Funchal

The capital of Madeira is Funchal, set on the south coast against verdant, rugged hills. While set in a maze of steep streets, paved with cobbles, Funchal is a vibrant city with cafes on every street, excellent restaurants, famous monuments, museums and many wine shops selling the local produce.
Location:
Located on the southern coast of the island the capital is a lively city with a population of 180,000.
Sightseeing:
There is a plentiful selection of beautiful churches and museums. The Se Cathedral built between 1493 and 1514 is the most central point in the city and is definitely worth a visit. The city can be easily explored on foot with many sights close to each other. The Museum of Natural History located in the botanical gardens has a huge collection of specimens that may be facing extinction in the near future. Visit the Museum of the Madeira Wine Institute to learn about its history and method of production.
Shopping:
Funchal is a shopper's paradise, with a wide selection of shops to choose from whether it be in the shopping malls of The Forum or tucked away down one of the many cobbled streets. Located near Funchal Marina is Casa do Turista where you will find beautiful embroidered tablecloths, place mats and napkins. 10km from Funchal is the village of Camacha, here in the main square you'll find the island's best selection of basketry.
Leisure:
Funchal is a food connoisseur's paradise with plenty to suit all tastes. The old town on the East Side has many restaurants serving local seafood. The best restaurants though are to be found on the promenade, which runs from the Lido to Camara de Lobas especially in front of the Porto Mare and Ocean Park Hotels. After dark Funchal becomes alive with a wide range of local cafes, upmarket bars and nightclubs that go on until sunrise. One popular attraction is the Casino de Madeira, which has cabaret shows throughout the week and its own nightclub, The Copacabana. Funchal also benefits from many cultural events such as the Atlantic Festival in June and classical concerts and plays at the city's theatre.