Curator’s statement
Curaçao is just off the coast of Venezuela and is the largest of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao). It is similar to Aruba but without too much westernization and still has a very local feel. I enjoy this island for its stunning water, friendly people and great food scene. It’s great for a romantic getaway or as a solo or girls' trip if you want to unwind and relax. It's also a great location for diving. Curaçao is below the hurricane belt and doesn’t get direct hits from hurricanes. The weather is usually warm with a frequent breeze from the tradewinds.
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Things to do in Curaçao
Curaçao has some breathtaking beaches however it's important to note that the more populated side of the island has a rocky coastline and beaches on this side of the island are man-made. Mambo Beach and Jan Theil Beach are the larger public man-made beaches that also have a party scene on the weekends.
If you travel to the other side of the island, you will find natural beaches with white sand and crystal-clear water.
Playa Kenepa/Grote Knip
Cas Abao Beach
Porto Marie Beach
Playa Lagun
Curacao is home to the Kura Hulanda Museum. This museum is full of artifacts and history of the slave trade and Diaspora. It can be heavy but worth a visit. The museum is located in a small merchant village where you can find art boutiques, clothing and accessories shops as well as food, snacks and drink.
Also check out the Curacao factory where the original blue Curaçao liqueur is made, the aquarium, Children’s Museum, Jewish Heritage Museum and the Maritime Museum.
Places to eat & drink in Curaçao
If you want a taste of local cuisine but don’t want to leave the city center, visit Marsche Bieuw. This food hall is full of food stalls where you can purchase a plate from the local food vendors
Bklyn is my favorite restaurant in Curacao, it is an entire vibe from the calming interior to the music playing (old school hip hop and R&B). The owner and staff are very friendly, and the food and craft cocktails are delish!!
Kome is another great restaurant. The menu is very eclectic, and the food was amazing. Make sure you save room for dessert; they make their own ice cream!
Need to know
Getting Around
Willemstad is walkable for the most part but you will need to take a taxi from the airport. Leaving the airport there is always a queue of taxis waiting. Although there is no Uber or Lyft in Curacao, they do have a taxi app. If you download the 24-7 Taxi Curacao app you can order and schedule taxis. By using the app you can choose if you want a driver that accepts credit cards. Taxi’s are expensive for everyday use in Curacao, if you plan on doing a lot of exploring, you should consider renting a car. Often times the cost per day for a car can be the same as one trip in a taxi.
Currency
The official currency of Curacao is the Antillean Guilder. The US Dollar is accepted just about everywhere but if you want to pay in local currency, you would most likely need to withdraw the money from an ATM once you arrive as US Banks typically don’t carry the Guilder.
Language
The official language of Curacao is Papamientu. However formally the language is Dutch, and most people speak English, Spanish and Portuguese on the island.
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Shelley Malloy
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Curaçao. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Wendy Ritter's guide, Curaçao: A Sun Soaked Culinary Paradise.