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Willemstad, Curaçao: What to See, What to Do, and Must-See Places
Practical Tips
Practical Tips
Willemstad is much more than just the famous row of colorful houses featured on Curaçao postcards. It’s a small city that’s easy to explore on foot and full of contrasts: Dutch colonial architecture, street art, markets, hidden courtyards, Caribbean cuisine, and a cultural mix that’s evident in every neighborhood.
I’ve walked through downtown Willemstad countless times, and I’m still discovering little details I hadn’t noticed before: a fresh coat of paint on a building facade, a decorated alleyway, a hidden café, or a story behind a building I’d walked past without paying it any mind.
That’s why my main piece of advice is not to rush through your visit to Willemstad.
Many people arrive, take a photo of the Handelskade, cross the Queen Emma Bridge, and think they’ve already seen the city. But the most interesting part begins precisely when you venture a little away from the most photographed spots and explore the neighborhoods, markets, and streets where everyday life unfolds.
In this guide, I want to show you what to see and do in Willemstad, which places I truly consider must-sees, and how to plan your visit so you can enjoy it without having to walk around in the sun during the hottest part of the day.
Where is Willemstad?
Willemstad is the capital of Curaçao and is located around Santa Ana Bay, the natural channel that connects the Caribbean Sea to the island’s inner harbor.
The historic center consists of four main neighborhoods:
- Punda.
- Otrobanda.
- Pietermaai.
- Scharloo.
Everyone has a different personality.
Punda is home to many of the historic buildings, shops, and markets. Otrobanda is more residential, creative, and authentic. Pietermaai is known for its boutique hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, while Scharloo stands out for its old mansions and large murals.
The historic district of Willemstad has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And although the architecture shows a clear European influence, the city does not feel like a copy of the Netherlands. Willemstad has its own identity, shaped by centuries of exchanges between Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
How much time do you need to explore Willemstad?
To see the main sights, I’d set aside at least half a day. But if you want to visit museums, enjoy a leisurely meal, explore street art, and finish off with a drink or dinner, it’s best to set aside a full day.
A quick two- or three-hour visit will give you time to see the Handelskade, cross the drawbridge, and stroll through the main streets of Punda and Otrobanda.
However, with five or six hours, you’ll be able to take your time and explore places that are often left out of the more rushed itineraries.
My personal recommendation is to start early, take a long break during the hottest part of the day, and return in the late afternoon, when the light is most beautiful and the city starts to come alive.
What to See and Do in Willemstad
1. Admire the Handelskade, Curaçao’s most famous landmark
The Handelskade is probably the most photographed spot on the entire island.
It is the row of colorful buildings located across from Santa Ana Bay, on the Punda side. Their narrow facades, sloping roofs, and shades of yellow, blue, green, and pink create one of the most recognizable images in the Caribbean.
Although you can walk right along the Handelskade, the best view is from the Otrobanda side, especially from the Queen Emma Bridge or the Rif Fort area.
I always recommend visiting at different times of the day. In the morning, the light illuminates the facades and makes for very clear photos. In the late afternoon, the colors become warmer. And at night, the lights reflected on the water create a completely different atmosphere.
One important tip: don’t just admire it from a distance. Walk down the street behind the facades, step into the stores, and take a closer look at the architecture.
2. Cross the Queen Emma Bridge
The Queen Emma Bridge connects Punda with Otrobanda and is one of Willemstad’s most beloved landmarks.
It’s not a typical bridge. It floats on a series of pontoons and opens sideways to allow boats to pass through the bay. When it starts to move, pedestrians must wait until it reconnects with the pier.
Crossing the bridge is free and offers one of the best views of the city.
I especially like to do it in the late afternoon, when the sun begins to set and the buildings along the Handelskade are reflected in the water.
If the bridge is open, don’t worry. There’s usually a free ferry that takes pedestrians between Punda and Otrobanda. For me, this short ferry ride is also part of the experience.
My advice is not to cross while looking only straight ahead. Stop for a few seconds in the middle and look to both sides of the harbor. From there, you can see the Handelskade, the Rif Fort, the cruise ships, and, in the distance, the great Queen Juliana Bridge.
3. Get lost in the streets of Punda
Punda is the oldest part of Willemstad and the neighborhood where many of its historic buildings, shops, and squares are located.
The streets in the city center are compact and easy to explore on foot. Here you’ll find shops, jewelry stores, souvenir shops, cafes, and small restaurants.
But Punda isn’t just a shopping district. It’s also an ideal place to discover the history of Curaçao.
I recommend taking a stroll without a strictly defined route through streets like Breedestraat, Heerenstraat, and Madurostraat. Look up, because the prettiest details are often found in the windows, balconies, and cornices of the buildings.
You’ll also find small, decorated alleys, murals, and little spots with tables where you can sit down and have a drink.
Punda is pleasant in the morning, but on some days it can feel quite quiet after business hours. Thursdays tend to be livelier thanks to the Punda Vibes activities, which may include music, markets, entertainment, and other street events.
4. Visit Wilhelmina Square
Wilhelmina Square is located right in the heart of Punda and is one of the most popular spots for taking photos.
Here is the famous Curaçao sign, along with terraces, restaurants, and several historic buildings in the area.
It’s a pleasant spot to take a break, have a cold drink, or simply watch the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Personally, I don’t think you need to spend too much time on it, but it’s worth checking out because it connects several of Punda’s main attractions.
From the square, you can continue on to Fort Amsterdam, walk toward Pietermaai, or head back to the shopping streets.
5. Explore Fort Amsterdam and the Governor’s Palace
Fort Amsterdam is located at the entrance to Punda, near Wilhelmina Square.
It was built in the 17th century and played an important role in the development of Willemstad. Today, the complex houses government offices, a church, and the Governor’s Palace.
Not all areas are freely open to the public, but it’s worth stopping by to admire the architecture and understand how the city began to develop around this strategic location.
On one of the church walls, you can see a cannonball that became lodged there during a British attack. It’s one of those little historical details that many people overlook.
6. Visit the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue
The Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue is one of the most important historic buildings in Willemstad.
The Sephardic Jewish community has played a key role in the economic and cultural history of Curaçao. The current synagogue dates back to the 18th century and remains in use today.
One of its most distinctive features is the sand-covered floor. There are various interpretations of this tradition, but the visual effect and the atmosphere inside are truly special.
Next to the synagogue is a museum that tells the story of the island’s Jewish community and houses documents, ceremonial objects, and other historical artifacts.
I recommend checking the hours before you go, since they may change and the place may be closed during religious holidays.
You should also dress respectfully. You don’t need to wear formal attire, but avoid coming in directly from the beach in a swimsuit or clothing that is too revealing.
7. Stroll through the floating market
The floating market is located near the Handelskade, on the Waaigat Canal.
Traditionally, merchants from Venezuela would arrive by boat to sell fruits, vegetables, and other fresh produce. Market activity has changed significantly in recent years, so you won’t always see the scene filled with boats that appears in old photographs.
Even so, the area remains a great place to walk and learn about the historical ties between Curaçao and the South American coast.
My advice is to visit in the morning, when it’s busiest. If you arrive in the late afternoon, you might find that few stalls are still open.
I wouldn’t go to the city center just for this market, but I would include it as part of a stroll through Punda.
8. Visit Marshe Nobo, the round market
Very close to the floating market is Marshe Nobo, also known as the New Market or the Round Market.
The building is easily recognizable by its circular shape. Inside, you’ll find stalls selling clothing, imported goods, souvenirs, spices, and a variety of other items.
It’s not a perfectly organized tourist market. That’s precisely why it can be interesting for those who want to see a more everyday side of Willemstad.
The experience depends quite a bit on the day and the time. Some areas may be more active than others.
9. Eating at Plaza Bieu
Plasa Bieu, also known as the Old Market, is one of my favorite places to try local food in Willemstad.
The setting is simple: a large covered structure, communal tables, and various cooking stations where traditional dishes are prepared right in front of visitors.
Here you can find dishes such as fish, stewed meat, goat, chicken, funchi, rice, beans, and local soups.
