Port Guide | Curacao | Worth a Wander
Willemstad
Isabella Moreno | Editor
Published on 2025-12-10
Welcome ashore to Willemstad, Curacao-an absurdly colorful slice of the Caribbean that's equal parts laid-back Dutch charm and unapologetic tropical swagger. If your first glimpse of the capital gives you flashbacks to a box of Crayolas, rest assured that's by design; legend says an early governor ordered pastel hues because glaring white buildings gave him migraines (bless him). Today, that migraine-proof brilliance has landed Willemstad on UNESCO's World Heritage list, meaning wandering aimlessly through its candy-colored colonial streets officially counts as cultural enrichment. Step off your floating home onto the whimsically swaying Queen Emma Bridge-affectionately nicknamed the "Swinging Old Lady"-and marvel at Venezuelan traders unloading fresh produce from their boats at the Floating Market. You're only here for a few days, so ditch the tourist playbook early, grab a cold Curacao-spiked concoction, and let Willemstad show you how an island the Dutch colonized for strategic naval power somehow ended up perfecting the fine art of relaxation.
Curacao has 7 Travel Advisories
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Notes from the Editor
Willemstad is famous for its colorful colonial architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Popular attractions include the Queen Emma Bridge and the Floating Market.
Where do cruise ships dock in Willemstad?
Port Name Willemstad
Country Curacao
Region Caribbean
Ship Terminal Cruise Terminal Willemstad
Port Type dedicated port
Accessibility The cruise terminal is located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) from the city center, easily accessible by foot or by local transportation.
What's the weather like in Willemstad?
Best Season to Visit December to April
Climate Tropical savanna climate with warm, dry periods.
Weather Notes The dry season from December to April is ideal for visits. Hurricane season runs from June to November, but Willemstad is usually less affected.
Temperature Range 80F to 88F (27C to 31C)
High Temp 88F
Low Temp 76F
Average Temp 82F
What do I need to know about Willemstad?
Language Dutch
Currency Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population 150,000
Timezone Atlantic Standard Time (AST)
How do I get around Willemstad?
Taxis, local buses, and rental cars are available. Walking to key attractions is also popular due to the proximity.
What are The Best Things to do in Willemstad?
Discover what you should do while you're in Willemstad.
Historical and cultural landmarks
Queen Emma Bridge
Willemstad, Curacao
A unique floating pontoon bridge connecting Punda and Otrobanda, offering scenic city views.
Distance from Terminal: 1.5 miles
Kura Hulanda Museum
Klipstraat 9, Willemstad, Curacao
A museum dedicated to the history of African slave trade in the region.
Distance from Terminal: 1.2 miles
Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue
Hanchi di Snoa 29, Willemstad, Curacao
Visit the oldest surviving synagogue in the Americas with sand-covered floors.
Distance from Terminal: 1.5 miles
Fort Amsterdam
Punda, Willemstad, Curacao
A historic fort now housing the Governor's Palace and a church.
Distance from Terminal: 1.5 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Christoffel National Park Jeep Safari
N/A
Explore the largest national park in Curacao with a guided jeep safari.
Distance from Terminal: 24.8 miles
Playa Kalki Snorkeling
Westpunt, Curacao
Famed for its vibrant underwater life and stunning coral formations.
Distance from Terminal: 27.4 miles
Tugboat Beach Diving
N/A
Dive and discover the famous shallow wrecked tugboat site.
Distance from Terminal: 8 miles
Shete Boka National Park
Boca Tabla, Curacao
Explore the sea caves and witness stunning, rugged coastal views.
Distance from Terminal: 24.1 miles
Boka Tabla
Shete Boka National Park, Curacao
A dramatic coastal site where waves crash into an underground cave.
Distance from Terminal: 24.5 miles
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Curacao Liqueur Distillery Tour
129 Caracasbaaiweg, Willemstad, Curacao
Tour the historic distillery where the famous Blue Curacao is made.
Distance from Terminal: 6 miles
Klein Curacao Day Trip
N/A
Enjoy a boat trip to a tiny uninhabited island for snorkeling and beach relaxation.
Distance from Terminal: 20 miles
Punda Vibes
Punda, Willemstad, Curacao
Enjoy a vibrant evening street festival with local food and music.
Distance from Terminal: 1.5 miles
A Little Extra
Curacao Ostrich Farm
Weg naar Groot St. Joris z/n, Willemstad, Curacao
Encounter ostriches and enjoy feeding sessions on this interactive farm.
Distance from Terminal: 11 miles
Curacao Sea Aquarium
Bapor Kibra Z/N, Willemstad, Curacao
An interactive marine park featuring a variety of exotic marine life.
Distance from Terminal: 6.9 miles
Flamingo Sanctuary at Jan Kok
Jan Kok, Curacao
Observe flocks of flamingos in their natural habitat in the salt flats.
Distance from Terminal: 13 miles
Marshe Bieuw
Sha Caprileskade, Willemstad, Curacao
Experience authentic local cuisine at the Old Market with a variety of traditional dishes.
Distance from Terminal: 1.6 miles
Floating Market
Punda, Willemstad, Curacao
A colorful market where Venezuelan merchants sell fresh produce from boats.
Distance from Terminal: 1.4 miles
Curacao Regional Tip
N/A N/A