Top Things to do in Curacao
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Curacao, Curacao
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. 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.
5. 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.
6. Kenepa Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,918 reviews
Inlet on the less-developed western side of the island.
Reviewed By 8-drank-was-merry - Naples, United States
It is one of the top rated beaches in the Caribbean for a reason. Just a note. Because of the mix of cultures and languages, many of the beaches have more than one name. There are two Kenepa beaches, the larger is Playa Kenepa Grandi or Grote Knip and the smaller more rustic beach is Playa Kenepa Chiki or Klein Knip. Grote Knip is a relatively large, nice sandy beach with great snorkeling and cliff jumping. Although the cliff jumping at Playa Forti is probably better. At least for cliff jumping. Admission is free, and lounge chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling equipment, kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent. Overall, we enjoyed Play Porto Mari more, but this is an amazing beach, as well.
7. Playa Kenepa Chiki
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 548 reviews
Reviewed By KeepUpWithKeeds - Woodbridge, United States
This was a wonderful beach day trip! The water is very clear and felt amazing. Bring water shoes as it is rocky. We forgot ours but were fine. Also, if you can bring your own snorkel equipment you should. They rent it at the beach for $15/day. We rented two chairs and umbrella for $30, i think (not more than that). I believe they close up at 5, we left right before then so not certain. I saw plenty people snorkeling but we did not have any equipment and chose not to rent any. I could still see some fish looking down into the water. We drove over from the Pietermaai district and it took about 40 minutes. We used the maps.me app which navigates even if you are not online (download ahead of time). There is another beach right near this one but we did not visit. There is a small stand selling drinks and food but we brought our own. There are also some tables with benches if you want to have a meal. There was a mixture of locals and tourists but it was not very crowded, we visited on a Saturday afternoon. I would definitely return!
8. Queen Wilhelmina Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Reviewed By SilkRosi
This is a very nice bridge to walk on. While walking on it, you swing very passionately same pase it does. The path is making a nice sound beneath your feet. The sound of the ocean you feel it in your bones as well. It's an easy 5 minutes walk but you will stand in the middle for 15/20 min for sure to be able to enjoy your sorroudings. On the Punda side, there is a huge heart where you can still hang a few locks. At night the bridge is illuminated with colorful lights. Very nice to see. Both sides of the bridge offers you where to sit and eat, from a hotdog till a 3-4 course dinner. For those on heels you, can find your way holding on the rails. The best Harbour I have seen so far. Very nice soroundings. Enjoy!!
9. Kleine Knip
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 275 reviews
Reviewed By Mark0416 - Buffalo, United States
This beach definitely takes a little effort to find (GPS recommended) but driving to the north end of the island to explore all of the beaches and coves is a great way to spend a morning/afternoon. We decided to spend a day popping around to all of the different beaches in the area as well as enjoy the views as we drove around the north end. When we ended up here we were absolutely stunned. It was like the beaches you see in a movie. Perfectly secluded and surrounded on either side by huge rocky bluffs, this felt like a private escape that only the locals know about. We spent a couple of prime hours here and never saw more than 20 or so other people on the beach at the same time. Renting chairs is relatively inexpensive ($5-10 USD for 2 chairs if I recall correctly, and roughly $15 total if we wanted an umbrella as well). Snorkeling here was phenomenal. There was some really cool coral and a large variety of fish to look at. Do yourself a favor and step away from the hotel managed beaches and take the time to drive out and find this hidden gem.
10. Playa Piscado/Playa Grandi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 499 reviews
Reviewed By Munseyflora - Golden, United States
As its name indicates, Playa Piscado is where fisherman come to clean their catch. The beach itself is not spectacular-mostly pebbles-but what you come here for is offshore. An easy entry into the water with snorkeling gear and you are surrounded by sea turtles. These beautiful animals come here to feed on the scraps thrown into the water by the fisherman after they clean their catch. They're close enough to touch - but DON'T! A small beach with restrooms, visited mostly by locals. A special experience to see these animals in the wild. The whole family loved it. Pick up food elsewhere and eat al fresco on the beach.
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