SHOPPING IN WILLEMSTAD AND SALIÑA

Stroll amidst exquisite, centuries-old buildings while ocean liners cruise up the channel cutting through the city, so close you could almost touch them. All this makes Curaçao shopping a unique experience.

Punda

Punda has always been the main shopping area of Willemstad. The pedestrian-only streets create a picturesque atmosphere with many shops conveniently located in one area. You’ll find a wonderful selection of European clothing, French perfumes, Japanese electronics, Irish crystal, English china, fine Italian leathers, Chinese embroidered linen tablecloths, Indonesian batik clothing and accessories, and more. The shops are normally open from Monday to Saturday, and the regular opening hours are 8:00am - 12:00pm, and from 2:00pm – 6:00pm.

Otrobanda

The main shopping street in Otrobanda is the Breedestraat. You can find this street between Kura Hulanda and the Rif Fort. Kurá Hulanda is one of the best restorations of Otrobanda. The Rif Fort on the other side was built in 1828 to protect the city. Its restored ramparts now shelter Rif Fort Village, a shopping and entertainment center that offers panoramic views of Punda and the sea. The Brionplein (Brion Plaza) is the centerpiece of Otrobanda’s waterfront.

Renaissance Mall

Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort offers you 50 stores with brands famous both worldwide and locally. And with a variety of restaurants and bars you are really spoilt for choice. Whether it's a cappuccino break, a quick bite, a candlelight dinner for two or a fun night out, you will find it at Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort. For more information visit www.shoprenaissancecuracao.com.

Outdoor Markets

While exploring Punda, don't miss the Floating Market just around the corner from the Handelskade. Venezuelan merchants sell their fresh produce from small fishing boats that double as living quarters. Nearby on the plaza is Jo Jo Correa, a small artisans' market featuring local crafts.

The New Market is housed in a distinctive round building beyond the Queen Wilhelmina footbridge, just down the street from the Floating Market. Locally grown fruits, vegetables, and some imported produce are sold from bustling stalls. On weekday mornings, city office workers stop at the stands to grab sandwiches made of freshly baked rolls. Several stalls also sell handicrafts from islands around the Caribbean.

For lunch, do as the locals do and sample authentic local food at Marshe Bieuw in Curaçao's famous Old Market. Each stand is independently operated and seating is strictly first come, first served, so arrive early.

Saliña

After Punda, nearby Saliña is considered the biggest shopping area in Curaçao. Centrally located, Salinja consists of various small shopping areas where you can purchase anything from hardware and cars, to books. Shops are situated some distance from each other, so the most efficient way to visit would probably be by car.

Saliña Galleries is a mall with exclusive shops and multicultural flair located in the center of Saliña. Its European architecture houses a variety of shops where one can purchase anything from exotic flowers to shampoo. The shops are normally open from Monday to Saturday, and the regular opening hours are 8:00am - 12:00pm, and from 2:00pm – 6:00pm.