll be soaring over rooftops and lush gardens, and it’s such a classy way to tackle that hill.
If you don’t fancy it, getting up to Monte is still easy without the cable car. You can hop on buses 20, 21, 22, or 48, or take a taxi.
Side note – If you are travelling before 5 April 2026, plan on the bus or taxi anyway. The cable car is temporarily closed for maintenance until then.
Top tip – book your ticket online to skip the queue!
3) The Monte toboggan ride
The toboggan ride might seem a bit touristy, but trust me, it’s definitely worth a go.
You’ll find yourself sitting in a wicker basket sledge while two drivers expertly guide you down the hill. It might sound a bit wild, but honestly, it’s so much fun! It’s a short ride, so it is pretty costly at €35 for two people, but it’s definitely the most fun way to get back down from Monte.
As a heads up: you might find yourself waiting in line for a while, anywhere from a quick 10-20 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how well you’ve timed your visit with the tour buses.
And another heads up: the ride ends in Livramento, which is partway down the hill, not right in the heart of Funchal. From there, you can either grab a taxi, catch a bus, or walk. We chose to walk, and while it’s a bit steep, it’s totally doable if you’re reasonably fit and takes about 40 minutes.
4) Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market)
Once you’re back in town, make sure to swing by the market while you still have the energy to tackle the crowds.
Mercado dos Lavradores is a vibrant place, bursting with colours and sounds, and it’s packed with fruits you might not even recognise, along with flowers, spices, and unique souvenirs. It can get pretty touristy, and some vendors definitely know how to set their prices. If you’re planning to buy some fruit, make sure to double-check the price and the quantity before anyone starts slicing and offering you samples!
5) Old Town: Rua de Santa Maria and the fort
After Monte and the market, Old Town feels like a gentle sigh of relief. Rua de Santa Maria is the iconic street known for its vibrant painted doors and charming details, and the best way to experience it is to just go with the flow. If you keep going, you’ll find yourself near Fort São Tiago, a perfect spot to take a moment and soak in the fact that you’re on an island. Even if you don’t venture inside, the striking yellow walls against the backdrop of the sea make it worth the visit. This area is also a fantastic choice for dinner!
6) Blandy’s Wine Lodge
Madeira wine truly deserves more than just a hasty sip. Taking the time for a tasting is one of the best ways to discover it and Blandy’s is a great spot for that. It’s conveniently located, well-managed, and doesn’t expect you to be a wine expert (which, let’s face it, few of us are).
7) Whale and dolphin watching from Funchal
Funchal is also, maybe surprisingly, a hotspot for whale and dolphin watching! You can find loads of different tours departing from the marina, ranging from catamarans to speedboats. Just a very important note for selecting a tour: make sure to look for clear information about their wildlife practices and try to choose as ethically as possible. The best experiences should feel like you’re observing from a distance rather than chasing after the animals!
8) Try a Poncha (or five)
Poncha is a must-try when you’re in Madeira, and I’m sure that you’ll see this traditional alcoholic beverage almost everywhere you go!
The classic version is made with sugarcane spirit, but you’ll find all sorts of variations around. If you’re looking for an easy introduction, passion fruit is lovely and sweet. If you’re feeling adventurous, the ginger version is intense – seriously, it knocked me off my feet!
9) Flower Festival (if your dates line up)
If you’re planning a visit in the spring like we did, the Flower Festival really amps up the charm of Funchal. There are stunning floral displays and traditional dancers around and it’s such a lovely energy in the city.
Mark your calendars for 2026, as the festival runs from April 30 to May 24. If you can time your visit with the parade days, even better! But if you miss the main events, the city’s decorations alone will make Funchal feel especially joyful.
Learn more about the flower festival here
10) Walk the Lido promenade, then swim (if the sea behaves)
This lovely seafront promenade, located just west of the city centre, is perfect for a stroll while soaking in the ocean views. You’ll find some paid bathing complexes here that offer easy access to the sea, complete with sun loungers and ladders leading right into the water. It’s a super refreshing break after a day spent exploring the hills of Funchal! Although do bear in mind that the Atlantic isn’t exactly a tranquil Mediterranean sea, and it can get a bit choppy depending on the weather.
What to do in Funchal in a day?
Start in Monte, do Monte Palace Tropical Garden, then take the toboggan down. Back in town, hit Mercado dos Lavradores, wander Old Town (Rua de Santa Maria and the fort), then finish with Blandy’s or a poncha. If you want an easy sunset, do the Lido promenade instead of another “activity”.
Is Funchal in Madeira worth visiting?
Yes. It’s the easiest place to do the big Madeira hits in one go, Monte, gardens, toboggan, wine, and the marina. Even as a day trip, it’s worth it.
What are the best things to do in Funchal?
Monte Palace Tropical Garden, the cable car up to Monte (when it’s running), and the Monte toboggan are the headline trio. After that, add Mercado dos Lavradores, Old Town, a Madeira wine tasting at Blandy’s, and either whale watching or the Lido promenade if you want sea air without another hill.
What is Funchal known for?
Views over the bay, the cable car to Monte, and the toboggan baskets. It’s also known for gardens, Madeira wine, poncha, and the Flower Festival if you’re there in spring.
