WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Curaçao Travel Guide

Embark on a journey of discovery with my Curaçao Travel Guide, a comprehensive resource to help you uncover the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and secrets that make this Caribbean gem an ideal destination for your next adventure.

Curaçao UNVEILED

Curaçao Travel Guide for the Ultimate Caribbean Retreat

Curacao is one-third of the ABC islands, which are part of the Netherlands, and has a big place in my heart.

What started as a solo female travel trip ended in me spontaneously living here for a few months and was truly one of the most memorable times of my life.

Here are my Curacao travel tips to know before visiting!

VANESSA'S INSIDER TIPS

My Travel Tips for Curaçao

Here are some helpful Curaçao travel tips to know before you go:

Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens do not need a visa

Local currency

Local currency is the Antillean Guilder, but lots of places accept U.S. dollars.

Language

As part of the Netherlands, Arubans speak Dutch. They also speak Papiamento (Creole language) and Spanish. Don’t worry Americans, English is widely spoken!

Plugs

Curacao uses 3 types of plugs, 2 of which are the same we use in the states. The third plug they use is the round one typical of what you see in Europe. To be safe, bring an adaptor or converter anyways.

An adapter allows you connect two different plugs or sockets that aren’t compatible. If you look at the plug on your iPhone charger for example, you would see it won’t fit in European sockets. So, the adapter allows that connection.

Get an adapter here>>

A converter is really only needed if you are going to be using high voltage items from the U.S., like a laptop or hairdryer. If you aren’t going to be using anything with high voltage, then just an adapter is fine!

Get a converter here >>

Curaçao Essentials

There are a few things you’ll need for some fun in the sun! Here’s what I recommend for any tropical destinations:

SPF is a must. I’m constantly in the sun, but always make sure to protect my skin. I love using the SuperGoop brand because it’s affordable but there’s also a light tint to their SPF that adds some color to your skin.

Get their sunscreen here >>

In addition to SPF for the skin, I learned the hard way that you also need SPF for your head! There have been times where I’ve had my part get burned because I totally forgot to use a hat. Sun Bum is another great brand I love.

Get their scalp SPF here >>

And of course, you’ll need something to protect your phone while you take your Insta pics! I have a Go Pro, but for those who don’t, I highly recommend getting a waterproof case so you can have peace of mind when using it.

Get your case here >>

When to Go

Oct – Dec are the rainiest months. I went from Jan – March and it was perfect, though this would be high season so keep that in mind!

Where to Stay

I stayed in Jan Thiel and Pietermaai but honestly, I would say it doesn’t matter where you stay because you will inevitably need a car.

For first-time visitors, stick to either of the two neighborhoods I just mentioned. Pietermaai is a neighborhood in the capital, Willemsted, and is close to the Queen Emma bridge and the famous colorful buildings you see online.

Jan Thiel has a lot of beach clubs and nightlife, and isn’t too far from Willemsted.

How To Get Around

This is one of the few places I really commend renting a car. There’s so much to see on the island and some of the best beaches require driving.

Public buses are available and easy to use but for further distances, like the Western beaches, it will take forever to get there. So just rent a car!

Is It Safe?

Curaçao Solo Female Travel

If you’ve read my guides on the other two ABC islands you might think this one is similar but it’s the best of the ABC islands for solo female travel!

At first glance you might be unsure why, but it’s because there’s such a huge population of European backpackers on the island, that it translates well to meeting new people and a good nightlife scene.

I also felt very, very safe walking alone at night, which is always my true test. However, I do know there are some sketchy neighborhoods, but you likely won’t be in any of those areas anyways.

Curaçao ADVENTURES

My Recommended Itinerary for Curaçao Travel

Curaçao has a million things to do, but here’s what I recommend for Curaçao:

Vanessa's Quick Thoughts

My time on Curacao started off as a 5-day vacation. During those few days, I met amazing people and really liked the vibes of the island. Curacao is so small, so after a while, everyone knows everyone. I loved that intimate feeling, though I can understand how that inevitably leads to “island fever.”

