CURACAO TRAVEL GUIDE

Curacao, part of the ABC islands known as Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. All three islands are a Dutch Caribbean island. This is my first time visiting Curacao with the Curacao Tourist Board, and I’ve fallen in love with the culture, beaches, and the colorful towns in Curacao. The island is full of trendy things to do, trendy restaurants, it’s a very safe island, and I highly recommend visiting if you’re looking for the perfect tropical vacation. Here’s my Curacao travel guide on everything you need to do, see and eat!

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP

Pronounced “KEWR-E-SOW”
Sunny weather is year-round but best to visit from May to November, during the off-peak season. I visited during late June and the weather was in the high 80s
English and Spanish are widely spoken
I recommend renting a car
Curacao currency & USD used
Dushi means “sweetheart”

BEST HOTEL IN CURACAO

The first two nights we stayed in a boutique property in the center of town called Boho Bohemian Boutique Hotel which opened in December 2018. The property is very bohemian, trendy, and super cute! The outdoor space is a great area to read a book and relax. Each room is very different and unique. I loved my room, which is the Loft Style Apartment with a private patio.

The second property we stayed in a secluded property called Landhuis Jan Thiel which is a property on a plantation. The property has it’s own Salt Lake, a pool and farm animals like chickens and goats roaming the property. This is truly a unique experience that I highly recommend as one of the best hotels in Curacao.

THINGS TO DO IN CURACAO

BEACHES

Curacao beaches are some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Known for its crystal clear blue waters and they have plenty of beaches to visit. Here’s a list of the best beaches in Curacao:

Cas Abou: beautiful white sand beaches
Jan Thiel Beach: excellent diving and snorkeling
Klein Curacao: longest white sand beach in Curacao. It’s a tiny uninhabited island
Klein Knip & Grote Knip Beach: beaches next to each other in Westpunt
Playa Grandi: best for snorkeling with turtles
Playa Porto Mari: beach with pigs!
Tugboat Beach: popular dive & snorkeling to see an old shipwreck

Knip Beach
Knip Beach

Curacao — This is Indian Cave. A cave we found at Kura Hulanda Lodge & Beach Club.

SEABOB & SWIMMING WITH TURTLES

It was my first time using a Seabob and I’m now obsessed! I’m not a great swimmer so it was great getting to use a Seabob which is pretty much an underwater scooter! We swam with lots of turtles and fishes at Playa Piskado where you can rent the Seabob with Bearded Butlers. They also offer other water sport activities such as paddleboarding.

EXPLORE DOWNTOWN WILLEMSTAD

The city of Willemstad is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. We explored the trendy city on a pink trolley and visited the Queen Emma Bridge. This is the iconic photos you’ve probably seen of the colorful buildings in Curacao.

QUEEN WILHELMINA PARK

No trip in Curacao is complete without photos of the Curacao and Dushi sign! Dushi means “sweetheart” which you will learn to say and hear a lot throughout your stay in Curacao.

CURACAO ART SCENE

Curacao’s art scene is awesome and worth exploring the trendy Scharloo neighborhood. We stopped by Francis Sling’s shop to learn more about his art.

Artist Francis Sling

COOKING WORKSHOP

If you love food and love cooking workshops you may want to learn how to make Kadushi, known as cactus soup! Cactus soup is popular in Curacao, cactus is just about everywhere on the island. We experienced the cooking workshop with Kas di pal’i Maishi.

PLASA BIEU (OLD MARKET)

Plasa Bieu is the oldest market in town! Come here for lunch or stop by for a snack. We stopped by after lunch and had their famous pumpkin pancakes. I wanted to take these home with me, they’re addicting and I highly recommend trying them!

JAN THIEL SALT LAKES

Explore the Salt Lakes that connects Jan Thiel to Mambo Beach. If guests are staying at Landhuis Jan Thiel, the salt lakes is a 10-15 minute walk from the property.

TRENDY RESTAURANTS IN CURACAO

Fleur de Marie is great for lunch after exploring the art district. What to order: caramel iced coffee! Do not leave without ordering this!

Bijblauw restaurant has a super cute outdoor beach setting for breakfast and it’s located at the Bijblauw Hotel. Talk about a trendy hotel and restaurant! What to order: blueberry pancakes! I think it was my favorite dish during my trip!

Kome is a must! It’s one of the best restaurants in Curacao! What to order: Cacio e Pepe with truffles and fries!

Zest Beach Club is located on a beach and has a really cute outdoor vibe. The restaurant is Mediterranean and I visited during dinner but would also recommend visiting during the day for some Insta-worthy shots!

Mood Beach is known as the trendiest beach club on the island. We visited during dinner and I was obsessed with this place! Wish I had time to go back during the day for photos. After dinner, spend time on the dance floor! What to order: tuna ceviche!

Equus is my favorite restaurant! It’s so fun and unique because there’s no menu, plates, and cutlery! Guests have large grilled kabobs to eat from and the garlic sauce is amazing! This restaurant is only open on Fridays! Do not leave Curacao without trying this gem!

Hofi Cas Cora is a restaurant on a farm. The menu comes from all-natural ingredients grown right on the property. The menu changes seasonally based on what they produce. What to order: pumpkin waffles.

Beans is a great spot for breakfast. What to order: breakfast bowls and sandwiches.

St. Tropez is right across the street from the Boho Bohemian Boutique Hotel. Come here for drinks during sunset. I love the atmosphere and the drinks are delicious.

I hope you found this guide helpful! There’s so much to do in Curacao from the trendiest neighborhoods to trendy restaurants, and four days was not enough! If you go to any of these places please share it with me! I would love to see the photos you took in Curacao.