Willemstad, Curaçao - Cruise Port
5 Things We Learned, Including A Free Tour!
Sailing into Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, we expected to find the island’s famous Dutch heritage and beautiful architecture. What we didn’t expect were the hidden surprises that make this vibrant Caribbean destination truly unique. From quirky local attractions to the unexpected charm of the street art scene, our first time in Curacao revealed a lot about what this island has to offer beyond the usual tourist spots.
Curacao is one of the Lesser Antilles islands, part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao), located just north of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea. As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curacao draws visitors with its stunning architecture, rich culture, and world-class dining. During our brief stop, we learned a lot about the island, and here are the five most important things we discovered.
1. The Ports Are Super-Central
Curacao’s cruise port is conveniently located, making it easy for visitors to access the best parts of Willemstad. The island has two main docking points: Mega Piers One and Two and Mathey Wharf.
Mega Piers One and Two: These are the larger ports, located on the western end of the island, right next to a shopping mall and a casino. The Rif Fort complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also nearby. This restored historic fort is not just a place to learn about Curacao’s history — it’s also home to a modern shopping mall. You can climb to the top of the fort for great views of St. Anna Bay, and from there, it's just a short walk to Queen Emma Bridge and Punda, the historic district.
Mathey Wharf: This is where our ship docked, and it was a fun and more intimate experience. Mathey Wharf is located in the older section of Otrobanda, and the sail-in is nothing short of scenic. As you approach the port, the Queen Emma Bridge — a floating pontoon bridge — swings open to let ships pass through. It’s one of those unique moments you don’t want to miss, especially when sailing out in the evening. This dock is smaller, but it has its charm and is well-equipped with clean bathrooms and a helpful tourist information desk.
One thing we quickly realized: the parking lot near the docks isn’t the usual tour pick-up point. If you’re looking for tour operators, you’ll find them along the street, just outside the terminal area.
2. The Free Walking Tour Is Totally Worth Your Time
One of the best ways to get to know a city is to explore it with a local, and Curacao’s Free Walking Tours provide just that. The tours last over two hours and cover a wealth of information about the island’s history, culture, and architecture.
Our guide took us through the Otrobanda neighborhood, where we learned about the local murals and the unique street art that defines the area. Then, we crossed over Queen Emma Bridge into Punda, the old town, which is a bit more touristy. While Punda is filled with shops selling trinkets, many of which aren’t locally made, the walking tour exposed us to local artisans and stores that offered true cultural insights.
Our guide was fantastic, patiently answering questions and offering little surprises along the way, like pointing out hidden murals or offering up an amazing city view. These tours are a labor of love, and we highly recommend taking one if you’re in Willemstad. Just be sure to bring some cash for a tip, as the guides work on gratuities. You won’t regret it!
3. The Heat Can Be Savage
If you're planning a visit to Curacao, you should be prepared for the heat. On the day we arrived, the intensity of the sun and the high humidity were almost overwhelming. The UV index in the Caribbean can be dangerously high, and when combined with the sticky humidity, even an 88°F (31°C) day can feel like it’s over 100°F (38°C).
Tips for staying cool: Be sure to carry portable shade (like a hat or umbrella), drink plenty of water, and apply sunscreen often. Cold drinks and ice cream are sold everywhere for a reason! If you're heat-sensitive or have limited mobility, you might want to consider taking a bus tour with air conditioning. However, if the weather’s pleasant, walking around is a great way to explore the city.
The sun’s relentless rays can drain you quickly, so don’t underestimate how tiring it can be to walk around in this heat — but it’s totally worth it once you start discovering the hidden gems around every corner.
4. The City Is an Art Gallery
Willemstad, particularly the Otrobanda neighborhood, is home to some of the most vibrant street art we’ve ever seen. The murals, sculptures, and spontaneous paintings on buildings aren’t just decoration — they are an expression of the community's culture, pride, and creativity.
Otrobanda, a district that’s a little rough around the edges, is where you’ll find the most interesting and unfiltered art. It’s the kind of place where a burned-out house might be transformed into a beautiful mural or sculpture, and where every corner reveals something unexpected. From the streets to the bars and hotels, art is woven into the fabric of this neighborhood.
While Punda is more polished and has its share of art as well, Otrobanda is where you should go if you’re looking for the true spirit of Curacao's street art scene. The murals here aren’t just pretty pictures — they tell stories, capture emotions, and reflect the island’s vibrant community. And be sure to bring your GPS tracker, as the streets can be winding, but getting lost is part of the fun
5. US Dollars Are Widely Accepted
One pleasant surprise during our time in Curacao was the fact that US dollars are widely accepted — even though the island is under Dutch rule and uses the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) as its official currency. You can pay for just about anything with US dollars, and there are plenty of ATMs around that dispense both US dollars and Guilders.
Credit cards are also commonly accepted in most stores and restaurants, so shopping and dining are easy and convenient. With so many options for getting cash and making payments, you’ll never have to worry about currency exchange.
Final Thoughts
Despite the heat, Curacao has definitely earned a spot on our list of must-visit destinations. The island's blend of Dutch heritage, vibrant street art, and warm hospitality makes it a special place, and there’s so much more to explore. From the museums calling my name to the winding streets of Otrobanda, I’m already planning my next trip back. The heat is worth it for the culture, the views, and the adventure waiting around every corner.
So, if you ever find yourself in Willemstad, take the time to explore beyond the touristy spots. Whether you’re discovering the hidden murals, soaking up local history on a walking tour, or simply enjoying the scenery, there’s no shortage of surprises in Curacao.