Things to do in Funchal

Q: What are the top things to do in Funchal?

The top things to do in Funchal are: Church of Our Lady of Monte (Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte) Madeira Botanical Gardens Sé Cathedral of Funchal Monte Palace Tropical Gardens Santa Maria de Colombo

Q: What are the top activities in Funchal?

Top activities in Funchal include: Madeira Jeep 4x4: Amazing West Full-Day Tour to Natural Pools Around The Island - Two Days Tour From 9am to 5pm (each Day) Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran Seaborn catamaran dolphin and whale watching Skywalk, Fanal & Porto Moniz Pools Full day Tour in Open Roof 4x4

Q: What are the top things to do near Funchal?

Check out things to do near Funchal: Madeira Calheta La Palma Tenerife Lanzarote

Welcome to Funchal

The capital of what’s regularly voted Europe’s top island destination, Funchal melds colonial architecture with cutting-edge cuisine and diverse green spaces. But as well as being a city worthy of thorough exploration, Funchal also serves as the gateway to some of Madeira’s top attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Queimadas Forest Park, replete with jewel-green lagoons and waterfalls; the famous coastal viewpoint of Pico do Arieiro; and the Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras), ensconced by seemingly impenetrable mountains.

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Top 8 attractions in Funchal

Tours & Tickets

Church of Our Lady of Monte (Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte)

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Dating back to 1741, the Church of Our Lady of Monte (Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte is the most important pilgrimage site on the island of Madeira. Notable relics inside the church include the tomb of Charles I of Hapsburg, an Austrian emperor exiled to Madeira, and a silver sculpture of the Virgin Mary.More

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Madeira Botanical Gardens

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One of Madeira’s loveliest green spaces, the island’s Botanical Gardens (Jardins Botânicos da Madeira) debuted in 1960. Stretching across 20 acres (9 hectares) and home to more than 2,000 species of exotic plants, the oasis is best known for its colorful geometric flower beds and carefully groomed topiary gardens.More

Tours & Tickets

Sé Cathedral of Funchal

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The Sé Cathedral of Funchal (Sé Catedral do Funchal), also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, is Madeira’s key religious landmark. Built in the late 15th century, the cathedral is one of the island’s longest-standing buildings and features classically Madeiran design elements, including volcanic rocks.More

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Monte Palace Tropical Gardens

Poised on a hilltop overlooking the city of Funchal, the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens are home to thousands of rare plant species, water features, and sculptures. The gardens are spread out across some 17 acres (seven hectares and also comprise the Monte Palace Museum.More

Tours & Tickets

Santa Maria de Colombo

When Columbus set sail for the New World in 1492, he did so on the Niña, the Pinta, and his flagship vessel, the Santa Maria. While the original Santa Maria did not survive the voyage, this recreation has been a highlight of Funchal and the Madeira region since its debut in 1998, and welcomes visitors aboard for sailing trips.More

Madeira Story Centre

Begin your Madeira excursions at the Madeira Story Centre, a modern multimedia museum that tells the archipelago’s story, from its volcanic origins 14,000 years ago to the present day. Open since 2005, the museum’s family-friendly exhibitions are complemented by a large gift shop, a terrace restaurant, and a rooftop viewing deck.More

Armazém do Mercado

Located in the heart of Funchal’s Old Town, Armazém do Mercado is a commercial hub that combines traditional and contemporary Portuguese culture. Home to everything from art galleries and museums to boutiques and restaurants, the market provides an alternative to standard malls and souvenir shops.More

Museum of Natural History (Municipal Museum of Funchal)

The small but charming Funchal Natural History Museum (Museu de História Natural do Funchal) is the oldest museum in Madeira and full of well-preserved characters—its collection includes thousands of plant and animal species native to the archipelago. The museum is located in a historic manor with a garden.More