Things to do in Funchal

Attractions, tours and experiences in Funchal, Portugal, ordered by how much they are worth your time — and flagged where you should book ahead.

Teleférico do Funchal — transport. The cable car climbing 560 metres from the old town up to Monte in about fifteen minutes.
Mercado dos Lavradores — market. A 1940 Art Deco market of 122 stalls — fruit, flowers, fish and tiled façade panels.
Carros de Cesto do Monte — entertainment. Two carreiros steer a wicker sledge two kilometres downhill from Monte to Livramento.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden — park. Seventy thousand square metres of hillside garden and museum, laid out over Funchal bay.
Blandy's Wine Lodge — food. Seven generations of Madeira wine — 650 barrels, a family museum and tutored tastings.
Sé Catedral do Funchal — historical. Completed in 1514, with a Gothic portal and a Mudéjar ceiling in island cedar.
Jardim Botânico da Madeira — nature. Six plant collections plus a 300-bird park and a natural history museum above the city.
Praia Formosa — beach. Funchal's two-kilometre Blue Flag pebble strand, lifeguarded from June to September.