13 Essential Curaçao Tips For First-Time Visitors: Everything You Need To Know – Episode 28

Are you dreaming of a tropical getaway to the beautiful island of Curacao? Look no further! As you start planning your trip, here are some essential Curaçao vacation tips for first-time visitors to plan an enjoyable and affordable Curaçao vacation. Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island only 40 miles from Venezuela. Known for its colorful capital, voluptuous ChiChi souvenirs, a blend of cultures, and picturesque beaches, Curaçao is the perfect destination for those seeking culture, delicious food, and relaxation. Curaçao has been on my travel wish list for a while, and I’m so excited to share that I finally got a chance to visit.

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1. What is the best time to visit Curaçao?

Curaçao enjoys a warm and sunny climate year-round, making it an ideal destination for beach vacation travelers. The peak tourist season runs from December to April when the weather is dry, and the island comes alive with festivals and events. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May to June or September to November.

Why visit Curaçao in Spring?

Spring is one of my favorite times to travel.

Not only do you enjoy the warm weather, but if you travel before and after the Spring Break crowds, you will likely find good travel deals.

My favorite times to travel are between April and May.

2. Is Curaçao safe to visit?

Yes, Curaçao is considered safe to visit. The island has a relatively low crime rate. However, as with any travel destination, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, stick to well-populated areas, and avoid showing off flashy valuables. We had a fantastic time in Curaçao and had no issues.

We had a blast during our trip to Curaçao and did not encounter any issues.

3. Getting There

Most international visitors arrive at Curaçao International Airport, just a short drive from the capital city of Willemstad.

Several major airlines offer direct flights to Curacao from various cities in the United States, Europe, and South America. Once on the island, transportation options include rental cars, taxis, and public buses.

Flying with JetBlue was the most affordable way to fly from New York City to Curaçao.

I used my JetBlue TrueBlue points to redeem a round-trip flight from New York City to Curaçao for $65 USD (taxes and fees only).

4. What languages are spoken in Curaçao?

Curacaons speak several languages including:

• Papiamento (Creole language) – spoken more than written

• Dutch – official language spoken in Curaçao

• English

• Spanish

5. What currency should you use in Curaçao?

The Netherlands Antillean Guilder (NAFI) is the national currency of Curaçao.

You can also use US Dollars.

If you’re coming from the U.S., there is no need to exchange your money, just bring some cash with you.

Major credit cards are also widely accepted on the island.

6. Is Curaçao expensive?

Compared to other Caribbean destinations, Curaçao was not as expensive as Bermuda, let’s say.

You can easily save money on airfare by finding cheap flights or travel hacking. For example, flying with JetBlue, we booked our flights with 18,200 TrueBlue points, only spending $65 total on airfare.

We appreciated that it offered a range of options to suit various budgets. You can find luxury resorts and budget hotels that provide more affordable options.

Fine dining can be pricey, but many local eateries serve delicious meals at reasonable prices. Plus, many natural attractions, like beaches and hiking trails, are free or low-cost.

If you plan on joining guided tours and excursions, budget for the expense, but then again, it’s optional.

You can see how much a four-day trip to Curaçao costs.

7. Should you tip in Curaçao?

Yes, absolutely! Tips are greatly appreciated in Curaçao.

It’s customary to tip taxi drivers and restaurant waitstaff 10%.

Be mindful that some places include a “service charge” in your bill which is equivalent to a tip.

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8. What foods to try?

Indulge in the rich flavors of Curacao’s culinary scene, which reflects the island’s diverse heritage.

From fresh seafood and local specialties to international cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample traditional dishes such as keshi yena (stuffed cheese pie), tutu (a cornmeal and plantain dish), and sopi di banana (plantain soup).

9. Is Curaçao worth visiting?

Yes, Curaçao is definitely worth visiting!

Its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse activities ranging from snorkeling to exploring charming neighborhoods offer a unique and unforgettable Caribbean experience for travelers of all interests.

While relaxing on the island’s 38 stunning beaches is a must, explore beyond the shoreline.

Curacao is home to captivating historical sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Willemstad, known for its colorful Dutch colonial architecture.

Nature lovers will appreciate the island’s diverse landscapes, which feature serene coves, dramatic cliffs, and lush national parks.

10. How long does it take to walk around Willemstad?

Great question!

Walking around Willemstad can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day, depending on your pace and how many attractions you choose to explore.

If you’re doing a quick stroll to see the main sights, such as the Queen Emma Bridge and the colorful buildings of Punda and Otrobanda, you might spend about 2 to 3 hours.

However, if you plan to visit museums, enjoy restaurants, and take your time with the street art and shops, you can easily spend 5+ hours exploring.

11. Is Willemstad walkable?

Yes, Willemstad is walkable! In fact, during our trip, we did not have a car and had no problems getting around. The city is compact, and many of its major attractions, shops, and restaurants are close together, making it easy to explore on foot.

The vibrant neighborhoods of Punda and Otrobanda are particularly pedestrian-friendly. They have colorful buildings and charming streets that invite leisurely strolling.

The scenic views along the waterfront and the iconic Queen Emma Bridge, especially at sunset, make walking around one of Willemstad’s favorite things to do.

12. What are the best things to do in Curaçao?

There are so many fun things to do in Curaçao, including:

Walking the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge: Experience the iconic bridge that connects Otrobanda and Punda while watching it swing for passing boats.

Explore Punda’s Street Art and Murals: Enjoy the vibrant street art that reflects local culture and stories. Go on your own or take a guided walking tour.

Visit Mambo Beach: Experience this popular beach known for its lively atmosphere, beach clubs, and water sports, perfect for a fun day in the sun.

Snap photos at the Curaçao Sign: Get a photo at the colorful Curaçao sign, a popular spot for capturing vacation memories.

13. Should you rent a car?

I don’t believe renting a car is necessary, but I understand why you might consider it.

Renting a car in Curaçao would be an excellent choice for exploring areas beyond Willemstad.

However, if you focus on exploring Punda and Otrobanda, most attractions are within walking distance.

Remember, you can always opt for an affordable minibus for transportation.

Tips For Saving Money In Curaçao

• Bring cash with you to avoid ATM fees (credit cards are widely accepted in Curaçao)
• Stay at a centrally-located hotel like Curacao Suites Hotel which offers free breakfast and free parking
• Rent a car only if you want to explore outside the city center – Willemstad is a walkable city
• Buses (9-person vans) cost $2 USD cash. Ask your hotel concierge or locals for help with finding bus stops.

Overall, I had a wonderful time exploring Willemstad and I hope you will consider visiting Curaçao sometime soon!

This was the perfect getaway to rest and recharge, and the island is so beautiful.

Have you been to Curaçao, what Curaçao vacation tips would you share?

Danielle Desir Corbett

Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.

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