7 tips to discover Kralendijk

Kralendijk is made to be explored on foot. The cozy center is right by the sea and is delightfully compact. You start along the boulevard, stroll into the center, cross a square, disappear briefly into a shopping street, and before you know it, you're standing with your feet facing the sea again.

No fixed route, no rush. You choose where to stop, what catches your attention and which side street beckons. With these tips, you'll effortlessly stroll through Kralendijk, from the boulevard to the city center and back again. Below we take you through seven tips to discover Kralendijk.

1. Start your walk along the boulevard

The boulevard is a logical starting point for a visit to Kralendijk. Here, you walk along the water with views of the harbor, fishing boats, dive boats, and Klein Bonaire across the way. There's always something going on. Along the boulevard, you'll find various places where you can easily walk into the center. From here, you're quickly at the shops and historical buildings.

2. Walk along Fort Oranje and the historical buildings

Fort Oranje is one of the most recognizable buildings in Kralendijk. The fort marks the place where the city developed around the harbor and trade. You'll naturally come across it when you go into the center from the boulevard. Next to the fort is the Commander's House, a stately building that recalls Bonaire's administrative past. Together, these buildings provide context to the city.

3. Take a break at Plaza Wilhelmina

Plaza Wilhelmina is centrally located in Kralendijk and is a pleasant spot to sit for a while. The square offers shade, benches, and views of various monuments and buildings. Both residents and visitors use the square as a meeting place. On the days when a cruise ship is docked, there are various stalls with food, drinks, and souvenirs.

4. Walk via Plasa Machi Mimi towards Kaya Grandi

Plasa Machi Mimi, the former fish market of Kralendijk, is located on the boulevard. The building is small but tells a lot about the role of fishing and trade on the island. From here you can easily walk towards Kaya Grandi, the shopping street of the city. This short route connects the sea with the shopping area and shows well how functions in Kralendijk are close to each other.

5. Look around on Kaya Grandi

Kaya Grandi is the most famous shopping street of Kralendijk. The street is easy to navigate and walk through. Here you’ll find shops, an ice cream parlor, and colorful facades. When you walk into the side streets, you'll come across street art, small shops, and unexpected details.

6. Visit one of the museums in Kralendijk

Along the route through Kralendijk are a few museums that provide extra context to what you see along the way. The Terramar Museum focuses on the history and archaeology of Bonaire and is centrally located downtown. The Bonaire Museum, housed in a historic building, showcases the daily life and development of the island.

The museums are compact and fit well within a walk through the center. You can visit them individually or combine them, depending on your interest and how much time you want to spend. Check the opening hours in advance, as they can vary.

7. End along the water or with a dinner

After walking, the boulevard is a logical place to have something to drink or eat. Many restaurants and terraces are located directly by the sea and offer views of the water. Even after dinner, a short walk along the boulevard is ideal. For example, enjoy another delicious ice cream at Luciano’s or Gio’s.

Practical tips for your visit to Kralendijk

Kralendijk is compact and largely exploreable on foot. Payment in Bonaire is done with the US dollar. In the center, you'll hear Papiamentu, Dutch, English, and Spanish intermixed.

Protection against the sun is important on Bonaire, even during short walks. Water, a hat, and regularly seeking shade make the visit more comfortable. Want to experience the center with less hustle and bustle? Then an early morning or a time without a cruise ship in the harbor is most suitable. Extra handy! On Bonaire, you can park everywhere for free. So if you want to visit Kralendijk by rental car, scooter, or golf car, it’s easy to park.

Do you still feel like seeing a beautiful view after your visit to the center? Then Seru Largu is a short drive from Kralendijk. From this point, you have a fantastic view of (almost) the entire island.

Want advice on combining Kralendijk with other places on the island? Our colleagues at Sea & Sense are happy to help you plan your day.