Downtown Willemstad
Downtown Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, is a beautiful and colorful place to visit. It is one of the few cities in the Caribbean on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. In this blog, we discuss what you can see and do in downtown Curacao.
Explore the commercial district of Punda
Punda is Willemstad’s oldest neighborhood and is known for its beautiful architecture and colorful buildings. Stroll the narrow streets and admire the historic buildings, such as Fort Amsterdam and the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.
Visit the floating market
Willemstad’s floating market is one of the most popular downtown attractions. Here you can buy fresh fish, vegetables and fruits sold by Venezuelan traders who come to Curaçao with their boats. It is a colorful and vibrant scene to behold.
Admire the famous Handelskade
The Handelskade is the famous row of colored buildings along St. Anna Bay. It is one of the most photographed places in Curaçao and a symbol of the city. The buildings were built in the 18th century and all have their own unique color.
Visit the Kura Hulanda Museum
Located in a beautifully restored downtown district, the Kura Hulanda Museum tells the story of slavery in Curaçao. The museum has an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that take you through the island’s history.
Go shopping in the historic shopping streets
Downtown Willemstad has several historic shopping streets where you can store for souvenirs, clothing and local products. Breedestraat and Heerenstraat are two of the most popular streets for shopping.
Enjoy the local cuisine
Downtown Willemstad has numerous restaurants and eateries where you can enjoy local cuisine. Try local dishes such as stobá, a stew of meat and vegetables, and keshi yena, a stuffed cheese that is fried.
Conclusion
Downtown Willemstad is a wonderful place to visit during your stay in Curaçao. It has a rich history and culture dating back to the 17th century. Explore the colorful commercial district of Punda, admire the famous Handelskade and visit the Kura Hulanda Museum to learn more about the island’s history. Also enjoy the local cuisine and go shopping in the historic shopping streets.
