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A Local’s Guide to Willemstad: Curaçao’s Capital City

  • Guest
  • Jul 17
  • 3 min read
Colorful buildings line a waterfront under a bright blue sky. A boat is docked, and signs read "ACKERMAN" and "THE BLUE EXPERIENCE." Willemstad Curaçao

Nestled along the sparkling Caribbean Sea, Willemstad Curaçao is more than just a pretty postcard. It’s a vibrant blend of culture, color, and charisma—where Dutch colonial charm meets Afro-Caribbean soul. As locals who live and breathe this island, we at TheTripCuraçao believe there’s no better way to experience our capital than through the eyes of someone who calls it home.


In this guide, we’re taking you beyond the surface—to hidden alleys, family-run cafés, waterfront hangouts, and the real heart of the city. Whether it’s your first time here or your fifth, there’s always something new to fall in love with in Willemstad.




Quick Facts About Willemstad


  • Capital of Curaçao and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Founded in the 17th century, rich with Dutch colonial architecture

  • Divided into two main districts: Punda and Otrobanda, connected by the iconic Queen Emma Bridge

  • Known for its candy-colored buildings, open-air markets, and deep historical roots




Explore the City by Neighborhood


Colorful seaside buildings with orange roofs in Willemstad, Curaçao. Vibrant street fronting the ocean under a partly cloudy sky. Punda: The Historic Heart

Punda: The Historic Heart


This is where the city began. Walk along Handelskade, the famous waterfront row of pastel-colored buildings, and feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. You’ll find art galleries, boutique shops, and lively plazas filled with street musicians and local snacks.

Don’t Miss:

  • Floating Market: Fresh produce brought in by Venezuelan fishermen.

  • Fort Amsterdam: A 17th-century fortress now serving as a government building.

  • Art Alley: A hidden street full of colorful murals and creative energy.




Otrobanda: The Soul of the City. Vibrant mural on a yellow wall featuring colorful portraits and patterns. Blue sky, street view with a white gate and trees in the background.

Otrobanda: The Soul of the City


Cross the Queen Emma Bridge (also known as the “Swinging Old Lady”) and step into Otrobanda, meaning “the other side.” Less touristy and more local, this area is where Curaçao’s cultural pulse really beats.


Local Highlights:


  • Kura Hulanda Museum: Dive deep into Curaçao’s African heritage and history.

  • Breedestraat: A bustling street with food stalls, shops, and local bakeries.

  • Ser’i Otrobanda: Hidden staircases, colorful houses, and secret viewpoints.





Where Locals Eat in Willemstad

Where Locals Eat in Willemstad. A vibrant dish of rice, meat, and vegetables on a blue plate atop an orange surface, set against a rocky cliff and blue sea backdrop.

Willemstad isn’t just eye candy—it’s a feast for your taste buds. Curaçao’s food scene is a fusion of flavors from Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Here’s where we locals go when we want to eat well:


  • Plasa Bieu (The Old Market) – Traditional local dishes like goat stew (kabritu), funchi, and fresh fish in a lively, no-frills atmosphere.

  • Purunchi Koredor – A hidden gem by the water in Seru Fortuna, known for its ultra-fresh seafood. No menu—just catch of the day, done local style. If you want to eat like a true Curaçaoan, this is the place to be. Read reviews on TripAdvisor ›

  • Gouverneur de Rouville – A scenic restaurant in Otrobanda with harbor views and classic Caribbean-European fusion dishes.

  • Number Ten – A hidden garden café perfect for brunch, smoothies, and great coffee in a peaceful setting.





Culture, Street Art & Hidden Treasures

contemporary culture and street art. Colorful mural on a blue house features ornate pots, fish, and vibrant patterns. A yellow house is nearby under a partly cloudy sky.

Willemstad isn’t just about old buildings—it’s alive with contemporary culture and street art. Take time to wander the backstreets of Pietermaai and Otrobanda to discover vibrant murals, quirky sculptures, and neighborhood stories painted on the walls.


Cultural Spots Worth Visiting:


  • Maritime Museum – Learn about Curaçao’s seafaring history.

  • Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue – The oldest active synagogue in the Americas.

  • Pietermaai District – Once neglected, now a trendy neighborhood full of bars, art, and boutique hotels.


Want to discover all these cultural gems in one go?





Local Shopping & Souvenirs


Skip the standard tourist shops and support local artisans instead. Head to:


  • Marshe Nobo (New Market) for handmade crafts and Curaçaoan spices

  • Local Art Studios in Scharloo or Pietermaai

  • DUSHI signs and Curaçao-themed merchandise you won’t find anywhere else




Tips From the Locals


  • Walk early or late – Midday sun is no joke. Early mornings or golden hours are best for exploring.


  • Don’t rush – Willemstad is a city meant to be savored. Take your time, talk to the vendors, and soak it all in,


  • Take the ferry – If the Queen Emma Bridge is open, hop on the free ferry between Punda and Otrobanda.




Experience Willemstad the Right Way

Colorful street featuring a blue building with a fish mural, an adjacent pink building, a street sign, and a bright, sunny sky.

Willemstad Curaçao isn’t just a capital city—it’s the living, breathing heart of our island. Whether you’re here for history, culture, food, or just that perfect Instagram shot, the best way to see it all is with a local by your side.


At TheTripCuraçao, we specialize in curated walking tours, immersive food experiences, and authentic cultural excursions designed to show you Willemstad the way we see it: full of life, love, and local pride.


 Discover Willemstad with a local expert and let the city reveal its secrets to you.


 
 
 

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