The four districts of historical Willemstad have always been interdependent, with some areas more focused on administration, some more retail or production oriented and always a mix of living options from very modest to very high end. The harbor entrance cuts through Willemstad, with the iconic floating Emma Bridge connecting them.
Points of interest in Punda include Fort Amsterdam, the Handelskade, Marshé Bieuw and the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel synagogue.
Punda is the heart of Willemstad, a lively shopping district that is attracting many unique souvenir shops, mini-museums, brand clothing stores and charming bars and restaurants, from trendy coffee shops to the local barbecue joint. This is the oldest district in Willemstad. The historic Fort Amsterdam and the iconic, colorful Handelskade (trade dock) illustrate that Punda has always functioned as the center of trade on the island.
Points of interest in Otrobanda include lively Brionplein, the charming alley area with the oldest Roman Catholic church and the street art at Ser’I Otrobanda.
Otrobanda, or ‘the other side’, started developing in the second half of the 18 th century. It is now the largest city district, divided into many smaller neighborhoods, each with their distinct charm and unique character. Along the coastal strip there is always something fun to do, while the alley area has held on to its historical residential function. The neighborhood known as Ser’i Otrobanda is being discovered by young creative entrepreneurs, who are combining living and working in the same area.
Points of interest in Scharloo include the street art in the harbor area, the typical houses of Fleur de Marie and the amazing mansions along Scharlooweg.
City district ‘Scharloo’ is split between the harbor area and the business center along Scharloo’s main street. In this last area impressive mansions that have been restored as office buildings are flanked by the occasional villa that is still waiting to be rescued. In the second part of the 19th century mostly Jewish entrepreneurs built their elegant residences here. A little later, in the early 19th century, laborers started building their wooden houses up the hill behind these mansions in a unique architecture with intricate woodworking and galvanized roofs.
Points of interest in Pietermaai include the waterfront restaurants, the former library in Modern Movement style and the cathedral.
While Pietermaai is known as the nightlife area of the city, it is so much more than that. It first developed as a suburb of Punda, some distance from the city wall. After the wall was demolished in 1860, urbanization of ‘Pietermaai Smal’, the area between Pietermaai and Punda, connected the two districts. After decades of abandonment and decay another page was turned at the beginning of the 20th century when restoration projects started, geared towards student housing. With this, different types of hospitality venues also opened in the area. In more recent years a lot of boutique hotels and excellent restaurants and clubs have opened.
As Willemstad has traditionally always been a meeting place for the whole island, We Will Connect once again at the improved public facilities, like sports fields, small parks and playgrounds scattered around the city districts. There is even a city beach. Here and there, urban farms are popping up that neighbors are tending to.
Medical facilities
Government offices
- Civil registry and several government departments
- Cabinet of the governor
Police / justice
- Police stations in Punda & Otrobanda
- Court of Justice (temporarily relocated due to refurbishments)
- Public Prosecutor’s Offices
Marketplaces, Parks & Squares
- Marshe Bieuw
- Marshe Rondo
- Wilhemina Square
- Brion Square
- Gomez Square
- Parke Leyba
The city is accessible by car, public transportation and even by boat. Docking options are available in three of the districts. There is always a car parking spot to be found, either in one of the free parking lots or closer to the shops in a paid parking. Furthermore, the city itself is very walk-able, especially during morning and late afternoon, when the shadows of the buildings cool down the sidewalks. Get a small taste of what it would be to live in one of the thick walled cool buildings by booking your stay-cation or vacation here. There is a great choice of boutique hotels and charming apartments from where you can explore down-town.