The 7 Most Interesting Facts about Willemstad

Located on the southern coast of the Caribbean island of Curaçao, Willemstad is a vibrant city known for its colorful architecture, beautiful beaches, and rich history. Here are seven interesting facts about Willemstad you probably didn’t know.

1. A UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1997, Willemstad was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique blend of Dutch colonial architecture and Caribbean culture.

2. The Floating Market

The Floating Market, where local vendors sell fresh produce straight from their boats, is one of Willemstad’s most popular attractions. You can find everything from tropical fruits to fish.

3. The Oldest Synagogue in the Western Hemisphere

Willemstad is home to the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. It was built in 1732 by Jewish and Sephardic immigrants.

4. Queen Emma Bridge

The Queen Emma Bridge, also known as the “Swinging Old Lady,” is a pontoon bridge that spans the St. Anna Bay. It swings open to let ships pass and is one of Willemstad’s most recognizable landmarks.

5. The Curacao Liqueur Distillery

The Curacao Liqueur Distillery is located just outside of Willemstad and is famous for producing Blue Curaçao, a bright blue liqueur made from the dried peels of the Laraha orange, an orange that only grows on the island.

6. Fort Amsterdam

Fort Amsterdam is a historical fort that dates back to the 17th century. It was built by the Dutch West India Company and served as the seat of government for the Netherlands Antilles until 2010.

7. The Tallest Mountain in the Dutch Kingdom

Willemstad is located on the island of Curaçao, which is home to the tallest mountain in the Netherlands Kingdom, Mount Christoffel. It stands at 1,239 feet tall and offers panoramic views of the island.

With its rich history, stunning architecture, and unique culture, Willemstad is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Curaçao.

Insider’s Guide to Willemstad, Curaçao

Willemstad is a picturesque city and the capital of Curaçao, which is a Dutch Caribbean island. The city has a rich history and is famous for its stunning architecture with colorful buildings, exquisite beaches, and Caribbean culture. Below are some of the must-visit attractions, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions for tourists visiting Willemstad.

Attractions

• The Queen Emma Bridge – This floating pedestrian bridge is a Curaçao landmark and connects Willemstad’s Punda and Otrobanda quarters. The bridge opened in 1888 and is now a popular attraction that opens to let the boats pass through. You can stroll along the bridge and enjoy the beautiful views of the Caribbean sea and colorful buildings of Willemstad.
• The Curaçao Sea Aquarium – Explore the underwater world of Curaçao at the Sea Aquarium. The aquarium features over 400 species of marine life, and visitors can participate in various marine encounters such as swimming with dolphins, feeding sharks, and sea lions. It’s a perfect family-friendly attraction for a fun-filled day.
• The Queen Juliana Bridge – This stunning bridge is the highest bridge in the Caribbean, standing at 185 feet above sea level. Its construction began in 1967 and was completed in 1974. It connects several vital cities in Curaçao, and the structure provides a stunning view of the island’s coastline.
• The Museum Kura Hulanda – The Museum Kura Hulanda is a fascinating museum that displays the history and culture of Curaçao and the whole African continent. You can see the various African masks, sculptures, and other artworks in the museum, alongside artifacts of the Archaelogical and historical collection.

Dining Spots

• Plasa Bieu – Plasa Bieu is a vibrant outdoor food court that specializes in local cuisine. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love this spot, as you can sample various Caribbean dishes with a unique twist prepared by local chefs. Try out the fresh fish curry, goat stew, and ‘piska kora,’ a local fish delicacy.
• Ginger – Ginger is a modern restaurant that serves Caribbean fusion cuisine. The menu has a unique blend of Asian and Caribbean flavors. You can try out their signature dishes such as the ‘wagyu burger,’ the ‘octopus panzanella salad,’ and the ‘plantain-wrapped salmon.’ The restaurant also has an extensive wine list.
• The Gouverneur de Rouville – This historical mansion has been transformed into a restaurant where they serve delicious Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant has beautiful, traditional decor that enhances the experience further. You can dine al fresco or indoors in the elegant dining room. Make sure to try out the fresh seafood paella and the tender pork medallions.

Cultural Experiences

• The Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue – This synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere, with its inauguration in 1732. The building was constructed using coral stones and has a beautiful decor. You can witness the extensive history of the Sephardic Jews through the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue’s historical exhibition.
• The Tula Museum – The Tula Museum is a small but meaningful museum dedicated to the slave revolt led by Tula. Tula is known as a hero who led a historic slave revolt on the island of Curaçao against the Dutch in 1795. The museum offers a guided tour, and the guides are experts in the African-Caribbean history of the island.
• The Pietermaai District – This historic neighborhood has been restored, and the beautiful colorful buildings enhance the entire Caribbean experience. It was once a working-class neighborhood and has now transformed into a trendy, bohemian neighborhood with various cafes and restaurants. If you’re interested in Instagram-worthy sights with a touch of history and culture, the Pietermaai District is a must-visit.

Local History

• The Fort Amsterdam – Fort Amsterdam is a fortification built by the Dutch colonists in 1635. The fort now contains various governmental buildings, but you can still witness the history of the fort through its remaining walls. Walk around the fort and witness the stunning views of the coastline and the Caribbean Sea.
• The Punda Quarter – Punda is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Willemstad. It has a rich history and is known for its colorful architecture. It dates back to the 17th century and has various landmarks such as the Handelskade, the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, and the Queen Emma Bridge.
• The Otrobanda Quarter – Otrobanda is Willemstad’s second district and means “The Other Side.” It is home to various landmarks, such as the Riffort, the Brionplein, and the Kura Hulanda Museum. The Otrobanda Quarter has many buildings with Dutch colonial architecture.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

• The Shete Boka National Park – This rugged park is a must-visit, especially if you’re an adventure-seeker. The Shete Boka National Park features various scenic views such as the natural bridge, the Fontein Cave, and the “Boka Pistol,’ which is a natural occurrence that throws water up to 100 feet high.
• The Klein Curaçao – Klein Curaçao is a small, uninhabited island that’s perfect for a day trip. The island is famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and for being the perfect spot to see the sea turtles hatch. You can also see the historic lighthouse and shipwrecks on the shore.
• The Ostrich Farm – The Curaçao Ostrich Farm is a unique attraction and a perfect way to spend a day with the family. You can get up-close with the ostriches, learn more about the unique animals and their eggs, and have an ostrich race. The farm has a restaurant that serves ostrich meat dishes.

Conclusion

Willemstad is a hidden gem in the Caribbean that’s full of culture, history, and beautiful landscapes. You can indulge in the local cuisine, witness the colorful architecture, and learn more about the island’s history. With its must-visit attractions and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, you won’t regret visiting this stunning island.