Curacao’s UNESCO listed capital, famous for its pastel colored Dutch colonial waterfront.
Why Visit Willemstad
Willemstad’s Handelskade waterfront, a row of gabled Dutch colonial buildings painted in bright pastel colors, is one of the most photographed cityscapes in the Caribbean and earned the historic district UNESCO World Heritage status. The city sits outside the Caribbean hurricane belt, giving it more reliable year round weather than many island destinations.
Top Experiences
- Handelskade waterfront: A row of pastel colored Dutch colonial gabled buildings, one of the most photographed views in the Caribbean.
- Queen Emma Bridge: A floating pontoon bridge connecting Willemstad’s two historic districts, swinging open for ship traffic.
- Kura Hulanda Museum: A museum covering the transatlantic slave trade, housed in a restored merchant’s compound.
- Curacao Sea Aquarium and diving: Access to some of the Caribbean’s best shore diving, aided by the island’s location outside the hurricane belt.
Book these experiences and more through guided tours from Willemstad.
Costumizable East to West Curaçao Island Tour Experience
Costumizable Private Curaçao Jewish Heritage Tour Experience
West Curaçao ATV Tour: Desert & Cave - Flamingo - Turtles...
Guided Shore Dive for Certified Divers with Scubaçao (1 tank)
Practical Tips
- Curacao sits outside the main Caribbean hurricane belt, making it a more weather reliable destination much of the year.
- The Queen Emma Bridge swings open periodically for boat traffic, a mini spectacle worth timing a visit around.
- Willemstad’s historic district is compact and best explored on foot.
FAQ
Why is Willemstad’s waterfront famous?
The Handelskade’s row of pastel colored Dutch colonial buildings is one of the most photographed cityscapes in the Caribbean, part of its UNESCO listing.
Is Curacao outside the hurricane belt?
Yes, its southern Caribbean location keeps it largely outside the main hurricane belt, giving it more consistent weather.
Is Willemstad good for diving?
Yes, Curacao is known for some of the best accessible shore diving in the Caribbean.
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