Willemstad Travel Guide

Tourist 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 colours of the houses lining the streets in this harbour 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 centre 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 flavours 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

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Piscadera

5/5(1 area review)

While there might not be top attractions in Piscadera, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Sambil Curaçao and Blue Bay Beach.

Piscadera
Willemstad featuring heritage architecture

Historic Center

While visiting Historic Center, you might make a stop by sights like Kura Hulanda Museum and Renaissance Shopping Mall.

Historic Center
Willemstad featuring heritage architecture

Pietermaai District

4/5(2 area reviews)

Pietermaai District is known for its beautiful seaside views, and you can make a stop by Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue and Jewish Cultural Historical Museum while in the area.

Pietermaai District
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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 featuring heritage architecture

Punda

Shopping, seaside views and scuba diving highlight some of the noteworthy features of Punda. Make a stop by Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue or Postal Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Punda
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Marie Pampoen

Though Marie Pampoen may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mambo Beach and Curaçao Sea Aquarium.

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 ₹31,845 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
₹31,845
₹39,185 total
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Willemstad. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Second time staying in Curacao! Marriott is our favorite! We’ll be back!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 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 ₹33,320 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
₹33,320
₹33,320 total
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort 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! (1,329 reviews)
"Really good stay"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹19,763 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
₹19,763
₹23,547 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Willemstad. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"I had an amazing stay at the Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort; they made my first solo trip and birthday unforgettable."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (555 reviews)
"The place is nice, nice view great pool and very friendly waiters and bartenders. they are quite knowledgeable on mixing great drinks."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Mambo Beach and Curaçao Sea Aquarium ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"The stay at One Mambo was wonderful because everything was laid out so beautifully for my family, including all of the amenities and the proximity to the mall and the beach."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

ONE Mambo by Bocobay
Sirena Resort Curaçao

Sirena Resort Curaçao

3.5 out of 5
Kaya Djembe, Willemstad, Curaçao
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Willemstad. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Mambo Beach and Curaçao Sea Aquarium are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (51 reviews)
"Great comminucation and caring workers"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Sirena Resort Curaçao
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

Reviews of Willemstad

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 22%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Fine for a few nights nothing wonderful expensive and would not return

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Have been coming here for many years. A lovely town with a diverse range of things to do and see.Love it.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Curacao was lovely - once we moved to a proper hotel.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Loved visiting Willemstad; Punda Waterfront is worth seeing both during the day and evening when the City lights come. Plenty of wonderful beaches nearby too from Mambo beach to Piscadera Bay.

Cities near Willemstad