Downtown Funchal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through the Old City
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Downtown Funchal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through the Old City

Active
(8 reviews)
1h - 2h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Wander along worn cobblestone roads, picturesque coastlines, and down alleyways filled with mystery on this self-guided walking tour through downtown Funchal. Along the way, you’ll see historical sites and the iconic Old Town known to locals as “Zona Velha”.

You’ll visit Madeira’s only cathedral, the city’s oldest wine cellar, the Jesuit Church in all its splendor, Fort São Tiago, and other lesser-known, but equally worth landmarks. By the end of this tour, you’ll understand what all the fuss surrounding white gold was about, and the role Madeira played in the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence.

Highlights on this tour include:

• Sé Cathedral
• Mercado dos Lavradores
• D'Oliveiras Wine Cellar
• Fort São Tiago
• CR 7 Museum
• The Old City Ruins

On this walk through downtown Funchal, meet the movers and shakers that transformed the city. Downloading the tour onto the VoiceMap app to enjoy the tour on location or virtually at home.

Available options

Downtown Funchal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through the Old City

What's included

VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
Lifetime access to this tour in English
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

1

This self-guided audio tour starts outside the CR7 Museum.

2

The tour briefly stops outside the Sao Lourenco Palace. You'll hear about the palace before continuing on the walk.

3

The tour stops briefly next to a statue of Zarco. You'll learn a bit about who Zarco was and his connection to Funchal before continuing on the walk.

4

The tour stops briefly outside Sé Cathedral. You'll learn about the cathedral before continuing on the tour.

5

The tour passes by the São Luis de Tolosa Chapel. You'll stop outside the chapel briefly to hear about its history.

6

The tour stops briefly outside D'Oliveiras Madeira Wine Cellar. After hearing about the wine cellar, you'll have the opportunity to go in.

7

The tour passes by Fabrica de Santo Antonio. It's the oldest confectionery factory in Madeira.

8

The tour stops briefly outside the Farmers' Market, Mercado dos Lavradores. You'll learn about the market and then, if you wish, you can then enter the market and do some shopping.

9

The tour passes by Corpo Santo Chapel. It is one of the only buildings still standing from the 1400s.

10

The tour briefly stops at Fort São Tiago. You'll have the opportunity to go in, pause the tour and explore the fort. Commentary while in the fort is not included.

11

The tour briefly stops in front of the Sao Filipe Fort Ruines. You'll learn about the ruins before continuing on the tour.

12

The tour briefly stops in front of the City Gate Monument.

What's not included

Food/Drink
Smartphone and headphones
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0
2 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 4.8
6 reviews
5★
5
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
───
Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
───
Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
───
• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
───
For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Madeira

Madeira, a stunning archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, is known for its dramatic landscapes, lush gardens, and mild climate year-round. Often referred to as the 'Hawaii of Europe,' it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and outdoor adventures.

Top Attractions

Pico do Arieiro

The third-highest peak in Madeira, offering breathtaking views and hiking trails.

Nature Half day to full day Free

Funchal Old Town (Zona Velha)

The historic heart of Funchal with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and charming shops.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Cabo Girão

One of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, offering stunning views and a glass skywalk.

Nature 1-2 hours €3 for the skywalk

Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico)

A beautiful garden with a variety of exotic plants and flowers, offering stunning views of Funchal.

Nature 1-2 hours €7.50

Porto Moniz Natural Pools

Volcanic rock pools filled with seawater, perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Nature Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bolo do Caco

A traditional Madeiran bread made with sweet potato and garlic, often served with garlic butter.

Bread Vegetarian

Espetada

Skewered beef marinated in garlic, wine, and bay leaves, grilled to perfection.

Main Course Contains meat

Poncha

A traditional Madeiran cocktail made with aguardente (local brandy), honey, and lemon or orange juice.

Drink Contains alcohol

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Canyoning Beach lounging Spa treatments Wine tasting Visiting museums Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer the best combination of warm weather and fewer tourists. The landscape is lush and vibrant, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.

18-25°C 64-77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Portuguese
  • Widely spoken: English, Spanish
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+0 (Western European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Madeira is generally safe with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty theft and scams.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Use licensed taxis
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help

Getting there

By air
  • Madeira Airport (Funchal) • 17 km (10.5 miles) from Funchal
By bus

Funchal, Santa Cruz

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport. They are affordable and reliable, but schedules can be limited in rural areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Funchal Câmara de Lobos Santana

Day trips

Porto Santo
60 km (37 miles) from Funchal • Full day

A small island known for its golden sand beach and relaxed atmosphere.

Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo Hike
20 km (12.4 miles) from Funchal • Full day

A challenging but rewarding hike between two of Madeira's highest peaks.

Seixal Beach and Ponta de São Lourenço
30 km (18.6 miles) from Funchal • Full day

A stunning coastal area with black sand beaches and dramatic cliffs.

Festivals

Festa da Flor (Flower Festival) • Early May Atlantic Festival • August Carnival of Madeira • February/March (dates vary)

Pro tips

  • Visit the local markets for fresh produce and unique souvenirs.
  • Take a levada walk for a unique and scenic hiking experience.
  • Try Poncha, a traditional Madeiran cocktail, at a local bar.
  • Explore the island's hidden beaches and coves for a peaceful retreat.
  • Attend a local festival for an immersive cultural experience.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 6-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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