19 Best Things to Do in Curaçao: Hidden Gems and Unique Experiences

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What makes Curaçao stand out from many other Caribbean islands is that it offers so much more than just beach days. Yes, you’ll find stunning coves with crystal-clear water, but you’ll also discover colorful colonial architecture, rugged national parks, lively beach clubs, and a food scene that mixes Caribbean flavors with Dutch and international influences.

The Top 19 Things To Do In Curaçao

Below you'll find the best things to do in Curaçao, including iconic attractions, hidden gems, and unforgettable island experiences.

If you also need more practical information like how to get around, where to stay, the best restaurants and bars, and everything else you should know before planning your trip, check out my Ultimate Guide to Curacao for everything you need.

Explore the Colourful Streets of Willemstad

The capital of Willemstad is one of the most unique cities in the Caribbean, and it’s usually the first place travellers fall in love with when they arrive on the island. The city is famous for its colorful Dutch colonial buildings that line the waterfront, creating a postcard-perfect scene that looks almost too pretty to be real.

These historic buildings date back to the 17th and 18th centuries when Curaçao was an important trading hub for the Dutch, and today the entire historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

One of the highlights is crossing the floating Queen Emma Bridge, which connects both sides of the city. The bridge swings open when ships pass through the harbor, which is fun to watch if you happen to be there at the right moment.

Spend time wandering through small streets filled with boutiques, cafés, murals, and art galleries. In the evening, the waterfront restaurants and bars come alive, making it a perfect place for dinner or sunset drinks.

Check availability for the best guided walking tour of Willemstad here

If you want to learn more about the city's history while exploring, or make sure to see all the best views of the city I highly recommend doing a guided walking tour with a local guide while you're here.

Take a Day Trip to Klein Curaçao

One of the most unforgettable experiences in Curaçao is visiting Klein Curaçao, a tiny uninhabited island about two hours away by boat. This island is famous for its powdery white sand and unbelievably clear turquoise water. It feels far more remote and untouched than most beaches on the main island.

We visited Klein Curaçao on an organized boat tour that picked us up from our Hotel in Willemstad early in the morning. The journey takes around two hours by catamaran, but the ride itself is part of the adventure. We saw multiple dolphins swimming past our boat on the way there, which was such a fun experience! We also had amazing food and lots of drinks available during the day.

Klein Curaçao

You can spend the day snorkelling in the coral reefs, relaxing on the soft white sand, or walking across the island to see the historic pink lighthouse and the rusting remains of old shipwrecks scattered along the shore.

If you splurge on one thing while in Curaçao I recommend heading here. It was one of my favourite days while travelling the ABC-Islands. Booking your Klein Curaçao boat tour in advance is a good idea, especially during high season when the best tours often sell out.

This is the exact tour I booked to Klein Curaçao

I highly recommend booking this tour if you want to spend the day exploring Klein Curaçao on a catamaran.

Relax at Playa Kenepa Grandi

If you’re searching for the most breathtaking beach on the island, Playa Kenepa Grandi is often considered the winner. This beach is tucked into a dramatic cove surrounded by limestone cliffs. From the viewpoint above the beach you'll get one of the most iconic views in Curaçao.

Once you reach the beach, you’ll find soft white sand and calm water that’s perfect for swimming. The clear water also makes this a great place for snorkeling, especially along the rocky edges of the cove where fish tend to gather. If you want more adventure you can also choose to jump of the cliffs close to the viewpoint.

Because it’s a public beach, there’s no entrance fee. At the top you'll find a huge parking lot and a couple of food trucks serving a variety of food and drinks. If you want sun beds, you'll also find them on the beach here.

This is one of the more popular beaches, so don't be surprised if it gets quite crowded.

You can get here by car or local bus, or join a group trip that takes you to different beaches during the day.

Join this beach hopping tour with ATV to see the best beaches in one day

Hike Mount Christoffel

For adventurous travellers, climbing Mount Christoffel is a must. I have to admit that I personally didn't do this hike because I thought it was way too hot, but if you want a more active day in between relaxing on the beach this is a good option.

This is the highest point on the island, and the hike to the summit takes about an hour. The trail is said to be steep and rocky toward the top, so bring good shoes. From the top you'll be able to see across the entire island and out over the Caribbean Sea.

Go Snorkeling at Playa Lagun

One of the best snorkeling spots on the island is Playa Lagun, a small beach hidden between steep cliffs along the west coast. The moment you arrive, you’ll notice how calm and protected the water is thanks to the narrow cove that shields the bay from strong currents.

Snorkeling here is incredibly easy because fish and coral are located just a few meters from the shore. As soon as you enter the water, you’ll likely see schools of colorful fish swimming around the rocks.

If you swim toward the edges of the cliffs, you may also spot sea turtles or even small rays gliding across the sandy seabed. Because the beach is small and cozy, it feels much more relaxed than some of the larger beaches on the island.

