Funchal Downtown is an essential part of the night owls' itinerary due to the large number of bars and some venues that also work as nightclubs, bringing liveliness to that part of the city.
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So, if you want to go out partying, Funchal is where you need to be. The capital has countless leisure options with bars, pubs, nightclubs and live music venues with something for everyone.
The capital of Madeira is the perfect city to explore at your own pace. Walking around Funchal is always a pleasant experience, as the green of the mountains and the blue of the ocean accompany you while you discover this city by the sea.
With grand botanical gardens and impressive ocean panoramas from weathered palaces, the city rises up the mountainous hills to make the most of the splendid natural setting. Funchal is also the gateway to the rest of Madeira island's nature-laden attractions, with the archipelago's principal port and airport.
Tap water is absolutely fine to drink in Madeira, and we often don't even bother with bottled water in restaurants and just ask for a jug or glass of tap water. I think your husband may be in for quite a big surprise when he returns to the island after 35 years - mostly changes for the better but not all.
Food and drink prices at restaurants in MadeiraIn Funchal, you can go to a small local place and pay €5-12 for some food and a drink but then you can also go across the street to a fancier place and pay over €25 for food and a drink.
The average standard of living tends to be a bit lower than in mainland Portugal, and the local autonomous government gives generous subsidies coming from the tourist industry revenues and from the Portuguese national budget. Go where the locals go and everything will be cheap.
Walking Tours in Funchal, PortugalCreating your own self-guided walk in Funchal is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Funchal is generally considered safe for female travelers. The city is known for its friendly locals and low crime rate. Women should still take the usual precautions when traveling, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables out of sight.
One of the most iconic places to go shopping in Funchal is Rua Dr.Fernão de Ornelas, named after the mayor who, in the first half of the 20th century, prepared the city to welcome tourism.
Most places in Madeira do take cards, but you'll need some cash for buses, and I've heard that some of the cable cars only take cash too (the cable car from the promenade in Funchal does take cards). The small shops and cafes I visited all took cards but it's best to have some money just in case.
The best place to go out at night is the old town, Rua de Santa Maria and the surrounding area, where you'll find plenty of bars and nightclubs with a great atmosphere along the streets. You'll also find a great nightlife vibe in Porto Santo, but places here only open in the summer.
Weather in FunchalThe average temperature is around 26°C, which lowers to around 20°C to 25°C from October to March. The best time to go to Funchal for the most heat is in the summer. August is the hottest time of the year with just nine rainy days spread over the month.
Funchal – Madeira Island's capitalA family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,943.8€ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 542.5€ without rent. Funchal is 13.1% less expensive than Lisbon.
Tipping in Portugal & MadeiraMany people may tell you that tipping is not necessary and that restaurant workers earn a healthy wage, but this is not really true. Staff at restaurants earn among the lowest wages in Portugal and they rely on tips. As such, a tip is always appreciated.
My little AA Essential Guide to Madeira suggests that, as Flowercity says, tipping is appreciated but not required in Madeira. If you do want to tip, the advice is 10% in restaurants and for taxi drivers and hairdressers. In bars it suggests just loose change but nothing for chambermaids in hotels.
Inside Funchal : Health & Safety - Tripadvisor. According to the Madeira Tourist Board's website the island has very little crime. It states that very likely the worst things that will happen to most visitors are generally sunburns and hangovers.