Things to do in Willemstad
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Top 13 attractions in Willemstad
#1
Shete Boka National Park
Curacao’s Shete Boka National Park offers rocky coastal views and wind-lashed landscapes bordering Christoffel National Park. There are beaches tucked away on the limestone coast, where three species of sea turtles lay their eggs. Scenic hiking trails wind across the cliff tops, offering sweeping coastal views. Boka means inlet in Papiamento, with Shete Boka standing for “seven inlets.”More
#2
Hato Caves
Curacao’s limestone Hato Caves were used by indigenous Arawaks for shelter and by runaway slaves as a hideaway during colonial times. Today long-nose fruit bats call the cave home, while dramatic lighting illuminates its cave paintings, waterfalls, pools, Madonna statue, and formations with names such as the Pirate's Head and the Sea Tortoise.More
#3
Curacao Liqueur Distillery
The island of Curacao may be best known for the alcohol that bears its name. Blue Curacao is a signature—and colorful—liqueur that is steeped in the island’s history, and you can visit the home of the original Blue Curacao at the Curacao Liqueur Distillery. The Triple Sec-style liqueur is made from the peels of the Laraha fruit. Though Laraha evolved from Valencia oranges brought to the island in 1499 by Spanish settlers, this bitter orange is now unique to Curacao because it adapted to the island’s desert like climate, making it inedible when fresh. However, used as a flavoring steeped in the alcohol it releases fragrant oils that create the signature flavor.More
#4
Scharloo
Just inland from Willemstad’s city center, Punda, is a historical section of the city called Scharloo, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, along with the Punda, Otrabanda and Pietermaai neighborhoods. Scharloo served and something of a colonial-era suburb, and today you can still stroll the streets to marvel at the abundance of beautifully restored mansions that sit within easy walking distance of what was the central business district of colonial Willemstad. Some of these restored homes have been converted to hotels and guesthouses.More
#5
Queen Emma Bridge
As you explore Willemstad, you’ll cross the Queen Emma Bridge, which connects the colorful neighborhoods of Punda and Otrobanda. It offers views of the candy-colored buildings lining the waterfront, where you can find quaint cafes with outdoor seating. Don’t forget to strike a pose—this pedestrian-only swing bridge is the perfect spot to capture memories.More
#6
Fort Beekenburg
Unlike Curacao’s more popular colonial-era fortresses, like Rif Fort and Waterfort, Fort Beekenburg is largely abandoned. For many years it was inaccessible, sitting on private property owned by an oil company. But today it’s accessible, and free, to visitors any time. The fort was built in the early 1700s on the south end of the island, where it successfully repelled numerous invaders trying to land in Caracas Bay. Visitors can explore on their own throughout the fort, including the top of the tower, which still holds a handful of cannons and offers great views. But be prepared for a workout, as there are a number of stairs and ladders to climb along the way.More
#7
Punda
The eastern part of Willemstad’s downtown historic district is called Punda, which comes from the Dutch word for “point” because this part of the city sits at the end of a promontory at the mouth of St. Anna Bay. First settled in 1634, the area is a picturesque port area packed with pastel-colored colonial architectural. One of the main attractions here is Fort Amsterdam, built in 1635 as a garrison to protect the city, which is used today as the governor’s palace. Another historic site is the Mikve Israel-Emanuel synagogue, which was built in 1732, making it the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere. Throughout Punda, you’ll find great shopping, art galleries and restaurants, and you can also take a walk across the Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pontoon bridge called the “Swinging Old Lady,” to explore the Otrabanda side of the historic downtown area.More
#8
Queen Juliana Bridge
The Queen Juliana Bridge crosses St. Anna Bay in the Curacao capital of Willemstad. The original structure collapsed in 1967, killing four people, and has since been replaced with the current bridge, which opened on Queen’s Day in 1974. The bridge is a minimalist structure that spans 500 meters in length and stands at over 55 meters at its highest point. It’s the tallest bridge in the Caribbean.As you cross this four-lane structure, unparalleled views from its apex stretch across Punda, Otrobanda, and the Schottegat, making it one of the most scenic viewpoints on the island. If a ship passes through while you cross the bridge, all the better. Many visitors to Curacao also claim that the views are particularly impressive – if not better – at night.More
#9
Curacao Sea Aquarium
Explore the Caribbean’s underwater world at the Curacao Sea Aquarium in Willemstad. Set in an old naval vessel, the aquarium lets you embark on a unique marine adventure featuring natural habitats that are continuously filled with fresh seawater. Ocean- and coral reef-related research projects are also conducted on site.More
#10
Otrobanda
Across the mouth of St. Anna Bay from Willemstad’s Punda area is the other of the city’s historic downtown, Otrobanda, which literally means “the other side.” While Punda was settled in 1635, Otrabanda was built about a century later. If you walk from Punda across the Queen Emma Bridge, Otrabanda offers a great view of the iconic and colorful Punda waterfront. One of Otrobanda’s most popular attractions is Riff Fort, which was built in 1828 to help defend the city. Today the fort is a shopping mall where you can buy souvenirs or have a meal at one of the fine dining restaurants with wonderful views of the waterfront. In this area of the city, you’ll also find the Curacao Museum, which exhibits the works of local artists, antique furniture and the cockpit of the SNIP, the Dutch airline KLM’s first airplane to fly from Holland to Curacao.More
#11
Fort Nassau
Standing on a prominent bluff, the rusty cannons of craggy Fort Nassau point out to sea. Over the centuries, the fort has protected Curacao from the Spanish, French, English, and buccaneers. Built in 1797, the fort was only called upon in battle when the English invaded. Now decommissioned, it remains an important signal station for vessels in St. Anna Bay.More
#12
Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort
The lively Rif Fort courtyard complex is a major shopping and entertainment hub in Willemstad, located at the entrance of St. Anna Bay. It’s also home to some of the island’s finest restaurants. Originally built to protect the bay and the outer part of Willemstad’s Otrobanda neighborhood, the fort eventually lost its military use and has since been transformed into a popular tourist area.More
#13
Kura Hulanda Museum
Colonial relics, maps, and Antillean art come together at the Kura Hulanda Museum, with a world-class collection of African artifacts. This well-regarded anthropological museum focuses on the cultures that have contributed to Curacao’s makeup over the centuries, including African slaves, West African empires, and pre-Columbian traders.More
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