Picture this, you are walking on the street of Amsterdam yet the weather is as tropical as you can get. Paradise? Nope. Willemstad? Yes. Like Amsterdam, Willemstad has lots of narrow buildings along the canal. Walking on the streets of Willemstad is like walking the streets of Amsterdam, the only difference is the climate and the buildings are more colorful.
Willemstad is the capital of Curacao. Listed as one of the World Heritage Sites, it is the only one in the Caribbean. With a total land mass of 450 square meters and a population of 125,000 inhabitants; Willemstad is the seat of the Netherlands Antilles Government. Willemstad has two sectors, Otrobanda and Punda which is divided by the St. Anna bay, an inlet that flows directly into Schottegat (Curacao’s large natural harbor) with only a long pontoon bridge connecting the two. Punda was founded by the Dutch when it was captured from the Spaniards in 1634 while Otrobanda was established in 1707. Otrobanda is also regarded as the cultural center of Willemstad.
Willemstad offers an array of colonial design. Rich in history and culture, Many of Willemstad’s architectural designs are influenced by the Dutch. Its buildings are tall and vibrant in color which brings an air of Amsterdam to the tropics.
Willemstad has many interesting place. On the Punda district, there are lots of duty free shops that attract the visitors of Willemstad. There’s the Floating Market, where traders from nearby Venezuela, Colombia as well as the West Indian Islands gather together to vend their wares such as fruits, vegetables spices and crafts. There is also an 18th century stronghold that was once occupied by the Dutch West India Company.
On the Otrobanda side of Willemstad (accessible by the Koningin Emmabrug Bridge), there are also lots of 18th and 19th century structures. There is a liqueur factory called “Senior Curacao Liqueur”; where visitors get the chance to sample the local brews (which produces beer from seawater, quite interesting isn’t it?). There is also the Kura Hulanda Museum, a museum that showcases a lot of ancient civilizations of West Africa and has documents of the history of Curacao and the Caribbean slave trade.
If you are walking down the streets of Willemstad you’ll find out how comfortable and fascinating it would be. Even if you’ll go shopping on the busy Floating Market, you will find it rather enjoying. Willemstad is truly a world heritage.
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Willemstad: The Best Of Both Worlds
... other side") founded in 1707 is located at other side of the Sta. Anna Bay, and is quickly becoming a commercial center; with a wide variety of hotels and restaurants. There are also lots of 18th and 19th century structures in this part of Willemstad, Curacao. The city of Willemstad, Curacao has an array of colonial architecture that Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage is influenced by the Dutch. The city itself has a European look that most people would consider Willemstad a city in the West Indies. Its city center has been made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its atypical architecture and stunning harbour entry. Dining-out is also famous in Willemstad. Open air dining is offered in Waterfront Arches during the evenings. Some restaurants have a terrace overlooking the ocean. Willemstad is the site of a seaport because of its location. The port of Willemstad has brought the island success in the economy. Willemstad is also a center for oil refining...
Curacao Island
... by occasional and short showers (occasionally during nighttime with a warm and sunny weather during the day). The total annual rainfall is only 22 inches. The local population is over 130,000 and is made up of 55 nationalities. Curacao island's capital city is Willemstad. It is the only city in Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage Netherlands Antilles. Curacao island is one of the five islands that made up of the Netherlands Antilles (the other islands are Bonaire, Saint Martin, Saint Eustatius and Saba). Their official language is Dutch. Most of the population speaks English, Spanish and Papiamento (a combination Dutch, French, Spanish and Portuguese language). Willemstad, Curacao island's capital is home of the island's rich culture and history. The capital city has much to offer, from shopping to sightseeing to dining and most especially the festivities. While Willemstad is said to be the...
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Golf Vacation
... by more than two million of people every year not only for the world class golf it offers, but more for the natural wonders that it provides. And since the island has few of the world's largest and luxurious golf courses, it's no wonder that today the Hilton Head Island is named as the Golf Island resort. There are a number of golf courses to choose from for your Hilton Head Island, South Carolina golf vacation. Each of these courses features a number of great things that are worth considering. A number Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage of challenges are present, and much to your delight, these courses gives you the chance to experience that best of its nature, including the spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, the forests,...
Curacao Map
... an idea of where to stay when you are in Curacao. The Curacao map is downloadable. Just right-click on the image and then choose "save picture Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage as ". It is a very detailed map. It doesn't just feature the names of certain places, it also has details of what hotel or resort is on that area. It shows the location of places where you can shop and place where one can dine. A very important tool for those who love to go shopping and also useful for those who love to dine. It also shows historic sites, places of interest for you to go and most of all the, beaches (one of the most important places to visit when your in Curacao.). It also has the location of all must see places in Curacao and all the Kodak outlets (after you have visited the interesting areas you can go and have your picture developed on the outlet nearest you. http://www.ehi.com/travel/carib/bonaire/hot_map2.html Another website where...
Island Of Curacao
... declared a "World Heritage Site" by the UNESCO in 1997 because of its colorful architecture. Though it is located within the hurricane belt, the island of Curacao seldom experience rain (rainfall does not exceed 21".). The island of Curacao is flat; its highest elevation is only 1,239 feet (Mount Cristoffel). Visitors of the island could get a glimpse of the local flora and fauna on the Cristoffel National Park which is located north of the island. Jagged with natural bays and coves, Curacao has plenty of undeveloped beaches. Its northern coastline is jagged with rocks and cliffs which is quite opposite of the southern coastline which is filled with beaches. While the northern coast has very strong current and doesn't have beaches the southern coast has crystal clear and unbelievable calm water. Shore diving is very popular in the island because of its unique coastline. The island of Curacao's seafloor drops very steeply just within a few hundred feet Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage from the shore. The island of Curacao has no...
Hotels In Curacao
... relaxing stay. One of the hotels in Curacao with historic value is the Avila Beach Hotel. Its significant structure dating back to the end of the 17th century is a famous tourist attraction. Possibly Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage not the best but definitely a place to consider is the Plaza Hotel Curacao. A three-star hotel with over two hundred rooms, this hotel is a sure addition to the list of good hotels in Curacao. Curacao Marriot Beach Resort & Emerald Casino is considered one of the top hotels in Willemstad. It has 247 guest rooms, several water activities like diving, and a casino to top it off. This well-known hotel indeed deserves some consideration. These are only a few of the many hotels in Curacao. Generally, whether you're traveling to a tropical place like the Caribbean or to somewhere with snowcapped mountains, choosing the best place to stay is the biggest hassle. What's with budget concerns to consider, its accessibility to the airport, the food, and of course its customer...
Valetta walking tours is a stroll in the largest open museum
For the one of a kind holiday experience or adventure journey, visit Valetta, the capital of Malta. People say that Valetta walking tours is a stroll in the largest open museum in the world. Being UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, you’re sure to see an attraction waiting to be discovered just around each corner. Valetta is rich in history and culture unique to the Mediterranean. Museums, parks, harbors, historical sites, and not to mention the nightlife in Valetta is humming for the party-savvy tourists. The best way to discover what Valetta has to offer is on foot on Valetta walking tours.
Curacao Landmarks
... water activities to a quiet scenery-watching, the beaches are the core reasons of a tourists' visit. Architectural fanatics have their own paradise among Curacao Landmarks. Interesting sights would be the Fort Amsterdam and the Landhuis Ascencion. The latter is now a recreation center where one can hear local music, watch Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage shows and buy some souvenir items. The Tafelberg and Landhuis Brakkeput is a must-see as well. Hopeless romantics would go gaga over this particular Curacao Landmark. From a historical eighteenth-century plantation structure, it has transformed into an open-air restaurant. It promises a memorable romantic evening with its superb menu, great Caribbean music & tropical ambiance. This famous restaurant caters to a quiet dinner for two, to a posh party of up to a thousand...
Where Is Curacao
... safe place. However, precautions are still advised when traveling alone or away from main roads especially at night. Curacao is free from diseases associated with most tropical places, although mosquitoes are nuisances especially during rainy days. Sunburn is also very common to a Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage hot island like Curacao. Shopping is a big thing in Curacao. Wandering along Willemstad, Curacao's capital city, one can find the most-talked about duty-free merchandise. Willemstad also takes you back in time with all the splendid historic structures. Charming restaurants and cozy hotels can also be found within the city. The music of Curacao is basically derived from Africa, Europe, US, Latin America and the Caribbean. Its official beat, Tambu, is created using the drums and the chapi (hoe). Tambu is widely used in the carnival festivities in Curacao happening from just before Lent....
Lee Greif - Started the Jewish Heritage Foundation
... be helped at a Jewish hospital. The hospital was losing that average of $2 million a year, however, and something needed to be done to correct the issue. The bids began to pour in once it had been made public that Menorah was seeking out a partner. While many of the companies were approached by the hospital in hopes of reaching an agreement, a Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage few bids came in without a request from the hospital. Columbia, a larger, powerhouse-type company without a hospital in the Kansas City market, came in with an unexpected and unprovoked bid. After Columbia made their bid public and sent their letter of intent, a bidding war began to unfold in a suddenly competitive Kansas City market. The hospital was sold, and some of the money from the sale helped to fund the Jewish Heritage Foundation. ...
Curacao Island Map
... I wouldn't say you're strange. Curacao may look and feel slightly different from what you have read on your research. After all, you would finally be seeing how understated the beaches were and how unspoiled nature really can be. If you don't feel confident driving around yourself, be comforted with the presence of a Curacao Island map. And as a helpful tip, NEVER Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage pay for a map while in Curacao. They are given free-of-charge. Some establishments though, like hotels, will charge you for one. The centuries-old Werbata Maps are available in the bookstores and are suited to those seeking adventure. This type of map is Curacao Island's first topographical map, and will likely lead to some unspoiled parts of Curacao. A lot of websites...
Curacao Hotels
Guaranteed to have a fantastic experience on an exotic island. Plaza Hotel Curacao A perfect place to rest after exploring the island. Located at the mouth of the harbor in the center of the vibrant Willemstad. Places of interest and downtown shops are just a stone's-throw away from the hotel. Just a walking distance from the Floating Market and Fort Amsterdam. Avila Beach Hotel At the center of the Avila Beach, one can find a stunning Dutch Colonial style mansion which serves as the lobby and executive offices of the hotel. Highly recommended for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Floris Suite This is one of the many first-class Curacao hotels. Offers straight-forward luxury and a Dutch Colonial style with Caribbean outlook, resort. Designed by Jan des Bouvrie, a leading designer in Holland. There is also an association of apartments and small hotels in Curacao that is supported and acknowledged by the Curacao Tourism Board. It promises quality, comfort and reliability, and they are cheaper than the ones above. You can visit...
Curacao Photos
Almost all of Curacao's hotels and resorts have well-tended gardens, where different bird species are frequent visitors. Visits to Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage famous sights will add to your Curacao photos. A peek at the Hato Caves will give you more than a bunch of photos to bring home. Countryside visit will take you to the unspoiled nature of Curacao. Horseback riding and jeep safaris will surely let you bond with nature. Magnificent old structures that have played significant roles in history can still be seen in Curacao. Old plantation structures, some of which were converted into restaurants are undeniably the best places to dine. A visit to Curacao's city, Willemstad, is best when the carnivals happen. These festivities, celebrated just before Lent, are famous reasons to visit Curacao. Locals in colorful costumes dance along the street to Curacao's official beat, the Tumba. These famous mardi gras parades welcome the tourists to join in on the march as well....
Curacao Culture
... form of dance and music. The main foundation of "tambu" is drumming. Farm tools were the first instruments used by the slaves. The slaves later on converted cargo containers, which are hollow, and covered it with dried goatskin into drums. The rhythm is accompanied by a type of dance called "baila ban". In this form of dance, the partners only make contact through their bodies and hips, with the feet leaving in place while dancing through the rhythm of the drums. Although this tradition was banned by the slave masters and the Catholic Church, this tradition somehow survived. At present time tambu is celebrated each year and famously known as "Tambu Festival"; tambu is also perform Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage in various festivities, like the "Curacao Carnival" and other cultural festivals. One can say that the Curacao culture is very rich in music and...
Curacao Airport
... these new regulations for their own safety. Here are some tips on how to speed up their process: 1. Check in at least two hours before departure time. 2. When passing through a security checkpoint, have your identification (government issued) ready. 3. Dress for a flight. If you set off a highly sensitive detector, it might mean there will be a more detailed search. Avoid wearing steel-toed shoes and metal belts. If you have a surgical implant, obtain a note from your doctor stating so (it will shorten the discussion with the airport security.). Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage 4. Pack wisely. If you have food and drinks with you, it's best that you put them in your carry-on luggage some edible items set off bomb detectors. Avoid carrying wrapped presents with you, it look suspicious to the airport security. An association of airport partners of Curacao, more known as "Curacao Airport Partners" led by the company "Alterra Curacao Holdings, started a thirty year agreement last August...