Bar hopping Tour in Funchal

Discover the Best Bars in Funchal in Just 3 Hours

This Bar Hopping Tour in Funchal offers a lively exploration of Madeira’s vibrant bar scene over 3 hours. For €44 per person, visitors enjoy 6 stops through the historic streets of Funchal, experiencing a curated selection of local drinks. The tour includes tastings of artisanal beers, Madeira wine, and the iconic Ginja liqueur, along with a Poncha demonstration that teaches how to craft this traditional Madeiran beverage.

The tour departs from Blandys Wine Lodges at 3:45 p.m., with the experience starting promptly at 4:00 p.m. This timing makes it ideal for visitors seeking an authentic, relaxed way to discover Funchal’s nightlife while sampling its best drinks. The guide, speaking English, helps uncover local traditions and stories behind each beverage, making the experience both fun and educational.

While the tour does not include an actual Poncha-making workshop but rather a demonstration, it still offers a hands-on taste of Madeira’s iconic drink. The tour is well-suited for those who enjoy local flavors, cultural insight, and a social atmosphere, though it’s not designed for children, pregnant women, or those over 95 years old.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Includes 6 stops exploring Funchal’s historic streets and bar scene
• Tastings of local beers, Madeira wine, Ginja, and more
• Features a Poncha demonstration to learn this traditional drink’s secrets
• Meet at Blandys Wine Lodges at 3:45 p.m., tour runs from 4:00 p.m.
• Rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 8 reviews, with praise for friendly guides and varied drinks
• Ideal for adults seeking a fun, cultural evening in Funchal

From the Historic Streets to the Wine Cellars

The tour begins at Blandys Wine Lodges, a well-known Madeira wine hotel. Here, participants enjoy an initial tasting of Madeira’s famous fortified wine, setting the tone for the evening. The location’s history and reputation make it a fitting starting point to appreciate Madeira’s wine culture.

As the group moves through the city, each stop offers a different experience. The stops include local bars and shops that serve artisanal beers, each crafted with Madeira ingredients. These beers stand out for their distinct flavors, showcasing Madeira’s brewing creativity. The guide explains the story behind each drink, making each tasting more meaningful.

The tour then introduces the Ginja, a sour cherry liqueur from Portugal. This Ginja is served in an edible chocolate cup, adding a sweet twist to the tasting. The presentation of Ginja in a chocolate vessel is a distinctive feature, making it a memorable moment. Visitors get to savor the liqueur while learning about its tradition in Madeira.

Sampling Madeira Wine in a Historic Cellar

A highlight of this tour is the Madeira wine tasting. The guide guides participants through the complex flavors of this fortified wine, known for its longevity and versatility. The tasting takes place in a setting that emphasizes Madeira’s winemaking history, allowing guests to appreciate its diverse styles.

The Madeira wine tasting is not rushed, giving ample time to explore the different flavor profiles. The guide shares insights into how Madeira wine is produced and what makes its taste so unique. This part of the tour appeals to wine enthusiasts and those curious about Madeira’s viniculture.

The Iconic Nikita Cocktail Experience

One of the tour’s signature moments is experiencing the Nikita cocktail. This refreshing beverage combines beer, ice cream, and tropical fruits, making it a delightful and creamy drink. The guide introduces the Nikita as a must-try local specialty, and guests can taste it in a cozy, welcoming environment.

The Nikita is known for its sweet and tropical flavors, offering a fun twist compared to traditional cocktails. This stop provides a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the drink and chat about Madeira’s cocktail culture, making it a perfect way to unwind after the tastings.

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Ginja in Edible Chocolate Cups

A particularly Instagram-worthy moment occurs when tasting Ginja served in edible chocolate cups. This sweet cherry liqueur is a staple of Portuguese tradition, and the presentation adds a playful and delicious touch. The guide explains the significance of Ginja in Madeira’s local festivities and traditions.

Guests savor Ginja while appreciating its sour cherry flavor complemented by the richness of the chocolate cup. This tasting stands out for its visual appeal and the chance to indulge in a sweet treat while learning about local customs.

Learning to Make Poncha: A Demonstration, Not a Workshop

The tour features a Poncha demonstration, showing how this traditional drink is prepared. While it is not a hands-on workshop where guests make their own Poncha, the demonstration offers a clear insight into its ingredients and preparation technique.

