The Lively Town of Willemstad, Curacao

ROSE & IVY The Lively Town of Willemstad, Curacao

The capital of Curaçao is steeped in history, one that dates back to 1634, when the Dutch took control from the Spanish and set up the island as a trade settlement. Today, the past is still present in the form of stunning architectural details that nod to Holland and narrow lanes that meander through the city center. Willemstad is divided by the Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pontoon connector that knits the two sections of downtown, Punda and Otrobanda, together. For a guide on where to eat and what to do, be sure to read Journal No.11.

Read True Blue in Journal No.11 for our entire guide to Curacao


A weathered facade in Pietermaai.

A weathered facade in Pietermaai.

 
ROSE & IVY The Lively Town of Willemstad, Curacao
 
ROSE & IVY The Lively Town of Willemstad, Curacao
 
The famous view of downtown.

The famous view of downtown.

 
An outdoor table to paint Chichi dolls at Chichi Curacao.

An outdoor table to paint Chichi dolls at Chichi Curacao.

The show-stopping murals in the Scharloo neighborhood.

The show-stopping murals in the Scharloo neighborhood.

 
ROSE & IVY The Lively Town of Willemstad, Curacao
 
The floating market in downtown.

The floating market in downtown.

 
ROSE & IVY The Lively Town of Willemstad, Curacao
A table at Wandu Café

A table at Wandu Café

ROSE & IVY The Lively Town of Willemstad, Curacao

Photography by Alison Engstrom