Image: View of downtown Willemstad at twilight. Curacao, Netherlands Antilles (Photo via sorincolac / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: View of downtown Willemstad at twilight. Curacao, Netherlands Antilles (Photo via sorincolac / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Curacao Today: August 29, 10:43 PM 86°F Overcast Clouds

Curacao Travel Guide 

With gorgeous white sandy beaches, colorful architecture, and the best sunning spots in the world, Curacao is the place to be. Not only is it absolutely beautiful, but it’s one of the most affordable spots to visit in the Caribbean Sea. 

Before you go, take a look at this Curacao travel guide. Learn more about this diverse island nation, when to visit, what to expect from the weather, and more.

There are four main ways to get around Curacao.

  • Bus: There are two bus types – big “Konvooi” buses and smaller “BUS” buses – and they are the most affordable option for travel. The big buses work best around tourist destinations and the smaller ones for outlier towns and regions. The only downside is that there is no set schedule. 
  • Taxi: Similar to the big buses, taxis are easy to travel in town and between major destinations. While taking taxis is very easy and the cab drivers are friendly, it can work out to be more expensive than the other travel options. 
  • Car: We found renting a car to be the easiest way to travel around Curacao. It allows you the freedom to travel at your own pace and, compared to taxi prices, it works out to be more affordable too. 
  • Bike: We don’t recommend biking long distances in the Curacao heat. But if you need to be somewhere close by and don’t want to spend money on a cab, you can easily bike there. Biking is a great opportunity to sightsee while traveling. 

 

Top Things To Do

Porto Mari beach Curacao
Curacao is home to a diverse mix of people from all over the Caribbean, Africa, and the Netherlands. Dotted with bright pastel architecture, wild foods, and poetry-worthy beaches, this place is a must-see travel destination for new and seasoned travelers. To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve collected our picks for the best things to do in Curacao.

Important Things To Know

Currency

Curacao uses the Netherland Antillean Guilder currency, known by the NAf, NAƒ, f, ƒ symbols. 

The currency is divided into banknotes and coins in the following denominations: ƒ10, ƒ25, ƒ50, and ƒ100 banknotes; 1c, 5c, 10c, 15c, 50c, ƒ1, ƒ2 ½, and ƒ5 coins. 

Curacao accepts the US dollar almost everywhere, and buying and exchanging with USD is very easy. 

Willemstad, Curacao's capital city

Willemstad Curacao is a historic Caribbea city. (photo by Brian Major)

National Languages

Dutch is the official language of Curacao but the majority of locals speak Papiamentu. Spanish and English are also very widely used and you’ll notice that most people speak a few, if not all of the above languages. 

We found navigating Curacao to be very easy. The locals are multilingual and very helpful. 

Climate And Weather

Curacao, like most places in the Caribbean Sea, is hot all year round. Curacao, specifically, is known for its sweltering heat and overcast skies because of its arid and tropical climate. 

The best way to differentiate seasons is to take a look at the wet and dry seasons. Curacao has a short rainy season from August to January, with November experiencing the most rain. The rest of the year is dry, with March being the driest. 

Luckily, Curacao is usually cloudy which acts as a buffer from the hot sun. 

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When To Visit Curacao

Curacao's Porto Mari Beach
Porto Mari Beach in Curacao (Photo Credit: Brian Major)

 

    Curacao's peak season is from the end of November to the beginning of May. Not only is the weather perfect during this time, but the place is booming with amazing activities and festivals, including the Curacao Carnival and parade. 

    For a bit of a quieter experience, we find that May to end-August is the time to go. And if you want to avoid crowds altogether, visit during the September to mid-November summer season. 

Best Places To Stay In Curacao

Curacao
Curacao's colorful waterfront. Photo by Paul Heney. (Photo Credit: Photo by Paul Heney.)

The capital of Curacao, Willemstad, is one of the most gorgeous places we’ve ever visited. In Willemstad, you’ll find beautiful pastel architecture, tranquil beaches, and delicious food. 

If you want fun water adventures while chilling by the beach, we’d recommend visiting the blue and beautiful Sabana Westpunt. 

Sint Michiel is a hidden gem in Curacao and one of the calmest places we visited. This small fishing village is the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway. 

 

 

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Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

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Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me