Last Updated on March 7, 2024
Heading to the Dutch Caribbean islands? Here are 24 best things to do in Curacao, including the best beaches, hikes and museums.
Spearmint water, cacti-studded mountains, and pastel-colored Dutch architecture — Curacao is a Dutch Caribbean island unlike any other Caribbean islands we’ve been.
About 65km off the Venezuelan coast, this small island of just over 150,000 people is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Yet, it’s unmistakably a tropical island paradise chock full of remote, pristine beaches and rainforests studded with cacti and green iguanas.
Curacao feels like a little slice of Europe in the Caribbean, with its distinctive Dutch identity, vibrant restaurants, and history museums. Beyond tourism, Curacao has many thriving industries which means it doesn’t depend on tourism as much as its neighbors do. If you’re looking for an island with a strong sense of identity and authenticity, Curacao is the place for you.
24 Fun Things to Do in Curacao
1. See the Historic Center of Willemstad
The capital city of Willemstad is perhaps the most fascinating town in the Caribbean (in our opinion). Its rich history is evident in every corner of the old town, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The heart of the city lies at Handelskade, a picturesque stretch of pier you’ve seen on every Curaçao postcard. 17th-century colonial Dutch buildings painted in pastel colors line the waters of St. Anna Bay. Grab a seat at Iguana Cafe and watch the Queen Emma Bridge swing open to let ships into the harbor.
From there, cross from Punda to Kura Huland Village and admire the beautiful architecture left behind by the Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch. Wander down the narrow cobblestoned alleys tucked behind Breedestraat, have a local lunch at the Plasa Bieu market, then snap a signature photo at the Wilhelminaplein’s giant Curaçao sign.
2. Explore Pietermaai District
Willemstad is divided into several districts, with many of the city’s most tastefully restored buildings concentrated in Pietermaai. A full-scale revitalization effort began in 1999, and now almost all of the historic buildings have been converted into boutique hotels, restaurants, galleries and bars in this district.
From Wilhelminaplein, continue walking along Pietermaai street and you’ll start seeing buildings splashed in turquoise, pink and purple. The most photogenic ones are Scuba Lodge, BijBlauw, Ginger and the purple/orange houses at the end of Nieuwestraat.
3. Admire Street Art in Scharloo
Another district in Willemstad worth visiting is Scharloo (or Skalo), filled with larger-than-life mural art. A group of local artists started the initiatve, Street Art Skálo, to change the outlook of this old neighborhood.
My favorite street art here is ‘Three O’Clock Romance’ by Francis Sling. It is located on the corner of Bitterstraat and Van Raderstraat. The vivid yellow, blue, and white colors perfectly reflect the liveliness of Curaçao.
4. Rent a Car to Explore the Island
The best way to get around Curacao is definitely by car rental, as public transport is few and far between. You can walk around Willemstad, but you definitely need to rent a car if you want to explore outside of the city.
We booked our car on Discover Cars before our trip. They’ve consistently given us the best prices and service. Car rentals in Curacao are affordable, at around US$25-30 per day. We spent around $400 for our 2-week car rental.
Travel Insurance for Curacao
It’s important to have travel insurance, whether you’re traveling Curacao for a week or a month. Travel insurance will cover you in case of mishaps or emergencies. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Their prices are reasonable and customer service is top notch.
5. Go to the Best Beach on Curacao: Grote Knip
Because of the geography of Curacao, you won’t find miles-long stretches of beach — instead there are a series of coves and lagoons tucked amidst rocky sandstone cliffs.
The best beaches lie along the northwest coast. Grote Knip is lauded by many (including myself!) as the best beach on Curacao. The sand is white as sugar, the water is spearmint blue and the beach is flanked by rocky cliffs. Before going down to the water’s edge, be sure to stop at the cliffs by the entrance to admire this postcard-perfect Caribbean image.
NOTE: Most beaches in Curacao are not public beaches i.e. there’s a fee to pay to visit each beach. Grote Knip is the most expensive, at 12.50 ANG (US$14) per adult and beach bench.
6. Swim with Turtles at Playa Piskado
Just a 10-minute drive from Grote Knip is the Playa Piskado (or Kenepa Grandi), famous for the turtles that live in the area. Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Curacao is to swim with the turtles here. You are almost guaranteed to see them as they know there’s food (fishermen clean up their catch on the beach and toss the remains back into the sea). The turtles are used to human beings and aren’t afraid to get close! One of them swam right into me but I dodged it just in time. Price: 10 ANG (US$11) for rental of bench.
7. Dive off Cliffs at Playa Forti
A few minutes’ drive from Playa Piskado, you’ll reach Playa Forti, one of the rare few public beaches in Curacao (free!). There are ragged sandstone cliffs along the whole coast, but the ones overlooking Playa Forti are the best for diving. If you’ve got the guts, walk out to the ledge of Restaurant Playa Forti, and take a leap into the clear turquoise sea.
8. See the Pigs at Playa Porto Mari
One of my personal favorite things to do in Curacao is visiting Playa Porto Mari, also along the west coast. It’s most famous for the two feral pigs that hang around here: Willy and Woody. They’re often hanging out at the beach, sniffing at your food and snooping in people’s bags. If you’re lucky, you might even see them swimming! When we were there, they were lounging in the mud and snoozing away. Price: 12 ANG (US$6 per adult + bench).
9. Hike in the Christoffel National Park
Sprawling across 2300 hectares in west Curacao, Christoffel Park is the largest national park on the island. This is where you go to immerse in the lush greenery of Curacao and see unique species like the giant columnar cacti (kadushi), white-tailed deer and green iguana.
One of the absolute best things to do in Curacao is to climb the Christoffel Mountain. It takes an hour to reach the peak, just 375m above sea level. It is not allowed to start your climb after 10 am (as it gets too hot). The hike is gorgeous and rather easy — even our 5-year-old could do it with no difficulties. If you don’t drive, you can still visit on a jeep tour leaving from Willemstad. Entry: 30 ANG (US$17) per person.
10. See Blowholes at the Shete Boka National Park
Next to the Christoffel National Park, Shete Boka is a series of seven inlets along the rocky wave-exposed north coast of the island. The natural formations aren’t massive, but watching the waves crash and hit them is mesmerizing.
The most well-known and favorite inlet for visitors is Boka Pistola, where the waves are the biggest. At Boka Tabla, you can sit on the observation deck and watch the surf roll in, or take a peek inside the cave. Entry: 20 ANG (US$11) per person.
11. Visit a Landhuis or Plantation Estate
On your way back to Willemstad, be sure to stop by a landhuis or plantation estate. Plantation houses are commonly found all over the Caribbean — built by the colonizers in the 17th century in sugar and salt plantations. There are hundreds of them dotted around Curacao, with many of them restored and converted into museums and hotels.
Landhuis Groot Santa Martha is one of the oldest and largest villas on Curacao. It’s open to visitors, who are check out the crafts on sale. Landhuis Klein Santa Martha was recently converted into a boutique hotel and restaurant that overlooks the stunning Santa Martha bay.
12. Go to Santa Martha View Point
Near the plantation houses mentioned lies the Santa Martha Bay, with its undulating hills and winding waterways. Nature here is pristine and the shoreline mostly untouched. There’s a viewpoint perched on the top of a winding road, which offers a view of the inland bay. Just look for Santa Martha Bay View Lookout on Google Maps.
13. See Wild Flamingos at Jan Kok
Further down the coast enroute to Willemstad, you’ll pass through the salt lakes of Jan Kok where hundreds (sometimes thousands) of flamingos like to converge. There’s an observation deck on the edge of the salt pans where you can go to see a nice view of the flamingos without traipsing on the mud.
14. Explore Hato caves
Right next to the airport, you’ll find the Hato Caves which can only be visited on guided tours. The guide will point out stories behind some of the stalactites and stalagmites. We found it to be quite a disappointment though — they’ve built concrete paths, lit up the caves with kitschy lights and put fans all over the place. Still not a bad place to visit before catching your flight home. Entry: 9 ANG (US$5).
