Sight guide · Curaçao
Visiting Scharloo
Across a small bridge from Punda, Scharloo was the district of wealthy Jewish merchants in the 19th century, and its Scharlooweg is lined with restored mansions in pastel colours, including the green 'Wedding Cake House'.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Kattiel, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Scharloo is a neighbourhood in Punda, Curaçao. Allow 1 hour; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Neighbourhood
- Area
- Punda
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, architecture, photo spot and off the beaten path
- Best months
- May and September–October
About Scharloo
Across a small bridge from Punda, Scharloo was the district of wealthy Jewish merchants in the 19th century, and its Scharlooweg is lined with restored mansions in pastel colours, including the green 'Wedding Cake House'. Large murals cover walls in the side streets.
Tip: Walk along Scharlooweg in the early morning when the light is soft and the street is quiet.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1 hour.
- 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 Scharloo
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- September: 32°C (90°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- October: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- May: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Curaçao has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Curaçao itinerary visits Scharloo on day 3, together with Fort Amsterdam and Hato Caves.
- No. 7 of the 14 sights in our Curaçao things-to-do list.
- Day 3 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Curaçao.
Near Scharloo
Also in Punda, so you can walk between them:
- Fort Amsterdam — 30–45 minutes, free
- Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue — 1 hour, low cost
- Queen Emma Bridge — 20 minutes, free
If you like Scharloo
- 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 Scharloo
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
+How long do you need at Scharloo?
Plan 1 hour. With Fort Amsterdam nearby, it fits a half-day in Punda.
+Is Scharloo free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Scharloo?
May and September–October, the quietest of the good months. Walk along Scharlooweg in the early morning when the light is soft and the street is quiet.
+Do I need to book Scharloo in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.