I expected Willemstad to be pretty. That part is pretty easy to assume from the photos: the bright Dutch facades along Handelskade, the harbor, the floating Queen Emma Bridge, the mint-aqua hue of the sparkling Caribbean water. What I did not expect was how much there was to do besides taking in the beautiful views.
Williamsted Curacao
Curaçao’s capital is not the kind of place you see only want to once from a cruise pier or pass through on the way to a resort. It's a city worth staying in, with neighborhoods that feel distinct from one another: Punda for cafés, shops and those famous candy-colored waterfront buildings; Otrobanda for murals, museums and streets with a true local and cultural identity; Pietermaai for boutique hotels, cocktail bars and restaurants touching almost every type of cuisine available.
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Related: Curaçao Is About to Get Its First Marriott All-Inclusive Resort
Why Now
Marriott
"There’s always something happening—from new restaurants and cocktail spots to local art, live music and cultural events that bring the streets to life," Speelman says. "As someone in hospitality, you can really feel the momentum around the island right now. This summer adds another exciting layer, with Curaçao stepping onto the global stage as the smallest country competing in the FIFA World Cup."
“Willemstad feels like one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets that people are finally starting to discover," Speelman says. "The city has this incredible mix of culture, creativity, food, nightlife, and waterfront energy that keeps evolving while still feeling authentic and relaxed."
Related: This Jamaican All-Inclusive Was Just Named No. 1 in the Caribbean—and It's Independently Owned
Where to Stay
Williamsted
Avila Beach Hotel is the better fit if you want to split time between the city and the sand, since it has two private beaches, waterfront rooms and apartment-style accommodations. In Punda, Elements Hotel & Shops works well for travelers who want to be closer to Handelskade, the Queen Emma Bridge and the cruise-port side of the city, with 43 rooms and suites, a rooftop pool and a rooftop restaurant with city and sea views. Families or groups who want more space can look at Beach House Pietermaai, a two-bedroom oceanfront Airbnb in the historic Pietermaai District with a full kitchen, private pool deck and easy walking access to restaurants, shops and Punda.
Related: This Is One of the Most Relaxing Caribbean Islands for Families—and It's Not the Bahamas
Sandals
“Willemstad’s resorts stand out because the experience feels connected to the island, not separate from it. At Sandals Royal Curaçao, guests get that mix of luxury and laid-back Caribbean energy the moment they arrive. You’re surrounded by the calm waters of Spanish Water Bay, with incredible views, great food, cocktails, music and this relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in right away," says Speelman.
Where to Play & Eat
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To get a taste of the local culinary scene, stop at Marshe Bieu, also known as the Old Market. Here, order kabritu stoba, a rich local goat stew, or try fried fish with funchi, plantains and pika, the island’s hot sauce. Keshi yená, a baked Dutch cheese stuffed with spiced meat, olives and vegetables, is another Curaçao classic worth seeking out. For something quick, look for pastechi, a flaky pastry filled with cheese, beef or fish. Later, head to the waterfront for grilled snapper, lobster or lionfish ceviche, or to Pietermaai for rooftop cocktails, late dinners and a more city-like night out.
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Shopping adds another way in to understanding the DNA of the city, especially in Punda, where locally owned boutiques and artisan shops sell handmade jewelry, Caribbean-inspired fashion, local art, spices, sauces and Curaçao liqueur. Families will find the city easy to explore too, with walkable neighborhoods, nearby beaches, casual restaurants and plenty to do between meals.
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