Don’t expect a fancy restaurant. The charm of Plasa Bieu lies precisely in its authenticity, in the aroma wafting from the pots, and in the chance to watch the dishes being prepared.
I recommend arriving in time for lunch, preferably before some stalls start running out of their specialties.
The portions are usually generous, so you can share several dishes if you’re traveling with others and want to try more than one dish.
Always ask what’s available that day. Not all stalls offer exactly the same menu, and some dishes are only prepared on certain days.
10. Cross over to Otrobanda
After visiting Punda, cross the Queen Emma Bridge toward Otrobanda.
Its name literally means “the other side,” because the neighborhood developed on the opposite shore of the bay.
Otrobanda has a very different layout from Punda. Its streets are more irregular; there are alleys, stairways, small squares, and houses built on different levels.
For many years, it was a predominantly residential neighborhood, and it still retains a more local feel. However, in recent decades, it has also become one of Willemstad’s main creative hubs.
Here you’ll find murals, galleries, small hotels, restaurants, and cultural projects.
To me, Otrobanda is the neighborhood that best represents Willemstad’s current transformation: it preserves its history and architecture, yet at the same time is full of new initiatives.
11. Discover the street art of Otrobanda
The murals in Otrobanda are one of the best reasons to explore the neighborhood on foot.
Many of them came about thanks to community initiatives and the Kaya Kaya festival, which has helped revitalize streets and public spaces through art, music, and local participation.
Not all the murals are concentrated on a single street. The best part is walking around and discovering them little by little on building facades, stairways, and alleys.
Pay attention to the artworks, because many of them depict themes related to Curaçao’s identity, migration, nature, community, and local figures.
A guided tour can provide a lot of context. Without an explanation, some paintings are just pretty; once you know the story behind them, they become much more interesting.
Also, keep in mind that Otrobanda is still a neighborhood where people live. Avoid entering private yards or taking photos of residents without asking for permission.
12. Visit Kurá Hulanda Village
Kurá Hulanda is a complex of historic buildings, courtyards, cobblestone streets, shops, and restaurants located in Otrobanda.
The area was carefully restored and gives visitors a sense of what some of the older parts of Willemstad used to look like.
It’s nice to wander in at a leisurely pace, stroll through the courtyards, and take in the architectural details. There are some very photogenic spots, but it usually feels more peaceful than Punda.
The complex also houses the Kurá Hulanda Museum, which is dedicated to African history, the transatlantic slave trade, and the cultures of the African diaspora.
It’s an important museum, but there’s a lot to take in. I recommend setting aside enough time and not trying to rush through it between other activities.
13. Explore the Kurá Hulanda Museum
The Kurá Hulanda Museum addresses one of the most difficult chapters in the history of Curaçao and the Caribbean.
Its collection explores African civilizations, the transatlantic slave trade, slavery, and its cultural and historical consequences.
It’s not a casual visit, but it is one of the most important ones for gaining a better understanding of the island.
Curaçao cannot be understood solely through its Dutch architecture and beaches. Its current population and culture are also deeply shaped by Africa, slavery, migration, and resistance.
My advice is to set aside at least an hour and a half. Afterward, take some time to stroll leisurely through the courtyards of Kurá Hulanda.
14. Tour the Rif Fort
The Rif Fort is located by the sea, on the Otrobanda side, near the cruise ship terminal.
It was built to protect the entrance to the bay and is now part of a shopping and entertainment district featuring stores, outdoor seating areas, and restaurants.
Although it has been adapted for tourism, it still retains part of its historic structure and offers beautiful views of the sea and the Handelskade.
You can climb the stairs and walk through some of the upper areas of the fort. From there, you can take beautiful photos of the bridge and Punda.
It’s a nice place to have a drink in the late afternoon, although the prices tend to be more touristy than in other parts of the city.
15. Sit at Brionplein
Brionplein is the square you’ll come to when you cross the Queen Emma Bridge toward Otrobanda.
From here, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Handelskade. It’s also a great spot to watch the bridge open and close.
