Curaçao is known for its melting pot of cultures, unique history, stunning nature, over 35 beaches, and countless restaurants and amenities.
With its vibrant beach clubs, cozy eateries, lively festivals, colorful colonial architecture, and street art, there’s so much to see and do on our island. Thanks to year-round sunshine and steady temperatures of 28–30°C, it’s a perfect destination no matter the season.
It’s ideal for relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, but with so many options, choosing how to spend your time can be overwhelming, especially if you only have 1 day in Curaçao. That’s where we come in: here’s your perfect 1-day itinerary, offering a flavorful first taste of Curaçao.
Willemstad walking tour
The culture of our island has been shaped by Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and Caribbean influences, which is clearly reflected in the colorful buildings and streets of our capital. Due to its historical architecture and unique cultural background, Willemstad was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. That’s why a walk through the capital is a must during your visit.
It’s easy to do on foot by yourself, but with a guide you’ll learn even more about the fascinating history of Willemstad and its development, for example via: Architectural Walking Tours in Punda and Otrobanda or Art, Craft & Cuisine Market Route.
Willemstad continues to surprise with its colorful colonial architecture, distinctive bridges, and a diverse mix of art galleries, souvenir shops, market stalls, and relaxed restaurants. Moreover, the city’s creative energy is especially visible in its street art and murals, which grow each year with new additions, including those from the Kaya Kaya festival. Even after 300 years, Willemstad is still evolving, with over 700 protected monuments that reflect its layered history.
Around the iconic Queen Emma pontoon bridge, also known as the "Swinging Old Lady”, four districts are waiting to be explored. On one side is Otrabanda, where murals and artworks are woven into the streetscape, alongside the colorful and historic Kurá Hulanda Village.
And when you cross the bridge you are surrounded by the market and colorful buildings of the Handelskade, several art galleries, shops and restaurants in Punda, the district where Willemstad originated.
In Scharloo, added to Willemstad in the 18th and 19th centuries, historic mansions with colorful service houses can be seen opposite and there is even more street art to admire. And located next door, in the Pietermaai district, you will find cozy restaurants, trendy boutique hotels in colorful colonial houses and trendy beach clubs on the coast.
The Kurá Hulanda Museum and the Rif Fort in Otrabanda and Fort Amsterdam, with its old city walls, the governor's palace and the church of the fort in Punda, are also interesting to visit. Especially if you want to learn more about the origins and development of our island and its capital.
Lunch at Plasa Bieu
For a true local experience, lunch at Plasa Bieu in Punda is a must. In this cozy indoor food hall you can choose from various authentic Curaçao dishes at no less than 6 restaurants with open kitchens.
Here, locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy affordable local dishes such as karni stoba (stew), fresh fish and kadushi (cactus soup), to be enjoyed side by side at long picnic tables. It doesn't get more authentic than that!
Beach clubs in Willemstad
If you still have time left and want to relax in style on the beach, you don't have to look far, because in Willemstad there are a number of beach clubs next to each other along the coast in Pietermaai at Kaya Wilson.
Since December, a stylish new beach club has been added, called The Lemon Beach, part of The Lemon Tree restaurant, the Curaçao version of the successful Lemon Tree restaurant in Deventer.
The place for fine-dining and relaxation at the infinity pool, or right by the sea on luxurious beach beds and private cabanas. A nice addition to its trendy neighbors: BijBlauw boutique hotel and restaurant. And Saint Tropez Ocean Club, where you can also relax by the pool. And you can have breakfast, lunch, dinner or just enjoy cocktails on the coast.
Another brand new beach club can be found in Otrabanda, right next to the Curaçao Reef Mangrove Park and the cruise terminal. Mondi Beach Club opened at the end of December, stylish and affordable, including Caribbean fusion restaurant by innovative Curaçao chef Justin Niessen.
From $15 per day you can rent a beach bed with nice thick mattresses, or go for a luxurious cabana, and enjoy the 2 swimming pools in an attractive setting. The beach club is also free of charge for lunch, dinner or cocktails in the indoor restaurant with terrace and many photogenic spots.
And if one day just isn’t enough, don’t worry, because in another blog, Naomi shows you how to explore even more of the island’s hidden gems with her 3-day Curaçao itinerary.
