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🌴 Budget-Friendly Curaçao Bucket List: Everything I’d Tell a Friend
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Traveling Tanya
After spending 5 weeks on the island, these are the exact spots I’d recommend to my best friend. From the best beaches to hidden eats, here’s what not to miss in Curacao.
Sections
6
 
🛏️ Where to Stay in Curacao
 
🏖️ Best Beaches (and When to Go)
 
🍽️ What to Eat in Curacao
 
đźš— Easy Day Trips + Local Attractions
 
🛍️ Souvenirs + Local Markets
 
🧳 What to Pack for Curacao

🛏️ Where to Stay in Curacao

 
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A breakdown of the best areas to stay in Curacao
Where To Stay In Curacao: The Best Areas Guide for 2025
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This was our home base in Curacao—close to beaches, restaurants, and super family-friendly. I'd stay here again in a heartbeat.
Our Stay at This VRBO in Jan Thiel, Curaçao: Would We Book It Again?
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A charming colonial building in the heart of Willemstad’s coolest neighborhood. Walkable, colorful, and full of character.
Piertermaai Boutique Hotel In Willemstad
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One of the best accessible and kid-friendly hotels near Mambo Beach. Bonus: they partner with the Curacao Dolphin Academy.
Dolphin Suites & Wellness Center
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A historic hotel with two private beaches and gorgeous views. Ideal if you want a relaxing resort vibe close to the action.
Curacao Avila Beach Hotel Willemstad
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🏖️ Best Beaches (and When to Go)

 
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A full-day boat excursion to a deserted island with stunning sand and turquoise water. Totally worth it.
Tanya's Recommendations for Klein Curacao Day Trip
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Snorkeling + wild pigs? Yes please. One of the most unique beaches we visited.
Playa Portomari
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Calm, clear water and great facilities. It’s a winner for families, and one of the most beautiful on the island.
Cas Abao Beach
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Snorkel right off the shore and discover the sunken tugboat. Don’t miss the quirky beach bar while you're there.
Tugboat Beach | Home | Curaçao
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We loved the area around the Sea Aquarium to swim with Dolphins and relax
Swim with Dolphins in Curacao | Family Fun at Sea Aquarium
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🍽️ What to Eat in Curacao

 
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Read my recommendations for restaurants and some of the best food to try on the island!
What to Eat in Curacao with the BEST Beach-Front Restaurants
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A must-try local dish. Ask around for the best homemade version—we found one at Playa Forti and De Gouverneur Restaurants
Try Keshi Yenna (Stuffed Cheese) at Playa Forti
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Sold roadside and made fresh to order. Perfect way to cool off after the beach.
Batido (Smoothie)
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A local food hall with affordable, authentic island meals. Great way to taste Curacao on a budget.
OLD MARKET - PLASA BIEU, Willemstad - 2025 Reviews & Info
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đźš— Easy Day Trips + Local Attractions

 
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Swim with wild turtles on a private beach tour!
Swimming with Sea Turtles and Grote Knip Beach Tour
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Get dusty and dirty on a fun ATV tour in Curacao!
Beach Hopping Curacao; UTV/Buggy All Inclusive Semi Private Tour
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Safe and Easy underwater scooter tour of the reefs and marine life in Curacao
Aquafari Tour in Curaçao
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Such a fun and memorable thing to do in Curacao - the photographer puts you at complete ease!
Clear Kayak Photoshoot + FREE Videoshoot, Cocktails & Shots!
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Take a sunset cruise on the calm blue ocean around Curacao
Happy Hour Sunset Cruise
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Spend the day with a local who really knows the island!
Full Day Private Tour Experience with a local!
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I love the Jan Kok area of Curacao - be sure to check out the gallery while you're in the area
Where to see Flamingos in Curacao
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The home of Blue Curacao. Do the tasting—it’s short, sweet, and photogenic.
Chobolobo Distillery Tour
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Instantly download this free guide to the best spots to see amazing street art in Curacao
Download my FREE Walking-Tour of the BEST Street Art in Curacao
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🛍️ Souvenirs + Local Markets

 
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Made right on the island—great for post-sun skin and thoughtful gifts.
Aloe Vera Farm Curacao: Home
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Pick up a mini Chichi doll or paint one yourself in a fun workshop!
SERENA'S ART FACTORY
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Colorful boats pull in fresh produce and local goods. A lively slice of culture.
Floating Market in Punda
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🧳 What to Pack for Curacao

 
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Protect your skin and the coral reef. This brand passed the test in Curacao’s strong sun.
Reef Safe Sunscreen
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If your hotel doesn’t provide it, bring your own. The fish at Tugboat Beach are waiting.
Snorkel Masks For Kids
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Don't let the kids have all the fun! There is lots of marine life to spot in the ocean around Curacao
Snorkel Mask
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Vessi waterproof shoes were lifesavers in city streets and rocky trails.
Lightweight Travel Shoes - Vessi
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Keep your phone, snacks, and towels dry on beach days or boat trips. Trust me—you need one.
Dry Bag
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Our fav bag to take to lunch to the beach
Cooler Backpack by Tourit
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Tie this safe to yoru beach chair to keep phone and keys safe while swimming
Waterproof Safe to Keep Valuables Secure
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