It can get quite hot during the day because there’s little shade. I prefer to visit in the late afternoon or at night, when the lights of Punda are reflected in the water.
On certain days, activities, concerts, or public events are held in the square.
16. Explore Pietermaai
Pietermaai is located just a few minutes’ walk from Punda.
This historic neighborhood underwent a major restoration and is now home to many boutique hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafes.
The facades are colorful and elegant, but the atmosphere is different from that of Punda. During the day, it can feel quiet; in the late afternoon and at night, it comes alive.
Pietermaai is a great place to have dinner or grab a drink after exploring downtown.
You’ll find everything from restaurants serving international cuisine to places specializing in seafood, Caribbean food, and cocktails.
Although Pietermaai has become one of the most modern areas of Willemstad, it still features historic buildings and charming spots.
My recommendation is to walk around the streets before choosing a restaurant. Some of the best storefronts are on small side streets, not on the main street.
17. Explore Scharloo’s mansions and murals
Scharloo is located across the Waaigat Canal and is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Willemstad.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, several merchant families built large mansions in this area. Many of them can still be seen today, although they now serve as offices, cultural institutions, hotels, or creative spaces.
Scharloo has also become one of the best places to see urban art. Its enormous facades provide the perfect canvas for large-scale murals.
The neighborhood is usually much quieter than Punda and Otrobanda, making it ideal for those who enjoy architecture and photography.
However, some sections can feel lonely outside of working hours. I recommend exploring it during the day, preferably as part of an organized hike or along a well-defined route.
18. Take pictures of the bride’s house
One of Scharloo’s best-known mansions is the so-called “Casa de la Novia,” an elegant red-and-white building.
Its name is linked to a local legend according to which the building was constructed as a wedding gift.
Although it’s not always possible to go inside, it’s worth taking a look at its facade and combining your visit with the murals and other mansions in the neighborhood.
19. Look for small courtyards and alleys
Some of my favorite places in Willemstad don’t appear on the lists of top attractions.
They are small courtyards, decorated alleyways, colorful stairways, and passageways that connect one street to another.
In Punda, you’ll find spots decorated for photos, while in Otrobanda, the alleys tend to better reflect the neighborhood’s life and history.
Give yourself permission to walk without constantly checking the map. Willemstad is compact, and in the central areas, you’ll usually be able to easily find your way back to a familiar spot.
Just one thing: be sure to wear comfortable shoes. The sidewalks can be uneven, and some streets in Otrobanda have slopes or steps.
20. Try the local food
Willemstad is one of the best places to discover Curaçao’s culinary diversity.
In addition to Plasa Bieu, you’ll find restaurants, cafes, and small eateries where you can try traditional dishes and snacks.
Here are a few things I recommend looking for:
- Pastechi: a fried pastry filled with cheese, meat, chicken, or fish.
- Keshi yena: cheese stuffed with seasoned meat.
- Funchi: a cornmeal dish similar to polenta.
- Kabritu stobá: goat stew.
- Karni stobá: stewed meat.
- Fresh fish.
- Sopi mondongo: tripe soup.
- Arepa di pampuna: pumpkin pancake.
- Tropical fruit smoothies.
- Coconut, peanut, or tamarind candies.
Curaçao’s cuisine reflects the African, Dutch, Latin American, Caribbean, and Asian influences that have reached the island.
That’s why a food tour is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Willemstad. You don’t just taste the food—you also learn how migration has transformed the local culture.
21. Take a culinary and cultural tour
Of course, you can explore Willemstad on your own. But a guided tour lets you discover stories that aren’t written on the buildings or tourist signs.
During our tours of Willemstad, we explore the city through its food, its street art, and the communities that have helped shape Curaçao’s identity.
The idea isn’t just to walk from one monument to another. I want you to understand why, on a single street, you can find Dutch, African, Venezuelan, Colombian, Dominican, Portuguese, Jewish, Chinese, and Indonesian influences.
We also visit places that many people overlook when they explore downtown on their own.
[LEARN ABOUT WILLEMSTAD’S GASTRONOMIC TOURS]
22. Enjoy Willemstad at Night
Willemstad changes a lot when the sun goes down.
