Floating Market, Willemstad
Located near the pontoon bridge on the Merchant's Quay, the Floating Market is a colorful display of wooden boats from Venezuela that dock alongside the canal, creating a lively and distinctive shopping experience.
In the early hours of the day, these wooden boats arrive, laden with a diverse array of just-caught fish and an assortment of tropical fruits and vegetables. Vendors set up shop directly from the quay, sheltering under colorful tents that add to the lively atmosphere. Mornings are considered the optimal time to visit, offering the finest selection of fresh produce, cooler temperatures before the midday sun, and the pleasant ambiance of the early hours.
The Floating Market is not just a commercial hub; it's a cultural amalgamation where Caribbean and South American influences converge. The vendors, predominantly from Venezuela, bring a piece of their culture to Curacao, creating a unique blend of traditions and flavors. The market is a testament to the rich exchange between the two regions, fostering a sense of community and connection.
For both tourists and locals, the Floating Market is a popular attraction. It provides an opportunity to engage in a distinctive shopping experience, offering fresh and diverse products directly from the boats. The sight of the colorful vessels, the aromatic scents of exotic fruits, and the lively interactions between vendors and customers contribute to the market's vibrant ambiance.
In the early hours of the day, these wooden boats arrive, laden with a diverse array of just-caught fish and an assortment of tropical fruits and vegetables. Vendors set up shop directly from the quay, sheltering under colorful tents that add to the lively atmosphere. Mornings are considered the optimal time to visit, offering the finest selection of fresh produce, cooler temperatures before the midday sun, and the pleasant ambiance of the early hours.
The Floating Market is not just a commercial hub; it's a cultural amalgamation where Caribbean and South American influences converge. The vendors, predominantly from Venezuela, bring a piece of their culture to Curacao, creating a unique blend of traditions and flavors. The market is a testament to the rich exchange between the two regions, fostering a sense of community and connection.
For both tourists and locals, the Floating Market is a popular attraction. It provides an opportunity to engage in a distinctive shopping experience, offering fresh and diverse products directly from the boats. The sight of the colorful vessels, the aromatic scents of exotic fruits, and the lively interactions between vendors and customers contribute to the market's vibrant ambiance.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Willemstad. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Floating Market on Map
Sight Name: Floating Market
Sight Location: Willemstad, Curacao (See walking tours in Willemstad)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Willemstad, Curacao (See walking tours in Willemstad)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Willemstad, Curacao
Create Your Own Walk in Willemstad
Creating your own self-guided walk in Willemstad is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Willemstad Introduction Walking Tour
Dutch Governor Albert Kikkert was reportedly suffering from migraines caused by the blinding white façades of Willemstad’s houses. His solution was simple: he ordered them to be painted in softer hues. Around 1817, the city’s famous rainbow palette was born — all because of one man’s unusual medical treatment.
Willemstad, the vibrant capital of Curaçao, blends European refinement with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Willemstad, the vibrant capital of Curaçao, blends European refinement with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles



