A Couple's Guide to Curaçao: The Caribbean Island for Travelers Who Want More Than Just A Beach
Curated By
Rachel Gallo
Curator’s statement
Curaçao offers the best of both worlds—remarkably diverse beaches by day and lively, colorful city streets by night. From crystal-clear waters and rugged, rocky beaches to colorful Dutch architecture and a cuisine shaped by both European and Caribbean influence, the island offers a beautifully balanced experience. It's a destination that feels relaxed yet rich with character—something for every kind of traveler.
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Things to do in Curaçao
Visit Playa Porto Marie for white-sand beaches, a bite to eat at the casual, open-air restaurant and bar, and a visit with the resident pigs.
Walk the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge in Willemstad for the most stunning views of the city's colorful architecture.
Head to Jan Thiel Beach for the most diverse array of activities, all against a stunning backdrop of crystal-clear waters. Relaxing on the beach, enjoying fresh cuisines in restaurants with dreamy aesthetics and a lively atmosphere, exploring local boutiques and shops—you can do it all here.
Visit Curaçao Liqueur Distillery for a tour of the grounds, a fascinating history lesson on Curaçao's unique lahara orange, and to shake up your own cocktails in Chobolobo's intimate cocktail workshop.
Take a beginner-friendly snorkel adventure out to the old sunken tugboat wreck, on the charmingly quirky and quiet Tugboat Beach.
Check out Cas Abao Beach, which is often referred to as one of Curaçao's "true gems." Arrive early in the day to enjoy and comfortably explore this cliff-lined beach with picturesque turquoise waters and small, natural sea caves. We found this beach to be relatively serene in the morning hours, becoming increasingly crowded right before lunch.
Places to eat & drink in Curaçao
Fort Nassau
Dinner at BijBlauw: A laid-back yet elegant dinner setting on rocky oceanfront with stunning sunset views in the center of Pietermaai.
MosaCaña Bar & Kitchen: Enjoy Latin-Caribbean flavors and fresh craft cocktails on a lively open-air terrace surrounded by colorful wall murals.
A romantic dinner at historic Fort Nassau Restaurant: Request a table directly against the overlook wall for breathtaking water and sunset views.
Lunch at Koko's: This Jan Thiel spot offers fresh foods in a laid-back, relaxed setting with no shortage of immaculate views. The pizza was flavorful and satisfying without being too heavy, and this is the spot to scratch the itch for a piña colada.
Head to the Cuban-inspired Mundo Bizzaro for live salsa night, vintage antique charm, and plenty of funky flair, set in the heart Willemstad’s colorful and lively Pietermaai district.
Need to know
Transportation
I highly recommend renting a car as your mode of transportation in Curaçao. This allows you the freedom to explore the island's various spread-out attractions at your own pace, while avoiding Curaçao's generally high taxi fares.
Airport arrival tip
When we landed in Curaçao, airport Wi-Fi wasn't accessible, which made navigating to our destination tricky. Learn from our mistake and download offline maps before your trip, or set up an international plan or eSIM in advance. If you miss this step, SIM cards are available at the Curaçao airport for purchase, but pre-planning allows you to easily navigate to your accommodations as soon as you land.
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Curaçao page.