The Handelskade lights up, the heat subsides, and the outdoor seating areas in Punda, Otrobanda, and Pietermaai begin to fill up.
One of my favorite things to do is cross the Queen Emma Bridge at night. The lights reflecting off the bay create a beautiful view, and the atmosphere is usually peaceful.
Whether you’re looking for dinner or a drink, Pietermaai offers the highest concentration of restaurants and bars. At Rif Fort, you’ll also find several options with ocean views.
On Thursdays, Punda tends to be busier thanks to Punda Vibes. However, always check the updated calendar, as the schedule and activities may vary.
My Recommended Itinerary for Exploring Willemstad in One Day
If this is your first visit, this is the route I would take.
In the morning: Punda
It starts around 8:30 or 9:00 at Wilhelmina Square.
From there, visit Fort Amsterdam and continue on to the inner streets of Punda. Pass by the synagogue, the Handelskade, the floating market, and the Round Market.
After that, head to Plasa Bieu for an early lunch.
Morning is the best time for this part of the tour because you’ll find more shops open and the temperatures are a little more pleasant.
After lunch: Otrobanda
Cross the Queen Emma Bridge and stop for a few minutes at Brionplein to take in the view of the Handelskade.
Stop by Kurá Hulanda, and if you’re interested in history, visit the museum. Afterward, take a stroll through the streets of Otrobanda to discover its murals and narrow alleys.
End your afternoon at Rif Fort or head back toward the bridge to see how the light changes over Punda.
In the evening: Pietermaai
After resting or returning to your lodging to change, head to Pietermaai for dinner.
Take a short walk before choosing a restaurant and enjoy the atmosphere of the brightly lit streets.
What to Do in Willemstad If You Only Have Half a Day
If you only have a few hours, don’t try to see all four neighborhoods.
I would focus the visit on Punda and Otrobanda:
- It starts at Wilhelmina Square.
- Take a walk through Punda.
- Take a look at the Handelskade.
- Cross the Queen Emma Bridge.
- Take a tour of some of Otrobanda’s murals.
- Visit Kurá Hulanda.
- It ends at Rif Fort.
This tour can be completed in about three or four hours, depending on how much time you spend taking photos and making stops.
What to See in Willemstad During a Cruise Stopover
From the cruise terminals, you can easily walk to Rif Fort, Otrobanda, Queen Emma Bridge, and Punda.
This makes Willemstad a very pleasant city to explore during a layover.
You don’t need to arrange transportation to visit the historic district.
My advice is to explore Otrobanda first and then cross over to Punda. That way, you’ll get a good view of the Handelskade as you approach the bridge.
Always check the time you need to be back at the boat and allow plenty of time. If the bridge is open, you’ll have to wait or take the ferry, although the crossing is usually still quick.
What is the best time to visit Willemstad?
The morning is the perfect time to visit markets, museums, and shops.
Between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m., it can get very hot. During those hours, take the opportunity to have lunch, visit a museum, or relax on a terrace.
Late afternoon is perfect for taking photos and walking across the bridge.
In the evening, the area around Handelskade, Rif Fort, and Pietermaai is particularly pleasant.
Whenever possible, combine a morning visit with an evening one. Willemstad is worth seeing in different light.
How to Get There and Where to Park
If you have a car, you can park in various areas of Punda and Otrobanda.
In much of the downtown area, parking is metered during the day. Check the signs, parking meters, and available payment options before parking your vehicle.
Do not park in reserved spaces or block entrances. Fines and towing may result.
Otrobanda can be a convenient option for parking and then walking to Punda. There are also parking lots near Rif Fort and the cruise ship terminals.
From areas like Pietermaai, you can walk to downtown. From Jan Thiel, Mambo Beach, Westpunt, and other parts of the island, you’ll need a car, taxi, or organized transportation.
Is it safe to walk around Willemstad?
The tourist areas of Punda, Otrobanda, Pietermaai, and Rif Fort welcome visitors every day and are generally safe to explore.
As in any city, I recommend taking basic precautions:
- Don’t leave your phone or wallet unattended.
