The 15 best free attractions in Funchal

The Mercado dos Lavradores is undoubtedly a beautiful and vibrant market, full of colorful displays of many different fruits. It's definitely worth visiting just to see the aesthetic and variety. ​However, it seems heavily geared towards tourists, as the prices are quite high. For example, I was charged €10.27 for just a small banana and half a dragon fruit. While the produce looks amazing, be prepared for steep prices compared to local alternatives. Come for the sights, but shop carefully!

This traditional market is great! Some stalls were full of people waiting to be served as they were so busy, the large fruit stall downstairs seemed to be a bit of a tourist trap, with pre wrapped fruit ready to eat, however if you venture up the stairs there is some amazing fruit stalls. As well as an incredible view of the fish tables with the workers cutting the fresh fish off as you order it. This was a lovely trip to this local market, I would recommend, just keep your wits about you for pricing and haggling techniques.

📍 Visited the Farmers Market on a Friday 🛍️ I didn’t read the reviews beforehand just excited like most tourists to experience a local farmers market! 💸 I only realized I'd overpaid when I later visited a regular supermarket. I bought a dragon fruit for €7 each, something I’ve always wanted to try... only to find the same fruit at the supermarket for €3.50. Ouch. 🏛️ The building itself is beautiful and definitely worth checking out. It’s a nice stop if you're sightseeing. ⚠️ Buyer beware: not everything is fairly priced, and prices can vary widely between stalls. Don’t accept the first offer shop around a bit. 🌟 Not all bad though it’s still a good tourist experience. Just go with your eyes open, take your time, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Colorful, vibrant, and full of life—Mercado dos Lavradores is a must-see in Funchal. The tropical fruit stalls are visually stunning, with exotic varieties you likely won’t find back home. Yes, some prices are touristy, but if you go in knowing that, it’s still a fun and tasty experience. The passion fruit flavors alone are worth sampling—just ask the price before you buy. Great spot for photos, a quick fruit tasting, or just soaking in the local energy.

We enjoyed walking around the market. It's a lovely place to visit. But fruit is expensive - I suppose it's a tourist trap. Was told by a local that they never shop there.

The market is not big but you get to see many interesting local fruits, vegetables, plants/ seeds, sweets and herbs. The toilets are clean and plenty of cafes to sit down and take a break.

As a tourist you must see this place with all variations of fruits and fish. The atmosphere is great. We've got there on Wednesday morning and saw morning aerobics for 65+. It was great! All people are happy, friendly, cheerful.

This place is quite interesting, but it can be a bit tortuous to get there. You either go by taking two cable cars from Funchal, or use road transport. If you go by cable car, it is somewhat counter-intuative, as you go up on the Maderia Cable Car to Monte and then you walk 300m or so to the Botanical Garden Cable Car, which takes you half way back down to get to the garden! It is important to note that you must not pass the ticket office for the botanical garden cable car without an electronic or paper ticket for the ride. There is a steep section down to the cable car entry point and there is no opportunity to buy a ticket there. It's a stiff walk uphill to go back and get one! The garden itself is spread out over numerous terraces down the hillside from the cable car terminal. There are some steep and uneven pathways. The garden is quite unimpressive at first, but it gets better as you go down. The interactive map is worth downloading via the QR code in the garden. Remember that what goes down must come up, and if you are going back on the cable car, you will have to get back up there! Not to mention the short but steep section back up to the other cable car! If you only want to go to the botanical gardens and cable cars are not your thing (and twisty roads don't bother you), it would be worth checking out other options to get there (by car, taxi or bus), but if you like cable cars and/or you would also like to spend some time in Monte, then go for it and enjoy the ride!

I enjoyed my visit to the Botanical Garden in Madeira. The park is beautiful and has a great variety of plants, making it a pleasant place to walk around and relax. However, I think the entrance fee is a bit too high, and parking was a real problem — it was hard to find a spot nearby. Despite that, I’m glad I went, and overall, it was a nice experience.

