Attractions of Curacao

The island of Curacao is dotted with intriguing caves, 18th century forts and monuments which are interesting architectural showpieces as well as popular tourist attractions. Also you may come across on your travels, centuries old stalagmites and stalactites that are still in a state of evolution.

Hato Caves

The old coral reefs that lie off the coast at Rooseveldweg are actually the island’s living caves. They house stalagmites and stalactites, and have different chambers, pools of water and even a fresh water waterfall. There are also certain other formations here that, subject to your imagination, can resemble some human and animal forms. A guided tour shall help you explore these spectacular formations. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission charges are around $6 for adults and $5 for children under 13.

Telephone: 868-0379

Queen Emma Bridge

The Queen Emma Bridge, popularly known as 'The Swinging Old Lady'’ is a pedestrian pontoon bridge built across the St. Anna Bay at the end of 19th Century. This swing bridge built on 16 pontoons is a distinctive attraction of Willemstad. Of the total length of the bridge of 167.5 meters, 136.90 meters is moving. The width of the road on the bridge is 9.10 meters.

Wilhelmina Park

The eastern space in the vicinity of Fort Amsterdam was left vacant for over 2 centuries since it remained a field of fire of the Fort. However, after the demolition of the city walls in the mid 19th Century, the ladies' club Entre Nous developed this empty square area as a park on the occasion of the coronation of Queen Wilhelmina in 1898. Wilhelmina Park was officially inaugurated on 31 August, 1898. In due course, the original setup of the park has undergone several changes. On Monuments Day, the park is alive with activity.

Hòfi Pastor (Priest's Orchard)

This unique park located in Scharloo houses a 100-year-old huge kapok tree. This tree is among the island’s most beautiful and old trees. Its white, cottony and fluffy releases about once or twice a year cover the entire ground surrounding it. The park can be explored as you tread along the two trails in the area. This wooded area is ideal for picnics.  

Telephone: 737-3965

The Town Hall ('Stadhuis')

Located in the capital town of Willemstad, this public structure dates back to mid 19th Century. The building presently houses the Parliamentary Hall and the Large Hall of the Court of Justice. The town Hall is also popularly known as Stadhuis and that is probably owing to the fact that initially marriages were also concluded here. 

The Stadhuis bears a neoclassical architectural style apparent in its symmetrical front, the portico with free-standing columns and a tympan, and the clock floor resting on a substructure.

Otrabanda
The western part of old Willemstad is known as Otabanda and it reflects the eighteen and nineteenth century Curacao.  It is a historic and impressive area with its narrow alleys and lanes, old monuments, and fascinating architecture. Many tours company offer guided tours to this area.