If you’re looking for a day that’s a little less about mountain trails and more about history, culture, and soaking up the island’s creative side, Funchal is the perfect place for that.
On this trip, my friend Marina and I spent a full day in Funchal, and we packed it with art, food, swimming, and even a sidecar ride. It was such a fun girls’ day, and proof that there’s way more to Funchal than just the cable car and botanical gardens.
It’s also a great place to base yourself in Madeira. Many of the island’s top tours depart from Funchal, there’s a huge range of accommodation, and most places on the island are within an hour’s drive. So, whether you’re planning day trips or just want to explore the capital in more depth, it’s the perfect home base.
1. Walking Tour of Funchal’s Old Town
We started the morning with a guided walking tour of Funchal’s Old Town (Zona Velha) by Madeira Heritage, a non-profit organisation run by Erasmus students at the University of Madeira! it’s honestly the best way to get your bearings while learning some quirky facts along the way.
We began at the Mercado dos Lavradores, the Farmers’ Market. It’s colourful and lively, packed with tropical fruit, flowers, and fresh fish - Worth a wander, especially to take some photos.
From there, we made our way down Rua de Santa Maria, famous for its painted doors. It’s basically an open-air art gallery with each door uniquely decorated by local artists. As we wandered, we learnt more about the history of Madeira and Funchal, whilst admiring the beautiful architecture. We also got the backstory on Poncha, the potent sugarcane rum cocktail, which you need to try at least once! Apparently, it was originally made for fishermen - they needed vitamin C to prevent scurvy but wanted to keep their rum habit… so they just added lemon or orange juice to the mix. Honestly, genius!
2. Handicrafts Workshop
If you’re a creative soul, then one of the best things to do in Funchal is a traditional handicraft workshop. Marina and I joined a knitting one (it’s free!) and we learnt how to make a Barrete de Orelhas; a classic Madeiran woollen cap. I’ll admit, Marina and I weren’t the most skilled in the room, as it was both of our first time knitting, but it was a fun and hands-on way to connect with the island’s traditions.
I love these kinds of experiences; they’re slower, whilst also helping you understand the culture beyond just what you see on the surface.
Plus, it’s always nice to bring home something you made yourself, even if it’s a bit wonky!
3. Swimming at Doca do Cavacas
Your day in Funchal doesn’t need to be only about exploring the city; you can also take a dip at Doca do Cavacas, a set of natural volcanic swimming pools just outside the city centre. It’s the perfect place to cool off and chill out (as well as snap some Instagrammable pictures).
We floated, sunbathed, and just enjoyed the peaceful vibe. There’s even a little bar if you fancy a drink while you watch the waves crash against the rocks. Travel tip: Head here an hour before sunset for half-price entrance!
4. Sidecar Tour Around Funchal
If you’re looking for one of the most fun and unique things to do in Funchal, I’d definitely recommend booking a vintage sidecar tour. It’s such a cool way to see the city. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a friend, you’ll have a guide driving you around while you sit back and enjoy the ride.
I started out in the sidecar while Marina hopped on the back of the motorbike, and off we went, zipping through the streets with the guide chatting to us via headsets in our helmets. It made the whole experience feel personal and connected, like having a private storyteller while exploring.
We stopped at an incredible viewpoint overlooking Funchal – Miradouro do Pináculo – the perfect photo spot! Picture thousands of terracotta rooftops, the curve of the bay, and that endless stretch of Atlantic. Hearing the local stories along the way made it even better. It’s such a fun alternative to a typical walking tour, and you get to see way more in less time - with a healthy dose of adventure thrown in!
5. Fine dining with a View
If you’re looking for the best restaurant in Funchal for a long, scenic lunch or a sunset dinner, I highly recommend Avista. It offers beautiful views over the coastline as well as exceptional service and yummy food! it’s definitely worth adding to your Madeira bucket list.
The menu, curated by Chef João Luz, focuses on seasonal Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on comfort food designed for sharing. They also offer a creative tasting menu called Innovation, with vegetarian options available too.
It was the perfect girls' night with Marina. We had sunset cocktails, followed by two veggie starters, steak, and fish, and then the most beautiful desserts! For a more pan-Asian twist, there’s also Avista Asia, located just above, offering an Asian-inspired menu, another top pick if you’re after some of the best dining in Funchal with a view.
6. Visit a Museum
If you’re into history and art, Funchal has some lovely museums - and the best part is that they are within walking distance of each other, so it’s easy to visit them all in an afternoon.
We started at the Quinta das Cruzes Museum, a historic manor house surrounded by lush gardens. The collection inside is packed with antiques, furniture, and jewellery.
Just down the road is the Casa Museu Frederico de Freitas, which was one of my favourites. The house itself is gorgeous, but it’s what’s inside that surprised me - room after room filled with ceramics, sculptures, and quirky art pieces from around the world. There’s even a room filled only with ties! I also stopped by the Santa Clara Convent, a beautiful old convent dating back to the 15th century. You can take a guided tour, and it’s worth it to hear about the history and admire the cloisters and traditional azulejos (Portuguese tiles).
Best things to do in Funchal - Final Thoughts
If you’re spending time in Madeira, make sure to dedicate at least one full day to the capital, because when it comes to things to do in Funchal, there’s so much more than you might expect. It’s not just the gateway to the island’s famous hikes, it’s the cultural heart of Madeira, full of history, flavours, creativity, and local stories. Whether you’re into admiring architecture, tasting local food, learning traditional crafts, or seeing the city from a vintage sidecar, Funchal has something for everyone. For us, it was the ultimate girls’ day - a mix of culture, adventure, relaxing swims, and (of course) Poncha!
If you only have one day in Funchal, here’s the itinerary I’d recommend:
• Start with a walking tour of the Old Town to get your bearings and dive into Funchal’s history.
• Join a handicrafts workshop to experience Madeira’s traditional arts.
• Cool off at the Doca do Cavacas natural pools for a swim with epic views.
• Hop on a sidecar tour for a fun, unique way to see the city.
• Then finish with a sunset fine dining experience at Avista, one of the best restaurants in Funchal.
It’s the perfect way to experience the different sides of the city, and a great balance to all the hiking and nature you’ll do elsewhere on the island.
