Cruise ship in Willemstad © randal-shwartz
Overview:
Part of the ABC chain of islands which make up the Lesser
Antilles, the vibrant island of Curaçao greets visitors with
its trademark bright pastel-coloured houses. First discovered by
the Spanish in 1499, Curaçao was eventually settled by the
Dutch in 1634, a heritage clearly reflected in the distinctive and
colourful colonial architecture of port Willemstad.
Key sights in Willemstad include the limestone Hato Caves, the
Landhuis Chobolobo where visitors can see how Curaçao
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 distinct areas, namely Punda and Otrobanda.
Larger ships dock at the new Curaçao Mega Pier, while the
smaller variety dock at the Curaçao Cruise terminal.
Contact:
Curaçao 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 Curaçao. Visitors to
Curaçao 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', Curaçao's creative
community is bustling. Don't miss the anthropological Museum Kura
Hulanda, which displays African exhibits dating back to 500 BC and
other Curaçao cultural exhibitions, while the Curaçao
Sea Aquarium is a must for the whole family.
Restaurants:
- The Wine Cellar - excellent seafood in a romantic setting
- Mr Congas - Cuban food and good mojitos on the harbourfront
- Pirate Bay Beach Bar - seafood in a relaxed and fun setting with
a live salsa band
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: Curaçao liqueur
Excursions:
- Snorkel or scuba dive in the Mushroom forest
- Visit the Curaçao Sea Aquarium
- Check out Cas Abao Beach on Banda Abao
- See the Curaçao Ostrich & Game Farm
- Visit Den Paradera
