Funchal Old Town on foot, 2-hour walk
A two-hour walk through the historic centre of Funchal. Suits visitors who want to get their bearings in the city on foot at an unhurried pace.
- 2 h
from €17 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Things to do in Funchal
Madeira's capital spreads like an amphitheatre around a bay. It is the base for most visitors, with the best choice of hotels and restaurants and pick-up for almost every tour on the island.
In this section
-
Monte cable car & toboggan The Funchal cable car, Monte Palace garden and the wicker toboggan ride, with 2026 prices. - CR7 Museum Cristiano Ronaldo's museum, his bronze statue and the places of his childhood in Funchal.
-
Botanical Garden Endemic plants, succulents, a bird park and sweeping views over Funchal bay.
Funchal's highlights
The Mercado dos Lavradores, the farmers' market, for flowers and tropical fruit; the Zona Velha (old town) and the painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria; the Sé cathedral; and a Madeira wine lodge in the centre.
Above the city, Monte is reached by cable car: visit the Monte Palace tropical garden and ride down in a traditional wicker toboggan. Everything about it is in our Monte cable car and toboggan guide.
Football fans can visit the CR7 museum by the marina, and the botanical garden offers views over the whole bay.
Funchal as a base
Staying in Funchal makes tours easy, as most include pick-up in the city. Caniço, to the east, is quieter and also well served. From Funchal, the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos and the Cabo Girão cliff are less than 30 minutes away.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the airport from Funchal?
Madeira airport (FNC) is about 16 km from Funchal, around 20 minutes by car or airport bus.
Is Funchal walkable?
The centre and the old town are flat and easy to walk. Monte, the botanical garden and the viewpoints are high above the city, so use the cable car, a bus, a taxi or a tuk-tuk.
Tours that go here
Funchal Audio-Guided Walking Tour (1h30) with 25 Audio Comments
A 3.7 km city walk with an audio guide, suited to visitors interested in history and local life. The route passes the cathedral, the Mercado dos Lavradores and the municipal garden.
- Easy
from €5.90 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Funchal guided tuk-tuk tour: Old Town and toboggan ride, 90 min
A 90-minute guided tuk-tuk ride that combines Funchal's Old Town with toboggan rides. Suits those who prefer to see the city seated rather than on a long walk.
- 1.5 h
- Easy
from €38 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
A Self-Guided Walk Through Funchal's Historic Heart with a Local
For history lovers who like to explore at their own pace: about 90 minutes from Quinta Vigia park via Santa Catarina park to the Mercado dos Lavradores.
from €7.69 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Funchal food and wine walk, about 3.5 hours
A walk through Funchal built around local food and wine, lasting about three and a half hours. Suits food lovers who want an introduction to the city's flavours on foot.
- 3.5 h
from €95 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Funchal Walking Tour: History and Culture
Led by a professional historian, this walk explores western Funchal. It suits anyone curious about Madeira's heritage, from history fans to casual visitors.
from €18 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Sunrise Yoga Flow in Funchal
A yoga practice in the centre of Funchal, set among gardens and a pond with a view over the bay. A calm way to begin the day, close to the city's central sights.
from €20 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Madeira Tuk-Tuk Ride to Monte Toboggans or Tropical Gardens
One-way scenic ride up to Monte, with pickup in the Funchal area or at the cruise port. Then try the toboggans or visit the Tropical Garden on your own. Photo stops on request.
- Easy
- Hotel pickup
from €25 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 17, 2026.
Plan your trip
- Best time to visitSeasons, festivals and the best months for each activity.
- WeatherTemperatures, rain and sea by month, and how to read the forecast.
- Car hireRenting a car at Funchal airport and driving tips.
- Where to stayThe best areas to stay in Madeira for each type of trip.
- ItinerariesHow to organise 3, 5 or 7 days in Madeira.
- BeachesSandy beaches, lidos and natural pools around the island.
- Madeira wine & foodMadeira wine, poncha, local dishes and tasting tours.
- Airport & transfersGetting from Madeira airport to Funchal and around the island.