Curaçao

 

The row of colorful buildings that line Willemstad's historic waterfront is the most obvious image of Curaçao. However, there are many other things to this island in the southwest Caribbean. Curaçao's vibrant culture is also reflected by its languages, Dutch, and Papiamento. It also has a desert landscape and an underwater world full of marine life, including stunning coral. Bandabou, northwestern Curaçao, has a more rugged landscape with cacti and caves. The beach bars and restaurants of eastern Curaçao's Bandariba are contrasted with Bandabou's trendy, hipster-friendly Bandariba. Curaçao is a place where you can be captivated by the sounds, sights, and rhythms that are all expressed in one word: Dushi. This word can mean anything from "beautiful to "tasty."

There are several places to discover and learn more about this place. So, if you’re visiting and taking flights from Los Angeles to Curaçao, then take a stroll of the entire city and find out what’s hidden in those tiny bustling streets. Also, book your tickets with Lowest Flight Fare to avail impressive deals.

Overview

Curaçao's best time to visit?

Curaçao is a tropical island that lies just outside the hurricane belt. It offers pleasant tropical weather all year. While there are usually occasional downpours between October and December and August and September can get extremely hot with temperatures reaching 90 degrees, those months can also see some rain.

High season prices on the island, October to December, are when hotel and car rentals are more expensive than usual. People of Curaçao love to party, especially during Carnival celebrations, which usually occur in February. If you don't like bacchanalia, go to the beach and enjoy the solitude while the rest of Curaçao celebrates with parades.

Curaçao: How do you get there?

Curaçao has experienced a significant increase in non-European tourists in recent years, thanks to both effective tourism campaigns and the power of social networking. There are now direct flights to Curaçao from Miami, Charlotte and New York.

Even though Curaçao's bus service is efficient, renting an automobile is the best way to travel around the island. This is especially true for places that public transport doesn't cover, such as hidden beaches or caves.

You can't miss Curaçao's many activities

- As you wander the labyrinth of the Cathedral of Thorns, look out for artifacts hidden within the thorny walls. This magnificent sculpture is about the same size as a Landhuis Bloemhof building.

Stop by the Natural Jacuzzi, also known as Suplado on Curaçao's northern coast. Your swimsuit is essential. You might get very wet on this adventure.

Urban art lovers should not miss the opportunity to explore the gentrified neighborhoods Skalo on the Punda side, Willemstad. These include stunning murals created by local artists like Sander van Beusekom and Francis Sling.

Curaçao: Food and drinks to try

Indoor dining is subject to strict COVID rules. Call the restaurant you choose ahead of time to learn more about these rules and how they affect your dining experience.

- Get a Pan ku Karko or Pan ku Karni stoba filled with stew beef at one of the much food truck locations all over the island, particularly the eastern side of Bandariba.

The Marche Bieu (or Old Market) in Punda, is the best place for Krioyo, authentic Curacaon food. Before ordering, walk around and arrive a bit before the noon rush. The majority of the food will be gone by 3 p.m.

Blue Curaçao Distillery is a great activity. But for a more local experience, go to Breedestraat, Otrabanda, to the oldest bar in Otrabanda, Netto Bar for Rom Berde, or green rum. It is possible to buy a bottle to take home, as no one will believe that you have green rum.

Lunch is closed by most businesses between 12 and 2 pm. This is the time when restaurants are at their peak midday.

- Most of the trendy eateries on the island, located in Pietermaai and directly across from the Avila Hotel, are owned by Dutch expats. They offer a more European and international menu.

Culture in Curaçao

Curaçao is a kingdom within the Netherlands. Although Curaçao's official language, Dutch, is spoken by most people. However, Curaçao's Creole, Papiamento, is a Portuguese-based Creole. English is widely spoken. A strong Latin American influence can be heard in merengue, salsa and bachata, which are all popular on the island. Curaçao's culture is deeply rooted in African traditions, such as Tambu and Tumba music brought to the island by slave Africans.

Curaçao: Local travel tips

The island's standard voltage is 127 volts. However, some vacation rentals and hotels have switched to 220V. If you're not sure which voltage your accommodation uses, bring an adapter.

You can take the free ferry between Punda and Otrabanda when the Queen Emma bridge opens for large cruise ships. Midway through the crossing, take a photo of this impressive bridge.

When going out, most Curacaons dress up. You can look like everyone else if you pack dress shirts and gorgeous dresses.

When entering a shop or starting a conversation, it is considered rude to not say bondia ("good day"), bontardi (“good afternoon”), or bonochi („good evening”)

- Curacaons are friendly and will help tourists find their way. They may even offer to drive them to their destination.

Tipping is appreciated, but not necessary.

- Curaçao's local currency is the Nafl (or Netherlands Antilles Florin), which is fixed at 1.75 to the U.S. Dollar. This is widely accepted on the island.

Most beaches with a high popularity will have an entry fee. You can find public and free beaches in the west, but you will need to bring your essentials as few beaches offer them.

Curaçao beaches are made up of dead coral and rocks, which is a good thing, as they offer stunning views and unsurpassed water quality.

Take some time to explore the splendid attractions of this place, and make your trip worthwhile. While booking your flights from Las Vegas to Santiago, don’t just fool around restaurants and tall buildings. Instead, take a good note of what’s under the table.