Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island, renowned for its array of cove-like beaches, lively coral reefs, vibrant culture, and wide range of activities. This beautiful island really surprised me with its diversity. I loved the historical charm of its capital city and various options of tranquil and lively beaches.
In this blog post I’ll be covering everything you need to know before visiting Curaçao. Including the best areas to stay, which beaches to visit, top places to eat and more.
Once you’re done reading this blog, I highly suggest checking out my Curaçao highlights and reels on Instagram!
Pietermaai, Willemstad 
Playa Porto Marie 
Punda, Willemstad
WHERE TO STAY IN CURAÇAO
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, Curaçao caters to a variety of people, from luxury resorts to quaint boutique accommodations. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best places and areas to stay in Curaçao.
Willemstad: Historic Charm and Urban Energy
If you prefer the charm of historic sites, bustling streets and the convenience of urban life, Willemstad may be the place for you. The capital city is divided into two districts, Punda and Otrobanda, connected by the iconic Queen Emma Bridge. Stay in one of the colorful colonial buildings transformed into boutique hotels. Immerse yourself in the island’s rich history while enjoying easy access to museums, markets, and lively waterfront dining.
Jan Thiel: Beachside Bliss and Entertainment
Jan Thiel is a vibrant area that perfectly combines beachside relaxing and entertainment. Stay in an upscale resort or private villa nestled along the coastline. Enjoy direct access to the popular Jan Thiel Beach, where you can enjoy water activities, beach clubs, fine dining, and a lively nightlife. (***This is where we stayed. You can read more below)
Westpunt: Serene Relaxation
If you’re looking for more of a quieter retreat surrounded by natural beauty, consider staying in Westpunt. This serene area is known for its tranquil beaches, crystal-clear waters, and proximity to some of the island’s best snorkeling and diving spots. You’ll also be able to find tons of Airbnb or Vrbo stays.
Pietermaai District: Bohemian Vibes and Cultural Delights
This historic neighborhood is known for its colorful, renovated buildings, art galleries, and a lively atmosphere. Enjoy being within walking distance of charming cafes, art studios, and lively bars.
***Where We Stayed
Jan Thiel – Papagayo Beach Hotel & Resort
During our visit in Curaçao, my husband and I opted to stay at the Papagayo Beach Hotel and Resort. Our decision was made with both affordability and location in mind. Papagayo doesn’t just offer a hotel experience, but also includes modern villas too! We decided on the hotel since it was more budget-friendly, and closer to the scenic Jan Thiel Beach. We got lucky with a beautiful walkout room right onto the sand!
The prime location of Papagayo is a big draw, with both the hotel and villas right near tons of attractions. Surrounded by a large variety of restaurants, bars, ice cream shops, cute boutiques, and even a casino.
On the topic of location, Papagayo is also a shortish drive, about 18 to 25 minutes to the heart of Curaçao, Willemstad. This was important to us because we definitely wanted to visit during our stay. The City of Willemstad offers historic architecture, lively restaurants, bars and the popular, swinging Queen Emma Bridge. Lastly, Papagayo is conveniently located approximately 35 minutes from the airport, to transition quickly from arrival to beach!
As always, I want to give my honest review and there were things I liked about Papagayo Hotel and things I didn’t. I’ll explain both below:
Pros:
- Friendly staff.
- Affordability and location.
- Spacious hotel rooms.
- Sound level was great. Didn’t really hear any of my neighbors our whole stay. (I’m a light sleeper)
- Complimentary beach bags and towel bands for beach chairs.
- On-site Shopping Plaza
- Walking distance to tons of restaurants, bars and swimmable beaches.
- Free parking.
- Smaller cluster of hotel towers (only 3 floors in each building I believe)
- Big infinity beach style pool.
- Modern / stylish decor and beach club area.
- Market attached to hotel. Great place to grab snacks, breakfast or lunch. Even sells alcohol if you want to vacation on a budget!
Cons:
- Lack of cleanliness in rooms, beach bathrooms and some other public areas.
- Somethings were rundown in the hotel and rooms even though it was recently renovated.
- Ants and gnats in our room. No way to control them besides waiting for housekeeping to come clean the next day. However, staff did come to our room to “take a look” right away, just didn’t do anything to really solve the issue.
- The outlets were European and they had no available converters for us to use. We had to go buy some, which luckily were available at the Market. Partially my fault for not checking ahead of time, but most other places in Curacao have US outlets. Just double check what outlets your stay has.
- Their restaurant (Papagayo) wasn’t great. I’d skip it.
- No actual private beach, just the infinity beach style pool. You do however have access to Jan Thiel Beach, but it does get crowded.
Explore some other stays I chose:
- Willemstead – Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort
- Willemstead – https://www.harborhotelcuracao.com/?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=BA
- St. Marie – Modern Luxury Villa on edge of cliff with SPECTACULAR VIEWS of Azure Sea
- St. Marie – Comfortable Coral Estate Villa with Ocean View
- Westpunt – https://www.cliffvilla.com/
HOW TO GET AROUND
Navigating Curaçao is best done by renting a car due to limited public transportation and expensive taxi rides. Renting a car not only provides flexibility, but also allows you to explore the island’s beautiful beaches, cultural sites, and dining spots at your own pace. Keep in mind that traffic conditions vary depending on the time of day, so plan for additional travel time. We hit traffic A LOT on our trip, more than we expected. Most roads are easy to navigate but there are occasional potholes and bumpy roads to lookout for, just like on any island. Parking can also be an issue, more so in the heart of Willemstad. So lookout for parking garages if you cant find street parking.
