Things to do & places to visit in Willemstad, Curacao

The lively capital of Curacao is a welcoming, upbeat destination with two distinct historic districts divided by the lovely St. Anna Bay. Punda, site of neat, narrow streets, is crammed with shops and museums. Otrobanda, or "The Other Side," is a maze of twisting residential streets, contrasting with the organized grid across the bay. Willemstad's colorful colonial architecture has won it UNESCO Heritage site designations. Diving and swimming with dolphins are popular activities in the bay.

Willemstad #1 destination in Curacao 2023. The average rating score is 4.30 based on 30.9k traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: America/Curacao, current date and time: Monday, May 13, 2024, 21:21.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Curacao Taxi Max (512 reviews)
- Beautiful, uncomplicated Island
Monday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Taxis & Shuttles

A uniquely skilled Taxi driver that speaks fluently up to 4 languages ( English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento) that provides transfers and tours. Pickup and drop off Curacao International Airport are being handled based on availability and you need to book in advance to secure your ride or tour! From regular tours that you can get anywhere else on the island, we offer made to measure tours, private tours and our unique tours that includes snorkel trip with an encounter with the fishes or turtles! Additionally, I will provide 2 coolers, I will record with Go-pro the whole tour while in the water and on land. With us your dreams will come true! Attention; Due to the abuse of my good heart, I'll no longer answer any requests for pricing to any destinations by emails, as it's being abused by some on this page. Only tour pricing requests will be answered. Want to request, please submit your message by WhatsApp. See more..
5.0 Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park (16 reviews)
- A serene and educational tour for young and old, only a short walk from Renaissance!
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parks

The Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park is the first and only city park in Curaçao. The Park is very unique because the park consists of Mangrove trees. Take a stroll on the boardwalk above the water through the Mangrove forrest and learn more about the area See more..
5.0 Curacao Taxi Max (512 reviews)
- Beautiful, uncomplicated Island
Monday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Taxis & Shuttles

A uniquely skilled Taxi driver that speaks fluently up to 4 languages ( English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento) that provides transfers and tours. Pickup and drop off Curacao International Airport are being handled based on availability and you need to book in advance to secure your ride or tour! From regular tours that you can get anywhere else on the island, we offer made to measure tours, private tours and our unique tours that includes snorkel trip with an encounter with the fishes or turtles! Additionally, I will provide 2 coolers, I will record with Go-pro the whole tour while in the water and on land. With us your dreams will come true! Attention; Due to the abuse of my good heart, I'll no longer answer any requests for pricing to any destinations by emails, as it's being abused by some on this page. Only tour pricing requests will be answered. Want to request, please submit your message by WhatsApp. See more..
4.5 Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge (7.170 reviews)
- Interesting experience
Bridges

Swings wide many times daily to allow access to one of the busiest ports in the world. It also separates the two halves of the city. See more..
4.5 Punda (3.469 reviews)
- The Night Life
Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods

Fall in love with the historic neighborhood Punda. Streets that are full of life and colors; fantastic murals and colorful building all over the town. Punda is the location of the world famous Handelskade: the waterfront collection of multi-colored buildings that has become Curaçao’s most characteristic image. But there is so much more to discover! See more..
4.5 Shete Boka National Park (2.410 reviews)
- Amazing Scenery and Wild Waves
National Parks

A visit to Shete Boka National Park is a must-do for lovers of scenery, crashing waves, open spaces and scenic hiking. We've gone there twice. Entrance is $10 US per person and another dollar for a map, which is useful. The roads are rough, dirt and potholes, but you can park in the main parking lot and hike it all if you want. For a more relaxing tour drive it, park at each location and make short walks to the bokas. Wear durable shoes as the walking surface is often uneven old coral that is sharp and porous. Walking sticks are a good idea too. There is not a lot of shade here so be prepared with hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lots of water, etc. The entire place is beautiful. Boka Pistol is the most dramatic with its big splashy action, while the other bocas all have their own charms. Don't miss Boka Wandomi with its trail down to the water and across to the natural bridge. Bathrooms with soap and running water are located near the entrance. See more..
4.5 Kura Hulanda Museum (1.319 reviews) from $11.54
- Must See
Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums

Exhibits trace Curaçaoans African roots and the legacy of the slave trade in the region. See more..
4.5 Queen Juliana Bridge (1.127 reviews)
- Pretty cool
Bridges

The highest bridge in the Caribbean. See more..
4.5 Handelskade (918 reviews)
- Beautiful area
Piers & Boardwalks

Harborfront street lined with brightly painted 18th century buildings that today, house boutiques, art galleries and sidewalk cafes. See more..
4.5 Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue (649 reviews)
- Definitely a place to go to - the synagogue of Willemstad
Speciality Museums

The Western Hemisphere's oldest synagogue in continuous use was founded in 1651 by 12 families from Amsterdam. See more..
4.5 Landhuis Chobolobo (351 reviews)
- It’s a Yum Place
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Landhuis Chobolobo Country Mansion, also known as the ‘Home of the Genuine Curacao Liqueur’ is a very special Country Mansion. Why? Because the world-famous Blue Curacao Liqueur is produced and bottled there. A visit to the Curacao Liqueur Distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo is a journey through local history. You can experience and learn about the production process of the Genuine Curacao Liqueur and enjoy the taste such as it has been produced since 1896. There are several guided tours available and even a cocktail workshop where you can learn how to make dazzling cocktails with friendly local bartenders. See more..
4.5 Jewish Cultural Historical Museum (177 reviews)
- Interesting place to visit and learn.
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Whilst not religious myself I found the museum very interesting. A good chunk of the museum focused on telling the local story which I rather liked. The museum is air conditioned but it was still warm as some exhibits were upstairs. I'd definitely recommend if you are in the capital. For info we were asked not to take photos in the museum but were allowed in the inside the synagogue. See more..
4.5 Curacao Underwater Marine Park (115 reviews)
- Great snorkelling
Nature & Wildlife Areas

One of the Caribbean's best marine reserves. See more..
4.5 Kas di Pal'i Maishi (86 reviews)
- History well preserved
Monday: Speciality Museums

This country house is open to all as a museum, bar and simple restaurant. See more..
4.5 Landhuis Bloemhof (44 reviews)
- A lovely visit!
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Art Museums

Curacao Art – History – Nature . ART : Throughout many generations Landhuis Bloemhof has become a vibrant meeting place for all art lovers. The legacy of Shon May Henriquez, a pioneer in the Curacao Art scene, who made way for many local artists , is well preserved through her frozen in time sculpture studio and also in our inspiring library and contemporary art exhibitions by local and foreign artists . On the premises you can visit the open air studio of Hortence Brouwn , a local sculptor . Art will surround you, as you wander around the premises. CATHEDRAL OF THORNS : You can also experience the unique Cathedral of Thorns by Herman van Bergen, a monumental artwork recommended by National Geographic Intelligent Travel. HISTORY : The Bloemhof estate dates back to 1735. At Bloemhof you will find traces of our different nationalities and how they have influenced our culture, our history and Curacao's Art scene. NATURE : Enjoy a walk through 18 acres of ‘Mondi’, in our natural park . See more..
4.5 Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge (7.170 reviews)
- Interesting experience
Bridges

Swings wide many times daily to allow access to one of the busiest ports in the world. It also separates the two halves of the city. See more..
4.5 Punda (3.469 reviews)
- The Night Life
Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods

Fall in love with the historic neighborhood Punda. Streets that are full of life and colors; fantastic murals and colorful building all over the town. Punda is the location of the world famous Handelskade: the waterfront collection of multi-colored buildings that has become Curaçao’s most characteristic image. But there is so much more to discover! See more..
4.5 Shete Boka National Park (2.410 reviews)
- Amazing Scenery and Wild Waves
National Parks

A visit to Shete Boka National Park is a must-do for lovers of scenery, crashing waves, open spaces and scenic hiking. We've gone there twice. Entrance is $10 US per person and another dollar for a map, which is useful. The roads are rough, dirt and potholes, but you can park in the main parking lot and hike it all if you want. For a more relaxing tour drive it, park at each location and make short walks to the bokas. Wear durable shoes as the walking surface is often uneven old coral that is sharp and porous. Walking sticks are a good idea too. There is not a lot of shade here so be prepared with hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lots of water, etc. The entire place is beautiful. Boka Pistol is the most dramatic with its big splashy action, while the other bocas all have their own charms. Don't miss Boka Wandomi with its trail down to the water and across to the natural bridge. Bathrooms with soap and running water are located near the entrance. See more..
4.5 Kura Hulanda Museum (1.319 reviews) from $11.54
- Must See
Speciality Museums • Art Museums • History Museums

