WILLEMSTAD
Willemstad is the capital of Curacao. At the point of the bay area of Sint Annabay the development of the Island’s began in 1634. The Dutch conquered the Island from the Spanish in this year. A big wall was constructed called “de punt” the point. The city centre developed around this wall. That’s why the side of Annabay is called Punda nowadays.
On the other side of the Bay a suburb centre developed during the late 1600s called Otrabanda. On this side of the Bay a fort was built called Riffort. Forts wear important during those times because the islands were constantly under attack by other nations like Spain, Portugal and Great Britain. The big inland bay of Annabay was a great safe haven for traders in the region. Other suburbs were formed in the years that followed like Schaloo and Pietermaai where are the wealthy merchants built big baroque style mansions. Most of these merchants were of Jewish descendants.
This part of town is on on the Unesco Word Heritage list because of its unique architecture. A lot of the old buildings are in great condition and are places great to explore. When you wonder trough the streets of Willemstad art and history come alive. Because so many old buildings were saved and restored it’s as if you walk through another time in history. The last 10 years many local artists have decorated the town center with installations, visual arts and murals.
In the city center you will also find a lot of great shops, restaurants, cafes and museums. The city center has undergone a great transformation in recent years and there are a lot of new incentives and projects undertaken.
PUNDA
This is the oldest part of the city. From this area different parts of Curacao developed. This area of town also has the most shops. It’s a delight to scroll trough this city center at daytime, enjoying an icecream, coffie or bier. You can always find a bargain or special gift to take home. McDonalds and Kentucky have franchises situated there also. You can also score delicious meals next to Wilhelmina plein on the terrace. A trip to punda is a must for every visitor. Yo can checkout the pundawillemstad.com website for more detailed information. Punda is connected to second largest part of Willemstad called Otrobanda via a pontoon bridge, The Queen Emma Bridge. This bridge was built in 1888 and is a major touristic attraction as the view from the bridge is spectacular. When you walk over the bridge you feel as if you are drunk because of the wobbling of the bridge on the waves. Other attractions in Punda are the Jewish synagogue, The Anna building, the market place and the city beach called Marichi. If you want to try out local food, you can lunch at the market Marshe Bieu. Tip: On Thursday nights Punda stays open till 9 o’clock and many locals walk around and dine there. This weekly event is called “Punda Vibes”.
On the other side of the Bay a suburb centre developed during the late 1600s called Otrabanda. On this side of the Bay a fort was built called Riffort. Forts wear important during those times because the islands were constantly under attack by other nations like Spain, Portugal and Great Britain. The big inland bay of Annabay was a great safe haven for traders in the region. Other suburbs were formed in the years that followed like Schaloo and Pietermaai where are the wealthy merchants built big baroque style mansions. Most of these merchants were of Jewish descendants.
In the city centre you will also find a lot of great shops, restaurants, cafes and museums. The city centre has undergone a great transformation in recent years and there are a lot of new incentives and projects undertaken.
OTROBANDA
Big parts of Otrobanda have been restored and have been transformed into touristic areas. AirBnB’s, restaurants, bars and hotels have popped up in al areas of the region. In recent years many hotels have opened or have been revamped. There’s a lot going on in different parts of this district. Notable are the Corendon Resort, Mariott Courtyard and new phase of the Royal Palm Resort. Otrabanda also houses the biggest hospital on Curacao called CMC.
The first person to believe in the potential of Otranabda as a touristical area was Jacob Gelt Dekker. In the 90s he bought whole blocks of dilapidated buildings in the center and converted them into a walk trough hotel called “Kura Hullanda”. He is seen as a pioneer in his approach and investments.
Otrabanda is a great area to walk through for shopping or dining. It has become popular to wander through its narrow alleys for tourists and locals alike. We recommend exploring the streets behind Brionplein. The area behind the popular “Bario Hotel Restaurant” is also a great area to stroll through for sightseeing.
For those who like to shop and dine in style there is The Riffort at the point of Otrabanda. The Riffort is a big shopping mall built in an old Fort. In Riffort you’ll find different bars and restaurants. It is connected to the Renaissance Hotel Casino. When visiting Otranabda you can walk through this part to take a look or grab a bite.
PIETERMAAI
This district connected to Punda was a popular place for rich merchants to build big baroc mansions during the 18th century. After years of slow decay Pietermaai was undergone a major transformation during the last 20 years and is now one of the islands most popular night life centers. This part also has many small hotels and airBnB rentals. Popular bars/resaurants are Saint Tropez, Bundo Bizzaro, Kome, Bar P (discothek) and Mister Porter Cafe. To walk through the streets there at night between the city lights is a great experience.
Some streets further from Pietermaai you’ll find an interesting area that houses a lot of bars and restaurants. You will find this area in front of the Avila Hotel. A cocktail bar, Brazilian and Italian resuarant form part of the attractions. Special mension is the recently opened impressive upscale restaurants called “Rozendaels” and “Nultwintig”. The district has an umbrella website with lost of info “Pietermaaidistrict.com“.
SCHARLOO
During a storm in 1877, many villas located in Pietermaai were destroyed. The flood and high waves caused a lot of damage to the mansions located on the waterfront. The community of wealthy Jewish traders who lived there then moved to the Scharloo district where they built even larger villas. After all, there they were protected from natural catastrophes. Most of these historic buildings have been completely restored and preserved.
MAMBO BEACH
Seaquarium Beach is the most popular beach on Curacao. Actually this beach and Zanzibar Beach compete for the title most popular. Seaquarium Beach is also the longest beach on the island. You will find various hotels, restaurants and bars on this beach strip. In the afternoon there is chilling on the beach and in the evening it comes alive at the restaurants and bars. It also often hosts events such as concerts or festivals. On the beach you will also find a shopping mall with more than 30 shops. the beach has 4 different parts.
ABOUT US
We like to take you off the beaten track!
We’re a team of proud island nature lovers. To make your stay a mesmerizing experience we take you to all the special places on Curacao. We only list tours for small groups that are safe, personal, exiting and unique. You’ll experience with us how we spend our free time and where we like to go. Join us on our next adventure!
TAILORMADE TOURS
On demand we can outline a tour thats is tailored to your special wishes. If you like to snorkeling and also want to combine that with a more daring adventure, we can provide advice and options. This is especially interesting for groups that want to go on an adventurous tour that is “all inclusive”.
INQUIERY
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