Having 4 days and 4 nights in Curaçao allowed my wife and I ample time to explore Historic Willemstad and the island as a whole. Using Els' neatly compiled list of 18 representative sites across the already well described districts, I explored the island by morning (car) and after lunch I explored Willemstad (on foot). Renting a car proved useful (if expensive), it allowed us to easily visit Curaçao's National Parks, Ramsar Wetlands (Flamingos!), Caves, Plantations, and best beaches.

To enhance your experience of the History of Willemstad, I would recommend three museums (all part of listed monuments within the WHS).

1. Kura Hulanda Museum (Otrobanda)

2. Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue Museum (Punda)

3. Curacao Maritime Museum (Scharloo)

A particularly memorable experience in Willemstad, was in Nieuwstraat (Pietermaai) at the 'Mundo Bizarro', a popular live music restaurant/pub. Hearing Caribbean music and feeling the energy of the dance floor as the musicians expertly played their set, I will not forget it. Nearby, 'Kome' restaurant serves delicious dishes and has a great atmosphere. Considering that Willemstad is off and on busy based on the arrival of cruise ships, if you have a few days you can see a more "lively" atmosphere or laid back one. When the pontoon bridge is not in service, take the free ferry to cross back and forth, ideally near dusk.

According to the official website there are 743 listed properties that contribute to the Willemstad world heritage site. Both establishments I highlighted are listed properties and its one of the joys of Willemstad, see this art gallery in a historic building in Punda, enjoy a meal in a listed building in Pietermaai. While there are too many "tourist trade" businesses, over the course of a few days, Willemstad felt more and more "lived in" rather than "visited" as I became more familiar with walking routes that held more interest for us.

After reviewing the WHS maps of Willemstad, you might notice an area of "outer" Otrobanda called Kortijn. Once upon returning to the city after a half-day excursion, we stopped just before the Juliana Bridge. We paused because we had a wonderful view of the city. There was brief on and off-again rain, but the view was magnificent (even if not captured by camera). We could see the Santa Famia Cathedral towering over Kortijn. From there we could see the rest of Otrobanda, St. Anna Bay, and Punda. This moment illuminated just how many historic structures make up this world heritage site. Even though I explored all four districts thoroughly, at that moment I realized there was still plenty more to see.