Otrobanda & Punda Historic Walking Tour: Exploring Willemstad’s Dutch Architecture
3.9
16 Ratings
Willemstad
Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning Dutch architecture of Willemstad on this guided walking tour. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit iconic landmarks like Fort Amsterdam and the Governor's Palace, and indulge in local treats along the way.
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Brionplein - The main square of the city
  • Kura Hulanda Village and Spa - Jump back in time while walking through this historical area that features many restored buildings that are now part of the Kura Hulanda Village and Spa
  • Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge - We will be crossing the floating drawbridge that connects both sides of the city. If the bridge is open, due to ship traffic, you will make use of the local ferries.
  • Fort Amsterdam - See Fort Amsterdam, built in 1635 and today is home to the Governor’s Palace. A beautiful Protestant church is situated in the rear of its courtyard.
  • Handelskade - Multi-colored Dutch colonial style merchant houses. These houses are perfect models for great Curacao vacation pictures and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Floating Market - We will be passing the former floating market where fresh fruits and vegetables used to be brought from Venezuela by schooner. Currently, local farmers and fishermen offer their products
  • Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue - During the walk you will also pass the oldest active synagogue of the Western Hemisphere, built in 1732.
  • Wilhelminaplein - Around this square you will see some important government buildings and in the middle the DUSHI CURACAO letters, which is a great vacation photo opportunity.
What's Included
  • English/Dutch speaking guide
  • Snacks
What's Not Included
  • Due to contracts with the Cruise Lines, we are not allowed to sell this tour to Cruise passengers
Additional Information

Explore Willemstad’s Dutch historic architecture on a guided walking tour of the historic city & Unesco World Heritage Site.
Your walking tour begins at the main square Brion Plein of the city. From here we walk to the Kura Botanica Hotel.
After this stop, you travel along the waterway to the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. Cross the waterway by bridge or ferry, then head to Willemstad’s historic downtown district. See Fort Amsterdam, the Governor’s Palace. We stop to delight your tastebuds with a delicious local made popsicle and continue for a brief stop at the local marketplace, where they sell food and other interesting items. During the walk you will also pass the oldest active synagogue of the Western Hemisphere.

Location
Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort
Gouverneur van Slobbeweg
At the bus stop at the (harborside) entrance of Rif fort. Your guide will be wearing a green polo shirt.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.9
(16 Ratings)
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521christianb
Nov 25, 2023
Great tour with historic information - Nice tour through Willemstad. Lots of historic information. Unfortunately we were not able to go inside Fort Amsterdam because of a protest, but it was still a great tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Totalgourmand
Mar 11, 2023
Fascinating walk - The city is divided in to two parts by the St. Anna Bay. On the left on entering the bay is the Punda (The Point) and on the right is the Otrobanda (Outside). The two side are linked by Queen Emma pontoon bridge which moves sideways to let marine traffic through. It was the only direct link between the two sides until the Queen Juliana Bridge was built in 1974, at 185 foot high it is the highest bridge in the Caribbean. Two forts, one on either side of the inlet were built to defend the city. Amsterdam Fort on the Punda, built in 1735, has fended off Spain, France, Germany, England and Venezuela; a cannonball fired by Captain Bligh is still embedded in one of the walls. The Punda is a maze of narrow streets with markets, cafès, museums, cathedrals and Synagogues; all painted in many different colours.as constructed in 1974, at 185 foot high it is the highest bridge in the Caribbean. The Curaçoans have accepted their heritage of the peoples who migrated Europe to escape religious persecution. Jews from Spain and France, Huguenots Protestants from France and slave traders from rest of Europe. Their house have been preserved beautifully. On crossing the Queen Emma Pontoon bridge to the Otrabanda the colourfully painted buildings were previous maritime buildings, many have been converted in to luxury hotels.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dan_r
Apr 23, 2022
Don’t miss this tour! - Elizabeth was not only very knowledgeable, but enthusiastic and fun. We give her a 100% recommendation! Dan and Jessica Rickard 😊🙏
Review provided by Viator
Bowlingtraveler_567
Jan 1, 2022
Well work the time - We took the walking tour as an excursion off the cruise ship Magic on Dec 8th. Myrea was our tour guide, she was very knowledgeable and informative. The tour was well worth the time. Thanks you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen_c
Jun 10, 2021
Beautiful city and educational tour - Magda was a fabulous guide and host. She gave us historical and cultivated insights along the way. I would recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Rob_d
Mar 25, 2022
History, background and tips providing a jump start to Willemstad - As always having a guide showing you what is behind the things you see works well. Punda and Otrobanda have such an intersting history and this way that became clear. Our guide was very good at this and threw in lots of personal experiece as well. We followed up on many of her recommendations afterwards.
Review provided by Viator
Leonweissman
Mar 3, 2022
Nice experience but lacking in depth - We were a little disappointed in not hearing more of the history of the town - no discussion at all of Rif Fort which is a significant landmark
Review provided by Viator
Prithi_r
Aug 5, 2021
This is Not an English tour. - This is advertised as an English tour but it’s in Dutch. The guide made efforts to translate but still did not get as much information as was given in Dutch and had to be reminded a few times to translate.
Review provided by Viator
Ec333
Feb 29, 2024
Cancelled on us - They cancelled last minute on us. I guess not enough people to interest them. We walked around the town. Nice spot....cruise ships in so busy. But a few forts and sights to see. Walking bridge is unique.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bethan_b
Dec 3, 2020
Too big of a group with covid time - We were expecting a small group with the covid time. It was a group of 20 people , how can you except to keep your distance with this big of a group. Fbbt could have emailed us about this. Well waste of money! We did a private tour with freewalkintourcuracao.com Kevin was very good in what he does. Thanks
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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