Over the course of two days, I had the pleasure of experiencing the island’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture through two distinct tours.
The first tour began on Friday at 4:30 PM, at the iconic Riffort in Willemstad. Our guide gave us a fascinating introduction to the fort’s history, explaining its purpose and significance in the island’s maritime heritage. We also learned about the Queen Emma Bridge, an iconic symbol of the city. After the briefing, we continued our walk with a bottle of water in hand, heading towards the charming Kura Hulanda Village.
This hidden gem of Otrobanda, a beautifully renovated area full of cozy restaurants, shops, and a museum, felt like a secret waiting to be discovered. Our guide led us through the neighborhood, pointing out beautiful murals and artwork along the way. The tour wrapped up at the Bario Hotel, where we could unwind with a delicious dinner and a drink, reflecting on the history and culture we had just experienced.
On Saturday morning, I met up with the group at 9 AM at the famous Curaçao sign in Wilhelminapark, Punda. This marked the start of our almost three-hour walking tour through the picturesque streets of Punda. Our guide, Gisella, shared incredible insights into the history of the island as we wandered through Wilhelminapark and towards the fort, admiring the colorful buildings and the intricate coral stone architecture.
The tour took us through the narrow, vibrant streets of Punda, passing by landmarks like the famous Pontjesbrug, the Chichi store, the oldest synagogue, and the charming little shops that give the city its unique atmosphere. Along the way, we received bottles of water to keep us refreshed while Gisella continued to share her knowledge about life on the island.
The tour ended at the floating market, where we explored various exotic fruits and soaked in the lively atmosphere. It was an informative and engaging walk that provided a deeper understanding of the island’s culture, history, and daily life.