Beautiful garden. We took the cable car from Funchal but took the bus ride back from the garden. The bus ride was great with local sceneries. Good views from cable cars as well. Cable car ride was a bit pricey. Note: there are two separate cable car rides: Funchal to Monte, Monte to Botanical Garden.

The Madeira Botanical Garden is an absolute gem and a must-visit while on the island. The gardens are beautifully designed, with an incredible variety of exotic plants, vibrant flowers, and perfectly maintained pathways. Every corner feels like a discovery, with breathtaking views over Funchal and the ocean adding even more magic to the experience. It’s not only a place for nature lovers but also for anyone who enjoys peaceful walks surrounded by beauty. The layout is easy to explore, and there are plenty of shaded spots to pause and take in the scenery. The palms collection and colorful patterned flower beds are especially impressive. A visit here is both relaxing and inspiring — perfect for a calm afternoon. Highly recommended for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to enjoy the natural charm of Madeira. 🌺🌿

Lovely gardens but not the best time in July to go. The spring is supposed to be spectacular with all the flowers in bloom. Saying that the gardens are pretty, lots of mature trees sans shrubs. Lovely little cafe to stop for that break.

Nice place to spend an hour and a half or two. It's not as interesting as the Monte Palace Gardens unless you are very interested in different plant/tree types but still a nice place to wonder around and see the variety of flora and fauna. The cafe in the gardens did some good food as well.

The Madeira Botanical Garden is one of the true gems of the island – a place where nature, peace, and breathtaking views come together in perfect harmony. Visiting it is not just a walk through a garden, but a full sensory experience that leaves you refreshed and inspired. From the moment you enter, you are greeted with spectacular terraces filled with vibrant flowers, exotic plants, and lush greenery that reflect Madeira’s rich biodiversity. The garden is beautifully organized, with each area showcasing unique species from around the world, as well as plants that are native to Madeira and rarely found elsewhere. One of the highlights is the famous patterned flower beds, arranged like a giant carpet of colors – a masterpiece of natural design and a perfect spot for photos. Another unmissable feature is the panoramic view over Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean, which is simply breathtaking and makes the entire visit unforgettable. Beyond the stunning beauty, the garden also has a strong educational aspect. The labels and explanations are clear and informative, offering insights into the extraordinary flora housed here. You feel both relaxed and enriched by learning about such diversity in one place. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, with benches and shaded spots where you can simply sit, take in the scenery, and enjoy a moment of peace. The staff maintain the grounds with great care, ensuring everything looks immaculate. Whether you are a plant enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply someone who wants to connect with nature while appreciating one of Madeira’s treasures, the Botanical Garden is an absolute must-visit. 🌿 I left with my heart full of joy and my camera full of beautiful memories. This place truly shows why Madeira is called the “Garden of the Atlantic.” Highly recommended! 🌿

Santa Catarina Park – A Hidden Heaven in the Heart of Funchal If there’s a heaven on Earth, then Santa Catarina Park in Funchal, Madeira is certainly part of it. Perfectly situated in the heart of the city, this lush green sanctuary is easily accessible from all directions. Whether you're staying nearby or just exploring Funchal, the park is impossible to miss — and once you’re in, you may not want to leave. The park is a haven of tranquility and natural beauty, home to a variety of birds, ducks, and charming water ponds that create a peaceful atmosphere. It offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the best spots to watch cruise ships arrive in the harbor — a truly magical sight. Within walking distance, you'll find the iconic CR7 Hotel (just 5 minutes away), Marina Beach (a short 2-minute walk), and Plaza Shopping Mall (only 2–3 minutes away). There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby, making it convenient to grab a bite or relax with a coffee. Whether you're visiting with family, friends, or even alone, Santa Catarina Park is made for everyone. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, a quiet moment to unwind, or a fun outing with kids. With open spaces to play, benches to relax on, and stunning views all around, it’s the perfect escape from the bustle of the city without ever leaving it. A must-visit gem in Madeira — peaceful, picturesque, and unforgettable.

This park is very very pretty overlooking the ocean. You can see cruise ships coming and go. You can have a lovely view of the city. It also has exercises instruments and little playground for children. Has little café and a lake with many ducks.

Spent a nice 20 mins relaxing around the pond & water features. Public toilets and a cafe. Looked like they were setting up for a festival or show when we went.

Amazing top level park in middle of Funchal, free of charge and great flowers and trees all around. Also easy to relax and have a picnic on the grass ;-). Toilets are for 50 cent in upper part (but you need coin). Also has amazing view on ships in the harbor. Tip for men : Take your girl there, she will love you more for this !

A quiet little Parque (park). It has a nice panoramic view of the cruise terminal and Funchal Marina area.

Beutiful serene place to chill and relax. Gardens are full of interesting plants and trees. Lots of shade to draw breath.

Weather can change very quickly as seen on the pictures. While I enjoyed the park with clouds. It manifested into a beautiful place with the clouds passed

Just a narrow street with random paintings. Not a must-see in my opinion. Restaurants here seem like typical tourist trap.

A nice walk to see the painted doors, a lot of restaurants options on the way too. Popular with tourists.

What an amazing place. One a run down area it has now been transformed into a living art gallery. Every door is a piece of art.

Great little tourist street with painted doors and lots of outside dining. Nice to walk along in the evening and stop for a bite to eat.

Nice street, if you are in Funchal see the unique doors there.🤩 Many great restaurants.

A must do when wandering in Old Funchal for the painted door/walls.

A very charming street! Lots of street art on the doors, as well as restaurants, bars, shops

Great museum with friendly staff. Lot to see and learn. Garden is beautiful, peaceful with the birds singing. Cafe/restaurant has amazing view of Funchal and great food.

Really not surprised poor reviews. Very dismissive staff who are not pleased to help you in anyway. Unless you really are into 18th and 19th century furniture and religious icons, I should give it a miss. However, the gardens are very pleasant to sit in and give a nice cool breeze above the city. See a separate review for the delightful café.

This is an easy walk from the city centre but as usual it can be steep. There is a fee for the museum but the garden entry is free. There is an exhibition of ancient cameos in the museum, which is more interesting than it sounds. Museum is closed for lunch but the rest is open. There is a good view over Funchal and the coast. (Photo shows this). The cafe is modern and does a reasonable afternoon tea. Close to the English Church, which you can walk to afterwards.

A beautiful place to visit, just outside the centre of Funchal. The house is full of period furniture, silverware, paintings and religious works and the gardens are delightful, with some superb specimens of trees and a well run cafe.

An interesting museum in Funchal. The main building is surrounded by a small garden area and includes the so called "archaeological garden" which has some remnants of previous buildings and some gravestones. There is a quaint little chapel at the bottom of the garden too. Some of the garden is certainly very well kept however parts at the rear are more overgrown and ramshackle. There's a separate little cafe that's quite modern on site too. The building itself was interesting but totally unsuitable for those unable to walk as access is up via a set of stairs and exit via a separate set of stairs. I saw no sign of wheelchair facilities.

Interesting museum, quite like a UK National Trust property in the way it has collections of items that tell a general story of Madeira life for the well-off in the past, with some multi-lingual information cards in each room. Lovely garden with great views over Funchal.

It's such an incredible view back to history with a lot of artifacts. Very well organized and surrounded by a garden that is worth a visit. And the area offers a cute restaurant with a view over Funchal and high-standard dishes. If I return to Madeira, I return to this spot!

Vert good meeting point and from here you get everywhere by walk most buses stop here also the city tour buses.

Vital place od Funchal and Maderia at all. We were lucky to see oldtimers festival and a lovely Mercedes Gullwing alive!

Nicely arranged 👌 👌👍

It gives Good vibes walking around it.

Lovely stroll along sea front. Cafes on other side of road

Beautiful walk along the promenade 👍

Madeira and this area in Funchal, just amazing. Would love to live there if I could 🙏🏻

We went to watch the sunrise rise which was our highlight. The walk our guide said was quite. I found it very busy but I am used to being in much quieter hikes. Since Aug 2024 there was a landslide and the full walk is now blocked so you walk down the staircase to look back at it and walk all the way back. The scenery was spectacular and we had a really nice, sunny warm day for the walk which made the day. I wouldn't have enjoyed it if it was wet and cold! I've put 4 stars only because the full hike is closed.

Am amazing hike with spectacular views. Either you get to walk in the clouds in misty mountains or you get the see the spectacular cliffs vertically falling down into the valley below. The track is super well maintained and even without the connection to the Pico Ruivo the hike is a gem. We spent 3h just because we admired the scenery so much. Madeira Mist see for a very good reason

We went for a sunrise hike on a Saturday, showed up a little before 7am and the parking situation was crazy. Police blocked the road to the top and hundreds of cars were parking in the remote lot but there were only 2 parking ticket machines. We waited 45 min in line to pay for parking before an official came over and said we could pay afterwards. By the time we walked up we just missed sun rise 🤣 ( I added a Pic of the parking lot and the lineup for parking tickets in case you think I'm exaggerating. ) The short section of the hike that is open is very nice but the amount of people is a little overwhelming at times. Overall, I'd recommend this one but if you're planning to go for sun rise, go very early!

It would have been 5/5 but the route was closed when we visited (Sept-25) so you could only do just over 1km. It was very busy but that’s to be expected. The views were amazing.

Spectacular. €5 for all day at middle car park. We arrived at 6:45 and had to park in this one. We visited in October and sunrise was at 8:13. We preferred the hill below the top point to watch the sunrise as it’s less crowded.

First time hiking, mind blown about the fact you can walk above the clouds , make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks as once I had finished hunger set in fast. Travel light , any extra weight just makes you fatigued faster. Importantly wear sunscreen as you’re getting direct sun.

The view is awesome and I loved it. It was quiet a good walk but I loved the experience and the fact the I had to face my fear of height

Not a loop. Around 7 km depending where you start and get off. Very easy and good condition trail and terrain. Some nice scenary of Funchal along the way. Good way to start your Funchal levada experience.

Our third levada in Madeira and very easy but sometimes creepy. We did it in January 2022, and we were unaware of the fact that the particular region was affected by fires in the past. For example, we saw many trees of suboptimal quality and a fair number of abandoned houses. That said, the most enjoyable moment was the tea house at the end of the levada. We took lemon tea with apple pie, and both were amazing! Definitely a recommended levada for beginners.

This is a nice and easy kid friendly walk along the canal through the forest and you can choose how long you want to walk for. We came by car and walked for less than two hours along the canal and contour path on the level all the way. We ended at Jasmin Cafe which is well worth a visit. There wasn’t a bus directly from Jasmin cafe back to the start of the trail where we parked our car and we couldn’t get a Bolt. We saw buses going past each time we crossed the road during the walk so I reckon catching a bus to and from the walk would have worked best. For fun see if you can spot a fish in the canal. We saw two. They are very shy 😁

Easy walk along the water canal. Took the 29 bus from downtown Funchal all the way to the end of the line and started the walk. Ended the walk at Jasmine Tea House. Took the bus for the return trip.

This is very boring levada compared to some other levadas in Madeira. It took about 2 hours to get there and back. Parking is free on the street. View are not any special.

Easy walking on the path next to lavada. Accessible at various points by public transport.

