Although the island’s capital is small enough to be explored entirely on foot, Kralendijk is filled to the brim with brilliantly colourful buildings, thriving art galleries, cosy cafes, arching arcades, intriguing street art, award-winning restaurants, and a rich culture at every bend.
This enchanting city boasts a plethora of fascinating historical sights, so signing up for a walking or trolley tour is a phenomenal way to learn from the people who live there. You can visit Fort Oranje, a bright yellow military fortress built in 1639, which now resides as the island’s courthouse; the stunning Pasangrahan, a neoclassical marvel built as a private residence now situated as Bonaire’s Parliament House; or Bestuurskantoor, the former residence for the island’s governor which is now the principal governmental building, painted in the island’s signature ochre and white.
Equally, don’t forget to visit the Welcome Seat – a long bench built in 1923, where locals would sit and wait for boats from Curacao bringing friends and family. If you’re looking for a bit of retail therapy, Kaya Grandi is the place for you. As the main shopping street, it is lined with storefronts for diving equipment, beach-ready apparel, and handmade souvenirs to remember your trip. The street is also perfect for practising your photography skills, as the restored neoclassical buildings are adorned with bright colours and artwork.
Kralendijk’s Terramar Museum is the perfect spot to learn more about the island’s rich history and multicultural influence. With archaeological exhibits and historical documents on show, the museum features a timeline of the entire Caribbean region dating back millennia, in addition to a whole upper level dedicated to telling the poignant stories of the slavery era that darkened the island’s history during the 17th to 19th centuries.
After spending the day exploring the roots of the city, it’s time to feast on Kralendijk’s distinctive and mouthwatering cuisine. Uniquely influenced by Caribbean, Dutch, and Spanish cultures, the dishes commonly feature goat and seafood like the invasive lionfish. If you want a special treat, try Tekibon – a local spirit made from distilling the native yatu cactus.
No matter what type of journey you are looking for, Kralendijk packs a big punch in a small package.
