New Market Marshe Nobo
Willemstad's bustling New Market offers vibrant local food, unique souvenirs, and refreshing treats in a colorful Caribbean setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
New Market Marshe Nobo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Willemstad's bustling New Market offers vibrant local food, unique souvenirs, and refreshing treats in a colorful Caribbean setting.
"A must-visit for authentic flavors and unique finds in the heart of Willemstad!"
🎯 Food Vendor Relocation
Food vendors are now on the 1st floor. Souvenir stalls are on the ground level. :informationdeskperson:
🥥 Fresh Coconut Treat
Try the fresh coconut water and meat for a delicious and refreshing snack. :coconut:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fresh Coconut Delights
Lower level stalls
Enjoy refreshing, freshly opened coconuts filled with milk and meat. A perfect tropical treat!
Local Culinary Gems
First floor food vendors
Savor authentic Curaçaoan dishes like Galiñas Stroba and Moro. Don't miss the fresh fruit smoothies!
Souvenir Shopping
Lower level stalls
Browse a wide array of local art, spices, herbs, and unique knick-knacks for memorable gifts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Market Location & Hours
Navigating the Market
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Food Vendor Relocation
Food vendors are now on the 1st floor. Souvenir stalls are on the ground level. :informationdeskperson:
🥥 Fresh Coconut Treat
Try the fresh coconut water and meat for a delicious and refreshing snack. :coconut:
🛍️ Souvenir Bargains
Haggle respectfully for local art and souvenirs. :moneybag:
🍹 Natural Smoothies
Enjoy vibrant smoothies made with fresh, local fruits. :tropical_drink:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Food Vendor Relocation
Food vendors are now on the 1st floor. Souvenir stalls are on the ground level. :informationdeskperson:
🥥 Fresh Coconut Treat
Try the fresh coconut water and meat for a delicious and refreshing snack. :coconut:
🛍️ Souvenir Bargains
Haggle respectfully for local art and souvenirs. :moneybag:
🍹 Natural Smoothies
Enjoy vibrant smoothies made with fresh, local fruits. :tropical_drink:
🚶♀️ Explore Punda Vibes
Visit on Thursday evenings for street festival, music, and fireworks. :fireworks:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The New Market (Marshe Nobo) in Willemstad offers a vibrant experience with relocated food vendors on the first floor and souvenir stalls below. Visitors praise the delicious local cuisine, especially chicken stew and fresh fruit smoothies, as well as the refreshing coconut treats. While some vendors can be persistent, the overall atmosphere is friendly and the market is a great spot for affordable souvenirs and experiencing local culture.
"The circular market is currently completely CLOSED. The sellers are set up either as individual stands along the street (De Ruyterkade) or linked together with a common covering. Looks like they still have most of what I saw in other pictures."
Patrick Mellin
"Very busy market, lots of vendors and tourists. A great place to pick up gifts and souvenirs. We tried fresh coconut that was cut open in front of us, milk and meat for $3 each."
Rachel Barker
"This Market is great for small tourist purchases like hangers, local art, some foods and other knick knacks.
I can recommend the fresh coconut you can get here!
The vendors can be a bit pushy, but understandably, and they stay very friendly!"
Tom Gorissen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The New Market is located in Willemstad, Curaçao. It's easily accessible by car, with a large free parking lot nearby. Taxis and public transport are also options for reaching the market from other parts of the city.
Yes, there is a large free parking area located near the market, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Depending on your location, walking to the New Market is feasible, especially if you are exploring the Punda area. It's a pleasant walk through the colorful streets of Willemstad.
For a scenic experience, consider walking or taking a taxi. If you're staying further out, driving and using the free parking is a practical choice.
The market has stalls on both the lower and first floors. While the lower level is generally accessible, the first floor may involve stairs. Inquire locally about specific accessibility options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the New Market is generally free. You only pay for the items you wish to purchase from the vendors.
The food vendors are typically open from around 5:30 PM onwards, while souvenir and grocery stands may have different hours. It's best to check local listings for the most up-to-date information.
Thursday evenings are particularly busy due to the 'Punda Vibes' street festival, which includes music, food, and fireworks.
Operating hours can vary, especially on weekends. It's advisable to confirm Sunday opening times with local sources before your visit.
Many local tour operators offer city tours of Willemstad that may include a stop at the New Market. This can be a good way to learn about the history and culture.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a wide variety of items including local art, handmade crafts, spices, herbs, clothing, and unique knick-knacks.
Yes, bargaining is common and expected for souvenir items. Be polite and respectful when negotiating prices.
Keep an eye out for local spices, handmade jewelry, and traditional Curaçaoan crafts. The fresh fruit smoothies and coconut treats are also popular.
While the food vendors focus on prepared meals, you can find some fresh produce and ingredients, especially on the lower level.
Some vendors can be persistent, but they generally remain friendly. A polite 'no, thank you' usually suffices if you're not interested.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss Galiñas Stroba (chicken stew), Moro (rice and beans), and fresh fruit smoothies. The fresh coconut water and meat are also highly recommended.
The food vendors on the first floor of the circular building offer authentic Curaçaoan cuisine. Yvonne's, located upstairs, is highly recommended for local dishes.
While traditional dishes often feature meat, you can find fresh fruit smoothies and potentially some vegetable-based sides. Inquire with vendors about options.
Prices are generally reasonable, with dishes like chicken stew or rice and beans costing around $10-$15. Fresh coconuts are typically around $3.
Absolutely! You can find fresh fruit juices, smoothies, and of course, fresh coconut water.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant colors of the market stalls, the fresh produce, and the lively atmosphere. The unique architecture of the circular building is also photogenic.
It's generally acceptable to take photos of products, but it's always polite to ask permission before photographing vendors directly.
Morning light can be softer and less crowded, while the evening during Punda Vibes offers a lively, illuminated scene.
The circular market building itself is a distinctive landmark. The surrounding streets of Willemstad, known for their colorful Dutch colonial architecture, are also great for photos.
A versatile lens for capturing both wide market scenes and close-ups of products is ideal. A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for most visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid the biggest crowds. The variety of sights and sounds can be engaging for children, and it's a great place to pick up small, affordable souvenirs.
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary Heart of the Market
For an elevated dining experience, many recommend heading upstairs to establishments like Yvonne's, which is celebrated for its exceptional local food. This ensures that whether you're looking for a quick snack or a full meal, the New Market offers a diverse and delicious culinary journey. The market's transformation highlights its enduring role as a place to experience the true taste of the island.
Experiencing Local Flavors
When visiting, don't shy away from trying new things. The vendors are often happy to explain their dishes. The combination of traditional recipes and fresh, local ingredients makes for an unforgettable dining experience. It's a fantastic way to connect with the culture of Curaçao through its food.
A Shopper's Paradise: Souvenirs and Local Crafts
While shopping, remember that bargaining is a common practice for souvenir items. Approach it with a friendly attitude, and you might just snag a great deal. The vendors, though sometimes persistent in their sales pitches, are generally friendly and happy to engage with visitors.
Beyond typical souvenirs, you might also discover unique items like local potions or artisanal goods. The market provides an excellent opportunity to support local artisans and take home a piece of Curaçaoan culture.
Willemstad's Iconic Architecture and Atmosphere
Strolling through the market and its surroundings offers a fantastic opportunity for photography. Capture the vibrant facades of the buildings, the bustling market scenes, and the picturesque waterfront. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, especially during peak hours or special events like Punda Vibes.
Visiting the market is not just about shopping or eating; it's about experiencing the heart of Willemstad. The blend of historical architecture, local commerce, and Caribbean charm creates a memorable and visually rich environment for any visitor.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit