A guide to nightlife in Funchal
By combining traditional values and modern tourism amenities, Funchal has become a fantastic alternative for those who love a city break, but want to experience clean and green charms on their holidays to Madeira. Nightlife on the island can be more lively than you’d think, so see which of our favourite island hotspots best appeals to you for a night on the town.
Drink up at the Madeira Rum House
The words ‘Madeira Rum House’ instantly bring a smile to our lips. Tucked away amid traditional cobbled streets, this venue has shelves laden with bottles from every corner of the world, together with wines for when a rum daiquiri isn’t quite on your agenda.
Court Lady Luck at the Palm Bar, Casino Madeira
At the Palm Bar you can mix cocktails and live music with a cheeky flutter at Casino Madeira. Situated in the games room, you can drink in between stints on the slot machines and games tables from afternoon until the early hours. The music kicks off every Friday, Saturday and bank holiday evening.
Blend modern and vintage at Hole In One
This lively venue is an Irish pub with live music and a large outdoor area for drinks in the warm evening air. Make sure you check out some of the local flair they have here, with statues of jazz musicians being a particular highlight.
Drink a rooftop G&T at Trap Music Bar
The Trap is a distinctive venue, where rock music is a frequent drinking partner. The ground floor is a sports bar, but work your way upstairs and you’ll find floors of live music or cocktails and conversation, before it all opens out onto a rooftop terrace where you can drink under the stars.
Feel the spirit of the old town at 23 Vintage Bar
This bar has personality and charm in every inch, yet still retains plenty of contemporary knowledge on zingy new cocktails and old school spirits. Add the music and smiles you’re bound to find here, and you’re looking at one of the great hidden treasures of Funchal.
Try the Cosmopolitans at Cocktail Bar Teleferico
You’ll identify this bar right away by the big painting of a ninja peeping at you on the door. Inside it’s a cosy place rich in local stories and tasty cocktails – a friendly welcome is all but guaranteed here and they definitely know how to mix a drink.
Embrace the elegance of Dubai Club
The classy interior at Dubai Club is overseen by a world class DJ spinning engaging tunes at his station, and offset by a snug VIP area complete with some groovy drink options. It’s where you go to rub shoulders with Funchal’s movers and shakers, so make sure you’re dressed to impress.
You’d think that Taberna Popular would be the beating heart of nightlife in Funchal, but it’s actually an adorable, family run bar where personality wins out every time. Easily located by its old school signage, a trip inside gives the feeling of stepping into the living room of an old friend.
You’d think that Taberna Popular would be the beating heart of nightlife in Funchal, but it’s actually an adorable, family run bar where personality wins out every time. Easily located by its old school signage, a trip inside gives the feeling of stepping into the living room of an old friend.
Head off the beaten track to Bar Pe De Cabra
It’s usually the city centre bars that are the most crowded, yet Bar Pe De Cabra on the western outskirts always heaves with bustle, although never at the expense of a friendly welcome. The drinks here are served with crispy snacks and good conversation, so expect to learn lots about the locals here.
Groove until dawn at Studio Club
Studio Club proves that Funchal can more than provide an evening of outlandish fun when it wants to. Get down on the dancefloor with your fellow holidaymakers to a mix of club classics and fresh beats, while lights blaze and the bar staff keep your glass topped up nicely.