If you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean and looking for a unique destination with a rich cultural heritage, Willemstad, the capital city of Curaçao, should definitely be on your list. There are loads of things to do in Willemstad and it offers some great opportunities to chill and relax too!
This charming city is known for its colorful Dutch colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and beautiful beaches. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Willemstad twice and in this Willemstad guide, I’ll share my top recommendations for things to see, do and eat.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Willemstad is guaranteed to please.
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Table of Contents
Where To Stay In Willemstad, Curaçao
One of the things that really needs to get sorted before you head to any city is the accommodation. Luckily finding a place to stay in Willemstad isn’t an issue.
Boho Bohemian Boutique Hotel
⭐️ Rating: 8.9/10 (154 Reviews) Price: $156 per night 📍Location: Johan van Walbeeckplein 14 Pietermaai District, Willemstad Details: Read more on booking.com now!
If you’re wondering where to stay in Curaçao, I recommend Boho Bohemian Boutique Hotel, a lovely boutique hotel in the heart of the colorful Pietermaai District.
This small hotel is housed inside a restored house and provides everything you need for a charming and quiet stay in Willemstad.
“The décor is amazing! The staff is really friendly and the room was very clean. The location felt safe and I was able to walk back to hotel from near by bars with ease.”
Stephanie (read more reviews now!)
It’s located right up the street to some of the best restaurants in town and just a stone’s throw away from the main attractions.
They have different rooms on offer, but if possible, I recommend booking the suite as it is right at the top and you’ll get your own little terrace and lots of privacy!
Transportation In Willemstad, Curaçao
Walking is a great way to get around, especially if you base each day on a different neighborhood. There is also public transportation available around the city as well as a trolley train that can take visitors around the major areas.
With that said, I highly recommend renting a car when visiting Curaçao, especially if you want to be able to explore beyond Willemstad without having to rely on tours. Parking around Willemstad is free, so that’s a huge bonus!
While there is public transportation available, it’s not very frequent and buses don’t get to some places you may want to reach. I found that having a car gave me lots of freedom to explore hidden beaches, nature areas, and more. Renting a car is also very affordable, so it definitely ended up saving tons of money in the long run!
The flexibility and the ability to explore the things to do in Willemstad beyond the city center makes this option highly worth it!
Restaurants In Willemstad And Local Dishes
Curaçao’s cuisine is a distinctive fusion of Dutch, Spanish, and European flavors. You’ll find plenty of options on where to eat in Willemstad, ranging from food trucks and markets to upscale restaurants.
If you want to try out authentic dishes, make sure to sample local delicacies such as Keshi Yena (cheese stuffed with meat), Arepas (cornmeal cakes), Stoba (meat stew). The easiest place to find these is at Plasa Bieu, which is the oldest market on the island and a must on your itinerary, especially if you want to see a more local side of the island.
As you can see, exploring the food scene is definitely one of the best things to do in Willemstad. As for the food, these were a few of my favorite restaurants in Willemstad, Curaçao:
1. Saint Tropez Ocean Club
Located in the Pietermaai District of Willemstad, this place is a beach club and restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with gorgeous ocean views.
Its menu features international dishes with a Caribbean twist, providing a unique culinary experience. Make sure you make reservations in advance, especially if you want a table with views of the sea! Definitely one of the top picks when it comes to restaurants in Willemstad.
2. BijBlauw
BijBlauw is located right next to Saint Tropez in Pietermaai and also offers a great culinary experience with oceanfront vistas. They offer dishes that they describe as “urban fusion” cuisine.
As a tip, make sure you dine here at sunset but don’t forget to pop by for breakfast as well (their smoothie bowls are delicious!). Its one of the best places if you are looking for restaurants in Willemstad with healthy options for your meals.
3. Eatery Fleur de Marie
Eatery Fleur de Marie is not as high-end as other restaurants and I consider it a bit of a hidden gem but just as great! You’ll find it in the colorful Scharloo District and you’ll be able to find a menu with plenty of organic and farm-fresh dishes.
