Photograph the Pastel Handelskade WaterfrontMust-See SightsThe row of pastel Dutch colonial houses along Willemstad's harbour is the photo everyone takes on Curaçao. It's right in the centre and easy to combine with a walk across the Queen Emma Bridge.0 Add to listPhotograph the Pastel Handelskade WaterfrontMust-See SightsThe row of pastel Dutch colonial houses along Willemstad's harbour is the photo everyone takes on Curaçao. It's right in the centre and easy to combine with a walk across the Queen Emma Bridge.0 Add to list
Walk the Historic Districts of Punda and OtrobandaMust-See SightsThe two UNESCO-listed historic districts on either side of St. Anna Bay are the core of Willemstad — colourful streets, street art and small shops. Cross the Queen Emma Bridge to get between them and allow a half-day to wander.0 Add to listWalk the Historic Districts of Punda and OtrobandaMust-See SightsThe two UNESCO-listed historic districts on either side of St. Anna Bay are the core of Willemstad — colourful streets, street art and small shops. Cross the Queen Emma Bridge to get between them and allow a half-day to wander.0 Add to list
Step Inside 17th-Century Fort AmsterdamMust-See SightsA 17th-century Dutch colonial fort that still serves as the island's seat of government, with a small historic church inside. Entry to parts is free; go in the morning before the tour groups arrive.0 Add to listStep Inside 17th-Century Fort AmsterdamMust-See SightsA 17th-century Dutch colonial fort that still serves as the island's seat of government, with a small historic church inside. Entry to parts is free; go in the morning before the tour groups arrive.0 Add to list
Browse the Venezuelan Floating MarketMust-See SightsVenezuelan traders moor their wooden boats along Sha Caprileskade in Punda and sell mangoes, papayas, plantains and fish off the decks. Come in the morning while it's busy and the produce is fresh.0 Add to listBrowse the Venezuelan Floating MarketMust-See SightsVenezuelan traders moor their wooden boats along Sha Caprileskade in Punda and sell mangoes, papayas, plantains and fish off the decks. Come in the morning while it's busy and the produce is fresh.0 Add to list
Sail Out to Uninhabited Klein CuraçaoMust-See SightsDay Trip · Paid · Check AccessA day trip by boat to a flat, uninhabited island with white sand and clear water. Tours usually run a full day and include snorkelling near the old lighthouse — book in advance as spots fill up.0 Add to listSail Out to Uninhabited Klein CuraçaoMust-See SightsDay Trip · Paid · Check AccessA day trip by boat to a flat, uninhabited island with white sand and clear water. Tours usually run a full day and include snorkelling near the old lighthouse — book in advance as spots fill up.0 Add to list
Hike Christoffel National ParkMust-See SightsDay Trip · Paid · Check AccessA drive to the west end of the island brings you to Curaçao's highest point, Mt. Christoffel. The summit hike is steep and dry — start before 10am, bring plenty of water, and check if the park requires advance booking.0 Add to listHike Christoffel National ParkMust-See SightsDay Trip · Paid · Check AccessA drive to the west end of the island brings you to Curaçao's highest point, Mt. Christoffel. The summit hike is steep and dry — start before 10am, bring plenty of water, and check if the park requires advance booking.0 Add to list
Snorkel with turtles at Playa LagunActiveCheck AccessA narrow cove between tall cliffs where green sea turtles rest on the sandy bottom and come up for air around you. Get there early on a weekday for calm water and fewer visitors.0 Add to listSnorkel with turtles at Playa LagunActiveCheck AccessA narrow cove between tall cliffs where green sea turtles rest on the sandy bottom and come up for air around you. Get there early on a weekday for calm water and fewer visitors.0 Add to list
Run the Rif Fort waterfront at sunriseActiveAn easy seafront jog past the old Rif Fort walls in Otrobanda, looping toward the Queen Emma Bridge with Punda's painted houses lighting up across the water. Go at dawn for cool air and empty paths.0 Add to listRun the Rif Fort waterfront at sunriseActiveAn easy seafront jog past the old Rif Fort walls in Otrobanda, looping toward the Queen Emma Bridge with Punda's painted houses lighting up across the water. Go at dawn for cool air and empty paths.0 Add to list
Feed an ostrich at the Ostrich FarmFun Side QuestsWith KidsPaidA working ostrich farm east of Willemstad where a safari truck takes you through pens with emus, pigs and crocodiles — ending with hand-feeding a very large bird. Kids enjoy the slightly nerve-wracking finale.0 Add to listFeed an ostrich at the Ostrich FarmFun Side QuestsWith KidsPaidA working ostrich farm east of Willemstad where a safari truck takes you through pens with emus, pigs and crocodiles — ending with hand-feeding a very large bird. Kids enjoy the slightly nerve-wracking finale.0 Add to list
