Willemstad: Punda Shops and Kokomo Beach City Tour

Are you visiting the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao and thinking about checking out the capital city of Willemstad for the best coastal sightseeing and shopping experience? With a strikingly colorful city center, markets, shops and a stunning beach, Willemstad really has something for everyone.

Whether you’re a shopping fanatic looking for local curiosities or a beach bum wanting to catch some sun and repose, Willemstad is an ideal destination for everyone. To make the most of the diverse sights and experiences that this city has to offer, this guide looks at two of the must-see destinations in Willemstad: Punda shops and Kokomo Beach.

Punda: Curacao shopping at its best

Located on the Penison Island, which connects to the main island by two bridges, Punda district is a vibrant area of Willemstad and is home to a number of Dutch colonial-style buildings – including a cluster of pastel-plantation houses. This is where the main shopping area of the city is centered, meaning that it’s the perfect destination for anyone eager to find souvenirs and mementos for their trip.

One of the gems of Punda is Handelskade, or “Mercado Promenade’, a line of waterfront stalls with vibrant canopies and wares ranging from jewelry and clothing to local arts and crafts. This is a great place to find lively music from local bands and to sample some traditional Dutch cuisine such as stroopwafels or drop, as well as Curacao’s own tropical creations, like keshi yena (stuffed cheese).

Another must-visit destination in Punda is Fort Amsterdam, an old Dutch fort at the mouth of the channel between Willemstad and the Schottegat Bay. The fort is now home to a museum detailing the history of Willemstad and its maritime culture, with some evocative artifacts on show. Outside, there are plenty of unique boutiques where you can purchase a range of souvenirs including original artwork, jewelry, clothing and more.

Stroll around Willemstad old town

Willemstad old town is also a great place to explore. The central and most touristy part of the old town is Otrobanda – and rightly so! Here you can wander between impressive pastel merchant buildings, snap dozens of gorgeous pictures and mingle with locals. Don’t miss out on Riffort Village either. This waterfront complex, which dates back to 1883, is home to myriad shops and boutiques, offering everything from jewelry to top-end fashion items.

Right next door stands Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue – the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere – surrounded by well-preserved 17th Century houses with hidden patios bearing stunning Cuban tilework. If you’re looking to get a true sense of historical Willemstad, this is definitely the place to visit!

Kokom Beach: Get ready to relax!

If you’ve already done your fair share of shopping in Punda and Willemstad old town, it’s now time to get ready to relax on one of Curacao’s best beaches. Mambo Beach is located close to Punda and holds several accolades as one of the Caribbean’s top beaches – a great option for an extended lazy day in Willemstad! The beach itself stretches for several hundred meters lined with al fresco eateries with coveted waterfront locations!

Of course there’s no shortage when it comes to beach activities either – you can kayak or paddleboard around the bay, snorkel amongst colorful coral reefs right alongside sea turtles – plus there are a plentiful selection of beach bars shacks where you can sip Caribbean cocktails while you soak up rays.

But arguably one of the best beach spots in Willemstad is Kokomo Beach – located on the far end of Mambo Beach – and it’s another must-go for tourists looking for peace, stunning sunsets and tranquility. This tranquil beach also has several excellent beach bars with chill-out music – perfect for an unforgettable day in Willemstad!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Willemstad offers incredible sights for visitors keen on cultural exploration and retail therapy, with some beautiful beaches for relaxation. Shopping in the Punda district is one experience that shouldn’t be missed – from luxuious boutiques to colorful market stalls – so be sure to take a look around before heading down to Mambo or Kokomo Beach for some rest and relaxation.

If you’re looking to take your Willemstad adventure up a notch and make memories that will last forever consider booking a guided tour on GetYourGuide. Here you can connect with reliable local tour operators who can create personalized experiences that cater to your own individual needs, interests and schedule – all at excellent prices! So be sure to check out GetYourGuide when planning your trip to Willemstad – you won’t be disappointed!