City: Willemstad
Top Things to do in Willemstad
Things to do in Willemstad, Curacao: The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. Slave Quarantine Hospital
2. Waterfort Arches
3. Queen Juliana Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,103 reviews
The highest bridge in the Caribbean.
Reviewed By TimDore - Marana, United States
Beautiful views of the oil refineries and ship cranes on one side and the open ocean and cruise ships on the other. The bridge is very tall in the center over the St. Anna Bay to allow large ships to pass under. We crossed it twice on an Atlantis bus Tour so was able to enjoy the view. The bridge connects Otrabanda to Punda allowing four lanes of traffic to cross. Highly recommend crossing for the views.
4. Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,724 reviews
Swings wide many times daily to allow access to one of the busiest ports in the world. It also separates the two halves of the city.
Reviewed By tsobis - King of Prussia, United States
Queen Emma bridge, popularly known as the “Swinging Old Lady”, is a pedestrian pontoon bridge on the St. Anna bay that opens laterally for passage of ships and boats. It connects the two halves of the capital city Willemstad, Punda and Otrobanda. It’s a major thoroughfare for local pedestrians and tourists alike and has breathtaking instagrammable views from any angle on the bridge. Oops! Stuck on the bridge while it opens? Just enjoy the views and wave at the people on the ship. It’ll close up shortly. If you happen to want to cross while its open, don’t worry there are water taxi’s that will get you across the bay for FREE! Wanna stunt on the gram with minimal photo bombers? Go at sunrise, preferably on a Sunday; the views against the sunrise is phenomenal. The early rise is well worth it - the bridge has amazing backdrops from every angle! You can thank me later!
5. Brionplein
6. Handelskade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 894 reviews
Harborfront street lined with brightly painted 18th century buildings that today, house boutiques, art galleries and sidewalk cafes.
Reviewed By powerjag - Bogota, Colombia
Beautiful buildings and great atmosphere. We enjoyed having drinks/snacks at both Handelskade and Otrobanda (where some places provide great views of Handelskade).
7. 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.
8. Queen Wilhelmina Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Reviewed By SilkRosi
This is a very nice bridge to walk on. While walking on it, you swing very passionately same pase it does. The path is making a nice sound beneath your feet. The sound of the ocean you feel it in your bones as well. It's an easy 5 minutes walk but you will stand in the middle for 15/20 min for sure to be able to enjoy your sorroudings. On the Punda side, there is a huge heart where you can still hang a few locks. At night the bridge is illuminated with colorful lights. Very nice to see. Both sides of the bridge offers you where to sit and eat, from a hotdog till a 3-4 course dinner. For those on heels you, can find your way holding on the rails. The best Harbour I have seen so far. Very nice soroundings. Enjoy!!
9. Landhuis Bloemhof
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Curacao Art – History – Nature . ART : Throughout many generations Landhuis Bloemhof has become a vibrant meeting place for all art lovers. The legacy of Shon May Henriquez, a pioneer in the Curacao Art scene, who made way for many local artists , is well preserved through her frozen in time sculpture studio and also in our inspiring library and contemporary art exhibitions by local and foreign artists . On the premises you can visit the open air studio of Hortence Brouwn , a local sculptor . Art will surround you, as you wander around the premises. CATHEDRAL OF THORNS : You can also experience the unique Cathedral of Thorns by Herman van Bergen, a monumental artwork recommended by National Geographic Intelligent Travel. HISTORY : The Bloemhof estate dates back to 1735. At Bloemhof you will find traces of our different nationalities and how they have influenced our culture, our history and Curacao's Art scene. NATURE : Enjoy a walk through 18 acres of ‘Mondi’, in our natural park .
Reviewed By WanderingRabbi - New Brunswick, United States
Owned by a wealthy Sephardic family whose beautiful pictures are in the library, this art installation features the amazing Cathedral of Thorns by Herman Van Bergen- he's usually around and happy to discuss his vision and work. Also- don't miss the on-site 10 Restaurant and chat with the friendly owner-operator about life on Curacao!
10. 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.
