The historic centre of Willemstad — Punda and Otrobanda — is compact and best explored on foot. The Queen Emma Bridge connects the two halves for pedestrians; when it swings open for ships, a free ferry runs across. Allow 20–30 minutes to walk from Fort Amsterdam to the far end of Pietermaai.
For reaching the beaches, dive sites, and plantation houses around the island, you need a car. Rental agencies are at the airport and at several hotels. Driving is on the right; roads are generally good but can be poorly signed. Yellow public buses (konvoois) run between Punda and Otrobanda and to nearby neighbourhoods; minibuses cover more of the island on less predictable schedules. Taxis are plentiful in the tourist areas with fixed city rates — ask or confirm the fare before you get in.