15. Swing Away at Kokomo Beach
Not too far from Hato Caves is Kokomo Beach, a secluded cove in Vaersenbaai that’s free to enter. The rocky beach doesn’t have the clear-as-glass waters and powdery sand that beaches in the west have. But it does have an iconic swing perched in the sea — perfect for kids and photos.
My daughter loved climbing up to the swing and she could stay there all day. But most people come here for that Instagram shot. It’s also a popular sunset spot, though the beach closes at 6pm.
NOTE: You often see hundreds of flamingos in the salt marshes along the road to Kokomo beach. They’re often found right next to the road.
16. Catch Sunset at Mambo Beach
In Curacao, you can see the sun set almost everywhere along the island’s west coast. One of the best places to sip a cocktail and watch the sun disappear over the horizon is Mambo Beach, the nearest beach to Willemstad. Price: 13 ANG (US$7) per adult + bench.
It’s quite a commercial beach, but it’s got a few fantastic beach bars — including the legendary Chill Beach Bar (with lots of hammocks and driftwood signs). The Mambo Beach Boulevard, a modern mall overlooking the beach, also offers nice sunset views at its roof terrace.
17. Eat the Best Seafood on the Island at De Visserij
Curacao has a vibrant restaurant scene, with lots of local seafood stands and cool upscale restaurants. My absolute favorite place to eat in Curacao was De Visserij. This is a simple, casual spot in Piscadera that serves the freshest, juiciest shrimps I’ve ever had. The tuna tataki and sashimi are also a huge hit with locals. We waited in line for 15 mins to get in, but it was easy to see why this place has such a loyal following.
18. Enjoy Drinks at Nieuwestraat
In the evenings, the hip district of Pietermaai comes alive with trendy gastrobars and atmospheric restaurants. Nieuwestraat is the palpitating heart, popular with expats and locals alike. It gets packed on a Friday night, so get there early.
Mundo Bizarro is a hugely popular spot, though the drinks are overpriced. The Cuban bar has a shabby chic decor and eclectic flair — but it definitely stands out for being different. Ginger is another good place worth visiting — the stylish Carib-Asian fusion restaurant serves some original dishes and cocktails.
19. Snorkel the Tugboat
On the east coast of Curacao, you’ll find the best spot for snorkeling: the Tugboat. A sunken tugboat lies in a sheltered and shallow bay covered by corals, sponges and sea fans. The wreck is home to a variety of reef fish like parrotfish, and butterfly fish. The moderate depth (less than 5 meters of water) and the good underwater visibility makes it one of the best things to do in Curacao for water babies! If you didn’t rent a car, you can book a Tugboat snorkeling trip that leaves from Willemstad.
20. Visit Fort Beekenburg
Near the Tugboat, Fort Beekenburg stands on a rocky outcrop next to the Caracas Bay. It was built to defend the Spanish Water in 1703. The fort kept the British and pirates out of Curacao. Be careful when parking here, as many TripAdvisor reviews say that car theft is common in this carpark (we didn’t have any issues).
21. Hang out at Jan Thiel Beach
Also in the eastern part of the island, Jan Thiel is an up-and-coming beach town popular with families and young travelers. It’s quite a trendy spot, with cool beach bars, surfer shops, dive operators, and restaurants.
Jan Thiel Beach is a commercial beach (i.e. the beach is lined with beach bars, benches and shops), but it does have clear waters and family-friendly features that are great for kids. You’ll also find the most concentration of AirBnBs and boutique hotels in Jan Thiel. Price: 9 ANG (US$5) per adult + bench.
22. Visit the Curacao Sea Aquarium
One of the top things do in Curacao for family travelers is a visit to the Curacao Sea Aquarium. It’s pretty outdated, but you get a strong sense that the staff are truly passionate about marine animals here. They really make sure you’re kept entertained by providing info sessions and lots of programs. My daughter’s favorite was the flamingo feeding. The two ladies in charged of the flamingos made it fun and engaging. Entry: 27 ANG (US$15) per adult and 12 ANG (US$7) for kids 5-12 years old.
23. See the Animals of Amazonia
Another spot that kids love is Amazonia: The Lost Island of Dreams, a lush rainforest garden on the eastern side of the island. The variety of birds (especially the rainbow-colored macaws and cuckatoos) is impressive. There’s also a dark room with lots of cool reptiles from the Amazon, and an open area where red handed tamarin hang out freely. You can only visited on a guided tour. Entry: 32 ANG (US$18) per adult , 16 ANG (US$9) per kid.
24. Take a Day Trip to Klein Curacao
The most popular day tour from Curacao is the trip to Klein Curacao (“Small Curacao” in Dutch). Klein Curaçao is an uninhabited island lying 15 miles (10km) south-east of Curacao. It’s said to have the best beaches in the area. But its about a 2-hour choppy boat ride from Curacao, and day tours cost around $100 per person.
We didn’t do the trip as I heard that you can see pretty much the same underwater life as when you snorkel off the beaches in Curacao. Miss Ann Boat Trips run day trips on their private yachts every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Where to Stay in Curacao
Budget: De Plantage Boutique Hotel
We stayed at this spacious Airbnb located in Jan Thiel and found it suitable for families like ours. Only some of the apartments are renovated though — definitely ask for the ones by the pool. Check rates here.
Mid Range: Landhuis Klein Santa Martha
A small, intimate boutique hotel converted from a historical plantation estate, located in the west near the best beaches in Curacao. Check rates here.
Mid Range: Scuba Lodge & Suites
Located in Pietermaai overlooking the sea, Scuba Lodge is a stylish boutique hotel and iconic landmark in Curacao. It’s housed in one of the pastel-colored Dutch colonial buildings in Pietermaai. Our 2-bedroom apartment was huge and stylishly decorated, with sweeping views of the sea. My review will be up soon! Check rates here.
Luxury: Avila Beach Hotel
Another hotel with a great location in Willemstad, this resort (pictured) has two private beaches and modern five-star hotel facilities. It’s one of the oldest historic hotels in Curacao, but all rooms have been renovated and given a fresh new look. Look out for my review. Check room rates.
Plan Your Trip to Curacao
Now that you know what to do in Curacao, stay on and continue reading the rest of my articles on Curacao. Curacao is such a naturally stunning island, plus there are so many things to do in Curacao you’ll be spoiled for choice. If you’d like to read more on Curacao, check out my articles on the Dutch Caribbean island here:
- Curacao Travel Guide: All You Need to Know
- Best Beaches in Curacao
- Staying at the Avila Beach Hotel in Curacao
- Staying at Scuba Lodge, Curacao
Have a dushi time in Curacao! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments field below.
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Travel Resources
Over the years (and traveling to 140+ countries), I’ve learned a thing or two about travel planning. I’ve put together this list of travel resources that I personally use to find the best deals and book travel! For more details, check out my travel tips resource page.
- Booking Flights: Kayak is brilliant for finding the best dates to fly as it allows you to search for the lowest airfares within a 3-day period. Then I use Skyscanner as they’ve consistently given me the lowest airfares.
- Accommodations: I always use Booking.com to book hotels, mainly because of the flexible cancellation policy and good customer service. You can also find short-term rental apartments there (I prefer not to use Airbnb due to the extra charges).
- Travel Insurance: It’s important to have travel insurance, regardless of whether you’re traveling for a few days or months. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers any healthcare expenses I may have worldwide. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
- Health Advice: I always refer to the travel guides on the CDC website for recommended medications and vaccines. You can get them at your travel doctor’s office or a walk-in pharmacy.
- Tours: If you’re looking for all-encompassing tours, I recommend small-group adventure tour outfitter, G Adventures. I’ve traveled with them to Antarctica, Mongolia, Svalbard, and Nepal, and loved every single trip. For day tours, I always book with Viator and GetYourGuide; they have easy booking systems and free cancellations.
- Car Rental: I always book car rentals on Discover Cars, as they’ve consistently given us the best rates and customer service (with free cancellations). We’ve used them in Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Peru, and Mexico.
- Transportation: Whenever possible, I book local transportation online using Bookaway and Busbud. They’re more reliable than many local transport websites and cover trains, buses, and car hire.
- Restaurants: TripAdvisor is my go-to resource for restaurant reviews and bookings. I also make restaurant reservations on OpenTable.