Took a 47 bus near to the Hortensian Gardens, place looked shut. We then walked east towards Camacha and had something to eat at the Jasmine tea house. Lovely place with nice people and fab food. After we headed back to the Levada and headed back towards Monte. Some fab views of Funchal and surrounding forests. Was a decent day path was ok but had a few areas of sticky mud. Later had a very heavy shower, glad we had taken a couple of small brollies. Just stood until rain had stopped. This is a great Levada but some of the drops can be quite scary. 2-3 Hundred foot. Was also very wet and Slippery. Got to the waterfall which is quite close to Monte, wonderfull sound of rushing water, you walk underneath the manmade waterfall. Just after the Levada stops it's a small semi difficult path, with scrambling over fallen trees in numerous places, so quite a lot of bending, also a few bramble like bushes to avoid, and due to heavy shower was very wet and had to take time over certain up and down sections. Did this a few years ago and was a lot more used. After path arrived at very steep up hill path/road to the two cable car stations at Monte. Great walk but think many people avoid the walk to Monte after Levada stops and head back east again. 😁😁

I recently joined a hike guided by Elton. It was an incredible experience! Elton's expertise and humor made the journey to Pico de Areeiro, Pico Ruivo, and Achada do Teixeira unforgettable. The atmosphere was delightful, filled with laughter and awe-inspiring scenery. Highly recommended for an amazing hiking adventure in Madeira, especially with Elton as your guide!

Love all the levadas can’t wait to come back to the beautiful island 🌴

Thank you for your app, it really does make a difference

Brilliant

(Translated by Google) We used the cable car to Monte to get to the mountain station. The levada begins not far away to the right. We followed this to a restaurant with a well-landscaped, flowering garden. We then walked steeply up the mountain back to Funchal. We really liked the views and the many flowers along the way. (Original) Die Seilbahn zum Monte wurde von uns genutzt, um zur Bergstation zu kommen. Nicht weit weg rechts beginnt die Levada. Der wir folgten bis zu einer Gaststätte mit gut angelegten blühenden Garten. Wir liefen dann steil den Berg bis nach Funchal zurück. Die Ausblicke und die vielen Blüten auf dem Weg gefielen uns sehr gut.

(Translated by Google) A great place for hiking and trekking (Original) Wspaniałe miejsce, na piesze wędrówki trekkingowe

(Translated by Google) This app takes you everywhere but not to the destination you are looking for. Why are negative reviews removed? We actually wanted to go to Levada Do Caldeirao Verde on Madeira. But we lost over 2 hours because of the complete misdirection by the WalkMe app. Only a Madrensian had brought us to the Levada by describing the correct route. It is very annoying that the app operator does not react to defects and simply deletes negative reviews. The operators have now contacted us and, through an inspection, have determined that this is not functioning properly and that this will be remedied shortly. (Original) Diese App führt überall hin nur nicht zum gesuchtem Ziel . Warum werden denn negativ Bewertungen entfernt? Wir wollten eigentlich zur Levada Do Caldeirao Verde auf Madeira. Haben aber wegen der völligen Fehlleitung durch die App WalkMe über 2 Stunden verloren. Erst ein Maderenser hatte​ uns durch seine Beschreibung des richtigen Fahrtweges zur Levada gebracht. Sehr ärgerlich ist das der App Betreiber auf Mängel nicht reagiert und negative Bewertungen einfach löscht. Die Betreiber haben sich inzwischen bei uns gemeldet ,durch eine Prüfung festgestellt das hier eine nicht einwandfreie Funktion vorliegt und diese in kürze behoben werden.

(Translated by Google) After a family trip, there was still some time and energy left, and this interesting levada was ideal for that. Although I went, about only 3 km there and back, but satisfaction. (Original) Po rodinném výletě zbylo ještě trochu času aenergie a na to byla tahle zajímavá leváda ideální. Sice jsem šel.asi jen 3km tam a zpět, ale spokojenost .

(Translated by Google) Nice little tour. Especially if you live down in town, you save yourself the journey. (Original) Schöne kleine Tour. Gerade wenn man unten im Ort wohnt, spart man sich die Anfahrt.

