Funchal
Country: Portugal · Region: Atlantic Islands · Currency: Euro
Funchal is the capital of Madeira, a beautiful Portuguese island city with historic architecture, botanical attractions, and vibrant markets. The compact city center is easily walkable and offers cultural sites, gardens, and local cuisine.
Top sights
Sé Cathedral, Madeira Botanical Garden, Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro Park, Mercado Dos Lavradores, Santa Clara Convent, Monte Palace Hotel Gardens
Things to do
- Sé Cathedral
- The central point in Funchal and its most-visited monument, built between 1493 and 1517 with a ceiling made from local wood.
- Madeira Botanical Garden
- Hillside gardens featuring more than 2000 plants and a collection of parakeets and parrots with views of Funchal.
- Mercado Dos Lavradores
- Historic peasants' market with fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish from across the island; also has pastelarias and coffee bars.
- Funchal Cable Car
- Gondola offering views of the city from above, with the upper station at Monte near the Monte Palace gardens and church.
Where to eat
- Olives
- Contemporary Portuguese Mediterranean-influenced cuisine with ten fish and ten meat dishes, located near the city market with port views; mains €9-€16.50.
- Barreirinha Bar Cafe
- Affordable cafe with outdoor tables overlooking the ocean serving tostas, burgers, and poncha with occasional live bands or DJs.
Bars and nightlife
- Palm Bar
- Casual bar located within Casino da Madeira, open Su-Th 15:00-03:00 and F-Sa 16:00-04:00.
Getting around
The city center is small enough to explore on foot; orange city buses serve the area with single rides costing €1.90, or Giro cards available for €2.20 with two journeys.
What to eat
Local specialties include espada com banana (scabbard fish with banana) and bacalhau com natas (codfish in cream sauce), widely available at traditional Portuguese restaurants throughout the city.
Tips
Visit Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro Park in the afternoon to avoid large bus tour crowds; entrance is €10.50 and it's accessible by bus lines 36 or 37.
Best for
Gardens, historic sites, local markets