City: Willemstad
Top Things to do in Willemstad
What to do and see in Willemstad, Curacao: The Best Cultural Tours
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. East to West Island tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
This tour gives you an overall view and understanding of the islands life, people, culture, architecture and nature. You get to see +/- 70 % of the island.
Inclusions: Non alcoholic beverages are also available on request
Exclusions: Entree to Museums and National Parks are not included
Reviewed By 677iris
Everytime we needed a Taxi, Ralph was always ready to transfer us to our destination of choice. He likes to chat, is very kind and will help/guide you with tips to get the best experience on the island. He is just a really great man!
2. Private Jewish Heritage Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
This private Jewish Heritage Tour is for up to 4 passengers. You visit places that are known and some places that are not known as part of the Jewish history.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Parking Fees, Entrance at Mikve Israel-Emmanuel
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 677iris
Everytime we needed a Taxi, Ralph was always ready to transfer us to our destination of choice. He likes to chat, is very kind and will help/guide you with tips to get the best experience on the island. He is just a really great man!
3. Curacao Private Tour and Activity Experience (4 up to 15 people)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Choose your own adventure on this fully-customizable tour of Curacao. Beginning with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, meet your private guide and discuss what you’d like to do for the day. Whether your group wants to focus on art and architecture, history, natural landmarks, or beaches and snorkeling, you have a wide range of activities to choose from. Your guide is also happy to suggest an itinerary. Visit amazing spots around the island, driving not only in the city but also on off-road routes so that you get to see the amazing treasures of Curacao. Whether you want an island tour, beach hopping, nature tours or even visiting caves, this tour is for you! A combination of several activities is also possible! This tour is custom made depending on the preference of your group.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Local taxes, Private customized tour, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Fuel surcharge, Use of Snorkelling equipment
Exclusions:
Reviewed By sazizizi992
Wow! I felt like I saw most of the island in one day! I started with a 5:30 AM hotel pickup to hike Christoffelberg, and then we visited Shete Boka park. We stopped at multiple beaches, saw sea turtles and flamingos, and drove through downtown Willemstad. Ray was great, and as an island native, he was able to explain much about the history and culture of the island. He was very accommodating and professional, willing to stop for pictures, allow as much time at stops as desired, and overall very pleasant company. I was glad I did this tour in the beginning of my trip, because he provided food recommendations as well as suggestions for other tours and things to do on the island. We even stopped to get coconuts at the end of the tour, and I was back at the hotel by mid-afternoon. You will miss out if you don't do this tour.
4. City Walking Tours in our UNESCO heritage City of Willemstad, Curacao
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 58 reviews
We will see, feel, hear and even smell the authenticity of the real Willemstad. As local girl (born and raise here on the Island) Local vibes only!! Do it. Let's do it Island style is mine slogan. Very rich and interesting history we have. I invite you to walk with me and also explore the unknown paths, the hidden gems and back alleys. With me as your guide, you’ll discover & learn more. I look forward to meeting you & be part of your holiday.
Inclusions: ice cold water, as well local taxes, our group consist of maximal 10 persons (so you are always in a small group/nice conversations)
Exclusions: Parking Fees
Reviewed By AngieBrus
The circumstances couldn’t have been worse, we had heavy rains during our whole tour, but even then Jacqueline made it fun! She is so enthusiastic and she has a lot of knowledge, even for me as a residence, it was absolutely interesting and worth the while. Will definitely take another tour with her but then with nice weather….
5. Curaçao Island Tour
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 7 reviews
During this highly varied tour you will see many important sights of Curaçao. You will overlook the Spanish Water and visit the Curaçao liqueur distillery, where they make the famous Curaçao Blue Liquor. Also you will drive through Scharloo; this part of the city is part of the Unesco World Heritage List with its many beautiful buildings. To continue our tour we will leave town and drive to the saltpans of Jan Kok where we will have a magnificent view over the surrounding hills and you might spot flamingos. In addition, you will be able to take superb photographs of the most beautiful beach of Curaçao, Knip Beach. And finally, you will visit Boka Tabla in the Shete Boka National Park, a place with a rugged coastline and a roaring sea. During this tour we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving a variety of local dishes. Lunch (food & drinks) is not included in the price of this tour. The tour sequence may vary.
Inclusions: Soda/Pop, Tuesdays; English & Spanish speaking guide
Exclusions: Lunch, Due to contracts with the Cruise Lines, we are not allowed to sell this tour to Cruise passengers
Reviewed By lsadoski
Hato Caves and Ostrich farm. Anais was our wonderful tour guide who was awesome. She was extremely knowledgeable and wittingly sarcastic. The Caves were interesting but to start you have to go up 43 VERY steep steps. Once inside you must walk carefully. The formations are beautiful. Once complete you go by bus to the Ostrich farm where you see many animals but of course the stars are the ostrich.