(Translated by Google) Very nice levada in the city, with houses on both sides. Many exercisers on evening trips. (Original) Meget fin levada i byen, med huse på begge sider. Mange motionister på aften tur.

Santa Catarina Park – A Hidden Heaven in the Heart of Funchal If there’s a heaven on Earth, then Santa Catarina Park in Funchal, Madeira is certainly part of it. Perfectly situated in the heart of the city, this lush green sanctuary is easily accessible from all directions. Whether you're staying nearby or just exploring Funchal, the park is impossible to miss — and once you’re in, you may not want to leave. The park is a haven of tranquility and natural beauty, home to a variety of birds, ducks, and charming water ponds that create a peaceful atmosphere. It offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the best spots to watch cruise ships arrive in the harbor — a truly magical sight. Within walking distance, you'll find the iconic CR7 Hotel (just 5 minutes away), Marina Beach (a short 2-minute walk), and Plaza Shopping Mall (only 2–3 minutes away). There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby, making it convenient to grab a bite or relax with a coffee. Whether you're visiting with family, friends, or even alone, Santa Catarina Park is made for everyone. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, a quiet moment to unwind, or a fun outing with kids. With open spaces to play, benches to relax on, and stunning views all around, it’s the perfect escape from the bustle of the city without ever leaving it. A must-visit gem in Madeira — peaceful, picturesque, and unforgettable.

This park is very very pretty overlooking the ocean. You can see cruise ships coming and go. You can have a lovely view of the city. It also has exercises instruments and little playground for children. Has little café and a lake with many ducks.

Weather can change very quickly as seen on the pictures. While I enjoyed the park with clouds. It manifested into a beautiful place with the clouds passed

Spent a nice 20 mins relaxing around the pond & water features. Public toilets and a cafe. Looked like they were setting up for a festival or show when we went.

Beutiful serene place to chill and relax. Gardens are full of interesting plants and trees. Lots of shade to draw breath.

A quiet little Parque (park). It has a nice panoramic view of the cruise terminal and Funchal Marina area.

Beautiful park near the city center. Very pleasant and enjoyable regardless of time of the day. In the park there is a fountain and a small pound, so it is great even if it is hot. There are many trees and benches along alleys, on which you could rest. In the park center there is also an open area and in the south-west part playground for children. The sight on the port is stunning, especially after the dusk and when some liners are in the harbour. Other facilities include toilets, and there is a spot or two where you could buy coffee or soft drink. After the dark there are some areas that are not well lit and as some alleyways are uneven it is better to be careful.

Park and Gardens next to the marina in Funchal. Plenty going on, ice creams, coffee, fruit vendors and so much more. Seating areas, toilets and boating trips near by. We arrived on P&O Azura and moored up for the day. Plenty of bus stops to get you around, the town a short walk away.

A starting point for your boat trips from Funchal, so you will probably visit it. We were in luck to observe the fireworks in June. Lots of space, good to bring a towel a bottle of wine and some snacks, and enjoy the evening in the center. Very clean and enjoyable.

Sit back in any of the bars or restaurants and watch the world go by in the glorious sunshine. Clean and tidy and well looked after

nice park, benches in the sun and in the shade, drinking water, few people, very clean, lots of flowers

Great walk to do any time of the day. Morning run, lazy afternoon and evening after dinner walk…

Not sure about People's Square, but during our short visit to Funchal we went up to the gardens which were a fairly short walk uphill from the port and AV. Del Mar. The gardens are well tended and the floral displays are colourful as you would expect given the climate. There is a little open air cafe and I would recommend a cafe with milk. There are public toilets in the same part of the garden. The promenade along the front is also well worth a visit. Funchal has much to offer and as our time was limited we intend to visit again.

We enjoyed walking along the marina area through beautiful trees and plants. Very tropical as we made our way to the gallon ship to meet our like minded crew.