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11 Best Things to do in Curacao in 2024

Planning to Visit Curacao? Include These Places on Your Must-Visit List

Caribbean holidays have their characteristics. You can visit the entire world, but the vibrancy, color, life, and laughter you can gather from a Caribbean vacation is impossible at other places.

There are so many natural wonders in the Caribbean Islands that you be overwhelmed to visit. So, we will talk about Curacao, one of the most happening Caribbean destinations which can make your vacation full of fun and excitement. Pack your bags and get ready for your journey!

Now, before getting more information about the awesome things to do in Curacao and places to visit there, you should know about this destination. What are the main attractions of the Caribbean Islands?

The picturesque beaches and the natural coves with the background of rocky outcrops are a treat to your eyes and senses.

Besides the natural wonder, the historical forts and pontoon bridges are also the epitome of the rich culture and tradition of the island. So, if you have already planned your trip and are now confused about what to see there, here are certain places that you can visit in Curacao. Read on to know more-

#1. Playa Lagun

Beginning your trip to Curacao, there is no better place than Playa Lagun over there. Located in the northwestern part of the town, Laguna, this beautiful place is surrounded by the grey cliffs.

The narrow coves and the calm water place are perfect for snorkeling, and you don’t need to be a champion! People are mesmerized by the crystal clear water and the beautiful coral reefs during scuba diving and snorkeling.

They also enjoy the view of colorful fishes, sea turtles, squids, and an excellent account of other marine life while snorkeling here. Indeed, this place is not as popular as many other places in Curacao, but we’ve begun our list with it because of the serenity and calmness of this place that many people admire.

  • Address: Curacao
  • Opening hours: Opens 24 hours
  • Fee: Free
  • The time required to visit: 2 hours to half day
  • Nearest transport: Take rental cars or public bus

#2. Willemstad

It is the capital city of Curacao which is also a UNESCO World Heritage City. The city is divided into two parts by St. Anna Bay, Punda (the eastern part) and Otrobanda (the western part). These parts are linked to each other by Queen Emma Bridge.

Once you are in Willemstad, you should not miss Handelskade, one of Punda’s major tourist spots. This colorful street has a history of Dutch colonization, and the houses are structured on Dutch Architecture.

You can also visit the fantastic Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. When the bridge is open, you can visit it and take amazing pictures of the city.

  • Address: Punda, Willemstad, Curacao
  • Opening hours: Opens 24 hours
  • Fee: Free
  • The time required to visit: A day or two
  • Nearest transport: Take rental cars or public bus

#3. Landhuis Chobolo

If you are bored a bit (it seems impossible, though) and want to know what to do in Curacao you can visit this distillery. It’s the historical mansion of Chobolobo, which is dedicated to preparing exclusive liquors and you can experience the manufacturing of those.

You will find a copper kettle here which is there for centuries and still in use. While roaming around the distillery and watching the production process, you can also taste the best liquors and cocktails to make your visit worthwhile. While you are here, don’t forget to visit the gift shop where you can buy Curacao souvenirs and your favorite types of liquors.

  • Address: Saliña Ariba, Willemstad, Elias R. A. Moreno Boulevard, Willemstad, Curaçao
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Wednesday (8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.), Saturday and Sunday (8.30 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
  • Fee: Free
  • The time required to visit: 1 to 2 hours
  • Nearest transport: Take 1B bus

#4. Shete Boka National Park

Nature in Curacao can give you a mind-blowing experience once you are on this beautiful island. While talking about the best places to visit in Curacao, this natural resort will provide you with immense pleasure.

The rocky coastal areas and the wind-lashed landscape can give you a lifetime experience. Once you are here, you can head towards the Boka Tabla, where the ocean waves wash away the undersea caverns.

To see this magnificent view, you can find a secure place at the cavern and get a bird’s-eye view of the ocean. If you are fond of hiking, this place is perfect for that. Hike up to the top of the cliff to have a great view around the coastal lines.

  • Address: Weg Naar Westpunt, Boca Tabla, Curacao
  • Opening hours: Every day (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Fee: $1.50 per person
  • The time required to visit: 1 to 2 hours
  • Nearest transport: 40 minutes in bus from Willemstad

#5. Christoffel National Park

Once you are looking for the best things to do in Curacao, you cannot miss visiting this spectacular national park on this island. Sharing its border with Shete Boka National Park, you can visit both the parks together if you have some time in your hand.

Eight hiking trails can give you an excellent experience of hiking. You can also see large species of flora and fauna. Don’t miss hiking to the summit of Christoffel Mountain, the highest point of this Island.

If you are not into hiking, still you can enjoy the natural beauty of the park, the old ruins of plantation houses, and the copper mines. If you want more adventure, go mountain biking here.

  • Address: Plantation House Savonet, Weg Naar Westpunt, Curaçao
  • Opening hours: Every day (6 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
  • Fee: $15 for adults and $5 for kids
  • The time required to visit: minimum one day
  • Nearest transport: 40 minutes in bus from Willemstad

#6. Savonet Museum

Are you visiting Christoffel National Park? Then you should not miss visiting the Savonet Museum to delve into the history of this island. If you are a history buff and want to explore this culturally rich island’s past, you must include visiting this museum on your list.

The Savonet plantation is the oldest in the land to visit. You can also find numerous other exhibits here where you can get the history of human civilization, history of pirates on the sea, tradition of Arawak Indians, etc.

  • Address: Plantation House Savonet, Weg Naar Westpunt, Curaçao
  • Opening hours: Every day (6 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
  • Fee: $15 for adults and $5 for kids
  • The time required to visit: minimum one day
  • Nearest transport: 40 minutes in bus from Willemstad

#7. Cas Abao Beach

What are the best things to do in Curacao? It is always to bask in nature and to do that in the best way; you can visit Cas Abao Beach now. Not only the tourists, but this place is also a key attraction of Curacao for the locals.

The lush greenery and the white-sand beach will make you enthralled by the natural beauty. What are the beautiful activities you can have here? While you are here, don’t miss snorkeling in the alluring turquoise blue water.

Watch the school of squids, sea turtles, fish world, colorful coral reefs, etc. to have a lifetime experience. If you feel exhausted after swimming for so long, you can also take a sunbath under the colorful palapas (palm umbrellas) or take a massage at the waterline.

There are varieties of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy luscious dishes and drinks to enjoy your trip to this beach and in Curacao.

  • Address: Cas abao Beach z/n, Willemstad, Curaçao
  • Opening hours: Every day (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
  • Fee: $5 generally and $15 for umbrellas and sun-bed
  • The time required to visit: minimum one day
  • Nearest transport: Take bus

#8. Hato Caves

If you want to get a glimpse of ancient Curacao, you have to visit Hato Caves once in your lifetime. Once you are here, you will find numerous caves which have been formed millions of years ago, under the sea.

Here you will find limestone structures, stalactite, stalagmite, pools, natural waterfalls, and lots of famous statues. While entering into the caves, you should not carry a camera and try to take pictures as this cave is the dwelling place of bats. You can take guided tours to know the history of the cave better.

  • Address: Franklin D. Rooseveltweg, Willemstad, Curaçao
  • Opening hours: Every day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
  • Fee: $7 for kids and $9 for adults
  • The time required to visit: 45 minutes
  • Nearest transport: 12-minutes walking from Curacao International Airport

#9. Klein Curacao

If you are tired of the urban grayness and want to have a vacation in nature, away from the crowd and hustle-bustle of city life, you can visit this island that is situated in a remote place.

The white sandy beaches, deep blue and clear water, vibrant sea life, and the beautiful reef are enough to blow your mind. If you are planning to have a great experience of scuba diving, swimming, and snorkeling, you can visit this remote place in Curacao.