Tour the Hato Caves with the BatsActiveWith KidsPaidGuided 45-minute tours through limestone caves with stalactites, a pool and a colony of fruit bats overhead. Tours leave roughly every hour; bring a light layer as it's cooler inside.0 Add to listTour the Hato Caves with the BatsActiveWith KidsPaidGuided 45-minute tours through limestone caves with stalactites, a pool and a colony of fruit bats overhead. Tours leave roughly every hour; bring a light layer as it's cooler inside.0 Add to list
Paint your own Chichi figurineFun Side QuestsWith KidsSerena's Art Factory on the St. Joris road sells hand-painted ceramic Chichi figures made by local women. In the garden workshop you paint your own plain Chichi to take home — hands-on, cheap and messy.0 Add to listPaint your own Chichi figurineFun Side QuestsWith KidsSerena's Art Factory on the St. Joris road sells hand-painted ceramic Chichi figures made by local women. In the garden workshop you paint your own plain Chichi to take home — hands-on, cheap and messy.0 Add to list
Try iguana soup at Plasa BieuLocal FoodLocal RitualsA covered market hall in Punda where construction workers and office staff eat lunch together. Ask which stall has iguana soup that day, or order kabritu stoba (goat stew) with funchi. Lunchtime only, closed Sundays, cash.0 Add to listTry iguana soup at Plasa BieuLocal FoodLocal RitualsA covered market hall in Punda where construction workers and office staff eat lunch together. Ask which stall has iguana soup that day, or order kabritu stoba (goat stew) with funchi. Lunchtime only, closed Sundays, cash.0 Add to list
Eat a fresh pastechi at General CateringLocal FoodLocal RitualsA pastechi is a deep-fried pastry stuffed with cheese, chicken, tuna or beef — a local breakfast staple. General Catering in Willemstad fries them fresh and is popular with locals grabbing something on the go.0 Add to listEat a fresh pastechi at General CateringLocal FoodLocal RitualsA pastechi is a deep-fried pastry stuffed with cheese, chicken, tuna or beef — a local breakfast staple. General Catering in Willemstad fries them fresh and is popular with locals grabbing something on the go.0 Add to list
Order awa di lamunchi at Plasa Jojo CorreaLocal FoodLocal RitualsAwa di lamunchi is a homemade limeade — water, lime and a little sugar — sold from a small kiosk on Plasa Jojo Correa in Punda. Cold, cheap, and a good reason to slow down for five minutes.0 Add to listOrder awa di lamunchi at Plasa Jojo CorreaLocal FoodLocal RitualsAwa di lamunchi is a homemade limeade — water, lime and a little sugar — sold from a small kiosk on Plasa Jojo Correa in Punda. Cold, cheap, and a good reason to slow down for five minutes.0 Add to list
Buy Fresh Fruit From the Venezuelan Floating MarketLocal FoodLocal RitualsVenezuelan traders cross 65 km by boat to moor along Sha Caprileskade and sell fruit, vegetables and fresh fish off the decks. Come in the morning for the best pick and a friendly exchange with vendors.0 Add to listBuy Fresh Fruit From the Venezuelan Floating MarketLocal FoodLocal RitualsVenezuelan traders cross 65 km by boat to moor along Sha Caprileskade and sell fruit, vegetables and fresh fish off the decks. Come in the morning for the best pick and a friendly exchange with vendors.0 Add to list
Ride the Queen Emma Bridge as It SwingsFun Side QuestsThe 1888 floating pedestrian bridge sits on 16 pontoon boats and actually swings sideways to let ships through — with people still on it. Time your crossing so you're aboard when the siren sounds.0 Add to listRide the Queen Emma Bridge as It SwingsFun Side QuestsThe 1888 floating pedestrian bridge sits on 16 pontoon boats and actually swings sideways to let ships through — with people still on it. Time your crossing so you're aboard when the siren sounds.0 Add to list
Spot flamingos at Salina Jan KokFun Side QuestsDay TripWild American flamingos wade the salt flats near Sint Willibrordus on the west end of the island. Early morning or late afternoon is best; pull over quietly and keep your distance. They sometimes disappear for days, so it's not guaranteed.0 Add to listSpot flamingos at Salina Jan KokFun Side QuestsDay TripWild American flamingos wade the salt flats near Sint Willibrordus on the west end of the island. Early morning or late afternoon is best; pull over quietly and keep your distance. They sometimes disappear for days, so it's not guaranteed.0 Add to list
Photograph the Drunken Flamingo muralFun Side QuestsPietermaai is full of street art on old merchant houses. The tipsy flamingo mural on The Drunken Flamingo bar is easy to find; walk Lombokstraat afterward for more murals including the tropical wall at restaurant Caña.0 Add to listPhotograph the Drunken Flamingo muralFun Side QuestsPietermaai is full of street art on old merchant houses. The tipsy flamingo mural on The Drunken Flamingo bar is easy to find; walk Lombokstraat afterward for more murals including the tropical wall at restaurant Caña.0 Add to list
