Queen Emma Bridge
Cross the floating pedestrian bridge between Otrobanda and Punda and enjoy views over Sint Anna Bay and the Handelskade.
Why stay in Otrobanda?
A city break with real island character
Looking for an apartment in Willemstad, Curaçao? Otrobanda places you close to the historic centre while keeping the atmosphere local and lived-in. The neighbourhood’s name means “the other side” in Papiamentu, referring to its position across Sint Anna Bay from Punda.
From The Time Apartments, you can walk towards the Queen Emma Bridge, the waterfront, museums, restaurants and colourful street art. It is a practical base for a Curaçao city break and a good starting point for exploring beaches by car.
±15 minutesWalk to Queen Emma Bridge
UNESCO cityHistoric Willemstad surroundings
5 apartmentsPrivate stays for up to two guests
Things to do in Willemstad
Start with these Otrobanda highlights
Culture, architecture and everyday island life come together within a compact part of the city.
Otrobanda street art
Walk through side streets filled with murals, restored façades and creative details that reflect the neighbourhood’s identity.
Kurá Hulanda
Explore the historic village area and museum surroundings for a deeper look at Curaçao’s layered history and culture.
Rif Fort & waterfront
Visit the restored fort area for harbour views, shops, restaurants and an easy connection to the waterfront.
Punda & Pietermaai
Continue across the bridge for colourful architecture, cafés, shops and the lively streets of central Willemstad.
Explore beyond the city
Use Willemstad as your base for beaches, water activities, wellness and island experiences available through ExploreIsla.
Plan your stay
Walking, beaches and local experiences
You do not need a car for many central Willemstad attractions. Comfortable shoes are useful for the warm streets and uneven historic pavements.
A rental car gives you more freedom for beach days and exploring the west side of Curaçao. Several beaches are a short drive from the apartments, depending on traffic and your destination.
Best for walking: Otrobanda, Queen Emma Bridge, Punda and the waterfront.
Best by car: beaches, nature areas and locations outside central Willemstad.
Book locally: find trusted Curaçao tours, activities and wellness through ExploreIsla.
Frequently asked questions
Staying in Willemstad
Is Otrobanda a good place to stay in Curaçao?
Yes, especially if you enjoy culture, architecture, local food and exploring a city on foot. Otrobanda is part of historic Willemstad and sits directly across the bay from Punda.
How far is central Willemstad from The Time Apartments?
The Queen Emma Bridge and central waterfront are approximately a 15-minute walk away.
Do I need a car?
Not for many central sights. A car is recommended if you want to explore multiple beaches and other parts of Curaçao independently.
Where can I book local activities?
ExploreIsla offers local Curaçao experiences and is also the preferred booking route for The Time Apartments.
Make historic Willemstad your Curaçao home base
Choose one of five private apartments in Otrobanda and book directly through ExploreIsla.
View The Time Apartments →A closer look at Otrobanda
A closer look at Otrobanda
Otrobanda rewards a slower walk: look up at the restored façades, explore the lanes around Kura Hulanda Village and follow the waterfront to Brionplein and Rif Fort.
Kura Hulanda Village
A restored historic quarter of cobbled lanes, courtyards and colourful buildings, with places to eat and browse.
Brionplein
The waterfront square at the heart of Otrobanda, with views across St. Anna Bay towards Punda and the Queen Emma Bridge.
Rif Fort
A historic fort by the harbour with shops, restaurants and a casino. Check opening hours and access before visiting.
Murals and street art
Look for large-scale murals and painted façades around Ser’i Otrobanda and the Kaya Kaya neighbourhood art area. Art changes over time; enjoy it respectfully and keep residential doorways clear.
Suggested Otrobanda walk
Start at The Time, continue to Kura Hulanda Village, Brionplein and Rif Fort. Extend the walk over the Queen Emma Bridge into Punda.
Open walking route in Google Maps →Google Maps calculates the current walking route. Check the route and local access before setting out.
Willemstad on foot
Willemstad on foot
Combine the neighbourhood sights with the bridge and Punda. Wear sun protection, bring water and use live directions for current walking access.
Open walking route in Google Maps →