WHERE TO EAT IN CURAÇAO
Curaçao has a great culinary scene with a fusion of flavorful cuisines. I highly suggest not choosing an all-inclusive resort, just so you can experience more of Curaçao’s food scene. We really loved all the restaurants we visited.
Here are some personal suggestions and other restaurants I had on my list to visit:
- Ceviche 91
- Zest
- La Bohème Curaçao
- Koko’s
- Other suggestions we had on our list, but didn’t visit:
- Baoase Culinary Beach Restaurant
- Soi95
- Ginger
- Fort Nassau
- Mundo Bizarro
- Cascada Rooftop Bar + Kitchen
WHERE TO DRINK
- Netto Bar – Curaçao’s oldest bar
- Blues Bar & Restaurant
- Zanzibar Beach & Restaurant
- Mambo Beach – So many options here. Rilek’s Beach looked really cute!
***Most of these are also restaurants
BEACHES TO VISIT
If you’re a beach lover like me, then Curacao is definitely the island for you! Curacao is unique because of its coastline. You won’t find miles of beaches, instead you’ll find 38 different, cove-like beaches. I fell in love with the turquoise hues and stunningly clear water.
Jan Thiel Beach: Lively beach with tons to do.
Jan Thiel Beach is a very popular tourist spot and for a good reason. With soft sand, clear waters, and a lively atmosphere. It’s not just a sunbathing spot, it’s a hotspot for restaurants and bars as well as water sports.
Entrance Fee: $3 USD pp
Chair Rental: $4.00 USD pp approx.
*please check website for current rates
Playa Porto Marie: Paradise with pig sightings
If you’re into snorkeling and sunbathing, Playa Porto Marie is your spot. This beautiful beach has a double reef that’s perfect for spotting sea life. You may even see a pig or two! We saw four, but not on the actual beach, more towards the parking lot area.
One Restaurant / Bar, onsite bathrooms and a small shop.
Entrance Fee: $3 USD pp
Chair Rental: $3.50 USD pp
*please check website for current rates
Cas Abao Beach: The Hidden Hangout
Cas Abao Beach is like that secret spot you want to keep to yourself. Located on the northwestern coast of the island with White sand, clear waters. It’s a bit off the grid, but that’s what makes it special. Snorkeling, sunbathing, and maybe a nap – this beach has it all.
several palapas spread out along the beach. In addition, there are cozy areas with lots of shade cast by huge trees, their long branches
Monday – Saturday: $6 USD per car
Sunday and Holidays: $7 USD per car
Max 4 people per car. $1.39 USD for each additional person.
Beach Chair Rental: $3 USD (including a complimentary shower coin)
*please check website for current rates
Grote Knip (Kenepa Grandi): Picturesque Views & Local Feel
For jaw-dropping views and a local feel, visit Grote Knip. The cliffs, turquoise waters and free entrance is a big draw for locals, especially on the weekends. There’s a small snack bar and bathroom on site. You may also be lucky enough to spot some pigs! Approximately 40 minutes from Willemstad.
Entrance Fee: Free
Chair Rental: $5.00 USD pp
Parasol Rental: $10 USD pp
*please check website for current rates
Playa Grandi (Playa Piskado): Swim with Turtles
This small fisherman beach is popular for sea turtle spotting. The scraps from the fisherman draw in tons of sea turtles. You’re almost guaranteed to see them! Bring water shoes because it’s rocky. Approximately 48 minutes from Willemstad.
Entrance Fee: Free
*please check website for current rates
Playa Kalki: West Side Relaxation
Another beach located on the west end. This small cove is popular with snorkelers and has a roped-off area with a floating platform. You’ll have to walk down steep stone steps from the parking area to the beach. Halfway between the parking area and the beach is a shaded terrace with a snack bar and dive shop. Another set of steps leads to the Kura Hulanda Lodge restaurant on the bluffs.
Entrance Fee: Free
Chair Rental: $6.00 USD pp
*please check website for current rates
Check out more beaches here!
WHERE TO SHOP
Explore the vibrant street art scene and indulge in some retail therapy at these locations:
SIGHTSEEING / PHOTO OPTS
***All addresses are linked
- Colorful Houses & Businesses in Punda
- Colorful Stairs in Otrobanda
- The Abandoned Plane
- Queen Emma Bridge
- Kokomo Beach Swing
- Watamula Hole
- Rif Fort
- Curacao Sign
- Colorful Buildings on Handelskade
- Otrobanda Street Art & Colorful Buildings
Overall, Curaçao exceeded my expectations with its diverse offerings. From its historical charm of Willemstad to the serene Playa Porto Marie and the lively ambiance of Mambo Beach. As covered in this guide, choosing the right place to stay in Curaçao depends on your preferences. Whether it’s the historic charm of Willemstad, the beachside bliss of Jan Thiel, the serene relaxation of Westpunt, or the bohemian vibes of Pietermaai District, the island has something for everyone.
Once you’re done reading this blog, I highly suggest checking out my Curaçao highlights and reels on Instagram!
wanderlissa.com 