Willemstad

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Curacao Tourist Board
Photo provided by Curacao Tourist Board
Photo provided by Curacao Tourist Board
Photo provided by Curacao Tourist Board
Photo provided by Curacao Tourist Board

The capital of the Caribbean Island of Curaçao, Willemstad has a multicultural feel, natural beauty, colorful buildings and a deep sense of history.

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.

Where to stay in Willemstad

Gorgeous view at the Marriott Resort in Curaçao during a visit to our sister island.

Piscadera

3.5/5(11 area reviews)

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.

Piscadera
Willemstad showing heritage architecture

Historic Center

If you're spending some time in Historic Center, Kura Hulanda Museum and Renaissance Shopping Mall are top sights worth seeing.

Historic Center
Willemstad showing heritage architecture

Punda

Shopping, seaside views, and scuba diving are some highlights of Punda. Make a stop by Fort Amsterdam or Postal Museum while you're exploring.

Punda
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Otrobanda

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Otrobanda. A stop by Renaissance Shopping Mall or Rif Fort might round out your trip.

Otrobanda
Willemstad showing heritage architecture

Pietermaai District

4.5/5(46 area reviews)

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 Fort Amsterdam or Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue.

Pietermaai District
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Marie Pampoen

Marie Pampoen might not have many top sights, but Mambo Beach and Curaçao Sea Aquarium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Marie Pampoen
Curacao Marriott Beach Resort
Curacao Marriott Beach Resort
4.5 out of 5
John F Kennedy Boulevard, Piscadera Bay, Willemstad
The price is CA $488 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
CA $488
CA $601 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Willemstad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (985 reviews)
"Everyone was so sweet and the place was great"

Reviewed on Jul. 3, 2025

Curacao Marriott Beach Resort
Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio by Hilton
Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio by Hilton
4.5 out of 5
Pater Euwensweg 31, Dutch Caribbean, Willemstad
The price is CA $525 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
CA $525
CA $525 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Willemstad. Enjoy 4 outdoor pools, 7 restaurants, and a private beach. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,302 reviews)
"I loved this hotel. The room was so spacious and super comfortable for 2 adults and a child. The services were amazing and super friendly staff everywhere. The only negative thing was my room was next to the elevator and when guests late night would come to the floor they were screaming, but again ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 3, 2025

Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio by Hilton
Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort
Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort
4.5 out of 5
Baden Powelweg 1, Willemstad
The price is CA $249 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
CA $249
CA $304 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Willemstad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Very friendly people, very nice hotel! Would recommend."

Reviewed on Jul. 3, 2025

Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Ritz Village Hotel
The Ritz Village Hotel
3 out of 5
Scharlooweg 25, Scharloo, Willemstad
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Willemstad. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (546 reviews)
"It was close to town and pleasant if you want to stay in for a day"

Reviewed on Jun. 28, 2025

The Ritz Village Hotel
ONE Mambo by Bocobay
ONE Mambo by Bocobay
3.5 out of 5
Bapor Kibrá, Willemstad
Stay at this 3.5-star beach apartment in Willemstad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Mambo Beach and Curaçao Sea Aquarium ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Loved our stay at One Mambo Beach. The place was exactly as described. Communication with host was amazing and they were always helpful. I would 100% stay at this location again and recommend it to anyone going to Curacao."

Reviewed on May 19, 2025

ONE Mambo by Bocobay
Atlantis Beach House
Atlantis Beach House
3 out of 5
Drielstraat 6-8, Willemstad
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Willemstad. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Popular attractions Mambo Beach and Curaçao Sea Aquarium ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
"Beautiful scenery. Cozy apartment."

Reviewed on Apr. 11, 2025

Atlantis Beach House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Willemstad

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
53
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
36
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Picturesque island with amazing views. Great food. Amazing Nightlife. Locals are not too friendly though. We did not feel welcome.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Playa Grandi for snorkling. Sea turtles that like to hang around the pier as local fisherman come in there, clean their catch and distribute to local buyers. The turtles like what is thrown back into the water. Aloe vera plantation is nice too.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lots of restaurants, Visitor Information on street helps, interesting shops.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Plenty of very goid restaurants.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice walking downtown. Safe friendly ambience. Went for the fish, coral and snorkeling - good but not great. Nice one week stay, but probably wouldn't return.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

A beautiful town to visit. Easy to walk around, decent food and service in the restaurants.

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