6. All West Beach Hopping Tour
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 122 reviews
Join us on board of our colorful open-air bus! The west side of the island is known for it's nature, history and incredible beaches! Along the way our professional tour guide will tell you all about our Island’s rich history. During this tour you will experience everything the west side of our Island has to offer. Unlimited drinks are included as well as snorkel & mask. This tour can be booked individually or can also be booked private for large groups
Inclusions: Beer, Bottled water, Use of Snorkelling equipment
Exclusions: Beach chairs
Reviewed By oburgos267
Take this tour if want to enjoy the beach, snorkeling, swimming, nature, history...if you don't care about any of that, then don't go. I'll recommend to take a little bluetooth speaker if you want to hang out the beach instead of the catamaran. There was No entertainment on the island, it was very relaxing. We fell in Love with Curaçao, but our trip to Klein was the " cherry on top". Disclaimer: this review is based on my husband & I experience. 1st: the bus was on time 2nd: everything was organized before getting on the catamaran. 3rd: the crew was so nice, Juice, Flavio and the captain, I think his name was Tariq,I forgot his name. 4th: if you don't know how to swim you'll have to get on a "dinghy" to go on shore. 5th: wear some good beach shoes/flip-flops to walk around. 6th: Please put on sunscreen! , Don't forget your waterproof camera or cover for your cellphone. We had our own snorkeling equipment, but if you don't have any they'll have some too. They'll provide a small breakfast, lunch and Drinksss!! I don't recommend having a big breakfast incase you'll get sea sick. The ride there could be a lil rough,but nothing crazy, We were standing all the way there. But I think it's better if you'll sit because I've the catamaran is moving it's hard to walk around.Coming back it was so Relaxing..we sailed! Other than that, overall is a nice experience, I will definitely will do it again, once I'll learn how to swim so I'll be able to swim with the the turtles. Again Don't forget to wear sunscreen! *** The crew does a good job so try to bring some cash with you for the tip***
7. Jewish Heritage of Curacao
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 30 reviews
Curacao has a fascinating Jewish history and the oldest Synagogue in the Americas, join an experienced guide who will explain in detail about the Jewish community on the island and visit historical places.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Round-trip shared transfer, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Port pickup and drop-off, Transportation between Sights, Professional guide
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Pickup
Reviewed By melaniedobbs912
I was so looking forward to this experience and it was a total let down. 7 days prior to our cruise I get a notice that I needed to reach out to Aida and figure out the meeting time and place, why would this info not be included in the trip confirmation and edocs? I found an email and after 24 hours they finally replied saying a rep of Aida would be in port in a Brown shirt AND hat and will only wait 45 minutes after ships arrival. Well Rosie was NOT in a hat and did not arrive to the port until 45 minutes after docking. There was a huge crowd of people who like us, rushed off at 8am to not miss her and then just stood around waiting. The flamingos were ok, but there was not a HUGE flock like in pictures, they are in the distance, and originally we were told we couldnt get off the bus for pictures but then allowed 2 minutes. The Hato Caves were a joke. 50 rock steps up, in single file, to the entrance of the cave. There were 4 groups in the small confining walk ways at all times. It was single file the whole time as only one way in and out so groups were stepping on each other. There were not real obvious carvings but were told to use your imagination. It was hot, crowded, and about 50 more steps down then back up again inside the cave. The beach was okay. Restaurants, shops, even a Subway for just a light lunch. Water and sand were beautiful. Had about 1 1/2 hours to relax. Unfortunately our guide was nice, but not bubbly or enthusiastic for sharing and welcoming us to her country. She was just going thru the motions. We feel we missed out on a lot of details, history, and vitality of this country, and not sure we would want to revisit.
8. Historic Walking tour through Otrobanda & Punda
Overall Ratings
3.8 based on 4 reviews
Immerse yourself in the quaint pastel-colored buildings and ornate facades on this history-packed guided walking tour of Willemstad, Curaçao's capital city. Vibrant Dutch architecture and irresistible colonial charm surround you with every step. Start at the city's main square and head to the Kura Hulanda Village, which is situated right at the entrance to a massive harbor. Travel along the waterway to the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge on your way to the historic downtown district. See Fort Amsterdam, which was built in 1635 and today serves as the Governor's Palace, with a beautiful Protestant church nestled in the rear of its courtyard. Continue along Main Street, passing the former floating market where fresh produce used to be delivered from Venezuela by schooner. Local farmers and fishermen now sell their products here. Enjoy a brief stop at another market and browse local food and interesting handicrafts. Admire the oldest active synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, built in 1732.
Inclusions: English/dutch speaking guide
Exclusions: Due to contracts with the Cruise Lines, we are not allowed to sell this tour to Cruise passengers
Reviewed By lsadoski
Hato Caves and Ostrich farm. Anais was our wonderful tour guide who was awesome. She was extremely knowledgeable and wittingly sarcastic. The Caves were interesting but to start you have to go up 43 VERY steep steps. Once inside you must walk carefully. The formations are beautiful. Once complete you go by bus to the Ostrich farm where you see many animals but of course the stars are the ostrich.
