12 Of The Best Things Curacao Is Known For

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What is there to see and do in Curacao? Curacao is known for its stunning attractions, exotic food, and historical sites. It is worth adding this Caribbean island to your travel bucket list.

These are 12 of the most popular things Curacao is known for.


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#1. Historic Town of Willemstad

The colorful history of Curacao creates an inspiring town depicting the architectural styles and cultures from all over the region.

Today, the capital town of Curacao, Willemstad, carries the distinction as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Its galleries, colorful houses, and buildings are the reason why Willemstad is a must-see when visiting the Caribbean island of Curacao.

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#2. Colorful picturesque Handelskade

Located on the Punda side of Willemstad, the Handelskade is a picturesque colorful stretch of 18th-century style buildings.

Handelskade has become Curacao's backdrop, symbolizing not just the island's beauty and architecture, but also its rich history.

Handelskade is the ideal location to have drinks or a meal at one of the many cafes that line the pier. It is one of the popular attractions in Curacao.

#3. Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge

Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge is another pride of Curacao. The bridge was built in 1888, stretching across the St. Anna Bay to connect the district towns of Punda and Otrobanda.

The bridge moves gracefully with the help of 16 pontoon boats to open up and let ships and boats enter or exit the bay. Hence, the common name "Swinging Old Lady."

The bridge is a great spot for taking photos, both day and night.

#4. Exotic Caribbean Beaches

There are over 30 beaches that Curacao is proud of, including the famous Mambo Beach, Playa Porto Mari, Playa Knip, and Kenepa Beach.

Because the island is small, you can go beach-hopping and visit most of the beaches in Curacao.

The awe-inspiring sceneries, clear blue waves, and the underwater treasures of Curacao make it the perfect place for everyone who loves water and adventure.

The island also offers endless water and beach activities perfect for you, your friends, and your families.

#5. World-Renowned Scuba Diving Spots

Curacao is not only beautiful above sea level. It also hides a paradise of corals and sea creatures underneath its exotic beaches.

Most of Curacao's world-renowned scuba diving sites are located in the southern part of the country.

The scuba diving sites of Curacao are perfect for both beginner and expert divers who want to explore the deepness of the sea.

Some of Curacao's well-known diving spots include Booby Trap, Porto Mari, Barracuda Point, Eel Valley, Small Wall, Tugboat, Beacon Point, Cornelius Bay, and Shipwreck Point.

#6. Shete Boka National Park

The Southern Caribbean island is the right place to seek adventures as it offers another breathtaking attraction, the Shete Boka National Park.

It is a Park filled with spectacular coves where the waves are astonishingly crashing. Shete Boka means '"seven coves," but there are more than just seven inlets in the National Park.

Adventures in the park begin with the underground cave called Boka Tabla, where turtles frequently nest and iguanas live.

#7. Christoffel National Park

Christoffel National Park is popular among hiking enthusiasts and is the largest National Park in Curacao.

The park was created when three plantations were merged in 1987 to give homes to wild animals and plants.

Besides the breathtaking view the park offers, the wildlife, and exotic plants are also part of the experience.

Visitors can get the most out of Christoffel National Park through mountain biking or hiking.

Moreover, the park has a significant site built there, the Savonet Museum. It is an essential aspect of the park's scenery because it houses the history of the plantations and people.

#8. Curacao Ostrich Farm

Curacao is not only known for its beaches, coves, and Handelskade. It is also known for the well-known Curacao Ostrich Farm.

Visitors can see over 600 ostriches on the farm from various species and at different stages of life.

There is also a restaurant located on the farm. Zambezi restaurant offers a variety of dishes including, ostrich steak, burgers, and omelet.

You can also have soup, couscous salad, or Cape Malay lamb curry. French fries with snacks or pumpkin pancakes with syrup are available for kids.

Photo credit: Curacao Ostrich Farm.

#9. Blue Curacao Liqueur

Another thing that Curacao is known for is its blue liqueur made with dried peels of fruits such as citrus and bitter orange. Usually, the liqueur is clear, but they make it blue with coloring.

While the history of the drink is not clear, it is said that Senior & Co., a company in Curacao, started selling their lahara-based liqueur in 1896.

The liqueur is also available in orange, red and green.

#10. Keshi Yena - unofficial National Dish

Keshi Yena is considered as the unofficial national dish of Curacao by some and a favorite by many.

It is traditionally Dutch Edam or Gouda cheese with a filling of seasoned meat (often chicken), served steamed or baked.

Today, Keshi Yena recipes include olives, raisins, vegetables, and other types of meat besides chicken as ingredients in the stuffing.

#11. Exciting Nightlife

Curacao is also known for having a vibrant nightlife. The island is filled with places to enjoy dancing, singing, and partying.

The Salinja district is considered one of the best places to enjoy the night. However, you will find beach parties, restaurants, and bars, blasting retro, salsa, mambo, and popular music at many other locations.

There are also many casinos and bars as well as entertainment venues at hotels.

#12. Popular Jazz Festival

The Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival (CNSJ) is one of the popular music festivals in the Caribbean. It started in 2010, and the last event was held in 2019.

Past performers over the years included Usher, Bettye LaVette, Wyclef Jean, Enrique Iglesias, Lionel Richie, Gregory Porter, Rod Stewart, Mana, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Carlos Santana, Juanes, Chaka Khan, and Ruben Blades.