Location: Funchal
Top Things to do in Funchal
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What to do and see in Funchal, Portugal: The Best Places and Tips
Funchal, the capital of the Madeira archipelago, was declared a city in the 1500s, and became an important point between the old and new worlds. The laid-back city owes much of its historical prominence to "white gold," Madeiran sugar. Today Funchal is known for its appealing temperatures, wine and crafts. Top spots to visit include the open Worker's Market, Blandy's Wine Lodge and the Sacred Art Museum. Friendly locals, walkable streets and cheap taxis make the city easy to get around.
Restaurants in Funchal
1. Monte Cable Car
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Penny.M - England
We were staying in Madeira and purposely chose to do the cable car when there were no cruise ships in to avoid the queues. It is a good trip that provides great views over Funchal. It is probably one of the must dos in Madeira. No good if you are afraid of heights but we felt very safe. The cars run continuously and it is all very organised. We felt it was good value for money. You would not need to be on an organised trip to do this. Just walk to the entrance and pay, avoid paying the inflated cruise trip prices. It is a 10-15 minute walk on the flat Promenade from the cruise ship port in Funchal.
2. Pico do Arieiro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By scorpio001 - UK
Our visit here was part of an organised tour. It was well-worth the visit It does to get the views above the cloud line. It does get very busy, so be prepared for crowds at the summit. Take a warm coat/hat as it does feel very cold at 1800m above sea level!
3. Universo de Memorias Joao Carlos Abreu
Overall Ratings
5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By nadi O o - Israel
One of the most interesting places in Madeira. This person Abreu did a wonderful job and the collection is marvelous. The house itself is a pearl. The stuff is nice and welcoming. Do not miss!!!!Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your testimony. You're always welcome
4. Igreja do Colegio Sao Joao Evangelista
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By Terry W - Bracknell, United Kingdom
Whilst meandering around the streets, you must visit this wonderful church, even if you are not religious. The sheer splendour of the architecture and the ornate works inside are beautiful.
Do ensure that your flash is turned off as a curtesy to others, also no sound on the cameras too.
5. Madeira Film Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 378 reviews
Madeira Film Experience is a 30-minute audiovisual journey that covers the 600 years of the history and culture of the island known all over the world as the Pearl of the Atlantic. Let yourself be amazed with Madeira Film Experience. Session Schedule: Monday to Sunday 10:15 / 11:00 / 11:45 / 12:30 / 13:15 / 14:00 / 14:45 / 15:30 / 16:15 / 17:00
6. Monte Palace Madeira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Open to the public since 1991, the Monte Palace Madeira occupies an area of 70.000 square meters and houses a huge exotic plant's collection, coming from all over the world, together with swans,duck's and Koi fish. The Monte Palace Museum is an ideal exhibition space nestled within the beautiful surroundings of a tropical garden. There are three floors, two of which are dedicated to sculptures and the third houses a unique mineral collection gathered from the four corners of the world. Monte Palace Madeira, also includes one of the most important tile collections in Portugal. The tiles exhibited amidst the tropical vegetation represent several ages, coming from palaces, churches, chapels and private houses throughout the former Portuguese empire. We are open everyday except 25th of December. Our prices are: Adults - 12,50€ Children younger than 15 years old: Free Entrance as long as they are accompanied by adults. Check our new facebook page montepalacetropicalgarden
Reviewed By Manon C
€12.50 per person entrance gave us a lovely 1/2 day’s outing along several levels of these Gardens with lush vegetation and some flowers ( it was only in March) ponds with cascading Waterfalls, carp and goldfish, pagodas, a museum of minerals /precious stones(mostly from Brazil), ferns, orchids, some agapanthus and bird of paradise flowers with one restaurant at the top and one at the bottom and ample toilet facilities. We especially enjoyed the clear sneaky view over the toboggan run from the top at the most western edge of the Gardens, where we could wave to and cheer on the daring participants.
7. Madeira Explorers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 429 reviews
Reviewed By johnny061 - Hunstanton, United Kingdom
We did 2 half day walks with Alvaro which were both excellent. Our guide had a good sense of humour and kept up a reasonable pace. He new everybody we passed on the walk including the majority of the dogs on route.
The company was well organised, picking up from the hotels and having small groups of about 16 people.
Views were spectacular and the paradise valley walk included a stop at a hostelry for loos and a drink.
As I am not fond of heights I emailed the company before booking and was promptly sent a list of suitable walks. This was very helpful and has been printed out for my future reference.
8. Jesuits' College of Funchal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 471 reviews
Founded by royal charter of D. Sebastiao in 1569, the Jesuits' College of Funchal marked, throughout the centuries, the lives of the inhabitants of Madeira Island. For more than 400 years of history, it served a number of tenants, from British invaders to the University of Madeira, coming to serve as a military facility and a number of schools. Despite its military applications, it has always kept a close relationship with education. Portrayed as "one of the most remarkable buildings that exist in the island" by historian and professor at the University of Madeira Rui Carita, the Jesuits' College of Funchal is the stage of a cultural and scientific awareness project lead by the Students' Union meant for both local residents and visitors of the region. The inauguration of another Gaudeamus - AAUMa Academic Store at the entrance of the College was the starting point of its opening for the general public. Added to it was a circuit of autonomous tours of the College, as well as monthly gatherings for Coimbra Fado and a service of guided tours, whose circuit includes reserved areas of the University of Madeira Rectory, among others. The Students' Union has also published The Jesuits' College of Funchal - A History, by Rui Carita, a book that narrates the history of the College, its tenants and its transformations throughout the centuries. These are projects that, above all, show the spirit of this institution, which benefits from a precious asset both scarce and undervalued in this country; the volunteer work and the dedication of a solid team. Everyone's contribute will be vital, even if in the form of a simple visit to our store. Only then will we be able to continue financing all of the projects that we have to offer to both our associates and the population, whether free of charge or under a symbolic price.
Reviewed By timetachyon - Canterbury, United Kingdom
My wife and I visited this old Jesuit College which is an administration block for the University of Madeira. We had a delightful Finnish tour guide who had good English skills. Afterwards we bought some Madeira cake to take back to the UK. Afetrwards we visited the nearby Church. The British briefly occupied the place back in 1810s.
9. Santa Catarina Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By DartfordLynn - Dartford
We walked through here most days, en route from our hotel into the Marina area. The Gardens are beautiful, the lake full of ducks and swans, with plenty of benches surrounding it. There’s a well equipped playground, including a swing specifically designed for children using wheelchairs. An excellent idea. From the highest point, the views across the port, marina and out to sea are superb, with much activity going on from cruise ships and around the Ronaldo hotel and museum.
10. Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 502 reviews
Reviewed By roy v - Traralgon, Australia
We visited here as part of a tour and really enjoyed the break.
Beautifull spot to see the surrounding area. Great shop here that we tasted some good Mederia wine, especially loved the yellow one made the way the fishermen of old made it , we bought a bottle. Good for a toilet break also .
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