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Willemstad is the picturesque capital of Curacao, full of colorful wonders. This Dutch Caribbean port is even more so, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many historical landmarks. I visited many times as an acupuncturist and loved sharing my adventures. So keep reading to learn about the top 16 Willemstad Curacao attractions for the next holiday.
About Willemsta, Culako
Located in the southern Caribbean, the island is known as the ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. These Dutch Caribbean destinations are located 50 miles north of Venezuela. All 3 islands have a dry, river-free terrain. Also, they were lying outside the Hurricane Alley. Willemstad’s waterfront is picturesque and comes with soft Dutch colonial architecture.
The Dutch occupied the island from Spain in 1634. It became the main center of the Atlantic slave trade. As Sephardic Portuguese Jews from Amsterdam settled here, further diversification developed. Overall, there are 3 historical districts Willemstad Established: Otrobanda (Spain), Punda (Netherlands) and Pietermaai (Jewish). The iconic Queen Emma pontoon bridge connects the Otrobada and Ponda areas, crossing Anna Bay. Today, 80% of the population is in the Dutch Caribbean. Today, Scharloo District is revitalized with its colorful street art.
Punda and Fort Amsterdam became walled cities to defend. In 1861, they demolished the walls. Later, Otrobanda became Willemstad’s cultural center. The local languages are Papiamento (Creole) and Dutch.
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Top Willemstad
Things to do in Kuraco
Otrobanda Community Walk
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the southwest side of the town. Initially, it was a suburb of Willemstad, Spain. This community is a location for popular attractions, e.g. Rif Fort & Renaissance Mall,,,,, Kuraco Museum and Kura Hulanda Museum. in addition, Brionplein (Brion Plaza) is the center of Otrobanda’s seafront.
Kura Hulanda Museum
In Otrobanda, the museum goes deep into African roots and the Atlantic slave trade. Kura Hulanda It is a unique village including hotels, bars, restaurants and museums. Furthermore, this anthropology museum tells the origins of humanity, the African slave trade, the West African Empire and Antis art.
Cross Queen Emma’s pontoon bridge “Swinging Old Lady”
Built in 1888, Queen Emma Bridge Crossing Santa Ana Bay, connecting the communities of Ponda and Otrobada. As the ship passed, a loud bell rang and the electric pontoon opened toward the Otrobanda side. Therefore, pedestrians are currently unable to pass. There is a free ferry when the bridge closes pedestrians. More importantly, at night, the bridge lights up under colorful lights. Crossing the bridge is a must during the day or at night to experience the core spirit of Willemstad.
Related: Free hiking – Willemstad, Curacao
Punda Community Walk
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Punda is the original Dutch side of Willemstad. So, this is iconic Handelskade Paired with soft Dutch Caribbean colonial architecture. This neighborhood is perfect for hiking and has many pedestrian streets to shop and explore.
Also, I have detailed the other popular attractions in Punda below. These include landmarks, e.g. Queen Wilhelmina Park, Street Art, Outdoor Market, Art Gallery, Fort Amsterdam, Palace of the Governor, Maritime Museum, Mikoff-Israel-Emanuel-Emanuel Synagogue and Museum of Jewish Cultural History.
Handelskade
These iconic 18Th Century Buildings along the Punda’s seafront, reminding Dutch heritage. The buildings are a Dutch colony; however, the buildings are painted in soft colors. Any colors other than white, evidentt is ordered to draw them to minimize the reflection of the sun in bright climates. One way to immerse yourself in the scene is to eat outdoors at a restaurant along the beachfront in Handelskade.
Queen William Mina Park
Named after Queen William of the Netherlands, this park is a gathering place for photo action. This is the bright yellow big Kuraco logo and the red dushi logo. Dushi is a pope term that means good or good. In addition, there is a colorful Kiki statue representing iconic local art and a statue of Queen William Miner.
Street Art and murals
Willemstad has colorful street art on the streets and alleyways. That’s why hiking takes you to the heart of this town. In addition to the more well-known neighborhoods, the Scharloo area has recently been revitalized with incredible murals.
Art Gallery
In Punda, there are 2 art galleries, and locals are worth a try. this Nena Sanchez Gallery Showcases her vibrant Caribbean paintings and glitters (replicated digitally and placed on the canvas). Her murals are also on the streets of Ponda. this Chichi Store Offering a collection of popular sculptures in Israeli Serena. The sculptures were handmade by local artisans and are popular souvenirs brought home from Curacao.
