Willemstad is the capital of Curaçao, the largest of the ABC Islands and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1997. The city is divided in two by the entranceway to the port and the famous Emma Bridge connects the two parts. The floating market with sailors and schooners from South America who sell fish, fruit and even monkeys direct from their ships is a must-see. Other sights include Fort Amsterdam, built in the 17th century, the Curaçao Museum with its old furniture and the oldest synagogue in the western world, Mikve Israel Emmanuel Synagogue, which dates from 1732. The houses in the old town, built in the Dutch colonial style, are also well worth a look. The vibrant port town is the perfect place to take a stroll and do some shopping, since it has many shops and shopping arcades

Tips for excursions

An encounter with the dolphins of Curacao

An exciting interactive dolphin programme for every age, in which you can stroke dolphins. A behavioural researcher will tell the participants about the anatomy of dolphins, their behaviour and survival.

Curacao Marine Aquarium

Trip to a marine aquarium with underwater observatory.

Curacao Island tour

Trip round the island including tour of the main town of Willemstad with its picturesque houses in Dutch colonial style. There is a marvellous view from way above the Queen Juliana Bridge. First stop is in Chobolobo, a manor house in colonial style, in which nowadays in the famous liqueur of Curacao is distilled. Curacao's modern marine aquarium offers fascinating insights into life under the waters of the Caribbean. There then follows a visit to the manor at Brievengat. The trip is rounded off by time for a stroll round the shops in Willemstad.