A southern Caribbean gem (though part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands), Curaçao is a colourful island found just off the coast of Venezuela.
It’s not technically part of the hurricane belt, so it provides the most appealing blend of island charm and delightful year-round weather.
Tourists love the pastel Dutch architecture against a backdrop of white sand beaches. The mix of European plus Caribbean plus Latin American cultures provides an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Where to stay in Curaçao
While the draw for many travellers might be beaches, Curaçao is also a stellar destination for food, culture, history, and water activities like diving and snorkelling.
Choosing where to stay in Curaçao comes down to what kind of trip you’re seeking.
Willemstad (Punda & Otrobanda)
The capital and cultural hub, Willemstad is divided by the Queen Emma floating bridge and offers two completely different experiences on either side.
Punda attracts more tourists with its rows of colourful buildings, shops, galleries, and restaurants that line charming cobblestone streets. On the other side of the channel, Otrobanda is more residential though is still home to street art and hidden music ventures.
Both sites provide easy access without the need of a car so that anyone can stroll through markets in the morning, hop on a boat for the afternoon, and enjoy some live music by nightfall.
Pietermaai District
An artsy neighbourhood off Curaçao, this district has transformed from slightly run down to the place to stay if you love ritzy and boutique hotels. It’s a cool mix of colour and character with jazz bars, hidden courtyards, and oceanfront lounges.
Accommodations here tend to be smaller and design-forward. Anyone with an appreciation of design aesthetics over chain hotels will appreciate Pietermaai.
Jan Thiel
Jan Thiel boasts beach club life on the southern coast. Polished and packed with amenities, travellers seeking relaxation can enjoy resorts, spas, infinity pools, and calm swimming beaches.
Bonus: Families will especially enjoy Jan Thiel’s proximity to everything: safe beaches, grocery stores, restaurants, and plenty of activities.
Westpunt
The further west you travel, the quieter things become. Westpunt is known as the place to unplug. Surrounded by nature, it’s ideal for hiking, snorkelling, or laying on a beach that’s far below the radar.
Visitors will need a rental car to stay at one of the guesthouses or eco-resorts but the dramatic cliffs and unique wildlife make it worth the trip.
Bonus tips for travellers
Culture: Papiamentu is the local language of Curaçao, but most locals also speak Dutch, English, and Spanish. Remember that things might take a little longer with the laid-back pace of the island.
Money: The local currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG). However, American dollars are widely accepted, as are credit cards. (It’s always still a good idea to carry cash in the local currency for beach stands and smaller shops).
Transportation: A car rental will give you the most freedom as taxis are expensive, and public transit is limited.
Connectivity: Download an eSIM for Curaçao before your trip to ensure you have mobile data the minute you land. It will come in handy for navigation, translations, bookings, and looking up menus on the go!
Tap water: The water in Curaçao is clean and totally safe to drink, a lovely bonus for this Caribbean destination.
Sun and heat: Bring reef-safe sunscreen for the year-round strong sun rays, drink plenty of water, and don’t underestimate the midday heat.
