– A 17th-century fortress built to protect Madeira against pirates: São Tiago Fort
– An interactive museum of Madeira’s history with a rooftop viewpoint & a restaurant. See post: Madeira Story Center
– A place to buy English books for 1 euro, art galleries, handicrafts and beautiful, handmade, yet affordable souvenirs. See posts: Armazém do Mercado and the Restock Gallery
It can also be a quick stop before catching the famous Monte Cable Car (taking you to the Jardim Tropical de Monte botanical park), which starts near the market.
These are just a few of my favourite suggestions, for a whole list of attractions nearby, please visit TRIPADVISOR.
And last but not least – let me tell you why, although I visited the place over 100 times, I don’t really like it and sometimes hesitate to recommend it to visitors?
Mercado dos Lavradores – Funchal’s worst tourist trap…?
I don’t like intrusive and tricky salesmen who bother tourists. Especially on the second floor of the building, we will be attacked by fruit sellers who often do not understand the words “Thank you, I am not interested”. This is the only such an unpleasant place in Madeira. Local people are usually nice and helpful, but some of the Mercado dos Lavradores sellers are a small exception…