As a bonus, you’ll find lots of artsy and cozy spaces here both in their garden as well as inside.
4. Number 10
Number 10 is a cozy café located right behind the Cathedral of Thorns that makes for eh perfect spot to grab breakfast or lunch either before or after checking out the cathedral.
The café features lots of photogenic corners, elegantly themed rooms, and a charming little outdoor patio in case you prefer to sit outside. On the menu, you’ll find lots of hearty breakfast options as well as delicious burgers and pastries.
This is your go to spot if you are looking for restaurants in Willemstad which are close to the Cathedral of Thorns.
Things to do in Willemstad, Curaçao
Willemstad is home to plenty of the best things to do in Curaçao, so you definitely want to make sure you dedicate at least one full day to exploring the city!
From museums to hidden gems, here are some of the best things to do in Willemstad:
1. Queen Emma Bridge
One of the most popular things to do in Willemstad is to visit this epic bridge!
Queen Emma Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Willemstad and an absolute must on your itinerary.
Connecting the Punda and Otrobanda districts of the city, the 168-meter-long bridge offers picturesque views of colorful colonial architecture lining the waterfront.
Keep in mind that you may have to wait a bit before crossing – when boats need to pass through, the entire bridge swings open on its hinge to let them go.
Moreover, make sure to visit the Queen Emma Bridge both during the day and at night, as the illuminated structure offers a completely different ambiance after the sun sets. If you want to be able to take photos here, get there before 8 am as it gets pretty crowded with cruise ship visitors after 10!
2. Fort Amsterdam
Another popular item on the list of things to do in Willemstad, Curaçao is to visit Fort Amsterdam.
Fort Amsterdam is a historic site built in 1635 that once served as a vital defense point for the island against invasions and visiting it feels like taking a trip back in time.
The fort now houses the Curaçao Museum, where you can learn more about the island’s captivating history and culture. Exhibits include antique furniture, maritime artifacts, and musical instruments, to name just a few!
Make sure not to miss out on wandering the courtyard, which often hosts art and cultural events. Moreover, you’ll also love exploring the fort’s walls and they offer stunning views of the sea and Willemstad’s colorful waterfront buildings. Definitely one of the top things to do in Willemstad!
3. Mambo Beach
If you love the beach then Mambo beach will probably be your top preference among the things to do in Willemstad, Curaçao.
Located just a few kilometers outside of downtown Willemstad, Mambo Beach is one of the best beaches in Curaçao for a stress-free beach day.
This beach is known for its vibrant atmosphere, clear waters that are perfect for swimming, and for homing some of the coolest beach clubs in Curaçao (make sure to visit Cabana Beach or Mood Beach!).
Mambo Beach is also great for snorkeling independently because the water is clear and super calm, making it a great alternative to most Curaçao snorkeling tours that require a bit more planning.
At night, Mambo Beach comes alive with music and entertainment. Here, you dance the night away at one of the bustling bars and beach clubs. They host parties regularly at night, so make sure to check out their calendar to see where everyone will be in the evening! You can see why this is one of the popular things to do in Willemstad.
4. Handelskade
Visiting Handelskade is one of the iconic things to do in Willemstad, Curaçao.
Handelskade is a waterfront strip famous for its colorful and well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture.
As you stroll along the water, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as well as find plenty of amazing photo spots. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and waterfront bars to grab a bite or drink at with views of St. Anna Bay as well as tons of shops selling local products, souvenirs, and even Dutch goodies.
5. Kura Hulanda Museum
This historical museum offers a deep insight into the island’s African and Dutch Caribbean heritage.
As you walk through the exhibits, you’ll discover the story of Curaçao’s slave trade history and the significant role that the island played in this dark period in human history.
The museum showcases a vast collection of African artifacts, taking you on a journey from Africa’s rich cultural heritage to the harrowing trans-Atlantic slave trade.
In addition to its main focus on slavery, the museum’s other exhibits touch on various aspects of local and regional history, such as the pre-Colombian culture of the indigenous Arawak people, European colonial artifacts, and Curaçao’s Jewish heritage.
If history is something that you enjoy, then bump up Kura Hulanda museum to the top of your things to do in Willemstad, Curaçao list.
6. Curaçao Maritime Museum
The Curaçao Maritime Museum is a great place to dive into the island’s rich maritime history, explore its cultural heritage, and discover the vital role the sea has played in shaping its past and present.
As you stroll through the museum, you’ll come across its extensive collection of model ships, naval artifacts, and nautical paintings, all housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century building.
The exhibits span over 500 years, showcasing Curaçao’s journey from the early days of Amerindian seafarers to the age of European explorers, and to the bustling naval hub it has become today.
7. Explore Scharloo
Scharloo is a neighborhood in the city of Willemstad and one of my favorite ones to explore in Curaçao because it’s not as touristy! The streets here are very colorful and you’ll find art all over. Here are some of the must-do things in this somewhat of a hidden gem:
8. Bargestraat Street
Bargestraat is a street where you’ll find a lovely art scene, impressive wall murals, and brightly colored houses. While the entire area is a photographer’s paradise, this street, in particular, was my favorite spot for capturing stunning photos.
9. Francis Sling’s Workshop
Right around the corner, you’ll stumble across Francis Sling’s workshop. He is a prominent Curaçao artist and the mastermind behind plenty of wall murals in Willemstad. By visiting his workshop, you’ll be able to learn all about his creative process, see new works, and maybe even get to meet him if he happens to be around!
10. 3 O’Clock Romance Building
The 3 O’Clock Romance Building is a building where you’ll find one of Sling’s most famous works.
This piece covers an entire building right on a corner in Scharloo and tells the story of two birds who meet and fall for each other.
Without setting a date to meet again, they both fly to the same spot they originally met the first time in hopes of finding one another at 3 O’clock!
11. Cathedral of Thorns
This one’s a bit outside of Willemstad but totally worth the drive, especially if you want to do things to do in Willemstad Curaçao outside of the usual tourist map.
The Cathedral of Thons is a piece of art designed by Herman van Bergen and built by unemployed youth in Curaçao. Despite its name, it has no religious connotations, but it literally is an enormous cathedral made out entirely of thorns!
Walking through the cathedral will make you feel as though you’re walking inside a maze. It was built to pay tribute to the Native People of Curaçao and the African slaves who were captured during the British colonization of the island and you’ll also find lots of contemporary artworks by guest artists all over.
12. Plasa Bieu
Plasa Bieu is a popular food market located in Willemstad, the capital city of Curaçao. It is also known as the Old Market and is a favorite spot among locals and tourists alike to indulge in traditional Caribbean cuisine.
The market features several food stalls that serve a variety of dishes, including stews, fish, and meat dishes, all made with local ingredients and spices. Not only is it a fun place to visit, it is also a great place to click photographs and is naturally rated as one of the best things to do in Willemstad Curaçao among the foodie circles.
13. Floating Market
The Floating Market is another great place to check out in Willemstad for a taste of local life.
Here, vendors from Venezuela sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish from their boats. It’s a very lively place as vendors call out their prices and the smells of fresh produce and fish fill the air.
14. Curaçao Sea Aquarium
Curaçao Sea Aquarium is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the marine life that surrounds the island.
Here, you’ll find plenty of exhibits like the Shark Encounter, where you can swim with nurse sharks in a controlled environment. The aquarium also has a sea turtle rehabilitation center, where injured or sick sea turtles are cared for and eventually released back into the ocean. You can see why people love the aquarium and rank it as one of the best things to do in Willemstad Curaçao.
Willemstad, Curacao is a vibrant and colorful city that offers visitors a unique blend of European and Caribbean cultures.
From exploring the historic architecture and museums to enjoying the beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone in this charming Caribbean city.
About The Author
Dani is a travel writer and blogger from Mexico City who spent her early 20s traveling full time until she decided to return to Mexico City and create a home here. These days, she continues to travel while having Mexico as a home base.
When she’s not writing on her blog, No Hurry To Get Home, she’s probably adventuring with her dog, trying out a new restaurant, or exploring a new destination.”
