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Curacao is a boisterous blend of culture. Restaurants serve local conch and fresh-caught red snapper from candy-colored Dutch colonial buildings. You’ll find stacks of syrupy cookies called stroopwafel in shops, and paper cones of fries are a popular street food. The European vibes are belied by Curacao’s sandy beaches and clear blue water, as well as its welcome tropical warmth. A snorkeling tour should top your list of things to do in Curacao, followed by a day of eating your way through the historic sector of Willemstad.
The temperature stays warm all year round in Curaçao, but certain times of year are better to visit than others. The island country is busiest from December to April, as travelers from much chillier destinations seek more pleasant climes. October to December tends to have the most rain, so skip those months to make the most of your time on this idyllic island. For an unmissable experience, visit during Curaçao Carnival, which runs from mid-February to mid-March, and sees the island filled with parties, festivals, and music.
The public bus service in Curaçao is affordable but infrequent, so cars are the easiest way to see the island. Many hotels offer shuttles and tours for your convenience, but taxis are easy to find; ensure you agree on a rate beforehand, as they can become expensive. Otherwise, rent a car and enjoy the freedom and flexibility to explore the island at your own pace.
For classic Curaçaoan flavors, head to Willemstad’s Old Market, a popular place for locals and visitors. Among the options on display, you can sample fresh conch, goat stew, and grilled fish. The indoor market has a central area for eating—a nice respite from the island’s heat.
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You might recognize Curacao as a cocktail ingredient rather than a Caribbean island. The nation’s popular export—an orange-flavored liqueur—appears in classic concoctions like the Blue Hawaiian. Made using the peels of the island's Laraha orange, the original liqueur is clear but can be dyed blue, green, red, and orange.
...MoreCuracao offers both land and sea adventures. Travelers can explore the candy-colored waterfront architecture of the island’s capital Willemstad, as well as the Queen Emma Bridge and Shete Boka National Park. As snorkeling and diving sites are easily accessible from the island’s shore, Curacao is a popular destination for underwater excursions.
...MoreMost travelers spend three to four days in Curacao, especially if you plan to go scuba diving. The island serves as a popular stop for cruise ships, so it is possible to see Curacao in one day. But it’s best enjoyed as a long weekend or part of an island-hopping vacation.
...MoreYes. Residents usually speak English, Dutch, Spanish, and Papiamentu, which is the island’s official language, a form of creole based on Portuguese. Due to the recent influx of Brazilian visitors, Portuguese has also become a prominent spoken language. English is widely used among staff in hotels and restaurants.
...MoreWander around Willemstad to see the colorful buildings and street art. Swing by Queen Emma Bridge (a wooden pontoon bridge). Visit the Curacao Liqueur Distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo—it's free to roam (or pay for a guided tour). And view local artist Nena Sanchez's work at the historic plantation building Landhuis Jan Kok.
...MoreYes. Like many island destinations, accommodations are limited on Curacao, meaning there are fewer budget-friendly options, and meals tend to be pricey because supplies are imported onto the island. But if you stick with local restaurants serving island specialties like keshi yena (which means "stuffed cheese"), you can save money.
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