It is a district that you should absolutely not miss: Pietermaai District. Here you will find the best of Curaçao in one neighborhood: beach, history, excellent restaurants, cozy bars, and many Instagram-worthy spots. With its unique atmosphere, it is one of the island’s pearls.
Pietermaai has been around since the 18th century and has been in full bloom for a few years. A number of entrepreneurs saw the neighborhood deteriorate further and further and bought the building by building, refurbishing it, and giving it a different purpose. And so you will now find all kinds of hip restaurants, friendly bars, and cozy boutique hotels. It is not for nothing that Pietermaai has called the ‘SoHo of Curaçao.’
You will find Pietermaai, a stone’s throw from Punda. It is about a five-minute walk from Punda to Pietermaai. Pietermaai offers a home to business people who come for a quick coffee or come to work, students and interns who can be found in the colorful Nieuwestraat, where most student houses are located, but also locals and artists feel at home here.
Music plays a significant role in Pietermaai. There is live music almost every night. This is often in the famous Mundo Bizarro, where you can enjoy a nice drink in addition to the Caribbean sounds. A day at the beach, but in the middle of the city? Then you can go to the Avila Hotel. But there is also a lot of jazz here, and it has previously welcomed artists such as Percy Sledge, Trijntje Oosterhuis, and Candy Dulfer. At Bijblauw, the boutique hotel, you can stay in style and dine in style.
Speaking of dining: Pietermaai has so many (very good) restaurants that you need a holiday to try them all. For example, Restaurant Oliva distinguishes itself with “an authentic taste of the Mediterranean.” There is no exclusivity or star level here, but extremely high quality in a unique location: Oliva is part of a hotel ‘t Klooster in a, you’ll never guess it, a former monastery. Want a quick but very tasty Dutch bite? Then check out Eetcafe Old Dutch. Ginger is for Asian cuisine, and Kome is the ultimate place if you want to dine indoors, in the air conditioning.
You read it: Pietermaai District has too many to list. You can also shop in one of the many lovely shops with an artistic edge. Want to discover the unique cultural imprint of three different centuries for yourself? Then you can follow the beautiful walking route from the Round Market to the Avila hotel. Come and discover Pietermaai District for yourself. And experience why this neighborhood is called the SoHo of Curaçao.
