Curaçao Things To Do

by mazzap
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Queen Emma (or Pontoon) Bridge

The Queen Emma Bridge connects the two parts of town, Punda and Otrobanda.

This bridge, known as the swinging old lady, was built in 1888 by Leonard Burlington Smith and named after Queen Emma who reigned in Holland from 1890 to 1898. The bridge consists of boats supported by 16 floating pontoons.

For that reason, the bridge is also known as the Pontoon Bridge. It opens and closes by two powerful ship motors, a process which takes about two minutes. Quite a remarkable sight to see as the bridge swings a full 90 degrees and rests against the harbour side!

When the bridge is open to let ships from the harbour pass, pedestrians are transported free of charge by the ponchi, a small ferry. (See the next tip!)

Address: Willemstad Harbour

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	Admire The Pretty Buildings! Tip Rating:

Updated By mazzap

on June 18, 2005

by mazzap
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The famous view in Curacao

These bright pastel coloured buildings are well known in Curacao - most pictures you see promoting this Caribbean island will show them!

Lining the harbour front in the capital Willemstad, they really brighten the place up, even on a dull day as in my pic!

Address: Willemstad, Curacao

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	Fresh fruit Tip Rating:

Updated By kyoub

on June 12, 2005

by kyoub
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Floating market

The first place we looked for was the floating market.
Vendors purchase fresh fruit from the ships that arrive from Venezuela and Columbia, in the wee hours, and sell it along the pier.
The earlier you can get there the better.
We bought fresh mangos, papaya, & bananas. The best mangos that I have ever eaten.
They also sell fresh fish.

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	Walk across the drawbridge Tip Rating:

By kyoub

on June 12, 2005

by kyoub
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Queen Wilhelmina Bridge

Actually it was a drawbridge before it was converted to a regular bridge. Now it serves as a remnant of the past.
We walked across the Queen Wilhelmina bridge on our way from the parking lot in Punta to the floating market. and back.
You can get some good pictures of the boats from this location.

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	Queen Emma Bridge Tip Rating:

By kyoub

on June 12, 2005

by kyoub
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Swing bridge

It was quite amusing to discover that the bridge was not there when we needed to get to the other side of the Santa Anna Bay.
We had seen the bridge that day while sightseeing in town. That evening we wanted to cross the bay to get to a restaurant on the other side. We walked to where the bridge had been and no bridge. It was then that we discovered that it opens up for ships to pass.
The Queen Emma Bridge rests a top 15 pontoons and is powered by 2 motors attached to the last one. The bridge stretches 551 feet across the bay linking Punda and Otrobanda.

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	Visit the Ostrich Farm Tip Rating:

By bijo69

on April 3, 2005

by bijo69
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There's an Ostrich Farm on the island where they grow these big birds for meat production. You get a tour of the farm and you can feed them yourself. But be aware, these beasts are greedy!
The farm also has a restaurant where you can taste an ostrich steak and a souvenir shop.
The farm is open from 8am to 5pm.

Phone: 747 2777

Directions: Eastern part of the island

Website: http://www.ostrichfarm.net/index.html

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	Pietermaai Tip Rating:

By starship

on January 7, 2004

by starship
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Another example of the lovely statuary in the cathedral, notice the beautifully painted detail of this statue similar to the Pieta in Italy. It is also an example of the exceptional condition of the church and the works of art that remain inside. Given the humidity of the island, not to mention the deteriorating effects of salt water air, this cathedral is in exceptionally beautiful condition and is a tribute to those who labor to keep it this way.

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	Traditional Altar Tip Rating:

By starship

on January 7, 2004

by starship
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It's lovely to see this traditional altar at "Our Lady of the Rosary" cathedral. Placed beautifully in front of soaring stained-glass windows, and surrounded by flowers, candles and lace altar clothes, this church was quite inspirational for me.

Directions: Our Lady of the Rosary Roman Catholic Cathedral, Willemstad, Curacao

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	The Revered Dr. Hernandez Tip Rating:

By starship

on January 7, 2004

by starship
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"Dr. Hernandez"

Among the statuary at the Cathedral of Pietermaai you will find this one of "Dr. Hernandez." Though not a native of Curacao and not a formally canonized saint in the Roman Catholic Church, Dr. Hernandez is regarded as a saint here in Curacao and has been credited with cases of miraculous cures and healing!

Address: Cathedral of Pietermaai, Willemstad

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	Groot Knip Tip Rating:

By bijo69

on March 31, 2005

by bijo69
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Groot Knip is one of the nicest beaches on Curacao. It's a nice sandy stretch of sand, one of the few natural beaches on the island.
There are a few parasol there to give you shade and some food vendors so you won't have to starve. The place gets very busy during the weekend.