Poncha is a classic Madeiran cocktail made with local sugar cane spirit, honey, and citrus. The guide explains the process, allowing participants to understand what makes Poncha so special in Madeira’s culture. The demonstration concludes with guests tasting the finished drink, rounding out the alcohol sampling experience.

The Final Stop and Atmosphere

The tour concludes in a traditional bar, where guests can enjoy the lively, authentic atmosphere of Funchal’s nightlife. Here, visitors can relax, chat, and soak in the local vibe. The setting is casual and welcoming, perfect for reflecting on the drinks tasted and the stories shared.

This finale encapsulates the social side of Madeira’s bar scene, emphasizing good company, good drinks, and good ambiance. It’s a fitting end to a journey that combines cultural insights with genuine local flavors.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The meeting point for this tour is Blandys Wine Lodges, located at Avenida Arriaga 28. Guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth start at 3:45 p.m., with the tour beginning promptly at 4:00 p.m. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide and is suitable for adults only, excluding pregnant women, children under 18, and those over 95.

The experience is flexible in terms of cancellation, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Payment is reserved now and paid later, offering travelers flexibility in planning their Madeira trip.

Why This Tour Works for Different Visitors

This bar hopping experience appeals most to adults interested in local drinks and Funchal’s nightlife. Those who enjoy wine, cocktails, and cultural stories will find it especially rewarding. The variety of tastings, from beer to Ginja to Madeira wine, provides a comprehensive introduction to Madeira’s beverage scene.

The guide’s friendly approach and the diverse stops ensure an engaging atmosphere. While not offering an actual Poncha-making workshop, the demonstration still enriches the understanding of this iconic drink. The 3-hour duration makes it a manageable evening activity that can fit into broader travel plans.

The Value of the Experience

At €44 per person, this tour delivers a well-rounded taste of Madeira’s drinks and nightlife. The small group size (up to 15 people) fosters an intimate setting and more personal interaction with the guide. The inclusion of multiple tastings and the Poncha demonstration makes it a worthwhile investment for those wanting to explore Funchal’s local drinking culture.

The ratings of 4.6 out of 5 based on 8 reviews reflect strong satisfaction, especially for the guide’s personality, variety of drinks, and local insights. Some reviews note that while there isn’t a hands-on Poncha workshop, the demonstration remains engaging and informative.

Final Thoughts on the Funchal Bar Hopping Tour

This 3-hour bar hopping tour offers a lively way to discover Madeira’s beverage traditions in a fun, social environment. The stops are carefully curated to highlight local beers, Ginja, Madeira wine, and the Nikita cocktail, with a demonstration that adds an educational element.

The friendly, knowledgeable guides help make the experience memorable, especially for those eager to learn about Madeira’s drink culture. While it doesn’t include an active Poncha-making class, the demonstration still provides a meaningful taste of this iconic drink.

Suitable for adults seeking an authentic nightlife experience, this tour balances cultural insights, tastings, and relaxed atmosphere. Be prepared for a moderate pace through the streets of Funchal, with plenty of opportunities to socialize and enjoy local flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the duration of the tour?
  The tour lasts 3 hours, starting at 4:00 p.m. after meeting at Blandys Wine Lodges.

• How many stops are included?
  There are 6 stops throughout the tour, each offering different tastings and experiences.

• Is there a Poncha workshop?
  No, there is a Poncha demonstration, not a hands-on workshop, where the guide shows how to make Poncha.

• What drinks are sampled during the tour?
  The tour features artisanal beers, Ginja (ginjinha), Madeira wine, and the Nikita cocktail.

• Where does the tour end?
  The final stop is at a traditional bar in Funchal, where guests can relax and soak in the local ambiance.

• Can I cancel the booking?
  Yes, full refund is available if canceled up to 24 hours before the tour.

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  No, it is not suitable for children under 18, pregnant women, or those over 95 years.

• What language is the tour guided in?
  The tour is conducted in English.

• How do I reserve my spot?
  You can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

• What makes this tour stand out?
  The variety of local drinks, friendly guide, and the cultural insights into Madeira’s drink traditions make it a rewarding experience for visitors wanting a taste of Funchal’s nightlife.

  You can check availability for your dates here:
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