Top Things to do in Curacao
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Curacao That You Shouldn't Miss
Serious divers have long flocked to Curacao. Whether you’re looking for a challenging wall dive or a shallow snorkeling spot, you’ll find it here. Beaches, of course, are another big draw. With sugar-fine sand and calm waters, they’re perfect for kids. And make sure to explore Willemstad, Curacao’s capital city. Its charming pastel buildings and equally colorful history earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage City.
Restaurants in Curacao
1. Queen Juliana Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,103 reviews
The highest bridge in the Caribbean.
Reviewed By TimDore - Marana, United States
Beautiful views of the oil refineries and ship cranes on one side and the open ocean and cruise ships on the other. The bridge is very tall in the center over the St. Anna Bay to allow large ships to pass under. We crossed it twice on an Atlantis bus Tour so was able to enjoy the view. The bridge connects Otrabanda to Punda allowing four lanes of traffic to cross. Highly recommend crossing for the views.
2. Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,724 reviews
Swings wide many times daily to allow access to one of the busiest ports in the world. It also separates the two halves of the city.
Reviewed By tsobis - King of Prussia, United States
Queen Emma bridge, popularly known as the “Swinging Old Lady”, is a pedestrian pontoon bridge on the St. Anna bay that opens laterally for passage of ships and boats. It connects the two halves of the capital city Willemstad, Punda and Otrobanda. It’s a major thoroughfare for local pedestrians and tourists alike and has breathtaking instagrammable views from any angle on the bridge. Oops! Stuck on the bridge while it opens? Just enjoy the views and wave at the people on the ship. It’ll close up shortly. If you happen to want to cross while its open, don’t worry there are water taxi’s that will get you across the bay for FREE! Wanna stunt on the gram with minimal photo bombers? Go at sunrise, preferably on a Sunday; the views against the sunrise is phenomenal. The early rise is well worth it - the bridge has amazing backdrops from every angle! You can thank me later!
3. Handelskade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 894 reviews
Harborfront street lined with brightly painted 18th century buildings that today, house boutiques, art galleries and sidewalk cafes.
Reviewed By powerjag - Bogota, Colombia
Beautiful buildings and great atmosphere. We enjoyed having drinks/snacks at both Handelskade and Otrobanda (where some places provide great views of Handelskade).
4. Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 629 reviews
The Western Hemisphere's oldest synagogue in continuous use was founded in 1651 by 12 families from Amsterdam.
Reviewed By W5824MKmichaels
Oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, it is Sephardic and has sand covered floors. Attached museum is well worth the $10pp, we spent 2 hours there, definitely the best museum in Curacao that we visited. The congregation welcomes visitors for Shabbat services on Friday and Saturday.
5. Punda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,407 reviews
Fall in love with the historic neighborhood Punda. Streets that are full of life and colors; fantastic murals and colorful building all over the town. Punda is the location of the world famous Handelskade: the waterfront collection of multi-colored buildings that has become Curaçao’s most characteristic image. But there is so much more to discover!
Reviewed By ReginaL872 - Corpus Christi, United States
Punda offers the old & new markets shopping,dining and easy access to the rest of the island. I highly recommend the Punda Apartments. Do shop the local markets and eat the fresh and homemade food at the old market. Walking the neighborhood you will find great little places to shop and people to talk to.
6. Boca Tabla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
A sea cave on the northern shore.
Reviewed By loveandtravel13
If you go the island and you don't go here, you haven't fully experienced the beauty of this place! I hiked between each spot rather than drive, and although not easy, totally worth being away from people and truly connecting with nature! The sound of the waves crashing and the spray of mist against my skin are memories that will last a lifetime!
7. Kura Hulanda Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,261 reviews
Exhibits trace Curaçaoans African roots and the legacy of the slave trade in the region.
Reviewed By dutch_colleen - Boston, United States
This is a must see museum located in Willemstad There is many many artifacts from before BC Middle eastern artifacts and artifacts from the slave trade that used curaçao as a main buy and sell location The slave trade history is told through documents photos and artifacts This museum will leave you with true look at history They also have a wonderful statue garden
8. Cas Abao Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,495 reviews
Reviewed By gregc715
This is in top 10 beaches in Curacao. Nice amenities, lots of parking, lots of chairs and shade, shade both many trees as well as huts, bathrooms, shower, a restaurant, drinks and a dive shop. There are some kayaks to rent. Snorkeling is ok as in all of Curacao abundance fish life, but the actual coral and soft reefs are dead above 30’ and you can’t see coral past 20’ snorkeling. So go diving! There is a $6 entrance fee, but chairs are only $3 each
9. Playa Lagun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 905 reviews
Reviewed By 839yannick - Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Canada
It's a small beach, clean and yes you have to pay to get the chairs (3$ US per day) It's the perfect location to dive/snorkle, there's a lot to see, bunch of nice fishes and corals.
10. Playa PortoMari
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,623 reviews
Reviewed By F7992UHcarmer - Barcelona, Spain
Ok, this might not be the prettiest beach on the island, but is definitely the best! The beach is clean, has all the services, the managers are very friendly, their restaurant offers surprisingly good food (not cheap though) AND they have "native" inhabitants... a couple of very friendly wild pigs, Willy & Woody, who have just became parents to at least 5 cute little piggies.
