The range of attractions in Willemstad is as varied as the colors of the houses lining the streets in this harbor city. Learn about its Dutch history, seen in much of the architecture, hike through pristine wilderness or wander through lively markets.Start your visit to Willemstad in Punda, the original part of the city. Here, you’ll find a blend of multicolored colonial buildings and modern shops. Punda is also home to Fort Amsterdam, one of eight surviving forts in Curaçao. Opposite the fort is Penha House. It was built in the 1700s and is a prime example of a Dutch-styled merchant house. Continue along Columbusstraat to the western hemisphere’s oldest synagogue, Mikve-Israel Emanuel. Willemstad is split into two main districts by the Santa Ana Bay. Punda is to the east and Otrobanda (“other side”) is to the west. The pedestrian-only Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge connects the two sides. When the bridge is open, jump on a ferry and cross the bay to get a view of the city from the water.In Otrobanda, wander along narrow, twisting lanes, including the main commercial street, Breedestraat. Learn about the African and slave trade history of the island at Kura Hulanda Museum. Spend an afternoon at Riffort Village. At this former fort, you’ll find outdoor cafés, boutique shops and galleries.Beyond Willemstad’s historical center you can enjoy the area’s natural park and beaches. Blue Bay Beach has a playground, restaurant and bar, umbrellas and loungers. Get a close-up view of the area’s marine life at the Curacao Sea Aquarium on the oceanfront.Willemstad’s cuisine draws from the flavors of over 50 cultures. Go to Marsche Bieuw (Old Market) to sample cheap local dishes, including yuana, which is stewed iguana. At the Floating Market, merchants from Venezuela sell fresh fish and spices, fruits and vegetables.Taxis and rental car is the best way to get around Willemstad. There is a public bus service but it’s not frequent.
Willemstad
Where to stay in Willemstad
Piscadera
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Piscadera and surrounding area, you can visit Sambil Curaçao and Blue Bay Beach.
Pietermaai District
Pietermaai District is popular for its seaside views, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue or Jewish Cultural Historical Museum.
Nieuw Nederland
If you're spending some time in Nieuw Nederland, Sahara Casino and Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao are top sights worth seeing.
Steenrijk
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Steenrijk and surrounding area, you can visit Mambo Beach and Curaçao Sea Aquarium.
Saliña
Though Saliña might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mambo Beach and Curaçao Sea Aquarium.
Parera
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Parera and surrounding area, you can visit Fort Nassau and Renaissance Shopping Mall.
Reviewed on Jun 3, 2024
Reviewed on Jun 3, 2024
Reviewed on Jun 3, 2024
Reviewed on May 29, 2024
Reviewed on Jun 1, 2024
Reviewed on May 28, 2024
Getting around Willemstad
If you’ll be staying around Punda, the historic center of Willemstad and its busiest tourist area, then getting around on foot is your best option; it’s reasonably compact and the streets are pedestrian-only. For trips further afield, jump in a shared taxi, or consider renting a car to get around. It’s easy to rent a bicycle, too, but you should take care as the roads on Curaçao can be dangerous. Browse Willemstad rental cars.
Best time to visit
Whatever time of year you visit Willemstad, you’ll find nice warm weather, with temperatures in the high 80s F (around 30 C). There is a wet season, from October to December, but you’ll rarely see prolonged rains, and the island becomes very lush and green during this period. February and March are the best months for weather: the hills are still green, but there’s little rain and it’s nice and sunny.
Popular places to visit
Mambo Beach
Nothing says vacation like spending a lazy day at Mambo Beach, a popular beach in Willemstad. Stroll along the seaside or visit the shops in this romantic area.
Curaçao Sea Aquarium
Make time to visit the sea animals who live in Curaçao Sea Aquarium during your trip to Willemstad. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this romantic area.
Handelskade
After visiting Handelskade, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Punda. Visit the shops and casinos in this romantic area.
Rif Fort
During your trip to Otrobanda, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Rif Fort. Stroll along the seaside or visit the casinos in this romantic area.
Fort Nassau
Find out about the history of Punda when you take a trip to Fort Nassau. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this romantic area.
Curaçao Golf and Squash Club
Play a round of golf in Willemstad at Curaçao Golf and Squash Club, and enjoy other activities such as snorkeling. Visit the casinos and shops in this romantic area.
Things to do
Curacao: Swimming with Sea Turtles and Grote Knip Beach Tour
Swimming with sea turtles incl. pictures. Award Winner 2023
Private E-Bike Adventure Through Tropical Nature of Curacao
Reviews of Willemstad
5/5 - Excellent
Make sure you ask about the walking trails very near the hotel. You will see flamingos and other beautiful scenery!
4/5 - Good
People are friendly. The beaches are beautiful and the city js very colorful. If you're into the city life, stay in Willemstad. If you are more of beach goer, stay at a resort.
4/5 - Good
Willemstad is great. People are friendly and the city is very colorful. The beaches were awesome.
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful water. A lot of the island is still very poor but we resented a car and drive to other beaches to snorkel and eat. Lion’s Dive Beach Resort also had a great dive staff and we enjoyed diving with them. We will go back!
5/5 - Excellent
Willemstad is a beautiful city. The Historical Buildings gives you the feeling of the Caribbean.
5/5 - Excellent
Willemstad is a beautiful historic city. Make sure to get away from the tourism places and eat local
- Mambo Beach
- Curaçao Sea Aquarium
- Curaçao Golf and Squash Club
- Renaissance Shopping Mall
- Sambil Curaçao
- Queen Emma Bridge
- Handelskade
- Kura Hulanda Museum
- Curaçao Museum
- Hato Caves
- Curaçao Ostrich Farm
- University of Curaçao
- Rif Fort
- Fort Nassau
- Curaçao Medical Center
- Old Quarry Golf Course
- Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue
- Curaloe Aloe Vera Plantation
- Kanoa Beach
- Zuikertuin Mall
- Fort Amsterdam
- Sahara Casino
- Governors Palace
- Curaçao Maritime Museum
- Queen Juliana Bridge
- Superior Producer Shipwreck
- Landhuis Chobolobo
- L Aldea Rainforest Mystery
- Jewish Cultural Historical Museum
- Postal Museum
- Parke Tropikal Zoo
- Jewish Cultural-Historical Museum