Punda

Curaçao, Curaçao

Willemstad's historic trading quarter, its waterfront lined with the island's most photographed pastel Dutch facades.

Places in Punda

Otrobanda cafes Cafes with a local, unhurried feel across the bay from Punda's tourist bustle.
Cascada Rooftop Bar + Kitchen Amazing sunset views paired with Korean fried chicken and lobster mac and cheese.
Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge A floating pedestrian bridge connecting Punda and Otrobanda across Sint Anna Bay, swinging open for passing ships.

Best time to visit: Year-round warm and dry, with the island sitting outside the main Caribbean hurricane belt; April to June offers the calmest seas for diving.
Getting around: Willemstad's historic districts are walkable and connected by a pontoon bridge across the bay; a rental car is best for reaching beaches and dive sites around the island.
Currency: Caribbean Guilder / Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG)
Language: Dutch and Papiamentu. English and Spanish are widely spoken.
Timezone: AST (UTC-4)
Current trends: The Pietermaai District's continued restoration of historic townhouses into boutique hotels and bars has made it the island's most fashionable nightlife district, drawing a younger crowd away from the resort strip.

Otrobanda — The district across the bay from Punda, known for beaches and cafes with a slightly more local feel.
Pietermaai District — A restored historic quarter turned the island's most fashionable nightlife district, dense with bars in converted townhouses.