Curator’s statement
This small Caribbean island almost feels like a hidden gem. Curaçao has a lot to offer in addition to its gorgeous turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Beyond the beautiful, relaxing landscapes, you’ll find an emphasis on local art and culture, nature and wellness. You might even meet a few sea turtles. Its consistent weather — hot, breezy and dry — and position below the hurricane belt makes it a perfect tropical getaway year-round.
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Things to do in Curaçao
Beaches: Curaçao has over 40 public beaches, ranging in size and vibe. The best way to beach-hop is by renting a car, but you can also book tours that will showcase a few different locations. There are a number of popular beaches. Playa Piskado has a fisherman’s wharf and is a popular snorkeling spot. Grote Knip is the most picturesque. Playa Cas Abao offers food, drinks and showers. Finally, Mambo Beach is the party spot.
Nature: If you’re in the mood to get active, visit Christoffel National Park and hike Mount Christoffel in the morning before the day’s heat settles in. On the northernmost tip of the island, you’ll find Shete Boka National Park, which features cacti, coral rock formations, blow holes and caverns.
Tours & museums: Book a guided tour of the whole island, the best beaches or the town of Willemstad. You can also experience the Curaçau Liqueur Distillery or visit the Curaçao Sea Aquarium. A walk through Museum Kura Hulanda, which highlights the history of the Caribbean — and global — slave trade, offers a somber and informative look at part of the island’s history.
Water & land activities: There are many water activities on the island, like snorkeling and scuba diving, with tour guides to facilitate. If you prefer to have some fun on land, head to one of the island’s many casinos or Old Quarry Golf Course for a round.
Spas & wellness: Wellness is a major focus on the island, with a plethora of spas and fitness studios. Book a massage, get a facial or take a yoga class for the ultimate relaxation experience. Enjoy your massage right on the beach with Sensi Spa, or get a day pass to 8 The Experience and enjoy a sauna, steam room and reflection pool in addition to your treatment. Book a treatment at Avila Beach Hotel’s Cloud Nine Spa and then book a day pass to their private beaches — if you’re not already a guest.
Walk through Willemstad: Cross the Queen Emma Bridge and snap a photo of Handelskade — that picturesque row of buildings on the waterfront — then stumble upon colorful murals, shop at one of the boutiques in Kurá Hulanda Village or check out a local art gallery, like Gallery Alma Blou. On the other side, visit Plaza Bieu, which means "Old Market Place," and enjoy local flavors at one of the food stalls.
Day trip to Klein Curaçao: Klein Curaçao is an uninhabited island that can be reached by boat — a one hour and 45-minute ride. Book one of the many all-inclusive tours available to explore the beach, snorkel or scuba dive, discover a shipwreck and visit the old lighthouse. If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of dolphins or sea turtles, you’re likely to find them here. Plan to get up early and spend a whole day on the excursion.
Places to eat & drink in Curaçao
Van Gogh Specialty Coffee & City Roastery: Located in the heart of the artsy Pietermaai District, this coffee shop and café offers delicious breakfast and a large variety of coffee and tea drinks. Enjoy your meal inside one of their two café rooms or outside on the porch. Tip: Grab a bag of locally roasted coffee beans on the way out.
La Boheme: Known for its delicious smoothies, this beautiful café is the perfect breakfast or lunch spot in the heart of Willemstad.
Kome: Kome is a modern restaurant that sources ingredients from local farms, offering a menu composed of classic dishes with unique flavors. It’s great for dinner. Don’t miss the gorgeous mural on the wall painted by local artist, Francis Sling.
Mosacaña: A lively local spot with a focus on ceviche and cocktails. This is the place for a great rum cocktail — or try one of their gin and tonics.
Cascada Rooftop Bar + Kitchen: Around the corner from La Bohème is this rooftop bar offering cocktails, tapas and panoramic views on the fourth floor of Elements Hotel. Take a dip in the infinity pool and listen to a live DJ while enjoying your food and drinks!
De Gouverneur: Enjoy local Caribbean cuisine on the balcony with a scenic view of the harbor and Handelskade — the famous row of colorful buildings along the waterfront — or dine in their charming backyard garden. Don’t miss the signature dish: Cuban Banana Soup.
Hofi Cas Cora: This local, inland farm offers brunch on the weekends at their Eatery. During the week, visit the Marketplace for sandwiches and salads and browse the local goods for sell. Farm tours are also available with reservations.
Fort Nassau: This 18th-century fort on a hill has been transformed into a casual fine dining restaurant with elevated, 360º views of the island. Only a few minutes away from the town center, this historic landmark would be a great lunch or dinner option to celebrate a special occasion.
Need to know
This is an easy destination for U.S. travelers. US currency is widely accepted, and type A and B power outlets are easy to find. There’s no real language barrier for English speakers; almost everyone on the island speaks English in addition to the local language Papiamentu, Dutch and, often, Spanish.
Grabbing a taxi to and from the airport is easy, but getting around the island otherwise requires renting a car, unless you stay within walking distance of your hotel or book tours that offer pick-up and drop-off. Keep this in mind when choosing where to stay.
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Curacao. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Emylee Mueller’s guide, A Romantic Guide to Curaçao’s Best Beach Escapes.