Sid and Sherry visited Curaçao and came back with beaches, turtle sightings, colourful streets, and more tips than one trip should allow. Here is everything you need to plan yours.
If you’re planning a trip to Curaçao, get ready for a destination that blends European charm, Caribbean beaches, and vibrant culture in the most effortless way. Think colorful streets, crystal-clear waters, beach hopping days, and relaxed evenings by the ocean.
This blog walks you through the best things to do in Curaçao, real travel tips from experience, and everything you need to plan your trip smartly. And at the end, you’ll find a ready to use itinerary to make things even easier.
Download the Curaçao itinerary and plan your trip the smart way.
Curaçao Sea Aquarium – Perfect for Families
A visit to the Curaçao Sea Aquarium is one of the most interactive experiences on the island, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
What to expect: multiple animal shows throughout the day (check timings on arrival), a great seating area for the dolphin show making it comfortable even with kids, a dolphin kiss experience (paid, but very popular and memorable), a flamingo feeding area where you may need to line up (worth the wait), and fully stroller-friendly pathways making it easy for families.
It’s a relaxed, half-day activity that blends fun with learning. If you enjoy wildlife and nature experiences while travelling, our guide to the best things to do in Belize covers some equally memorable encounters.
Address: Bapor Kibra, Willemstad, Curaçao
Mambo Beach Boulevard – Your Go-To Evening Spot
Right next to the aquarium is Mambo Beach Boulevard, one of the most lively and convenient areas in Curaçao.
It is a walkable strip connecting multiple beach spots, with plenty of restaurants, cafés, and shops. It offers a perfect mix of chill and lively vibe. An evening here is a must. Think sunset views, good food, music in the background, and an easy stroll with kids.
Stay tip: If you want to be close to all the action, Bon Bini Resort is a great option. This boutique-style stay offers private bungalows with kitchens, a relaxing pool area, and lush tropical surroundings, all just 2 minutes from Mambo Beach. Extras like free entry to Cabana Beach and a shuttle to the supermarket make it especially convenient for families or longer stays.
Willemstad – The Heart of Curaçao
The capital city, Willemstad, feels like a postcard come to life with its colorful Dutch-style buildings and vibrant streets. Exploring the things to do in Willemstad is a full day in itself.
Must-see spots in Willemstad:
Queen Emma Bridge: Walk across this floating bridge and even add a lock for memories.
Handelskade: The iconic row of colorful waterfront buildings.
Rif Fort: A historic fort turned into a lively hub with shops and restaurants.
Kura Hulanda Village: Perfect for boutique shopping and quiet exploration.
You’ll also find souvenir shops, brand stores, and cafés and restaurants throughout. Best part? The entire area is stroller friendly.
Address: Willemstad, Curaçao
Pietermaai District – Colorful and Lively Nights
If you love aesthetic streets and good food, the Pietermaai District is a must for things to do in Curaçao at night. Known for bright colorful buildings, boutique restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife vibe, it is the kind of place where you come for dinner and end up staying longer than planned.
Stay tip: For a more boutique, oceanfront experience, check out BijBlauw Hotel. Located right in Pietermaai, this stay offers beautiful ocean-view rooms and an in-house restaurant where you can start your day with breakfast overlooking the sea. You can get 10% off with the Waddup Canada reference, making it a great value pick for a stylish stay.
Playa Piskado – Swim with Turtles
One of the most unique things to do in Curaçao is at Playa Piskado, where you can spot sea turtles swimming close to shore. Go early in the morning for the best chances of spotting turtles. You can also snorkel here for a closer experience.
Note: the beach is not stroller friendly, so use a baby carrier instead.
Playa Kenepa Grandi – Postcard Perfect Views
Also known as Grote Knip, Playa Kenepa Grandi is one of the most scenic beaches on the island. Expect turquoise waters, cliffside viewpoints, and great photo spots. If you enjoy discovering beautiful Caribbean beaches and island destinations, our guide to top things to do in Martinique is worth a read for your next trip.