- Don’t carry any unnecessary valuables.
- Avoid deserted streets at night.
- Ask locals for directions before heading into areas you’re not familiar with.
- Don’t leave any personal belongings in plain sight inside the car.
- Take a taxi if you’ve been drinking or if your lodging is far away.
During the day, the main tourist routes are easy to navigate. At night, stick to the areas with restaurants, outdoor seating, and a lively atmosphere.
What to Pack for a Trip to Willemstad
Willemstad is a city best explored on foot, so comfort is important.
I would bring:
- Comfortable shoes.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Hat or cap.
- Water bottle.
- Lightweight clothing.
- Camera or phone.
- A small reusable bag.
- Some cash.
- Clothing that covers your shoulders or legs if you plan to visit religious sites.
Tap water in Curaçao is safe to drink, so you can fill up a reusable bottle before heading out.
I also recommend bringing a portable charger. It’s easy to drain your battery by taking photos and checking the map.
Is Willemstad a good place for children?
Yes, although you’ll need to adjust the route.
Children usually enjoy the floating bridge, the boats, the colorful facades, and the murals.
However, walking for hours in the sun can be exhausting.
For families, I recommend:
- Start early.
- Make frequent stops.
- Avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Combine your walk with a meal or some ice cream.
- Don’t try to visit too many museums in one day.
- Keep an eye on children near water and traffic.
The Queen Emma Bridge is safe for pedestrians, but young children should stay close to an adult.
Common Mistakes When Visiting Willemstad
View only the Handelskade
The view is beautiful, but Willemstad has more to offer. Be sure to spend some time in Otrobanda, Pietermaai, or Scharloo.
Arriving during the hottest part of the day
Walking at midday can be exhausting. Start early or visit in the late afternoon.
To think that all markets are always full
Activity varies depending on the day and time. Markets tend to be busier in the morning.
Exploring Otrobanda without knowing its stories
Murals are beautiful, but their meaning is much deeper when you know what they represent.
Wearing uncomfortable shoes
Streets, stairs, and sidewalks aren’t always even. Save your dress shoes for dinner.
Don’t come back at night
Many people only see Willemstad during the day. The city at night is worth another visit.
Leaving your car without paying for parking
Always check the parking rules for the area where you park.
Frequently Asked Questions About Willemstad
Is Willemstad worth visiting?
Yes. Even if your trip is mainly focused on the beaches, Willemstad is a must-see to understand the history and culture of Curaçao.
Can you explore Willemstad on foot?
Yes. Punda, Otrobanda, and Pietermaai are relatively close and can be explored on foot. Scharloo is also accessible, although it will take you longer to get there.
How much time do I need in Willemstad?
Half a day is enough to see the main sights. A full day allows you to visit museums, enjoy a leisurely meal, and explore more than one neighborhood.
Is it free to cross the Queen Emma Bridge?
Yes. Both the bridge and the pedestrian ferry—which operates when the bridge is open—are free.
Which is the prettiest neighborhood?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Punda has the most iconic buildings, Otrobanda has plenty of character and street art, Pietermaai is known for its restaurants, and Scharloo for its mansions and murals.
Where can you take the best photo of the Handelskade?
From the Otrobanda side, especially from Queen Emma Bridge, Brionplein, or certain spots at Rif Fort.
Where can you eat local food?
Plasa Bieu is one of the best-known options. You’ll also find small restaurants and cafes serving local dishes and snacks in Punda and Otrobanda.
Is it better to visit Willemstad during the day or at night?
Both times of day offer different experiences. During the day, you can visit markets and museums; at dusk and at night, the lighting creates a special atmosphere.
Is there a beach in downtown Willemstad?
There isn’t a large beach suitable for swimming right in the heart of the historic center. For a day at the beach, you’ll have to head to areas like Mambo Beach, Blue Bay, Jan Thiel, or the west coast.
Is Spanish spoken in Willemstad?
Yes. Although the official languages include Papiamento, Dutch, and English, many people also speak Spanish.
Do you have to pay to visit the center?