Mikve-Israel-Emanuel Synagogue and
Jewish Cultural History Museum
Jewish heritage was established in Curacao, when the Sephardic Portuguese Jews settled here from Amsterdam. In Punda, it is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. This beautiful golden icon with Jewish Cultural History Museum.
Pietermaai Community Walk
As a World Heritage Site, this community is another great place to hike. Pietermaai is a Jewish region that once was filled with wealth and grandeur of the colonial era. At the end of 20Th During the century, the area was collapsed by dilapidated buildings.
However, recently, its facades, murals and colorful artworks have rejuvenated it. It is commonly known as the soho of Curacao. Here, these repainted, abandoned mansions of the Jewish district are marked by the historic Nieuwstraat and are one of the popular restaurants on the main street such as Ginger and Mundo Bizarro. Other popular restaurants in the area include Cana restaurant on Lombokstraat and Van Gogh’s on Pieterstraat. Additionally, the area is buzzing, accompanied by colorful boutique hotels and murals.
Scharloo Community
On the other side of Waaigat is the Everchanging Scharloo area. Once a wealthy Jewish businessman with villas and mansions, he was abandoned in the 1980s. Thankfully, a local initiative is inspiring a creative revival of historic buildings. There are lots of street art and murals to illuminate the neighborhood. For example, one well-known is the Kibrahacha tree at the corner of Van Raderstraat. This is the only tree growing on the ABC Islands. Other incredible mural displays in the parking lot near Bitterstraat.
Many abandoned mansions in the Scharloo community have been restored and maintained as monuments. My favorite is the “Wedding Cake” green and white rococo mansion, currently the National Archives.
Rif Fort and Renaissance Mall
Built on 19Th During the century, Revebor protected the island from pirates. It is located Hinter Anna Bay In the Otrobanda community. It is made of thick coral walls and can accommodate more than 56 cannons. Today, Rif Fort is a venue for local restaurants, live entertainment and bars. Nearby, Renaissance shopping centers have over 50 stores, including luxury boutiques.
Landhuis Chobolobo – Kuraco Wine Brewery
This winery Landhuis Chobolobo Offers an opportunity to learn about the famous blue culaco. The guided tour will teach you about the distillation process, as well as taste test variations for cocktails and ice cream. Go all out and order Mudslide, a cappuccino cream with chocolate wine. good!
Kuraco Sea Aquarium
unique Kuraco Sea Aquarium is an open water system, which means marine life really gets fresh water from the ocean. Ocean currents are located in Cornelis Bay, providing a replica of its natural habitat. Visitors experience direct animal encounters through Curaçao’s best snorkeling. But if you don’t want to get into the water, you have a sea mirror or a Curasub that can be found in depths as low as 1,000 feet.
Mambo Beach or “Marine Aquarium Beach”
The man-made Mambo Beach is just 15 minutes’ drive from Willemstad and is the most popular beach in Curacao. There are plenty of amenities, shopping, stylish beach bars and restaurants.
Discover the unique plant lifespan of Kuraco
The ABC has a similar terrain, arid, desert without rivers. Any plant nerd will be happy to know that there are great opportunities to explore the unique plant life that exists only on these islands.
Related: Curved ecotourism in Kuraco and the health benefits of aloe
For beginners, Aruba and Curacao grow the best aloe plantations in the world. A great place to learn and experience the medicinal plants of Kuraco, which is sustainable Curaloe Plantation. Another incredible ecotourism opportunity is Den Paraderaa local herbal garden. Here, Dinah Veeris shows the indigenous plant species, and she discovers indigenous plants by questioning the island’s elders.
Related: Den Paradera of Kuraco: Local Herbal Garden
Kuraco Nightlife
One of my favorite Caribbean nightlife places is Willemstad. The town is full of vibrant lights and music. As the music echoed on the water, the Emma Pontoon Bridge illuminated the rainbow. Spend warm, warm nights in the Caribbean breeze of Curacao, the final place to experience culture and celebrations.
Enjoy Kuraco!
There is a lot to see and do in Curaçao. Even if you have a short time there, the historic Willemstad is enough to keep you busy. If your trip takes you to Curacao, leave a comment below. Let us know any tips or ideas on how to best experience this French Caribbean island!
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