What to do on a rainy day in Funchal?

When we go on holiday, we all hope for sunny days so we can make the most of our time. 

But while we can’t control Mother Nature (and thankfully so), rainy days play an essential role. After all, Madeira’s lush forests and stunning waterfalls wouldn’t exist without them.

Still, a rainy day doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up in your accommodation. In this blog post, we’re sharing some great indoor activities to enjoy in Funchal when the weather isn’t on your side.

Ready? Let’s dive in!

The first one is the 3D Fun Art Museum. This is a space for you and your loved ones to meet up and have some mind blowing time taking boundless photos. Visitors can enjoy good times and create good memories. The museum has more than 30 different scenarios, including 2D paintings with a fun twist and optical illusions, that make us enter a world of fantasy and imagination.

For those who enjoy a more active experience, the Madeira Climbing Centre is a fantastic option.Bouldering is a form of free climbing practiced on small rock formations or artificial walls, without the use of ropes or harnesses. It focuses on strength, technique, and problem-solving, making it both a physical and mental challenge.Founded in 2021, the Madeira Climbing Centre is the first bouldering gym on Madeira Island. It was created to promote the growth and development of the sport locally, while fostering an open, welcoming community for both experienced climbers and those discovering the sport for the first time.

IMOM – Immersive Museum of Madeira is a contemporary art space dedicated to immersive experiences that are meant to be felt rather than explained. Through a blend of light, sound, movement, and interactive technology, it invites visitors of all ages to explore evolving digital worlds.IMOM features three distinct areas: The Hall, a large-scale immersive room; VR Club, offering curated virtual reality experiences; and The Lab, an experimental space for interactive installations. Constantly evolving, IMOM continues to introduce new works and new ways to experience art, imagination, and perception.

For the Wine Enthusiasts, we recommend the Blandy’s Wine Lodge. Located in a historical building in the very center of Funchal, Blandy’s Wine Lodge has been the heart of the family’s wine business for 7 generations, aging the finest Madeira wines .
Visit this wine lodge to learn more about Madeira wine and the history of the Blandy Family, walk through the aging rooms and enjoy one of the many wine tasting options they offer.

Armazéns do Mercado It’s a truly fascinating place. One that simply can’t be defined by a single word. Part art gallery, part second-hand bookstore, and part souvenir shop, it offers a little something for everyone.The bookstore section is especially charming, with shelves filled with books in many different languages. It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time while browsing for unexpected literary treasures.On top of that, the shop features a carefully curated selection of unique, high-quality souvenirs that stand out from the usual tourist offerings.All in all, it’s a place full of character and creativity — definitely worth a visit.

The Madeira Photography Museum – “Atelier Vicente's” is housed in one of the only two surviving 19th century photography studios in Portugal. The studio was acquired in 1865 by Vicente Gomes da Silva, and it remains an extraordinary testament to the early days of photography. Today, the museum preserves an impressive collection that includes original studio backdrops, historic cameras, specialized furniture, framed photographs, and books on photographic techniques. Its most remarkable treasure is a vast photographic archive containing approximately 1.5 million images, some dating back to the 1850s. In addition, the museum features a dedicated section related to the history of cinema.Together, these collections offer a fascinating journey through the evolution of photography and visual culture in Madeira and beyond.

The Universo de Memórias de João Carlos Abreu is a Decorative Art Museum, that holds the collections of a former Secretary of Tourism and Culture of Madeira. It’s based in a 19th Century House. In this collection, you’ll be able to see furniture from different countries, a 19th century original kitchen, 600 pieces of horses and much more. There is also a very nice Tea House. The perfect way to finish the museum tour.

Livraria Esperança is an unique place. It’s the oldest book store in Madeira. It’s based on a 16th Century Palace and it has over 100.000 books all displayed by the cover! An amazing place to get lost in a book maze. Livraria Esperança also has some books in English.

Hope this helps you enjoy our city when the weather is not as inviting!

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