Exhibits trace Curaçaoans African roots and the legacy of the slave trade in the region. See more..
4.5 Queen Juliana Bridge (1.127 reviews)
- Pretty cool
Bridges

The highest bridge in the Caribbean. See more..
4.5 Handelskade (918 reviews)
- Beautiful area
Piers & Boardwalks

Harborfront street lined with brightly painted 18th century buildings that today, house boutiques, art galleries and sidewalk cafes. See more..
4.5 Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue (649 reviews)
- Definitely a place to go to - the synagogue of Willemstad
Speciality Museums

The Western Hemisphere's oldest synagogue in continuous use was founded in 1651 by 12 families from Amsterdam. See more..
4.5 Landhuis Chobolobo (351 reviews)
- It’s a Yum Place
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Landhuis Chobolobo Country Mansion, also known as the ‘Home of the Genuine Curacao Liqueur’ is a very special Country Mansion. Why? Because the world-famous Blue Curacao Liqueur is produced and bottled there. A visit to the Curacao Liqueur Distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo is a journey through local history. You can experience and learn about the production process of the Genuine Curacao Liqueur and enjoy the taste such as it has been produced since 1896. There are several guided tours available and even a cocktail workshop where you can learn how to make dazzling cocktails with friendly local bartenders. See more..
4.0 Curacao Sea Aquarium (1.811 reviews)
- Up close and personal with sea creatures
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Aquariums

Don't miss this fun and educational experience. A real bargain at only $15 for adults and $7 for kids. Many hands-on activities included like feeding flamingos, rays, and even lobsters via a little fishing pole. Staff is very friendly and happy to answer any questions. Many tanks with other sea creatures and big open pools with sharks and dolphins who put on an entertaining show. Get there as soon as it opens to avoid mid-day crowds. For an extra fee you can swim with the dolphins, but this activity is booked solid for weeks in advance so sign up early. See more..
4.0 Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort (1.786 reviews)
- Great Location with Good Selection of Food and Shops
Spent 1-2 hours Neighborhoods

This waterfront entertainment center and shopping area is located at the entrance of St. Anna Bay, a dramatic position at the harbor gateway. See more..
4.0 Hato Caves (1.756 reviews)
- Don't Miss This!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Caverns & Caves

Old coral reefs exposed when the sea receded. See more..
4.0 Jan Thiel Beach (1.163 reviews)
- New Years Day
Beaches

We spent the entire day here on Jan 1st, which we needed to recharge after the celebrations from the night prior. There was a DJ who played a great world music selection throughout. The beach was great, although swim shoes are recommended because of the rocks on the ocean floor in shallow waters. The water temp was perfection to couple with its clarity. Absolutely beautiful views from this beach. See more..
4.0 Otrobanda (1.128 reviews)
- Otrabanda Bus Timetable
Neighborhoods

More residential area of Willemstad. See more..
4.0 Mambo Beach Boulevard (1.015 reviews)
- Man made beach & shopping
Monday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Mambo Beach Boulevard is a unique concept for the island of Curacao. A strip that combines shopping, dining, entertainment and the best beach the island has to offer. The Mambo Beach Boulevard truly is the 'anytime' destination. It hosts the largest beach on the Island, with more than 50 stores, restaurants and activities spread out over two levels. Entrance and parking is free of charge. See more..
4.0 Curacao Liqueur Distillery (785 reviews)
- Curaçao Liquor Distillery Tour!
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Distilleries

Blue Curacao is one of the most famous liqueurs in the world. But did you know that the Genuine Curacao Liqueur is produced on the island of Curacao at Landhuis Chobolobo? A distillery tour of Senior Liqueur is a journey through local history. Where you can experience the production process and enjoy the taste such as it has been produced since 1896. Free entrance & tasting. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. See more..