Willemstad, Curaçao's colourful capital, takes up about a quarter of the entire island. Despite its size, the city feels cosy, snug and has a relaxed atmosphere. The various neighbourhoods with colourful buildings and the protected bay, known as one of the oldest UNESCO World Heritage Sites, make it a popular destination. It is the ideal place for fine dining and cool sightseeing. We share our favourites with you here!
General information on Curaçao
Are you planning your trip to Curaçao? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and climate. You will find all information about Curaçao here.
Practical information for your visit to Willemstad!
Before we tell you what you can do in Willemstad, we want to give you these practical tips to make your visit to Willemstad just a little bit easier!
Opening hours: In Willemstad, you can shop, enjoy a drink on the terrace and see cool sights. Although we like to forget about time on holiday, it is important to know that on Sundays many shops are closed. On other days, most shops are open from 8:00 to 18:00, with the exception of tourist shops, bars and restaurants!
Parking: On Curaçao, parking is free almost everywhere, with the exception of certain locations in the centre of Willemstad. During our trip, we didn't spend a penny on parking because we parked our car at the cinema in Willemstad. You then only have to walk a short distance to popular restaurants or sights.
Don't leave stuff behind: A parked car is always a great opportunity for criminals. So absolutely do not leave valuables in your car. In addition, we recommend that you put towels or other items in your boot, so that they also don't get the idea that valuables are under your towel, for example.
The best things to do in Willemstad
There is an awful lot to do in Willemstad. We found it a wonderful place to end or start our day. The colourful streets, the impressive museum, the bay and the cheerful people made it a city to remember for us!
1. Discover the colourful canal houses on the Handelskade
If you walk along the trade quay in Willemstad, you might not immediately notice it, but as soon as you stand a little further away, you will see the typical Dutch canal houses. These canal houses no doubt remind you of the houses around Amsterdam's canals, except that here they are a lot more colourful.
The most popular and photographed building of the row is the bright yellow building called Penha Punda. Dating back to 1708, this building has seen the less cheerful side of history. In fact, European ships used to arrive at this trading quay to load and unload their goods and slaves. It may be hard to imagine, but this beautiful, colourful and cheerful trading quay was once the centre of the slave trade. To learn more about this, we definitely recommend visiting the Kura Hulanda Museum.
2. Walk across the pontoon bridge
If you go to the Handelskade, you definitely cannot skip the ferry bridge. These two iconic sights in Willemstad are ideal to combine. Because from the Pontjesbrug you have the best view of the colourful canal houses.
Queen Emma Bridge, also known as the “swinging old lady or pontoon bridge”, is a floating bridge that opens to passing ships. So it looks like a simple wooden bridge connecting the districts of Otrabanda and Punda, but it certainly is not! In fact, the Pontjesbrug is the only floating wooden swing bridge in the world.
Tip: Once the bell rings, you have some time to leave the bridge. After this, the bridge may be open for 10 minutes or over an hour. This means you can't get to the other side and will have to wait (in front of or on the bridge). So take this into account in your planning and above all take it easy - Trankilo!
Read also: Rent a car on Curaçao | Complete overview with tips
Read also: These are 8x the most beautiful beaches in Curacao
3. Wander the colourful streets of Otrabanda and Scharloo
What you absolutely must do in Willemstad is spot street art. The districts of Otrabanda and Scharloo are located around the centre of Willemstad and have undergone a true transformation in recent years. In both districts you will find colourful street art such as the Colorful stairs Otrabanda and Street Art Skalo. Want to know more about these neighbourhoods? Then book a tour at GetYourGuide or at Dundutours. You will find walking tours through Otrobanda, Punda and Scharloo, e-scooter tours through different districts and Local Food Walks!
4. Visit the impressive Kura Hulanda Museum
The Kura Hulanda Museum tells the story of the slave trade and displays an impressive collection of African art. Among other things, you can see how slaves were held and treated and what the role of the Dutch was. So it is definitely not a ‘feel good’ museum but one that gives insight into the slave trade and all the components surrounding it.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:30 to 16:30
5. Have dinner at Plasa Bieu
If you discover new places, you have to eat well. And eat well, you can at Plasa Bieu! This covered market hall with simple picnic tables and various local cuisines will give you a good idea of the delicious Curaçao dishes. We recommend you try a stoba (stew of meat and/or vegetables) at Sister Or an Arepa pampuna (sweet pancake with pumpkin). Are you open to anything? Then go for Kadushi. This is a cactus soup with a somewhat slimy texture. During our visit to Plasa Bieu, a lady told us all about the cactus soup and mentioned that despite its texture, it is delicious. Let us know if you dare to try this?
Plasa Bieu is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm.
Highly recommended is the ‘smoothie truck’ next to Plasa Bieu. You'll find the truck if you walk towards the cinema from Plasa Bieu. They have delicious smoothies and the typical Curaçao drink Awa di Lamunchi here!
6. Go for delicious food and drinks on Nieuwestraat in Pietermaai
If you feel like a night of fun after a long day, we recommend heading to Nieuwestraat in the Pietermaai district. Here you will find several bars and restaurants close together and the street is nicely lit. Highly recommended is Mundo Bizarro, a Cuban bar with live music on Saturday nights, Tiki loco, Mr.Porter, Mosa Caña, Seravina and Caleo.
Tip: Make sure you book in advance at restaurants as generally restaurants fill up quickly.
7. Go chill at one of the beaches
Those who feel like just doing nothing at all can chill out on one of the beaches near Willemstad. Although a city may not seem the best place for a beach holiday, you will find some beautiful beaches near Willemstad, such as Blauwbaai, Mambo Beach and Kokomo Beach. Here you will find several beach bars with sun beds, allowing you to enjoy a day of sun, sea and beach!
Map of Curaçao
To make your trip as easy as possible, we have collected all the locations from this blog and other Curaçao blogs on a handy Google Maps map. From beaches and snorkelling spots to restaurants and places of interest, everything is laid out for you. So you can easily make your own daily schedule and make the most of your time on Curaçao.
We hope this information helps you plan your trip. Still have questions? Then feel free to send us a message via Instagram.
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