Curaçao
What you need to know before you go
Curacao is known for its pristine beaches, colonial architecture, and beautiful coral reefs. It's part of the Lesser Antilles, a group of islands in the southern Caribbean Sea. The 444-sq-km island has around 35 stretches of sand, most of which line its southwest coast. Blue Bay is a pretty crevice on Curacao’s western shoreline, where it forms a horseshoe-like curve between sea-facing villas.
The island’s colonial past lives on in Willemstad, where you can explore pastel-coloured mansions and notable landmarks, including the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue and Queen Wilhelmina Park. Punda dates back to the 17th century, making it the city’s oldest district. It sits adjacent to Fort Amsterdam, on the south side of Queen Emma Bridge. If you’re looking for a place to sunbathe, Jan Thiel Beach and Mambo Beach are just a 15-minute drive south of Willemstad.
What to see & do in Curaçao
Featured stories & fun stuffThings to do in Curacao go far beyond endless stretches of white-sand beaches with turquoise Caribbean waters and include museums, outdoor adventures, snorkeling and scuba diving, and live entertainment. You can go swimming with sharks and dolphins, dive a shipwreck, take an ATV tour of the island, or see real-life plantations. The island is rich with landmarks and historic sites, and the kids will love a visit to... Read more
10 Best Things to Do in Curacao
This list offers a glimpse at some of the best things to do in Curacao, with options for intrepid travelers, R&R seekers, and culture buffs alike. Just a mention of the name “Curacao” is usually enough to conjure images...10 Best Beaches in Curacao
Curacao is one of the most popular islands in the Dutch Caribbean with a variety of beaches that appeal to a wide array of travelers. Whether you're looking for a popular beach full of energy and things to do or...10 Best Towns and Resorts in Curacao
Curacao is one of the shining jewels of the Dutch Caribbean where you'll find a variety of towns and resorts...10 Best Family Things to Do in Curacao
Curacao is a fun-filled island in the Dutch Caribbean with attractions that the whole family can enjoy whether you're...10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Curacao
Curacao is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean for a romantic vacation, thanks to the multiple scenic landmarks...
Where & what to eat in Curaçao
Food and dining in Curacao offer a unique blend of flavors from all over the world that create an interesting culinary fusion tradition. You can hit places like the Blue Bay Beach Restaurant to dine on fresh, locally sourced seafood right on the beachfront. You can grab a gelato or Italian ice from stands along the streets. If something more fancy and romantic is your style, you'll find plenty of... Read more
10 Great Restaurants in Curacao
The best restaurants in Curacao showcase seafood caught along the coastline of this southern Dutch Caribbean island, as well as dishes with Portugese, Spanish, Dutch, Indonesian, and African influences. Many of the local dishes are stew-based, but you'll also...10 Best Local Restaurants in Curacao
The best local restaurants in Curacao offer dishes that reflect the island's diverse ethnic mix and Caribbean soul. Curacao cuisine is drawn from African, Dutch, Spanish and Latin American influences, and there's a range of restaurants, markets, and food trucks...
Where to shop & what to buy in Curaçao
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Curacao
The best places to go shopping in Curacao include top-notch malls, art galleries and independent boutiques where you can take a break from the tropical warmth. While many come to this island for its idyllic beaches and historic towns, it’s also a great place for a shopping trip in the Caribbean. The capital of Willemstad is where you’ll find...
Where to go & what to do at night in Curaçao
Nightlife in Curacao ensures that when the sun sets, the fun is just getting started, whether you head for a cabana beach club, a lounge-style bar, or a vibrant casino. Clubs here host live local music, while hopping and hip dance clubs feature the latest popular music spun by renowned DJs. You can find classic jazz cafés that seem like they're right out of the 1920s, as well as... Read more
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Curacao
The best things to do after dinner in Curacao range from live music at vibrant squares to sunset cruises on the Caribbean Sea. This tropical island attracts its regular crowds with the promise of see-through Caribbean waters and pristine...10 Best Beach Bars in Curacao
Beach bars and clubs in Curaçao offer an entire tropical world of great dining, craft cocktails, cultivated beer and wine lists, leisure, and a laid-back party vibe. Whether you want locally sourced Caribbean fusion cuisine, outstanding rum punch, a...