playbook
Morning in Willemstad
Walk through Punda and Otrobanda before the cruise ships arrive, cross the floating bridge, and have lunch with a view of the Handelskade. Back before rush hour.
5u
duration
⏠30â80
budget
Ground
pace
Willemstad looks different in the morning. Before ten o'clock the cruise ships haven't docked yet, and people stroll leisurely across the Koningin Emmabrug from Punda to Otrobanda and back. Leave Jan Thiel early, park on the Otrobanda side and then cross on foot. The bridge sways gently with the movement of the water, you get used to it quickly.
In Punda you wander through the narrow streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings, grab a coffee at a terrace and find the most colourful corner for a group photo. At the floating market, Venezuelan boats sell vegetables and fish. Have lunch on the Handelskade side, with a view of the other bank. Back in the car before two o'clock, otherwise you'll get stuck in rush hour traffic. Back at the villa: the pool, and nothing else.
Checklist
0 of 6
Cash voor drijvende markt
Dichte schoenen aan
Parkeerplek Otrobanda gekozen
Lunchplek vooraf gecheckt
Volle tank benzine
Vertrek voor twee uur gepland
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Atmosphere
by PlayTryBe team
Leave Jan Thiel before eight o'clock. Parking on the Otrobanda side is calmer.
Cross the Koningin Emmabrug on foot to Punda. The bridge sways with the water, you get used to it quickly.
Through the pastel streets of Punda. Find the most colourful corner for a photo.
Coffee at a small terrace. Pick a local spot over a chain.
Walk the floating market. Vegetables and fish brought in from Venezuela.
Lunch on the Handelskade side. A simple plate, not a four-course meal.
Back over the bridge, into the car, and away before two o'clock to beat rush hour.
For anyone copying this
Do as we did
Suggestions
- Leave before eight o'clock, after nine it's already busy.
- Keep cash on hand for the market, not everything accepts card.
- Wear closed shoes, not flip-flops, you'll be doing a lot of walking.
- The bridge sometimes opens for ships, take the ferry if that happens.
- Don't try to do everything in one morning, choose between shopping or culture.
Variations
- - Met een lokale gids door Otrobanda, focus op geschiedenis.
- - Avondvariant: dinerterras op de Handelskade als de lichten aangaan.
- - Combineer met een museumbezoek, bijvoorbeeld het Kura Hulanda-complex.