Shete Boka National Park – Raw Nature at Its Best
Visit Shete Boka National Park to experience the island’s wild side. Waves crashing into rocky cliffs, natural caves and inlets, and dramatic coastal views make this one of the most distinctive stops on the island.
Jan Thiel Beach – Our Personal Favourite
Jan Thiel Beach offers the perfect mix of relaxation and activity, with restaurants right on the beach, swings for kids, and great swimming. It is ideal for spending a full day by the water.
Cas Abao Beach – The Most Beautiful Beach
Cas Abao Beach is all about crystal-clear water and soft sand. Good to know: there is only one canteen on site which can get crowded, so it is best to carry your own food.
Where to Stay for the Best Things to Do in Curaçao
Whether you are based near Mambo Beach for easy access to the aquarium and boulevard, or in Pietermaai for the nightlife and restaurant scene, Curaçao has accommodation to suit every style of trip.
Mambo Beach and Jan Thiel area suit families and those who want beach access right from the resort. Pietermaai District suits couples or travellers who want a boutique, walkable neighbourhood with great food and atmosphere. Willemstad centre works well for those who want to explore the UNESCO-listed capital on foot.
For a Caribbean resort experience that pairs well with island-hopping inspiration, our review of the Ocean El Faro resort in Punta Cana shows what a well-chosen Caribbean stay can look like.
Tips for Planning Your Curaçao Trip with Kids
Curaçao is one of the more family-friendly Caribbean islands, but a few practical things make a real difference. Renting a car is essential. The beaches and attractions are spread across the island and public transport does not connect them conveniently. Most popular areas, including Willemstad and Mambo Beach Boulevard, are fully stroller-friendly, though a small number of beaches like Playa Piskado are not, so a baby carrier is worth packing. USD is accepted almost everywhere, which simplifies things for Canadian travellers since you avoid a double conversion. Starting early each day is worthwhile, both to beat the heat and to get the best spots at beaches like Cas Abao, where facilities are limited and it can fill up quickly.
Practical Travel Tips for Curaçao
USD works almost everywhere on the island. Always compare beach chair prices before committing. Renting a car is a must for getting around comfortably. Most places are stroller friendly, with the exception of a few beaches. Starting early helps you avoid both the heat and the crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Curaçao worth visiting?
Curaçao is widely regarded as one of the most underrated Caribbean destinations. It combines Dutch colonial architecture, crystal-clear Caribbean waters, and a genuinely diverse food and culture scene in a way that few other islands do. For travellers looking for something beyond a standard beach resort, it delivers.
Is it safe to travel to Curaçao right now?
Curaçao is generally considered one of the safer Caribbean islands for tourists. As with any destination, it is advisable to check the current travel advisory issued by the Government of Canada before booking. Exercise normal precautions, stay in well-visited areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in busy spots like Willemstad.
How do you spend a day in Willemstad, Curaçao?
A full day in Willemstad works well starting with a morning walk across the Queen Emma Bridge and along Handelskade to take in the famous colourful waterfront buildings. From there, Rif Fort and Kura Hulanda Village are within easy walking distance. The area has plenty of cafés and restaurants for lunch, and the streets are compact enough to explore comfortably on foot in a single day.
Can you walk around Willemstad, Curaçao?
Yes, the main areas of Willemstad, including Punda and Otrobanda, are very walkable. The Queen Emma floating bridge connects the two sides of the city and is a landmark in itself. The entire area is also stroller-friendly, which makes it easy for families to explore without needing a car for this part of the trip.
Download Your Curaçao Itinerary
To make your trip effortless, we’ve created a complete Curaçao travel guide that includes a day-by-day itinerary, restaurant recommendations for each day, perfect route planning, real tips from our personal experience, and hidden gems you shouldn’t miss.
Whether you are planning your first Caribbean trip or looking to make the most of every day on the island, these tips for things to do in Curaçao will help you travel smarter.
Download the Curaçao itinerary and plan your trip the smart way.
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