There’s also a small restaurant perched above the beach where you can grab lunch while enjoying the view.

Check availability for a snorkel tour with turtles here

If you want to snorkel with turtles and relax on the beach afterwards, this is the tour for you.

Join an aquafari tour here

Avoid the hassle of dealing with scuba tanks or snorkel gear and easily breathe underwater with a bell-shaped helmet that receives oxygen. Sit atop your scooter that works on jet propulsion and observe several marine species.

Visit Shete Boka National Park

For a completely different side of Curaçao, visit Shete Boka National Park on the rugged northern coast of the island. Unlike the calm turquoise beaches on the south side, this coastline is wild and dramatic with powerful waves crashing against rocky cliffs.

The name “Shete Boka” means “seven inlets,” and the park is filled with natural coves where the ocean rushes into caves and blowholes.

There are several walking paths that lead you to several of these inlets, each offering a slightly different view of the coastline. One of the highlights is Boka Pistol, where waves slam into a narrow opening in the rocks and shoot upward like a natural fountain.

If you want to explore the park on your own allow at least two hours to explore and bring comfortable shoes since the terrain can be rocky. Otherwise you can do a guided tour that takes you to all the best spots as well as other highlights on the island.

Explore Sheta Boka National Park on this guided tour

This popular highlights tour takes you to all the must-see destinations in Curaçao, including Sheta Boka National park

Relax at Cas Abao Beach

Cas Abao Beach is often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and it’s easy to see why once you arrive. This beach has everything you imagine when you picture a perfect tropical beach — soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear water.

Unlike some of the smaller coves on the island, Cas Abao has excellent facilities including beach bars, restaurants, lounge chairs, and umbrellas. That makes it a great place to spend the entire day relaxing by the sea.

The water here is calm and perfect for swimming, and the coral reefs just offshore make snorkeling fantastic as well.

Arrive early if you want to secure a good spot since this beach is popular with both locals and visitors.

Discover Street Art in Otrobanda

The neighborhood of Otrobanda has become known for its colorful street art scene. Walking through the streets feels like exploring an open-air art gallery. Murals cover many buildings and tell stories about the island’s culture and history.

This area is especially photogenic, so bring your camera and allow some time to wander through the streets.

Explore Kura Hulanda Village

Right next to the historic Otrobanda district, you'll find the Kura Hulanda Village. This beautifully restored area is made up of cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, leafy courtyards, and small boutique shops that feel like stepping back in time.

It was for a long time a neglected neighborhood, but has in later years been transformed into a cultural complex and hotel area that now houses art galleries, cafés, and the important Kura Hulanda Museum, which tells the powerful story of the transatlantic slave trade and African heritage in the Caribbean.

Even if you don’t visit the museum, it’s worth strolling through the village to admire the architecture, browse local crafts, and enjoy a quiet escape from the busier streets near the waterfront. It’s one of the most charming and historically meaningful corners of Willemstad in my opinion. There are also a huge variety of really good and charming restaurants to enjoy lunch or dinner.

Kura Hulanda Village

Visit the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery

The famous Blue Curaçao liqueur actually originated on the island and you can visit the historic Landhuis Chobolobo where the liqueur is produced.

If you're interested and want to sample some of the liqueur you can join a tour that explains how the liqueur is made using the dried peel of the laraha citrus fruit, which grows only in Curaçao. You’ll learn about the history of the plantation house and how the drink became famous around the world.

At the end of the tour, visitors can sample several varieties of the liqueur.

Book a guided tour of the distillery here

Explore the distillery with a guide and sample some of the liqueur

Spend the Day at Mambo Beach

Mambo Beach is one of the most lively beaches on the island. Part of the reason for this is that it's a very popular beach for cruise tourists just spending one day on Curaçao to come to. In addition it's also packed with beach bars, restaurants and shops which also attracts more people.

During the day you can relax on a sunbed, swim in the calm water, or enjoy lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants. In the evening the atmosphere becomes more social as beach bars start playing music.

If you're driving yourself you'll find lots of free parking just outside the area. If you're coming from a cruise ship it's also the most convenient beach to get to by taxi if you just want to spend most of the day on the beach.

Mambo beach

Visit the Hato Caves

If you want to add something different to your Curaçao itinerary, Hato Caves are a fascinating natural attraction filled with impressive limestone formations, and a fun way to see something else than beaches.

Guided tours take you through the caves while explaining their geological history and how they formed thousands of years ago. Inside the caves you’ll see stalactites and stalagmites that create dramatic shapes and formations.

The caves also have historical significance because they were used as hiding places by enslaved people escaping nearby plantations. The tour offers an interesting mix of natural beauty and history.

Check availability for the most popular Half Day Tour here

Join a Half Day Tour that takes you to Hato Caves as well as seeing the Flamingos and Kokomo Beach

Beach Hop Along the West Coast

One of the best things about visiting Curaçao is that many of its most beautiful beaches are located close to each other along the island’s western coast. This makes it incredibly easy to spend a day beach hopping from one stunning cove to another.

