Top 14 Things to Do in Curaçao For an Unforgettable Vacation

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Curaçao is a beautiful Caribbean island that is becoming more popular with tourists. No wonder. Curaçao offers colorful Willemstad architecture, world-class scuba diving, pink flamingos and white sand beaches such as Mambo Beach.

You’ll also be only a half-hour flight from Aruba, a popular tourist destination.

Nestled in the southern Caribbean Sea, Curaçao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It has a rich past, influenced by Spanish, African and Dutch cultures.

Official languages are Dutch, Papiamentu and English, making it easy for us in Europe and America to navigate.

So, here’s my travel guide on the 14 coolest things to do in Curaçao.

Have Fun in the Colorful Capital City, Willemstad

Willemstad is probably one of the most colorful cities you will ever see. It has more than 750 buildings painted in vivid colors that attract tourists from all over the world.

According to the interesting story, the tradition of coloring Curaçao’s buildings began in the 19th century under Governor Albert Kikkert. Many residents had vision problems and he believed it could be solved by removing the white façades, which are blinding in the Caribbean sun. As a result, buildings had to be repainted in pastels.

But, according to one of the legends, he came up with this since he was a big shareholder in the island’s only paint manufacturer. Another legend says that he suffered from migraines and thus tried to relieve them.

Anyway, explore Willemstad’s lively neighborhoods, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Otrobanda is Willemstad’s cultural center and an open-air museum, while colorful Punda is famed for its bustling markets and shops. So, you know what to do.

But there is more. These two colorful neighborhoods are connected by a unique bridge. Keep reading.

Walk Across the Unique Queen Emma Bridge

While admiring the colorful houses all around you, you’ll notice the Queen Emma Bridge.

It is a floating pontoon bridge that connects Otrobanda with Punda. It was named after the Dutch queen Emma and its nickname is Swinging Old Lady.

Interestingly, this bridge can move; it opens to allow boats to pass. So don’t get trapped on the incorrect side. Don’t worry, they’ll warn you first. But I don’t believe there is a wrong side; both are lovely.

Also, do not miss visiting Queen Emma Bridge at night when it is beautifully lit.

Crossing it is always free.

Take a Photo at Handelskade

The Queen Emma Bridge offers amazing views of the Handelskade. It’s a lively waterfront street famous for its houses painted in pinks, yellows and blues that overlook St. Anna Bay.

These scenes appear on nearly every Curaçao postcard, so I believe it is time to include them in your family and Instagram photos as well.

You won’t even need a filter. Can you imagine?

Find Your Perfect Beach: Mambo Beach and More

Okay, here are some beach options along the coast of Curaçao, depending on your preferences.

First, I recommend Mambo Beach. It’s a human-made beach, but it’s very nice and only four miles from Willemstad. Keep in mind that you will be charged a $3.50 admission fee.

However, it is very vibrant, with a lot of people, clear waters, beach bars, white sand, palm trees, sun beds, restaurants and shops. As a result, it is a nice choice for both relaxing and socializing.

But if you don’t feel like socializing, Playa Porto Mari has a more relaxing atmosphere. Its crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkeling among rich marine life.

I also recommend Cas Abao. It is known for its turquoise waters and lush greenery. It is only accessible by car and requires some money, but the beach is lovely for lounging on soft sand and relaxing.

Grote Knip is also a nice option. It is one of the island’s best beaches. It boasts dramatic cliffs and a serene setting. It’s nice for a peaceful retreat or a family picnic.

Visit Klein Curaçao and Enjoy Snorkeling

Less than a two-hour boat trip or catamaran ride will take you to this snorkeling paradise. It’s a small, desolate island called Klein Curaçao.

Here, you can snorkel, kayak around the coves or scuba dive among coral reefs. You can also see sea turtles.

Although it is now a peaceful oasis where you can explore a lighthouse, marine life and the wreck of an old oil tanker named Maria Bianca Giovanni, it was not always like that.

Klein Curaçao has a darker chapter in its history related to the slave trade of Africans. Keep reading to see where you can learn more about it.

Learn About the Slave Trade

Klein Curaçao played an important role in the slave trade. It served as a staging area for enslaved individuals before they were transported to other colonies in the region, including Curaçao.

You can learn more about it at the Kura Hulanda Museum. It tells the story of the African diaspora, the impact of the slave trade and the rich Caribbean culture.

The Savonet Museum is another great spot to learn more about this topic. It’s raising awareness of this tragic chapter and the long-term consequences for the island’s culture and society.

Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Playa Lagun

Imagine snorkeling in clear waters, coming face-to-face with sea turtles. Is it polite to say hi?

Some popular locations include Klein Curaçao and Playa Lagun.

I also recommend Playa Grandi. It is located near the fishing village of Westpunt. Here, you can swim alongside sea turtles, particularly green sea turtles, which are often spotted feeding on seagrass just off the shore.

But remember not to touch or disturb them. Just imagine how many guests arrive uninvited at their “house” every day.

Have a Thrilling Ride in Christoffel National Park

I recommend that you add some excitement to your classic exploration by taking an exciting ATV ride through Christoffel National Park. It is home to Christoffel Mountain, the island’s highest peak.

This part of the island has designated ATV tracks that take you along beautiful routes. As you travel over rugged terrain, you’ll see the park’s amazing scenery, which ranges from rolling hills to vibrant vegetation.

Just make sure to stop at important locations. If you’re concerned that you’ll miss out on essential information, remember that ATV tours include guided tours.

We must confess that exploring with the wind in your hair sounds fun.

Enjoy Shete Boka National Park

One of the attractions that tourists really love is Shete Boka National Park, a natural reserve located on the northern coast of Curaçao. 

One of the highlights is Boka Pistol, where you can hear the waves crash into the narrow rock and create a gunshot sound. Another one is Boka Tabla, with huge waves.

You can also see sea turtles, discover unique flora and fauna and enjoy amazing vistas.

Just make sure to wear strong shoes, as some paths are rocky. Also, pack water and snacks and let the adventure begin.

Learn About Curaçao Liqueur and Have a Sip

You’d never guess Curaçao liqueur’s origins based on its blue color.

The liqueur has a distinct flavor and is derived from the island’s unique laraha orange that grows only on Curaçao soil.

If you want to learn more, I recommend going to Landhuis Chobolobo, a 19th-century plantation house and the famous Curaçao liqueur distillery.

Is it a coincidence that its blue color evokes Caribbean blue waters so strongly?

Explore the Hato Caves

The Arawak people inhabited the Hato Caves in Curaçao 1,500 years ago.

Hato Caves have ancient petroglyphs and were later a refuge for escaped slaves. With three accessible terraces, they offer some stunning views. However, the 49 steep steps to the top can be challenging.

Anyway, Hato Caves are located less than 7 miles north of Willemstad. The entry is $10 for adults and $8 for children.

That is, if you are willing to pay to be near bats. If not, I recommend skipping this.

Meet Ostrich, Iguanas & Flamingos

Ostrich, Iguana, and Flamingo: Curaçao is a fantastic place to spot animals that you don’t see very often.

At the Curaçao Ostrich Farm, you can encounter ostriches. Watching them strut around their enclosures is both fun and educational. Plus you’ll learn some intriguing information.

For example, ostriches may run at speeds of up to 45 mph (72 km/h) in short bursts. It’s crazy!

You can also consider the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, where you can feed sharks. In addition I highly recommend going to Jan Kok to meet the flamingos and iguanas.

Did you know that flamingos obtain their distinctive pink color from the pigments in the food they consume?

Enjoy the Nightlife in Pietermaai

The night is young, as are we, so let’s see where you can have some fun. I recommend Pietermaai. It’s a Willemstad neighborhood known for its lively nightlife and colorful architecture.

Thanks to its vibe, it’s even called “the SoHo of Curaçao.” You can easily get there from the city center.

Start your night with a Blue Curaçao cocktail at a local bar with live music, such as Miles Jazz Café. If you’re looking for unusual places, consider Mundo Bizarro, but be ready for something “bizzaro.”

Be sure not to miss the food trucks offering delicious late-night snacks. I recommend stoba (stew) and pastechi (savory pastry).

Take a Day Trip to Nearby Islands

If you’re one of those who already plan their next trip while on vacation, I have an idea. Take a day trip to the beautiful islands of Aruba and Bonaire, which are part of the lovely ABC Islands.

Aruba has beautiful beaches and bustling nightlife. You may unwind on the gentle sands of Eagle Beach or browse the colorful boutiques of Oranjestad.

On the other side, Bonaire is more tranquil, with coral reefs making it a diver’s paradise.

You can travel by boat, which can take a long time, and enjoy the view. But if you are one of those who prefer the destination to the journey, consider a plane. The flight only takes half an hour.

And before you can pronounce “ABC,” you’ll already be on the “A” of these beautiful islands—Aruba. After that, you don’t need travel guides anymore. You have come to heaven. Congratulations and enjoy.

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