Every time I told people I was only there for 5 days I was met with the same question, “What are you running back to?” And the truth was … nothing. I didn’t really have a reason to go back.

So on the day of my original flight home, I called my mom and told her I wasn’t getting on the plane! Like the queen she is, she told me life is all about living in the moment and if in that moment I wanted to stay, then I should. So I did.

What came next in those few months I was there was a highlight of my life! I met a great group of friends, dated around, had great food, and went to the beach nearly every day – it was heaven! Since I spent so much time there, I felt I truly got to know the island inside and out. Believe me when I say, you want to add this island to your travel list!

Again, I spent several months here, but I know not everyone will have that luxury. I would say 5-7 days would be enough to get to know the island. You can also easily add more days to your trip if you want to visit its sister islands too! Here are my top things to do in Curacao:

Curaçao Attractions

Explore Willemstad

Willemstad is the island’s capital and where you’ll find those cute pastel-colored buildings. I recommend signing up for a Free Walking Tour to explore this area – walking tours are a great way to get a feel for things.

While exploring Willemstad, check out the neighborhood of Punda. Walk around, check out cozy cafes, and take pics with the colorful buildings, located at the Handelskade waterfront. Next to Punda you have the hip and trendy neighborhood of Pietermaai. Here you’ll find boutique hotels, shops, and even more colorful buildings.

Next, you’ll want to check out the Queen Emma bridge. It opens up several times a day to allow boats to pass through the port! Cross over the bridge to the neighborhood of Otrobanda. In Otrobanda you’ll continue to see colorful buildings, as well as street art. It’s a more artistic vibe on this side of the bridge.

I know this all sounds like a lot of ground to cover, but it’s really compact and easily walkable.

Christoffel National Park

I know hiking isn’t what most people want to do on a trip, but I personally love it!

The Christoffel National Park is the largest park on the island. My friends and I went around 8AM and hiked to the top of Christoffel Mountain.

All these hikes are pretty easy and don’t require guides – just make sure to start early and beat the morning heat!

Beach Clubs

There’s two things I think of when I think of my time in Curacao: the beaches and beach clubs. Honestly, that’s what a lot of the social activities revolve around!

Curacao also has a party vibe to it (I think largely due to so many Dutch people using it as a vacation spot). If you want somewhere fun and social, the two places I recommend are Jan Thiel Beach and Mambo Beach.

Jan Thiel Beach is located in the neighborhood of Jan Thiel, not too far from Punda and Pietermaai. During the day, enjoy great food from one of the many beach bars and get there early to get beach chairs. In the afternoon, it turns into a big party place.

My favorite, though, is Mambo Beach. There’s the beach, yes, but also shopping and dining options. Same thing as Jan Thiel – during the day it’s a lot of lounging and sunbathing but come 4:30, it turns into a party place with cover charge!

8 the Experience

For those wanting a spa day in Curacao, I highly recommend this place! I got facials and massages here, and hung out by the gorgeous pools.

Beaches

It’s an island in the Caribbean – of course one of the top things to do is going to be to explore the Curacao beaches! This is also another reason I highly recommend to rent a car – the buses will take forever and don’t go to all the beaches.

During my time on the island I managed to go to the majority of the beaches; here are the ones I recommend:

Playa Kalki
Playa Kalki

The Westernmost beach on my list, this beach is quiet and secluded, but sometimes that’s what’s needed!
Playa Lagun
Playa Lagun

Really small beach located on the Western side of the island but my goodness, it’s stunning.
Eat at the restaurant for the best view of the beach overhead!
Kleine Knip
Kleine Knip

Also on the Western side of the island and about 5 minutes from Playa Lagun.
It’s pretty small and not one of my favorites, but might as well check it out since you would be in the area seeing other beaches.
Grote Knip
Grote Knip

