City: Willemstad
Top Things to do in Willemstad
Things to do in Willemstad, Curacao: The Best Neighborhoods
The lively capital of Curacao is a welcoming, upbeat destination with two distinct historic districts divided by the lovely St. Anna Bay. Punda, site of neat, narrow streets, is crammed with shops and museums. Otrobanda, or "The Other Side," is a maze of twisting residential streets, contrasting with the organized grid across the bay. Willemstad's colorful colonial architecture has won it UNESCO Heritage site designations. Diving and swimming with dolphins are popular activities in the bay.
Restaurants in Willemstad
1. Punda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,407 reviews
Fall in love with the historic neighborhood Punda. Streets that are full of life and colors; fantastic murals and colorful building all over the town. Punda is the location of the world famous Handelskade: the waterfront collection of multi-colored buildings that has become Curaçao’s most characteristic image. But there is so much more to discover!
Reviewed By ReginaL872 - Corpus Christi, United States
Punda offers the old & new markets shopping,dining and easy access to the rest of the island. I highly recommend the Punda Apartments. Do shop the local markets and eat the fresh and homemade food at the old market. Walking the neighborhood you will find great little places to shop and people to talk to.
2. Historic Pietermaai District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By ASU_DrK - Phoenix, United States
I had the pleasure of staying in the Pietermaai District on my last trip to Curacao and absolutely loved it. Easy walk to the historic core of Willemstad, totally safe area with beautiful colorful buildings mixed with some crumbling and awaiting renovation, lots of restaurants and bars to choose from, and fun boutique hotels right on the water. Makes a perfect base for a wonderful Curacao trip. I stayed in Hotel Bijblauw in Pietermaai and loved it! Returning again soon.
3. Riffort Village
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,649 reviews
This waterfront entertainment center and shopping area is located at the entrance of St. Anna Bay, a dramatic position at the harbor gateway.
Reviewed By Elbermiami - Doral, United States
The Rift is a perfect place to hang out, have a beer, watch a soccer game with the locals or just walk around. The Cruise ship bring tons of traffic and ambiance. There is some live music on the weekends and its full of restaurants to choose from. great to go with kids and family too!
4. Scharloo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 128 reviews
Formerly a wealthy residential quarter of early Jewish merchants.
Reviewed By HannuS91
A walk in Scharloo is a must on a trip to Curacao. The Maritime Museum is there as well as some architecturally interesting buildings.
5. Otrobanda
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,092 reviews
More residential area of Willemstad.
Reviewed By R747GG_ - Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine
It is very good place for start Willemstad walking tour (Otrobanda & Punda). Park you car at the free Renaissance Parking and start your walking tour through the Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort with cafes and souvenir shops. Than walk to the souvenir market on the Otrobanda promenade (prices are cheaper than in shops). Than you will find very good view on Punda, Old Fort, Pantone bridge and can make dozens of beautiful photos.
