Cruise ship in Willemstad © randal-shwartz
Overview:
Part of the ABC chain of islands which make up the Lesser
Antilles, the vibrant island of Curacao greets visitors with its
trademark brightly pastel-coloured houses. Discovered by the
Spanish in 1499, the Dutch eventually settled here in 1634 and this
can still be seen in the colonial architecture. Key sights include
the limestone Hato Caves, the Landhuis Chobolobo where visitors can
see how Curacao liqueur is made, the Amstel brewery and Mikve
Israel-Emanuel, the oldest synagogue still in use in the New World.
Ships dock at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Willemstad, which
has become a bustling cosmopolitan city with an old-world European
charm. The city is split into two halves by the Santa Anna Bay to
create two quarters, namely Punda and Otrobanda. Larger ships dock
at the new Curacao Mega Pier, while the smaller variety dock at the
Curacao Cruise terminal.
Contact:
Curacao Tourist Board, Pietermaai 19
Tel: +(5999) 434 8200
www.curacao.com
info@curacao.com
Transport:
Taxis are easily available at the port, but passengers should
negotiate and agree on a fare before hand. Passengers travelling on
common urban routes can jump on a 'collective' car or van. These
are identified by the word 'bus' on the license plate. Avis and
Budget have car rental offices in Curacao. Visitors to Curacao can
walk to the Queen Emma Bridge, a landmark floating pedestrian
bridge. However, if the bridge is up, a free ferry ride to the
other side is available.
Attractions:
With wonderful art galleries showcasing everything from
traditional to post-modern 'Bumper Art', Curacao's creative
community is bustling. Don't miss the anthropological Museum Kura
Hulanda, which displays African exhibits dating from 500 BC and
other Curacao cultures, while the Curacao Sea Aquarium is a must
for the whole family.
Restaurants:
- Iguana Café - casual eatery with great food and wonderful
views of downtown
- Jaanchi's Restaurant - in Westpunt, great Antillean cuisine
- Bistro Le Clochard - romantic gourmet Swiss/French cuisine with
Caribbean touches
Best dish: Red snapper and conch meat
Shopping:
Punda is the main shopping area of Willemstad and the quaint
pedestrian-only streets are reminiscent of a small European town.
Most shops are within walking distance of each other and a wide
selection of European clothing, French perfumes, Japanese
electronics, Irish crystal, English china, Italian leathers and
Chinese embroidered linen tablecloths can be found at this
international trade hub.
Best buy: Curacao liqueur
Excursions:
- Snorkel or scuba dive in the Mushroom forest
- Visit the Curacao Sea Aquarium
- Check out Cas Abao Beach on Banda Abao
- Experience Curacao Ostrich & Game Farm
- Visit Den Paradera
