Funchal is the capital of the island of Madeira, a paradisiacal Portuguese destination in the Atlantic. The city offers a variety of tourist attractions, ranging from historical and cultural heritage to lush nature and delicious gastronomy.

Explore 10 must-see attractions in Funchal that will make your trip unforgettable.

Farmers' Market

The Farmers' Market is one of the most emblematic and lively places in Funchal. Here, you can find fresh produce typical of the island, such as exotic fruit, flowers, fish, vegetables and spices. The market is also a great place to appreciate the traditional architecture, with colourful tiles and painted doors. Don't miss out on the famous ponchas, alcoholic drinks made with sugar cane spirit, honey and fruit juice.

Old Town

The Old Town is Funchal's oldest and most charming neighbourhood. Here, you can stroll through the narrow streets and admire the old houses, some decorated with urban art. The Old Town is also known for its nightlife, with numerous bars, restaurants and live music shows. One of the points of interest is Rua de Santa Maria, where you can find the "Arte de Portas Abertas" project, which consists of house doors transformed into works of art by local artists.

Visit the historic centre of Funchal, passing the Mercado dos Lavradores and the old town on a sidecar tour to the east of Madeira.

Monte Palace Garden

The Monte Palace Garden is one of the most beautiful and impressive gardens in Funchal. Situated on top of a hill, the garden has a panoramic view over the city and the sea. The garden has a collection of exotic plants from all over the world, such as orchids, cacti, bamboos and azaleas. The garden also has a lake with swans and ducks, a chapel, a fountain and several sculptures and tile panels depicting the history of Portugal and Madeira.

You can discover Aldeia do Monte, near the Monte Palace Garden, on a tuk-tuk ride.

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is another must-see in Funchal. Here, you can find more than 2000 species of plants, divided into themed areas such as the indigenous garden, the tropical garden, the medicinal garden and the succulent garden. The garden also has other points of interest, such as a natural history museum, a herbarium, an aviary and a cable car linking the garden to Monte.

3D Museum

The 3D Museum is an interactive and fun museum where you can take incredible photos with optical illusions. The museum has more than 40 3D scenarios that simulate situations such as flying on a magic carpet, surfing on a giant wave, escaping from a shark, entering a famous painting or being attacked by a dinosaur. The museum is ideal for the whole family and guarantees moments of laughter and creativity.

Fort of St James

Forte de São Tiago is a 17th century fortress that served to defend Funchal from pirate and corsair attacks. The fort has imposing architecture, with yellow walls and cannons. Inside the fort, you can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, which has a collection of works by Portuguese and foreign artists from the 1960s to the present day. The fort also has a café with a terrace where you can enjoy a magnificent view over the Old Town and the sea.

CR7 Museum

The CR7 Museum is a museum dedicated to footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, a native of Madeira. The museum displays trophies, jerseys, football boots and other objects related to the player's career and life. The museum also has a wax statue of Cristiano Ronaldo, where you can take a selfie with the idol. The museum is next to the Pestana CR7 hotel, which has decor inspired by football and the star's lifestyle.

St Catherine's Park

Parque de Santa Catarina is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Funchal. The park has a green area with trees, flowers, lakes and fountains. The park also has a viewpoint, a children's playground, a bandstand and a chapel. The park is an ideal place to relax, have a picnic, read a book or admire the scenery. From the park, you can see the harbour, the marina, the bay and the mountains of Funchal.

You can take a Tuk Tuk tour of Funchal, encountering the true presence of nature in Santa Catarina Park.

Cathedral

The Sé Cathedral is Funchal's main church and one of the city's most important monuments. The cathedral was built in the 15th century in the Gothic style, with Manueline and Mudejar influences. The cathedral has a simple façade with a bell tower and an ogival portal. The interior of the cathedral is rich in art and details, such as the cedar-wood ceiling, the gilded high altar, the Spanish-Arab tiles, the paintings by Flemish painters and the bishops' and kings' chairs.

Take the opportunity to explore the main points of interest in the city of Funchal, such as the Cathedral, on a city sightseeing bus.

Avenue and Quay

Avenida is Funchal's busiest and most cosmopolitan area. Here, you can find a variety of leisure venues, such as shops, cafés, restaurants, bars and terraces, where you can shop, eat, drink or simply watch the action. The Avenida is also home to a casino, a theatre, a congress centre and a shopping centre. The Quay is also the place where you can board a cruise, catamaran or ferry to explore the island's coastline, see dolphins and whales, or visit other islands such as Porto Santo or the Desertas.

Funchal offers a plethora of tourist attractions that captivate and enchant its visitors. From traditional markets and lush gardens to fascinating museums and historic landmarks, there is something for all tastes and interests in this enchanting city on the island of Madeira.

Are you ready to discover this pearl of Portugal? What are you waiting for?

Discover the best places and attractions to see and the 10 best activities to do on Madeira Island.

If you want to see other attractions or have other experiences when you visit Madeira, explore the tours, activities, boat trips and levadas selected for you.

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