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Portugal is a beautiful country, with a range of attractive sites. Traveling to the city soon and can’t decide which Funchal top attractions should you see first? Fear not, you are in luck.
And in this Funchal blog I’ll share with you some of my top things to do in Funchal.
Going on a 3 days trip is sufficient to see some of the most interesting places in Funchal. But if you can spare couple of days more that’s even better, you can take the sights more slowly. Here are the best things to see in Funchal along with a list of the most interesting things to do in Funchal:
1. Madeira Botanical Garden
Madeira Botanical Garden is a large expanse of green located in the very heart of Funchal.
The garden was created to help in the scientific study of plants for research and medicinal purposes.
This greenhouse is where city’s most exotic plant species are to be found. The arboretum is something to be seen, with thousands of species arranged scientifically.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Madeira Botanical Garden features include a natural history museum and a bird park.
- The botanical garden is located on a seaside hill.
- The botanical garden was opened on 1960.
- Also worth seeing here include sea views.
Address: Caminho do Meio, Bom Sucesso, 9064-512 Santa Maria Maior,Funchal, Portugal
2. Farmers’ Market
An incredible sight, Farmers’ Market scores high in the list of the best things to do in Funchal.
3. Funchal Cathedral
Funchal Cathedral is a majestic Cathedral standing tall in the city of Funchal, Portugal.
An abundance of chapels dedicated to different holy members of the period can be found inside the church’s walls. The Basilica’s front façade looks stunning, adorned with sculptures of the twelve Apostles and Jesus.
Quick Facts:
- A fine example of Gothic architecture, the cathedral is a center of Roman Catholic faith.
- Funchal Cathedral is also known as Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.
Address: R. do Aljube 39, 9000-067 Funchal, Portugal
4. Santa Catarina Park
Santa Catarina Park is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Funchal.
It will not be wrong to say that Santa Catarina Park is truly an icon of landscape architecture.
Stroll along the pathways and rest on the grassy areas, find your own spot of relaxation. One of my favorite thing to do here is simply grabbing a book, and lying down on the lap of green.
With so much to offer, no wonder Santa Catarina Park is one of the top things to do in Funchal.
Address: Av. Sá Carneiro 3, 9000-015 Funchal, Portugal
5. Funchal Cable Car
Funchal Cable Car is a beautiful but short ride that transports the travelers up to the top of the hill.
It’s a good alternative if you don’t want to hike, saves time as well.
During the peak tourist season, it is recommended that you buy ticket in advance.
6. Blandy’s Wine Lodge
A winery in Funchal with a fantastic facility producing fine quality wine.
You will be traveling with a group while you visit this beautiful wine region. At the end of the tour you’ll get the opportunity to taste some of the fine wine produced here.
Address: Av. Arriaga 28, 9000-064 Funchal, Portugal
7. Rua de Santa Maria
A beautiful street for you to stroll through.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Funchal trip.
8. Madeira Story Centre
Madeira Story Centre is a museum in Funchal documenting in details the region’s cultural history.
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Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes the bistro located on the museum’s terrace.
Address: Rua D. Carlos I 27, 9060-051 Funchal, Portugal
9. Casino da Madeira
Head to this small casino if you want to try something fun.
Quick Facts:
- It is actually Oscar Niemeyer who is credited with designing this whole place.
Add it to your Funchal trip if you have time.
Address: Av. do Infante, 9004-513 Funchal, Portugal
10. Museu Quinta das Cruzes
A little different museum from the usual ones, Museu Quinta das Cruzes celebrates the craftmanship of region’s finest artists.
Quick Facts:
- Museu Quinta das Cruzes is housed in an 18th-century mansion.
- The museum decorative arts was built somewhere around 18th-century.
11. Municipal Garden of Funchal
Municipal Garden of Funchal is a large landscaped park, an oasis of greenery, located in Funchal.
This fabulous park was developed with the sole aim to promote the good health of the citizen.
Enjoy the landscaped garden consisting of fountains, flower arrangements and tranquil bodies of water. Municipal Garden of Funchal allows you to spend time actively – engage yourself in walking, running or cycling.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Funchal trip.
12. Praia Formosa
Praia Formosa offers you a quick access to one of the finest sandy spots close to the Funchal city.
If you like seafood, the restaurants here are a good option. After a day of touring around Funchal, you may relax by the sweeping vistas of the sea.
But beyond the famous attractions in Funchal, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Funchal for everyone.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Funchal. If you have any questions or suggestions on sightseeing in Funchal, I would love to hear them in the comments section below.