Walking through the neighborhoods and crossing the bridge is free. Museums and some attractions charge an admission fee.
What’s the best day to visit Punda?
Thursdays tend to have a livelier atmosphere during Punda Vibes, but the schedule may vary. For markets and shops, a weekday morning is usually a good option.
My thoughts on Willemstad
To me, Willemstad is one of those cities that you enjoy more when you stop seeing it merely as a collection of attractions.
Its true charm lies in its mix: a synagogue steeped in centuries of history, a plaza where you can hear Papiamento spoken, a market filled with Latin American products, a mural celebrating local identity, and a restaurant where African, Caribbean, and European recipes come together on the same menu.
It’s colorful, but not just because of its facades. It’s also colorful because of its cultures, languages, food, and stories.
Be sure to visit the Handelskade, of course. Cross the bridge, take some photos, and check out the landmarks. But then head into the neighborhoods, talk to the locals, try something new, and take in the little details.
That’s the Willemstad I always recommend exploring.
Plan Your Visit to Willemstad
To get the most out of your trip, I recommend combining this guide with our other articles:
- Where to Stay in Curaçao.
- Things to Do in Curaçao.
- The Best Beaches in Curaçao.
- Where to Eat in Curaçao.
- Is it safe to travel to Curaçao?
- How to Rent a Car in Curaçao.
- Complete Travel Guide to Curaçao.
And if you’d like to get to know Willemstad through its food, art, and stories, you can also join us on one of our guided tours.

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Cuando planeamos unas vacaciones en el Caribe, una de las preguntas más frecuentes es: ¿Curazao es seguro? La respuesta corta es sí. Curazao es considerado uno de los destinos más seguros del Caribe para el turismo internacional. Cada año recibe cientos de miles de…

Swimming with Turtles in Curaçao: Where to See Them and How to Do It Responsibly
Few experiences are as exciting as swimming alongside sea turtles in crystal-clear waters. In Curaçao, this activity has become one of the main reasons why thousands of travelers visit the island every year. The good news is that it’s relatively easy to spot sea…

The 15 Best Beaches in Curaçao: A Complete Guide to Choosing Where to Go
If there’s one thing that makes Curaçao famous throughout the Caribbean, it’s its beaches with crystal-clear waters, white sand, and excellent snorkeling conditions. However, each beach has its own unique character. Some are ideal for families, others for those…

Things to Do in Curaçao: 25 Experiences You Can’t Miss
If you’re planning a vacation in Curaçao, you’re probably wondering what there is to do on this beautiful Caribbean island. The good news is that Curaçao offers much more than just idyllic beaches. Here you’ll find colorful colonial towns, stunning coral…

How to go to Klein Curaçao without getting it wrong
We tell you how to go to Klein Curaçao, which tour to choose, how long it takes, what it includes and what to bring to enjoy the excursion without surprises.

The best time to travel to Curaçao: weather, events and tips
The best time to travel to Curaçao: weather, events and tips If you are planning a vacation to the Dutch Caribbean, you are probably wondering: What is the best time to travel to Curaçao? Choosing the right dates can make the difference between a perfect vacation and…

Walking tour through the history of Curaçao
Walking tour through the history of Curaçao From $35per person About this tour Price: Adults (12+): $35 / Children (6-11): $17 / Infants (0-5): Free of charge Payment: You reserve with 20% and pay the rest the day of the excursion. Availability: Saturdays and Sundays…

How to book your tour to Klein Curaçao
How to book your tour to Klein Curaçao If you visit Curaçao and ask which excursion you can’t miss, the answer will almost always be the same: Klein Curaçao. This uninhabited island, with white sand and crystal-clear waters, is the perfect destination to swim with…

Comparison of Tours to Klein Curacao (with prices): Mermaid, Miss Ann and Irie Tours
Comparison of Tours to Klein Curacao (with prices): Mermaid, Miss Ann and Irie Tours Visiting Klein Curacao is one of the most sought after experiences for travelers to Curacao. Its turquoise waters, white sand and Caribbean ambiance make it a one-day paradise. But…














