Seek and find
Funchal isn't a destination you'd visit just for a city break, but during a holiday on Madeira, it's definitely worth a morning or afternoon visit. Or make Funchal your base during your Madeira holiday, exploring the island and its natural beauty during the day.
The big advantage is that you can enjoy a meal in the old town in the evening, where you'll find several lovely restaurants. In Funchal, you'll find typical Portuguese influences, squares with churches, a lively farmers market, and several delicious restaurants.
Various dolphin and whale watching tours depart from Funchal's harbor, and the promenade leads straight into the narrow streets of the old town. You can explore the town in a few hours if you haven't booked a hotel in the city.
In this Funchal Travel Guide, I've compiled my personal tips for you. Enjoy!
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𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟲, 𝟭𝟳, 𝟭𝟴 & 𝟭𝟵
Your Amsterdam weekend, sorted. 🖤
Baby lambs, spring markets, new restaurant openings and more events not to miss, this week's Amsterdam Weekend Guide is packed.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 81 tips straight to your DMs.
Have fun making plans!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
| PS: Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in the Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
PUUR YONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer.
Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese.
I spent the whole evening reading and flipping through the pages.
WHAT A BOOK.
What stories.
WHAT AN ODE.
Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being.
Everything passes by, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert.
With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043.
Thanks for the lovely afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚
PURE JONNIE,
From 14 April
at your local bookstore
(and online)
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢
@tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality.
It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3.
In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds.
Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
{ one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟵, 𝟭𝟬, 𝟭𝟭 & 𝟭𝟮
This is one of those weekends that's packed with cool events!
Catch the last cherry blossoms, hunt for vintage treasures or feast on oysters.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 71 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… vintage, culture, markets or a new hotspot?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in the Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆?
@eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember.
Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤
Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here!
📍 Eetcafé de Reiger
Jordaan, Amsterdam City Centre
Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam.
And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A cookbook from Grandma. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home.
The Sühring brothers do not cook based on trends; they cook from memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations.
@relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care.
This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception.
Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly?
🍴 Labskaus with caviar
🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar
🍴 Game pie
🍴 Dry aged Duck
TIP: If you go to Sühring, reserve the seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work!
Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux
In this reels I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three Michelin starred restaurant Sühring.
This is one of the nicest free outings in the spring! Did you know that you can gather (or pick, for the connoisseurs 😉) oysters yourself in various places in the Netherlands? I’m in Zeeland for a bit this weekend, and if we can, we’ll go again.
📍In this video, I show where you can fill your bucket.
Comment oester for the comprehensive guide with all details about all 8 locations + handy tips and rules.
Important to know:
– Max. 10 kilos per person (≈ 1 bucket)
– For personal use only
– Do not scoop or scrape the soil
– Go at low tide
Handy to take with you:
Bucket, screwdriver, boots, work gloves, tea towel, clean clothes and garbage bags (for the oysters and dirty clothes).
And of course: also bring an oyster knife, lemon and champagne 🍋🥂Because you want to taste something right away!
The oyster season runs from September to about April / early May, so now that the water isn't so cold, this is the perfect outing.
In the full guide, I share exactly where you can easily find them without much effort. Leave a comment and I'll send it to you right away!
Who do you want to go oyster collecting with soon?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Happy weekend in Amsterdam! I made a list with 79 (!) fun 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟯, 𝟰, 𝟱 & 𝟲. This week's guide is packed because of Easter weekend and I saved the best tips for you in the guide on 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with all 79 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend? Markets, Easter lunches, or a festival?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is the time to make plans for Easter in Amsterdam 👀🐣🐰
Are you team lunch or dinner?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Ps: More tips for Easter in Amsterdam, from restaurants to markets, on WWW.YOURLITTLEBLACKBOOK.ME
Anti-Guide, going around to God that a good thing is!
So close and perfect to go by train, with endless great places to visit.
Think: delicious food, nice hotels, coffee shops for your matcha ;-) and wine bars you actually don't want to leave. During our last trip, we added a few new favorites to the Antwerp Little Black Book once again.
Save this guide for your next city trip to Antwerp. Have fun!
