It’s been about a month since returning from Curaçao and I already want to go back. The capital Willemstad is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is divided into two parts: Punda & Otrabanda (the other side).
My hotel provided free shuttle service to Punda and I took advantage when I did my solo explorations. If you’re not into snorkeling, scuba diving, or water activities, here’s a list of things to do in Willemstad, Curaçao as a solo traveler or on a quick cruise stop.
Do Some Shopping
Searching for the bus to go back to my hotel, I discovered the floating market. Here you can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish. In addition to purchasing food, you can also visit the local shops for souvenirs and gifts for friends and family.
On my first trip to downtown Willemstad, I surveyed the area after my visit to the museums. The cruise ships stopped in the Otrobanda on the second day, so I did most of my shopping in the morning before the “big rush” came in.
Enjoy Curaçaoan Cuisine
My first night in, I had no choice, but to eat at the resort, but once I went to town, I found my way to Plasa Bieu (The Old Market). I was pretty early for lunch, but John from Grasia di Dios hooked me up with stewed iguana with rice, veggies, plantains and cucumber souse (Souse is a pickling method of preparing meats and vegetables). Since my family is from the Caribbean, I told him to bring the pepper sauce so I know it’s real.
On my visit to the Kura Hulanda Museum, I made a stop at the cafe to have Keshi Yena which is an Aruban and Curaçaoan main course dish, consisting of a large round ball of cheese stuffed with spiced meat, served steamed or baked. It reminded me of chili with cheese on top. Because it was at their resort, the price was high, but the food was very good. I needed to find this in the old market.
Visit the Museums
Randomly walking around Willemstad, I stumbled upon the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue. I then learned this is the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere dating back to the 1600s. It was $10 admission and architecture were beautiful. Admission included entry to the Jewish Cultural Historical Museum containing artifacts of over 350 years of Jewish settlement in Curaçao. Pretty cool.
The Kura Hulanda Museum is an absolute MUST see when visiting Willemstad. It is located a few blocks from the Ferry stop to the Otrobanda (or walk across Queen Emma floating pontoon bridge) and there is so much knowledge stored in this place.
It covers topics from the days of Abraham down to present-day covering African kingdoms and culture, the slave trade in the West Indies and North America as well as post-reconstruction. I literally spent two hours here and still don’t think I saw everything. I loved every bit of it and encourage anyone who is interested in world history, Caribbean, or African culture to visit.
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Have you visited Curaçao before?
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Such a beautiful place! I’d be ready to go back too!
The chandelier in the museum is amazing.
I can see why you’re ready to go back to Curacao, your trip sounds amazing. The pictures were beautiful and the food looks delicious. Thanks for allowing us to peek into your trip, great post.
Siobhan
http://www.befreeproject.com
Thanks Siobhan 🙂
I have been wanting to make it to Curacao! This looks gorgeous! Great views.
I definitely recommend it. A lot of people opt to go to Aruba, but I’m very happy I chose their sister island.
Eating is always a major part of my vacationing. I love to try local foods, foods I can’t get at home. That always makes for the best experience.
WOW. Super lovely. I totally enjoy your journey you’re always sharing. I’m here like “Take me with you!!” LOL.
Thanks for sharing details of your trip. Beautiful pictures and the food looks great.
My uncle by marriage is from Curaçao. I’ve always wanted to go. The food and the history would be my biggest draw and of course the beach.
Beautiful pictures and lovely post! The food looks absolutely amazing. I love getting a peek into different cultures.
I loved this post! The food looked delicious. I love to hit the local spots while on vacation. You can find some real jems!
I always love to check out the local food spots when on vacation. Coffee shops, dessert shops, etc – just so I know it’s real.
Our family has come to Curacao for dive vacations for many years. From a simple standpoint, we come downtown at least once on every trip. Usually for dinner at The Gouverneurs. Before that, we cross the Queen Emma for some photos and then have a beverage and a snack at the Green Iguana. Just people watch and observe the boats, big and small come and go at sunset. A simple but wonderful thing we do ever trip
That sounds great! I wanted to cross the floating bridge, but it was under construction. 🙁 I’ll definitely keep these places in mind. Simple, but nice is my motto. Thanks for sharing.
The food looked amazing!! When I visit a new place, I like to check out the local museums and as well but also sample from the “best” eateries. I think you can learn a lot about different cultures (and sub-cultures) by how they eat.
Wow, that Synagogue is really lovely inside and the museum you went to sounds really interesting. I love to do things like that when I travel, see the sighs and I also museums. I love learning about the history of where I am visiting, that’s always a treat! Great post!
Hi thanks for your nice to read article about Curacao, the next time you visit the island dont forget the Maritime Museum nearby Customs Office and the floating market. You will love this museum too!
I was looking for the museum when I was there. Definitely will cross over and check it out next time. Thanks