I’ve listed this alongside Playa Lagun and Kleine Knip because they are all close to one another on the Western side of the island.
This one is 2 minutes from Kleine Knip and one of my favorites!
Cas Abao
Cas Abao

This one has more facilities than some of the other beaches.
Its on the Western side but not as far West as the aforementioned beaches.
Porto Marie
Porto Marie

Further south than Cas Abao, this beach was also one of my favorites!
Klein Curaçao
Klein Curacao

Also known as Little Curacao, this is an uninhabited island that requires taking a boat.
You’ll find options for this day trip all over the island.
There isn’t much to do on the actual island but it’s a fun day trip with friends.
Kokomo Beach
Kokomo Beach

This beach is the one closest to Willemstad on this list.
It’s pretty relaxed and quiet, plus there’s a fun swing in the
water to take pictures in!

Playa Kalki

The Westernmost beach on my list, this beach is quiet and secluded, but sometimes that’s what’s needed!

Playa Lagun

Really small beach located on the Western side of the island but my goodness, it’s stunning.

Eat at the restaurant for the best view of the beach overhead!

Kleine Knip

Also on the Western side of the island and about 5 minutes from Playa Lagun.

It’s pretty small and not one of my favorites, but might as well check it out since you would be in the area seeing other beaches.

Grote Knip

I’ve listed this alongside Playa Lagun and Kleine Knip because they are all close to one another on the Western side of the island.

This one is 2 minutes from Kleine Knip and one of my favorites!

Cas Abao

This one has more facilities than some of the other beaches.

Its on the Western side but not as far West as the aforementioned beaches.

Porto Marie

Further south than Cas Abao, this beach was also one of my favorites!

Klein Curacao

Also known as Little Curacao, this is an uninhabited island that requires taking a boat.

You’ll find options for this day trip all over the island.

There isn’t much to do on the actual island but it’s a fun day trip with friends.

Kokomo Beach

This beach is the one closest to Willemstad on this list.

It’s pretty relaxed and quiet, plus there’s a fun swing in the
water to take pictures in!

FLAVORS OF THE ISLAND

My Recommended Food in Curaçao

Since I spent so much time on the island, and I don’t cook, I got to know a ton of restaurants on the island! Even though these Curacao restaurants listed are my favorites, I truly don’t think I ever had a bad meal on this island.

Most of these restaurants in Curacao are centrally located in Willemstad, but I’ll let you know which ones are further out. Here’s my list of top places to eat in Curacao.

Image Source: Vanessa O.

Zest

Located at Jan Thiel Beach, I loved coming here around sunset for dinner. The chicken skewers and slaw were my favorites!

Image Source: Vanessa O.

Mood Beach

Book a cabana here and enjoy some lunch along with the good vibes. It’s a good spot to spend the afternoon and any place that has yummy sauce for their fries is a win in my book! I’m crazy when it comes to sauces.

Image Source: Vanessa O.

BijBlauw

Cute restaurant as part of a boutique hotel in Pietermaai neighborhood. Come here for their breakfast and eat out by the water.

Image Source: Vanessa O.

Saint Tropez

I stayed at the Saint Tropez Hotel for about a week while I figured out my living situation. During that time, I think I ate at the restaurant every day at least. Please get the truffle croquettes – they are phenomenal!

Image Source: Vanessa O.

La Boheme

I came here almost every morning for breakfast – it’s also a good place to work from if need be. Their omelets are huge and their smoothies delicious.

Image Source: Vanessa O.

Ginger

Indian and Asian food is not usually something I go for, but this place was really good! Make sure to get the fried ice cream for dessert too.

Image Source: Vanessa O.

Karakter

Years later, I swear I still think of this place. I tried a chicken polenta dish here and my life changed. Another night, I had chicken with some pumpkin puree, and it was mind blowing. They change the menu often but no matter what’s on it, it exceeds any expectations you have! It’s a bit further out than all the other places I have listed, so you’ll need a car to get here.