**
⦁ @osakaantwerp
⦁ @mea.antwerp
⦁ @glouglouborgerhout
⦁ @le_pristine_antwerp
⦁ @hertog_jan_at_botanic
**Illegible**
⦁ @hotelfranq
⦁ @viaantwerp
⦁ @hoteldewittelelie
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
⦁ @millesime.antwerp
⦁ @dogmacocktails
⦁ @cafe.bobby
⦁ @cafezeezicht
⦁ @billiesbierkafetaria
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 & 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗦
⦁ @bakkerijfunk
⦁ @polly.antwerp
⦁ @cafe.betty
⦁ @tinsel_antwerp
⦁ @caffenation_coffee
I
⦁ Roof farm @paktantwerpen
⦁ For thrift store finds: Antwaarpe Goeiemorgen
⦁ Shop at @frnchparisofficiel
⦁ For all fashion lovers @momuantwerp
⦁ Must-visit museum @rubenshuisantwerpen
💌What is your favorite hotspot in Antwerp that I absolutely have to visit next time?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
These are those few magical weeks each year when the city suddenly feels different. Everything is in bloom and all you want to do is be outside. Coffee to-go in hand, and just head out as soon as the sun shows up.
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
📍 Bloesempark – Amsterdamse Bos (the classic, yes it gets busy, but totally worth it)
📍 Rijksmuseum
📍 Fruittuin van West
📍 Westerpark
📍 Jozef Israëlskade
📍 WG grounds
📍 Nelson Mandela Park
📍 Bos en Lommerplantsoen
📍Amstelpark
By mid-April most of the sakura will already be gone, so if you want to catch it: this is your moment.
I'll definitely be doing a few more rounds before it's over.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
_____________________________________________
🌸 Discover the best places to spot cherry blossom in Amsterdam and enjoy the sakura in full bloom. 🌸
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟲, 𝟮𝟳, 𝟮𝟴 & 𝟮𝟵
This is one of those weekends where your only problem is how you're going to fit everything into this last weekend of March (yes already?!).
From a free event to try new Limited Subs at @ijveramsterdam to slow mornings, a market stroll (or two), maybe finally ticking off that new restaurant that's been on your list for weeks… and ending somewhere with a good glass of wine while telling yourself “just one more” 😉
𝗡𝗲𝘄-𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺:
📍 @caferestaurant.meyer
📍 @kamer.bar
📍 @rondo.restaurant
📍 @weinlokalstern
📍 @enotecadeolyphant
📍 @tonton.noord
📍 @yusu.coffee (centre)
📍 @eetcafe.vanbeeren
📍 @kidamsterdam
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 47 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… markets, cocktails or a new hotspot?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal
19 fun things to do in Funchal on Madeira
- Farmers Market Funchal's farmers market is a must-visit if you're in Madeira. The market opens early every day and stays lively until late on weekdays. In the mornings, you'll find fresh fish, vegetables, and fruit, as well as stalls selling spices like chili peppers. Plan your visit wisely, as the market is open until 14 p.m. on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.
- After browsing the market, grab a drink at the only hotspots I've spotted on the island. For good coffee and something tasty, try Confeitaria No Mercado are and for a healthy juice you are at Jolie at the right place.
- Want to take home a souvenir from Madeira? Along the side of the Mercado dos Lavradores are all sorts of specialty shops. I found the cutest Portuguese tins of sardines, mackerel, and more! Almost too pretty to open and eat.
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- From the center of Funchal you can take the cable car to Monte, the elevated suburb of Funchal. During the cable car ride, you'll have views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. In Monte, you can visit the cathedral and botanical garden, among other things, if that interests you.
- Do you want to have lunch at a special location? Then you should go to Nini Design Center You can also dine there in the evening, but I personally think the terrace overlooking the water is the most enjoyable. This hotspot is a gallery and restaurant under one roof, where everything revolves around the interior design of Nini Andrade Silva, whose designs are known for their use of the characteristic gray pebbles found on all Madeira beaches.
Nini Design Center
- If you stroll down Rua Santa Maria in Funchal's old town, you won't miss the artwork on many doors. That's no coincidence! It's an art project from a few years ago. this website you can see exactly where the artistic doors are located.
- Poncha is the local alcoholic drink that locals enjoy when meeting up with friends. It's made with aguardente de cana, honey, sugar, and originally topped with orange or lemon juice. However, you'll now see it on the menu with various fruit juices. You definitely have to try it if you're in Madeira. You can drink poncha anywhere in Funchal, but the best places are Barreirinha Bar Café (with a view of the water) and Rei da Poncha (located among the locals on a small square).
