Willemstad is the capital of Curaçao, and its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here's what it's like to live, work or stay in the city districts around the harbor and along the coast.
A historic city on the World Heritage list
The historic area of Willemstad, covering the inner city and the harbor, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997. It takes in four old districts around the natural harbor of Sint Anna Bay: Punda and Otrobanda on either side of the bay, plus Pietermaai and Scharloo. The colorful colonial buildings along the waterfront are the best-known image of Curaçao. Living in Willemstad means living in a working city with offices and shops, not in a vacation resort.
Punda and Otrobanda: two sides of Sint Anna Bay
Punda is the oldest part of the city. It grew in the 17th century on the east side of Sint Anna Bay, around Fort Amsterdam (built in 1634), and was the only district with its own walls and ramparts. Otrobanda sits across the water on the west side. Pedestrians cross on the floating Queen Emma Bridge. In Otrobanda you'll find the restored Kura Hulanda village and Rif Fort, which now houses shops and places to eat. Both districts mix living and working, and many buildings have a store or office on the ground floor.
Pietermaai: dining and nightlife
Pietermaai lies east of Punda, right on the sea. The district dates from the 18th century and was quiet for a long time, until many of its historic buildings were restored. Today it's where you go for restaurants and small boutique hotels, with a lively atmosphere, especially at night. If you want city living with places to eat around the corner, this is the obvious choice. Keep in mind that evenings and weekends are busier here than in a residential neighborhood.
Marie Pampoen: between downtown and Mambo Beach
Marie Pampoen sits on the coast between downtown and Mambo Beach, about ten minutes by car from the center. It's more a residential area than a tourist zone. By the beach there's a recreation area with a playground, outdoor fitness equipment, a skatepark and beach volleyball. The water is calm and shallow near the shore, which makes Marie Pampoen a popular spot to learn to snorkel. From this part of the city you can walk to the beaches and beach clubs of Mambo Beach.
Proverties listings in Willemstad
The properties Proverties currently offers in Willemstad appear below this text. They include a colorful vacation home in Marie Pampoen, within walking distance of the beach and the Mambo Beach Boulevard. Property in the city ranges from apartments to commercial buildings. Looking for something specific in Pietermaai or Scharloo? Tell Proverties by WhatsApp or phone at +599 9686 5241, or email [email protected].
Buying or renting downtown: what to check
Many buildings in the historic districts are protected monuments. Extra rules then apply to renovation and restoration, so before you buy, find out whether the building is listed and what that means for your plans. For a home in the center, also look at parking, and at noise if you'll live above or next to a bar or restaurant. Check whether the land is freehold (eigendom) or government leasehold (erfpacht). Closing costs typically come to 6 to 8 percent of the price, including a 4 percent transfer tax. Renting commercial space? Ask whether the rent includes sales tax and what condition the space is delivered in.
Who Willemstad suits
Downtown suits people who enjoy city life and don't want to drive for every cup of coffee. Business owners looking for an office, practice or shop in a characterful building will find options here too. Visitors who want to combine the island with culture often pick Pietermaai or Otrobanda, while Marie Pampoen works better if you want the city close by but prefer to sleep near the beach.
