The best time to visit Willemstad is from May to November, during the island’s off-peak season, when temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C. Although this period coincides with the Caribbean hurricane season, Curaçao lies outside the hurricane belt, so it experiences little rainfall and enjoys warm, sunny days year-round. The high season, from December to April, brings more tourists and higher prices, but also offers the best weather for beach activities and outdoor exploration.
Willemstad is easy to navigate on foot, especially around the historic Punda and Otrobanda districts, where most attractions are concentrated. Public buses are available, but their routes and schedules can be unpredictable. Taxis are plentiful, though expensive, and car rentals are popular for exploring the island’s beaches and natural attractions. Biking is possible, but the heat and hills can make it challenging in some areas.
Punda is Willemstad’s most famous district, known for its colorful Dutch colonial buildings, waterfront cafes, and shopping streets. Otrobanda, across the Queen Emma Bridge, offers a more residential feel, with narrow streets and vibrant street art. Pietermaai is an up-and-coming neighborhood, popular for its boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and nightlife. For a beach escape, head to Jan Thiel, located just outside Willemstad, which offers a mix of resorts, restaurants, and crystal-clear waters.
The Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pontoon bridge, is one of Willemstad’s most iconic landmarks, connecting the Punda and Otrobanda districts. The colorful Handelskade waterfront, lined with pastel-colored buildings, is perfect for a leisurely stroll or boat tour. The Curaçao Sea Aquarium is a popular attraction for families, offering interactive exhibits and the chance to swim with dolphins. The Kura Hulanda Museum, located in Otrobanda, provides a moving exploration of the island’s African heritage and the impact of the transatlantic slave trade.
Willemstad’s culinary scene is a mix of traditional Curaçaoan dishes and international flavors. Must-try dishes include keshi yena (stuffed cheese), stoba (hearty stews), and funchi (polenta-like cornmeal). The Old Market, located in Punda, is a great place to try local food at affordable prices, with stalls serving up fresh fish, stews, and fritters. For drinks, try a cocktail made with Blue Curaçao liqueur, or enjoy a refreshing Amstel Bright, a popular local beer.
Willemstad is home to several annual festivals, including the Curaçao Carnival, which takes place in February and features parades, costumes, and music. The Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival, held in September, attracts international artists and jazz enthusiasts. For a deeper dive into the island’s history, visit the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Americas. Street art tours in Otrobanda offer a contemporary cultural experience, showcasing the city’s vibrant creative scene.
Punda is the best area for shopping, with its narrow streets lined with boutiques, jewelry stores, and souvenir shops. The Floating Market, where Venezuelan merchants sell fresh produce and fish directly from their boats, is a unique shopping experience. For local crafts and art, visit the Gallery Alma Blou in Otrobanda, or stop by the Curaçao Museum’s gift shop for handmade jewelry and art pieces.
Willemstad’s nightlife is lively, especially in Pietermaai, where trendy bars, live music venues, and beach clubs draw both locals and visitors. Mambo Beach is another nightlife hotspot, offering beachfront bars, DJ sets, and a relaxed vibe. The island’s casinos, mostly located in major hotels, offer a more formal nightlife experience for those looking to try their luck. For a more local vibe, head to a beach bar in Jan Thiel and enjoy a sunset cocktail while listening to live Caribbean music.
Curaçao’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the Caribbean, and many are just a short drive from Willemstad. Playa Kenepa Grandi (Big Knip) is a stunning, secluded beach perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while Playa Porto Mari offers calm waters and a unique double reef for diving. For nature lovers, Christoffel National Park provides hiking trails up Mount Christoffel, the island’s highest point, with panoramic views and rich biodiversity. Another must-see is the Shete Boka National Park, famous for its rugged coastline, crashing waves, and sea turtle nesting sites. You can also take a boat trip to Klein Curaçao, a small, uninhabited island known for its pristine beach and excellent snorkeling.
Curaçao enjoys warm weather year-round, but pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen for protection from the Caribbean sun. The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), but US Dollars are widely accepted. English, Dutch, and Papiamentu are spoken on the island, with English being common among locals in Willemstad. Taxis are convenient but expensive, so consider renting a car to explore the island at your own pace. Tap water is safe to drink, as Curaçao has one of the best desalination plants in the region.