Rei da Poncha
- Did you know that you can spot dolphins every day in Madeira and even whales in winter? From Funchal you can go on a RIB boat trip Rota dos Cetaceos Dolphin watching. Who knows, you might even be able to snorkel with them in good weather! When we went on the trip, the weather wasn't great, and it took a while to find them. But... the wait was worth it! So wonderful to see these playful animals in the open sea. Definitely worth booking an excursion.
Dolphin Safari with Rota dos Cetaceos
- You might not expect it, but did you know that Funchal is one of the most special places to celebrate New Year's Eve? It's the party of the year for the locals. Everyone gathers in the city's harbor to watch a spectacular fireworks display. The preliminary rounds for this fireworks display are held well in advance, and we happened to be in Madeira to witness it firsthand. During the preliminary rounds, the entire city comes out en masse. I'm curious to see what it's like there on New Year's Eve, but I can imagine a poncha or two being enjoyed!
- Finally, a Funchal Travel Guide wouldn't be complete without a few restaurant recommendations. A chef friend from Amsterdam, who had just visited Madeira before me, recommended a few restaurants. I wasn't able to try them all myself, but I certainly wanted to share them with you: Boho Bistro, Restaurante SHU.AKA, Kampo, Mula, Taberninha Zé Vitória en The Vivaldi Where we dined ourselves (ask if you can sit on the terrace overlooking the boulevard!). Dishes you definitely want to try in Madeira include: pulpo, lapas (Chinese hats), and a steak with Madeira sauce (made with the famous Madeira wine).
| TIP: Via the website of Visit Madeira you can find a lot of practical information about Funchal and the rest of the island.
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MORE travel tips for planning your trip TO FUNCHAL & MADEIRA
After reading these travel tips for Madeira, are you excited to go on a holiday to Madeira yourself? Then also read these travel tips to help you plan and book your trip. Transavia of Tui You can fly to Madeira. Because there are only a few flights per week, it's often cheaper to book a package holiday. Therefore, it's definitely worth considering all the alternatives when planning your trip to Madeira. In these Madeira travel tips, I've already done some research for you!
YOURLBB'S FAVORITE (BOUTIQUE) HOTELS IN FUNCHAL, MADEIRA
☾ Pestana CR7 Funchal: Design hotel with a pink rooftop pool. (Can also be booked as a package trip via Corendon from €913)
☾ Castanheiro: Small-scale apartment-hotel in Funchal with swimming pool and spa. (from €961,- via Tui)
☾ Baia Azul: larger modern hotel with sea views on the quiet side of Funchal. (from €613,- via Tui)
FLIGHT TICKETS TO FUNCHAL ON MADEIRA
If you're looking for flights to Madeira, search for "Funchal" as your destination. Use the links below to find tickets for your desired dates.
➳ Transavia offers flight tickets from €75 for a one-way trip >>
➳ Book a return ticket via Tui from €249 >>
| TIP: Are you flying via Schiphol? Then you can here Download a €5 voucher for a discount at See Buy Fly! Reserve a cheaper parking spot in advance if you by car to Schiphol goes. That can save quite a bit of money. Our favorite hotels near Schiphol (which we've also tested ourselves) are citizenM en Hilton. Handy if you have a very early flight!
CAR RENTAL AT FUNCHAL AIRPORT IN MADEIRA
Through which channels you reach those people, classic and out of the box. Sunnycars, Reviews, Happycar of Europcar You can book a car to pick you up at Funchal Airport upon arrival. If you want to see more of Madeira than just the area around your hotel, renting a car is essential.
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Want to read more blogs about Madeira? Then click through to the extensive travel guide >>
Do you have any tips for Madeira that shouldn't be missing from the Madeira Travel Guide? Let us know via the button below and TIP THE EDITORS!
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PSSSST... you can find more (travel) tips in my books!
- Feed Your Wanderlust – Travel Guide for a bohemian lifestyle
- staycation – 22 guides and shortlists for a holiday close to home
- Wanderlust – Urban Travel Style Guide
- The Amsterdam City Guide (Dutch) & The Amsterdam City Guide (English)
Great as a gift for yourself or someone who loves to travel as much as you do!
WITH LOVE,
ANNE
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