Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, is a colourful blend of colonial charm and Caribbean energy. Nestled along the shores of the Caribbean Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its brightly painted Dutch colonial buildings, historic harbour, and dynamic atmosphere. At just 61 km (38 miles) long and 14 km (9 miles) wide, beautiful Curacao is a small but fascinating palm-fringed island, and Willemstad is its beating heart. With a rental car, you can easily explore the capital and venture further afield to uncover Curacao's natural beauty and rich culture - there are a good range of hire car options at Curacao’s Hato International Airport (CUR). If you’ve pre-booked, simple head to the rental car desks in the Arrivals Hall for a smooth start to your holiday. Once you’ve picked up your luggage, clearer customs and got the keys to your ride, the open road awaits! The drive into Willemstad is an absolute treat. 

Whether you're visiting Willemstad for its historic sites, bustling streets, or pristine beaches, a rental car gives you the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. A compact car is perfect for navigating Willemstad’s narrow streets, while an SUV or 4x4 offers a more comfortable ride if you plan to discover the island’s rugged terrain. The city’s stunning architecture, with its vibrant pastel buildings and picturesque waterfront, sets the tone for your Curacao adventure. From the bustling streets of the capital to the idyllic beaches nearby, there’s so much to see and do in Willemstad. The island offers something for every kind of traveller—from diving and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters to visiting colourful markets and taking in spectacular views from scenic drives. Willemstad is located on the southwestern coast of the island, overlooking a natural harbour known as the Schottegat. It is split into two main districts, Punda and Otrobanda, separated by the Sint Anna Bay and connected by the iconic Queen Emma Bridge, a brightly-painted floating pontoon. Willemstad is a bustling hub for shopping, dining, and local culture, with a variety of markets, boutiques, and eateries offering a mix of local dishes and international cuisine.

The famous Floating Market takes place along the waterfront in Punda and is operated by Venezuelan merchants who bring fresh produce, seafood, and goods directly from Caracas. Expect to find fresh tropical fruits like papayas, mangos, and bananas, locally caught fish such as red snapper and grouper and lots of fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables used in Curaçaoan cooking. The Marshe Bieuw (Old Market) is another Punda institution and is a food court-style setup where visitors can sample traditional Curaçaoan dishes. Try Keshi Yena (stuffed cheese with spiced meat or chicken), Funchi (a cornmeal side dish similar to polenta), Guiambo (okra soup) and Pastechi (fried pastries stuffed with cheese, chicken, or beef). Willemstad is a foodie’s paradise, with its rich blend of Caribbean, Dutch, and Latin influences a truly authentic flavour of the city. Pop up food stalls and street vendors sell cornmeal cakes often stuffed with cheese or meat, fresh tropical fruit smoothies and delicious Sate ku Batata, a skewered meat of Indonesian influences served with fries and peanut sauce. Browse Willemstad’s inviting mix of high-end boutiques, local craft stores, and souvenir shops for locally made Curaçao liqueur in distinctive bottles, traditional art and handicrafts, like Chichi dolls, sea salt scrubs and locally made aloe vera products, Caribbean spices and hot sauces and handwoven baskets and shell jewellery.