Part of our second and third day was dedicated to touring the capital of Curacao, Willemstad. A Caribbean capital but with a lot of European style, striking for its colorful architecture. In our previous post you can find the most useful information for traveling to Curacao
Without a doubt, Willemstad has to be walked, there are so many attractions in the city that it is a shame to travel to Curacao and stay in a hotel life. It was named a UNESCO world heritage site for a reason.
It is also a safe city, which has night life, which is worth enjoying and that is why it makes a difference with some other Caribbean islands.
The neighborhoods of Punda and Otrabanda in Willemstad
Willemstad is not just Punda and Otrabanda but we could say that these two neighborhoods are the most touristy, picturesque and important in the city.
United by the famous Emma Bridgethe only floating wooden bridge in the world that opens for maritime traffic.
Don’t think it’s strange to be walking and not be able to cross it. It may suddenly have to be opened to allow a ship to pass.
Depending on the boat it may be open up to 15 minutes , indicated by an orange flag; either up to 45 minutes , with a blue flag. In the latter case, a free ferry to cross from one side to the other in 3 minutes.
As we always say, cities are worth exploring day and night, and this bridge has an extra point by being illuminated with various colors.
Punda
We could say that Punda is the most representative place in Curacao, its buildings are the ones that appear in every photo of the island. A small house next to each other in the Dutch style with beautiful colors, occupied mainly with luxury stores such as the most famous watch stores in the world.
Curaçao’s nightlife is also experienced in Punda, the main bars and restaurants are on this side of Willemstad.
Bizarre World
One of the areas that we liked the most is Calle Nueva, where along about 200 meters we find several bars with a lot of vibe and style.
Perhaps the most famous is Bizarre World, so you can also find the street, a Cuban bar and as its name indicates, with a totally bizarre style, with old armchairs and any type of object on its walls. You can drink something as well as eat.
Curacao sign in Willemstad
On this side of Willemstad we can also find the typical sign of the country to take photos. Located on the main square and a few meters from the Emma Bridge.
To get to the carter we will pass through a lot of boutique houses that house perfumeries, watch stores, art galleries and all kinds of businesses. From the bridge, the first building, the Penha, which was built in 1708 as a merchant house.
On the streets of Punda we will also find a lot of restaurants and bars both day and night. We attend at night to experience the Caribbean rhythm and happiness. Everywhere you hear music and feel the good vibes. We start by having something in the Boheme for dinner later in Mistralboth businesses owned by the same Chilean owner.
Also attached to the bridge we find a heart made up of padlocks that, in Parisian style, couples reinforce their love by leaving the padlock.
Murals in Willemstad
In both Punda and Otrabanda we can find a lot of street art with incredible murals.
The most famous artist is Francis Sling who has made murals like the one in the photo that we can find a few meters from his house / gallery called Art Cave Francis Sling.
In the photo of the chair you can see the entrance to this place, and if you saw the YouTube video, you will have seen what it is like inside.
Otrabanda
In Otrabanda we also find beautiful buildings but it is much quieter than Punda, in itself I would tell you that there are no pedestrians unlike the other neighborhood.
Hotel Kura Hulanda
From this hotel we take the Trikke to go out and discover the city in a different way, if you don’t know what Trikke are, you can watch it in the video.
Likewise, we highly recommend visiting this hotel because it is one of the most photogenic places in the city.
It is a fairly large complex where we also find the anthropology museum with an incredible African collection, 65 historical buildings that were restored to be part of this hotel, and which can be accessed at no cost.
Hotel Renaissance complex Rif Fort
As in various parts of the city in Otrabanda, we also found a fort. This fort was built in 1828 to defend Willemstad, from this fort a chain crossed to the next one to protect the Bay. Today the construction remains but within it a modern complex has been formed with restaurants, bars and businesses, of which the Renaissance hotel is a part.
It is a very nice place to go and enjoy the night with some music and during the day, if you are not staying there, make use of the hotel facilities by paying for the access day.
The most striking thing about the hotel is its huge pool/beach, why do I say this? because on the second floor we find a infinity pool With salt water and a sand floor, not artificial floor, we step on sand as if we were on a real beach. And the waves of the sea hit the stones that are part of the hotel wall. Truly amazing.
Other attractions in Willemstad
fort beekenburg
Near the Santa Barbara hotel we also find another fort, with free access from where you can have beautiful views of the Curacao sea. They had also crossed chains around here and I was lucky enough to dive next to one of them and see it disappear into the depths of the sea. By the way, diving in these waters was wonderful. Lots of life, excellent visibility and the temperature more than special.
Hato caves
For those who want to escape the beaches for a bit or perhaps rest from the strong hours of sun for a while, these caves are an excellent option. With a guided tour of approximately half an hour we can discover an incredible natural formation.
These caves were formed 200 million years ago by the same forces that formed the island of Curacao in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. They were used by the first inhabitants of the island and later as a hiding place for slaves. Many skeletons and artifacts were found inside. Fossils and marine creatures are part of the walls that show the aquatic origin. Stalagtites and stalagmites along the route. From 9 to 4 pm it is open and has a small restaurant to wait.
Avoid being afraid of bats because in one part hundreds of them pass under you. Nothing to fear because they only eat fruits but it is more than known that it causes a lot of panic for some.
Chobolobo – Curacao Liquor Store in Willemstad
It is not for nothing that one of the most famous liquors in the world is named after the Island of Curacao. It is not a coincidence, but the famous blue curaçao was created here. With this visit I learned that the color blue is just a dye, that the original is white and that blue curaçao tastes the same as red, green and yellow.
This place is the genuine home of curacao liquor created in 1896, Senior liquor is the only brand in the world that makes curacao. Here you take a guided tour, try the liquor and then they have a bar to enjoy one of their drinks.
The tours range from 12 dollars just for the ride with a drink included, 20 dollars with 2 drinks and an ice cream and 40 dollars with the workshop to learn how to make cocktails