A weekend you’ll never forget is closer than you think.
Day 1
1. Morning – Walk Willemstad
Take a guided walking tour of downtown Willemstad, and see why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sights include street art, and the Queen Emma Bridge.
The experience includes city and street art, Fort Amsterdam, Jewish Synagogue, Scharloo, Punda & Otrobanda (Souvenir Shopping).
You’ll undoubtedly notice the Queen Emma Bridge, a pontoon bridge connecting Punda and Otrobanda in Willemstad. It’s known as the “Swinging Old Lady,” and no trip to Curaçao is complete without a walk across it – just make sure to keep your balance!
2. Lunch – Market Lunch
Get a taste of authentic Curaçaoan cuisine at any of several food stands in Punda’s rustic, open-air Old Market.
The Old Market is a perfect representation of authentic Curaçaoan cuisine. Here you’ll find stobá (stew, usually with goat meat), Giambo (okra soup), and other local favorites, along with some international fare. Don’t expect fine dining here – just a few picnic tables – but of course, the warmth of the locals more than makes up for it.
3. Afternoon – Aquatic Adventure
Get up close and personal with all kinds of sea creatures at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium – dolphin shows included!
The Curaçao Sea Aquarium was developed right on the waterfront, with a unique open-water system that continuously pumps water into the aquaria. Snorkel or scuba dive with fish and sea turtles, or take it all in from the comfort of the underwater observatory boat!
Not feeling it? Try the Kura Hulanda Museum or the Maritime Museum instead!
4. Night – The Rhythm Of The Night
Enjoy a spectacular sunset view with live music during happy hour and dinner in Pietermaai.
Pietermaai comes alive at night: jazz clubs with live music, restaurants serving delicious local and international cuisine, and dancing all night long. Try your luck in the casino or take the whole family to a movie.
Day 2
5. Morning – Northeast Excursion
Journey to the northeast side of the island to discover the island’s history, art, culture – and even some ostriches!
You read that correctly: Curaçao does indeed have ostriches! Meet them, feed them, and – for the truly
daring – even ride them during hourly safari tours at one of the Ostrich and Game Farm outside of Africa. While you’re in the northeast, this is also a great time to check out the amazing Curaloe (The Aloe Vera Plantation Curaçao).
6. Lunch – Back To Jan Thiel
After your northeast excursion, head back towards Caracas Baai for lunch in one of Curaçao’s top restaurants.
Caracasbaai is a spectacular bay off of Jan Thiel at Willemstad’s southeast end. Here you’ll find plenty of casual dining options with a sea view – the perfect respite from a morning spent inland!
7. Afternoon - Relax At The Beach
Spend the afternoon swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing at Jan Thiel, one of the island’s most popular beaches.
Perhaps Curaçao’s most popular beach, Jan Thiel Beach combines sun, sea, shopping and entertainment in southeast Willemstad. As good for diving and snorkeling as for relaxing with a cool cocktail, Jan Thiel will keep the whole family entertained all afternoon long.
8. Night – Sunset Sail
As Jan Thiel gets ready for the night, hop aboard a sailboat and experience a new view of Curaçao while watching the sun set beyond the island.
As the sun sets and the night time festivities begin, you’ll find yourself in the perfect setting while stepping off your sailboat and can become immediately engrossed in the music and fun of Jan Thiel after sundown.
Day 3
9. Morning – The Wild West
Head west to Williwood and search beautiful Saliña Sint Marie for flamingos. (They won’t be hard to find!)
You might have to show up early to beat the crowds, but a quick stop to see the flamingos is a must-do on any day trip to the west side of the island. Get close enough to take the perfect picture, and you’ll be minutes from a number of beautiful beaches along the southwest coast.
Not feeling it? Start the day with SUP / SUP yoga, followed by turtle spotting and diving, snorkeling or kayaking at Playa Piskado/Playa Grandi.
10. Lunch – A Taste Of Komedor Krioyo West
Dine at one of the west’s finest restaurants and enjoy a unique view from up the coast.
You may not be in Willemstad anymore, but the west has plenty of dining options, many with beautiful views near the coast. Taste authentic local flavors at one of the historic landhuizen, many of which also offer information about Curaçao’s past.
11. Afternoon – Landhuizen And Shete Boka
Discover the island’s history and natural beauty with a tour of Landhuizen and Shete Boka National Park.
Papiamentu for “Seven Inlets,” Shete Boka National Parkactually contains ten coves that mark the coastline towards the island’s north end. There is much to see and explore in the park, but you’ll start at the beautiful Boka Tabla, where the waves crash against an underground cave. Be on the lookout for three species of turtles!
12. Evening – Harbor Dining
End the day back in Willemstad with fine dining at the harbor front, with a sea view overlooking the Swinging Old Lady.
Perhaps nowhere on the island is the view as memorable as at the Swinging Old Lady – so experiencing it by night is a must. No shortage of restaurants have capitalized on this stunning vista, with plenty of tables that set the perfect scene.
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