  • Address: Curaçao
  • Opening hours: Opens 24 hours
  • Fee: Free
  • The time required to visit: A day or two
  • Nearest transport: Two-hour boat ride from Spanish Water

#10. Curacao Ostrich Farm

A trip to Curacao with your family and kids can be full of fun if you arrange a tour at the Curacao Ostrich Farm. You are in the Caribbean Islands. How can you not experience a bit of the wildlife of this prominent place?

Visit the Ostrich Farm where you will find more than 400 ostriches along with the cute, little chicks. Take a safari tour in trucks to see ostriches of all ages your kids will jump in joy with the view of so many ostriches at one place.

Not only ostriches, but you can also visit potbellied pigs, emus, Nile crocodiles, etc. If you want to make your trip even more adventurous, you can take a fourwheeling safari in the Curacao Desert.

  • Address: Groot St., Joris West z/n, Curacao
  • Opening hours: Every day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
  • Fee: $16 for adults, $13 for kids
  • The time required to visit: 2 hours to half a day
  • Nearest transport: 20-minute drive from Downtown Willemstad

#11. Museum Kura Hulanda

A museum is a place where you can walk the past and get to know about lots of gems that are lost in the pages of history. While in Curacao, you can visit this 19th-century building which has been turned into a museum.

Earlier, it was a merchant’s house and a slave quarters, and still, it bears the brutal history of slavery. Besides that, you can also visit the beautiful art collection and artifacts if West Africa. There is also a pool and a sculpture garden that describes the influence of African culture on Caribbean history.

  • Address: Klipstraat, Willemstad, Curaçao
  • Opening hours: Monday to Saturday (9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.)
  • Fee: $10 for adults, $7 for kids
  • The time required to visit: 1 to 2 hours
  • Nearest transport: Take a bus from Willemstad

So, these are some of the best places to visit in Curacao. Is Curacao safe to visit? It is safe for tourists, and they can have enough fun and excitement while touring around Curacao.

Plan a trip with your friends and family, and you can have the best time over here. To experience an outstanding Caribbean vacation, planning a trip to Curacao is worthy. Summer is the peak season to visit Curacao, but if you want to avoid the crowd, visit this place between May and November.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Curacao best known for?

Curacao best is known for its beautiful beaches, colorful architecture, and vibrant culture. The island is also home to the capital city of Willemstad, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its Dutch colonial architecture and picturesque waterfront.

How many days do you need in Curacao?

7-10 days is a perfect time to explore Curacao. As Curacao is a big enough Island so you need decent days to explore this beautiful destination.

What is Curaçao famous food?

Some of the popular food in Curaçao are Keshi yena, Kabritu stoba, Funchi, Pastechi, Oliebollen, and Poffertjes.

What is the best time of year to go to Curaçao?

December to April is a perfect time to visit Curaçao as weather is very pleasant in these months.

Do they speak English in Curaçao?

The native language in Curaçao is Papiamentu, which is closely related to Portuguese. Around 2% people speak in English who are involved in some business activities.

Do you need a car in Curaçao?

If you want to explore Curaçao with fun then car is needed. Many companies offer car in $40 USD a day.

What alcohol is Curaçao known for?

A Dutch liqeur Curaçao is a famous alcohol in Curaçao. It is made from the dried peels of the laraha citrus fruit, which is grown on the island of Curaçao.

What is the best beach in Curaçao?

Playa PortoMari (Curaçao) is the best beach.

What is the blue drink in Curaçao?

Blue Curaçao is made with blue Curaçao liqueur, which is a type of orange liqueur that has been flavored with the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit, native to the island.

Do you need a passport to go to Curaçao?

For US citizens, a valid passport is required to visit Curaçao. Citizens from India, China and the Dominican Republic with multiple entry visas for the United States, Canada or Schengen countries don’t require any visa to enter Curaçao. Most of the countries don’t need visa to enter but you must check this list for full details.

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