Some of the best include:

Playa Porto Mari
Playa Kalki
Playa Jeremi

Beach life in Curaçao

Each beach has its own personality, from dramatic cliffs and hidden coves to lively beach bars and snorkelling reefs.

Renting a car is the best way to explore these beaches, as many are located along winding coastal roads with incredible views. If you want a full breakdown of where to go, check out my guide to The 10 best beaches in Curaçao.

If you're not comfortable renting a car, you can choose to join a beach hopping tour that takes you to all the best locations.

Check prices for rental cars on Curaçao here

Beach life in Curaçao

Snorkel at Tugboat Beach

One of the most unique snorkelling spots on the island is Tugboat Beach, where a small sunken tugboat rests just a few meters below the surface. The wreck is located close to the shore, which means you don’t need to be an experienced diver to explore it. With a mask and snorkel, you can easily swim out to the wreck and see fish swimming in and around the structure.

Over the years the wreck has become covered with coral and marine life, turning it into an underwater ecosystem filled with colorful fish. You’ll often see parrotfish, angelfish, and sometimes even octopus hiding among the coral. The water here is usually very clear, which makes the experience even more impressive.

To get there, drive toward Caracas Bay and park near the small beach area. From the shore it’s only a short swim to reach the wreck, making this one of the easiest snorkeling adventures on the island.

Take a Sunset Cruise

One of the most relaxing ways to experience Curaçao is by joining a sunset cruise along the coast. Watching the sunset from the water is one of the best ways to end the day in Curaçao.

These cruises typically depart from Willemstad in the late afternoon. Most tours include drinks and snacks, making it a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.

Pro Tip: Sunset cruises are very popular, so booking in advance is recommended.

Check prices and availability for the best sunset cruise here

Visit Christoffel National Park

Christoffel National Park is the largest protected area on the island. You don't need to hike to the top of the mountain here to enjoy the national park.

The park is filled with hiking trails, wildlife, and scenic viewpoints. You might see iguanas, rare birds, and even white-tailed deer while exploring the landscape. It’s a great place to experience Curaçao’s natural beauty beyond the beaches.

You can choose to drive there yourself and wander around or join a guided tour where you look for animals and learn more about the islands history at the same time.

Check availability for a guided tour of the national park here

Try Local Food at Plasa Bieu

If you want to experience authentic local cuisine, visit Plasa Bieu. This popular food hall serves traditional dishes like stewed goat, fresh fish, and local stews. I unfortunately never made it here, but have heard great reviews from those wanting something more local.

Visit the Floating Market

In the heart of Willemstad, you’ll find the historic Floating Market, where Venezuelan vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood directly from their boats. These colourful boats dock along the canal and create a vibrant local market atmosphere.

Walking through the market is a fun way to see a different side of the island and experience local life. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth stopping by to take photos and explore the area.

Enjoy Sunset Drinks at Zanzibar

For a fun evening by the ocean, head to Zanzibar Beach Club, one of the most popular beach bars on the island.

The beach club has a relaxed but lively atmosphere with music, cocktails, and beautiful ocean views. Many people come here specifically for the sunset, when the sky turns shades of pink and orange over the water.

On weekends there is often live music or DJs, making it one of the best places to experience Curaçao’s nightlife.

How many days do you need in Curaçao?

Most travellers find that 5 to 7 days is the perfect amount of time to explore Curaçao. This gives you enough time to explore Willemstad, visit several beaches, go snorkelling, and take a day trip to Klein Curaçao. Use my 5 Day Itinerary for Curacao to plan you trip in detail. If you have more time it's also possible to go island hopping between the other ABC-Islands Aruba and Bonaire.

What is the best time to visit Curaçao?

Curaçao has warm weather all year round, with temperatures usually between 27–30°C (80–86°F). The most popular months to visit are between December and April when the weather is slightly cooler and drier.

The island is also located outside the main hurricane belt, making it a great Caribbean destination even during hurricane season.

Curaçao

Do you need a car in Curaçao?

Yes, renting a car is the easiest way to explore Curaçao. Many of the island’s best beaches are located along the western coast, and public transportation is limited.

Having a car allows you to beach hop and explore hidden spots around the island.

Find the best deals for your rental car here

Final Thoughts

From snorkeling with turtles to exploring the colourful town and discovering hidden beaches, Curaçao offers an incredible variety of experiences.

Whether you spend your days beach hopping, exploring Willemstad, or sailing to Klein Curaçao, this island has a way of making every moment feel unforgettable. If you're planning a Caribbean trip, Curaçao is one destination that truly has it all.

I hope this helps you plan your upcoming vacation to Curaçao. If you have any questions about travel in Curaçao or the ABC-Islands in general, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid