
10 Reasons to choose hotels in Curacao Willemstad its unique Pietermaai District and support local Culture & Heritage
If you’re planning a trip to Curaçao and looking for an area rich in history, culture, and vibrant
Boutique hotels, small shops, cozy little cafés and top-rated restaurants snuggled together, makes the neighborhood highly walkable and perfect for exploring at your leisure. It’s a neighborhood full of mystery, magic and fun.
Pietermaai came into being in the late 17th century in the area east of Fort Amsterdam and De Willemstad, as Punda was called in those days. The district takes its name from the ship’s captain Pieter de Meij. The latter settled in Curaçao from Brazil around 1674. He owned a plantation near the current Julianaplein called ‘Zeelucht’ (Sea air). In 1680 the West Indian Trading Company (‘WIC’) auctioned off a plot in that neighborhood, which is mentioned as being close to Altena and was also called ‘Pieter de Meij.’ Nicolaas van Liebergen, the then-director of the WIC in Curaçao, bought this lot. He had three houses built there for himself by slaves and with building materials belonging to the Company. His successor, director J. van Erpecum, thought this way of behaving was reprehensible and informed the Amsterdam chamber.
Small shops, bars, restaurants & hotels have found their home in Pietermaai District. Together they create a lively, cozy and safe part of Curaçao. If you own a business in the Pietermaai District, we would love to welcome you as a member of the Pietermaai District Association.
If you’re planning a trip to Curaçao and looking for an area rich in history, culture, and vibrant
Discover Pietermaai Uniquely with the Pietermaai Audio Tour Curaçao is an island known for its beautiful beaches, crystal
Get ready for a blues experience like no other! The Curaçao International Blueseas Festival 2025 is back, bringing
Small shops, bars, restaurants & hotels have found their home in Pietermaai District. Together they create a lively, cozy and safe part of Curaçao. Not all neglected monuments are restored yet, but that is what gives Pietermaai that special vivid and raw edge. In short, the right location for people looking for something really different.