Willemstad, Curaçao cruises
Willemstad, Curaçao port guide
Curaçao is situated just 37 miles off the north coast of Venezuela, and its capital, Willemstad, is on the south coast. With its instantly recognisable Dutch influence, today the island is one of four countries that make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Willemstad itself is comprised of two districts – Punda, which is the main tourist hub, and Otrobanda, which translates to ‘the other side’. While Punda brings a wonderful array of shops, cafés, and museums to explore, if you’d like to take a closer look at life in Curaçao, perhaps head to Otrobanda to discover the fascinating blend of colonial architecture alongside modern street art, among other things.
Top landmarks and sights in Willemstad, Curaçao
The Spanish first colonised Curaçao in the 16th century, and the Dutch took over in 1634, when they began to establish the island as a trade centre. Today, remnants of this colonial past can be seen throughout Willemstad.
Fort Amsterdam
In 1635, construction of Fort Amsterdam, in Willemstad’s Punda, began. It went on to become a military fort, and the headquarters of the Dutch West India Company. It was the seat of the Netherlands Antilles when it was formed in 1954, until dissolution in 2010, and today is the seat of the government of Curaçao. There’s also a museum and church to see within the complex.
Queen Emma Bridge
To get from Punda to Otrobunda, or vice-versa, you’ll need to cross the unique Queen Emma Bridge, a spacious foot bridge that floats on a bed of pontoons. First built in the late 19th century, today’s bridge is lined with pretty arches that light up in the evening, making for a lovely photo opportunity. Be aware, the bridge parts in half and swings open quite regularly to allow ships to pass through.
Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue
First consecrated in 1732, the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue is the oldest surviving synagogue in the Americas. Its pastel yellow façade houses a beautiful, and spacious interior that has a sand floor, white pillars, dark wood pews, and a spectacular chandelier. Attached to the synagogue is a museum that’s also well worth a visit.
Things to do in Willemstad, Curaçao
In addition to discovering its historical landmarks, Willemstad offers many other wonderful ways you could spend your time.
Take the trolley train tour
You could explore the city on the trolley train rather than on foot, which will take you across the Queen Emma Bridge and into the Scharloo neighbourhood. This was once a plantation but now acts as a thriving urban art scene, which makes for an interesting sight juxtaposed against the colonial architecture. You’ll also see the cathedral, Fort Amsterdam, and more on the trolley tour.
Set yourself up on a beach
When in the Caribbean, beach days may well be high on your list of priorities! If that’s the case, Willemstad and the surrounding areas offer plenty of options. One of the most popular is Mambo Beach, around 15 minutes’ drive away from the cruise terminal. Complete with restaurants, shops, and water sports, you should find all you’re looking for here. A little further away is Cas Abao Beach, about 35 minutes’ drive up the west coast. This spot is a great one for snorkelling.
Learn something new at the museums
If you’re keen to learn more about Curaçao and its people, you could spend a few hours taking in the exhibits at Willemstad’s museums. The Museum Kurá Hulanda focuses on the history of the slave trade, The Curaçao Museum is the oldest on the island, and a former military hospital, and the small Octagon Museum is dedicated to Simón Bolívar, the famous liberator of South America who spent time living in Curaçao in the early 19th century.
Eating and drinking near Willemstad, Curaçao
With influences from Spain, the Netherlands, Africa, Venezuela, and many more, the culinary scene in Curaçao is as varied and exciting as you could want. You could snack on sweet Dutch pancakes mid-morning with a coffee, and choose an authentic, local karni stobá (beef stew) in the afternoon. Regardless of your tastes, the cafés and restaurants in Curaçao won’t disappoint.
If you’d like to discover the food of the island, some more dishes to look out for include Giambo, which is the local version of Gumbo stew. It uses fish and okra as its main ingredients. Pastechi is another favourite – akin to a pasty stuffed with meat, onions, peppers, and spices. Other variations are available too.
Food and drink wise, Curaçao is internationally known for the bright liqueur – Blue Curaçao. Made with dried orange peel, the colour that lends a vibrant character to many Caribbean cocktails actually comes from food dye.
Shopping in Willemstad, Curaçao
One of the most alluring shopping destinations in Willemstad is the Floating Market, in Punda. Comprised of a row of colourful food stalls selling fresh produce, the market doesn’t really float at all – rather, the produce sold is what floats in on boats from Venezuela. Open daily from the early hours, exploring the market is a great way to get to know Curaçao and its wonderful mix of people.
For gifts and souvenirs, the Mambo Beach Boulevard offers up plenty of welcoming shops selling fashion accessories and other trinkets. Alternatively, you’ll find a great selection in the Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort, an open-air plaza that’s home to popular stores as well as independent boutiques, partially within the walls of a 19th century fort.
Getting around: Willemstad, Curaçao transport
Curaçao cruise terminal is on the Otrobanda side of Willemstad, and a 15-minute walk to Queen Emma Bridge, which will lead you into Punda. Both sides of the city can be explored on foot, or you may prefer the trolley tour mentioned above, if your mobility is limited. Taxis are available, but keep in mind that these are commonly shared in the city, so you may well be sat with other tourists or locals. There are buses in Willemstad, however these are infrequent and don’t stick to a timetable.
Willemstad, Curaçao port facilities
There are two terminals at Willemstad cruise port – Matthew Wharf Terminal and Mega Pier Cruise Terminal. You’re most likely to dock in the latter, however both offer conveniences including toilets, Wi-Fi, shops, cafés, and tourist information.
Top tips for Willemstad, Curaçao
Currency
The currency used in Willemstad, and throughout Curaçao, is the Antillean Guilder (ANG), also known as the Florin. US Dollars are widely accepted on the island, however you may well be given any change due in local currency. Card payments are also widely accepted, but it can be useful to carry some cash if you’ll likely shop at markets or small food vendors. Cash can be bought on board your ship, or you’ll find ATMs throughout Willemstad.
Tipping
Tipping is not necessarily expected in Curaçao, but it is appreciated. Should you wish to leave a tip after experiencing good service, around 10% of your total bill is the norm.
Weather
Willemstad sees warm weather all year round. It rarely drops below 24 degrees Celsius, and highs of about 32 degrees Celsius can be expected, regardless of when you visit. While there is no rainy season as such, the months of October to December are the wettest.