Visiting Handelskade

About Handelskade

The row of brightly painted, gabled Dutch-colonial merchant houses facing the Sint Anna Bay is Curaçao's postcard image and the centrepiece of Willemstad's UNESCO-listed historic area. Cafés line the quay, and ships pass close by on their way into the harbour.

Tip: For the classic photo, cross the Queen Emma Bridge to the Otrobanda side and shoot back across the water in the late-afternoon light.

Plan your visit

• Time needed: 30–60 minutes.
• Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
• Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
• Where: Punda, the historic waterfront of Handelskade, the synagogue and shopping streets east of the bay.

Best time to visit Handelskade

Handelskade is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:

• April: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, busy crowds.
• May: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, moderate crowds.
• March: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 4 rainy days, busy crowds.

When to visit Curaçao has the full month-by-month picture.

Fit it into your trip

Our 3-day Curaçao itinerary visits Handelskade on day 1, together with Queen Emma Bridge, Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue and Rif Fort.

• No. 1 of the 14 sights in our Curaçao things-to-do list.
• Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
• Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
• Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
• Listed in free things to do in Curaçao.

Near Handelskade

Also in Punda, so you can walk between them:

• Queen Emma Bridge — 20 minutes, free
• Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue — 1 hour, low cost
• Fort Amsterdam — 30–45 minutes, free

If you like Handelskade

• Playa Kenepa — Westpunt and Banda Abou, Half a day
• Flamingos at the Jan Kok salt pans — Westpunt and Banda Abou, 20–30 minutes

Staying near Handelskade

Stay in Punda ($$) to walk here: the historic waterfront of Handelskade, the synagogue and shopping streets east of the bay. All areas to stay in Curaçao.

Questions travellers ask