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

4/5(84 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

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
Default Image

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

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

Pietermaai District

4/5(232 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
Default Image

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
$378 nightly
The price is $405 total per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
$405 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
Total includes taxes and 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! (979 reviews)
"Great resort!"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 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
$390 nightly
The price is $390 total per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
$390 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,290 reviews)
"Beautiful place"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 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
$233 nightly
The price is $249 total per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
$249 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,007 reviews)
"For anyone looking for a perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and genuine Caribbean charm in Curaçao, the Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort is an absolute must-stay. I'm already dreaming of my next visit!"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 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.

Getting around Willemstad

If you’ll be staying around Punda, the historic center of Willemstad and its busiest tourist area, then getting around on foot is your best option; it’s reasonably compact and the streets are pedestrian-only. For trips further afield, jump in a shared taxi, or consider renting a car to get around. It’s easy to rent a bicycle, too, but you should take care as the roads on Curaçao can be dangerous. Browse Willemstad rental cars.

Best time to visit

Whatever time of year you visit Willemstad, you’ll find nice warm weather, with temperatures in the high 80s F (around 30 C). There is a wet season, from October to December, but you’ll rarely see prolonged rains, and the island becomes very lush and green during this period. February and March are the best months for weather: the hills are still green, but there’s little rain and it’s nice and sunny.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Willemstad

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
344
5 - Excellent 47%
4 - Good
304
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
67
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
6
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Make sure you ask about the walking trails very near the hotel. You will see flamingos and other beautiful scenery!

4/5 - Good

Tavy

People are friendly. The beaches are beautiful and the city js very colorful. If you're into the city life, stay in Willemstad. If you are more of beach goer, stay at a resort.

4/5 - Good

Tavy

Willemstad is great. People are friendly and the city is very colorful. The beaches were awesome.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful water. A lot of the island is still very poor but we resented a car and drive to other beaches to snorkel and eat. Lion’s Dive Beach Resort also had a great dive staff and we enjoyed diving with them. We will go back!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Willemstad is a beautiful city. The Historical Buildings gives you the feeling of the Caribbean.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Willemstad is a beautiful historic city. Make sure to get away from the tourism places and eat local

Cities near Willemstad