What to do in Curacao?

[reklawr]

What are the "not to be missed" attractions or sites to visit in Curacao?

We'll be there from 7AM to 4PM in March '07.

[Quilting Queen]

We have been to Curacao 3 times on cruise ships. This is a dutch town with pastel painted buildings. Everytime we go there it has been improved for the tourists. It is safe to walk accross the floating bridge or take the free water taxi when the bridge is aside for ships to pass. I have never had a problem with being accosted while walking and shopping alone in the main town. The sidewalks can be a little dangerous at times. The last time we were there the sidwalks needed repair in sevaral places around town. They could be fixed by now.

 

I alway like to shop there while my husband goes to the casinos. The clothes shopping is wonderful and affordable. Also if you want to purchase linens they are affordable. There is cute little town center that is shaded with local and caribben artist works for sale.

 

We have also snorkeled and taken an island tour. The island tour we went on stopped at the Curacau liquor factory. I don't remember there being anything extroidinary to see.

 

Curacao is an oil refining city. They refine from Venezuela which is very close. The old dock for the cruise ships is in a harbor that is commercial. The new docks are for cruise ships only.

 

I hope this helps you decide what to do. This is a lovely island and I would love to visit the main city again.

 

Norine

[MrSchwump]

The older shopping district, I believe is called the Punda. It's where the familiar shot of the pastel colored buildings are. It's a series of narrow streets crammed with shops selling all sorts of tourist regalia but is interesting, nonetheless. One of the oldest synagogues in the Westeren Hemisphere is in this area and is worth taking a look at. The sand floor is pretty cool and it has some very pretty stained glass.

Something not to be missed in the Punda is the floating market. These are boats that make the crossing from Venezuela daily with all sorts of fresh produce, fish, spices, and so on. It is a visual wonderland. Your nose might not like some of the funky odors but your eyes will be delighted. Very cool!

There are nice little waterside cafes here where you can sip an Amstel and watch the world go by.

Across the floating bridge is the Otrobanda (sp?) which has some interesting architecture and an interesting museum, whose name escapes me. It's a neat area to stroll around.

All of this is in Willemstaad. Outside of town are beaches and so on. The Curacao Aquarium is nice and has a dolphin swim thing which my wife did when we were there. She loved it!

They can keep Aruba, I'd much rather spend time on Curacao or Bonaire.

 

Your old pal,

Joe

[North Carolina Cruiser]

We rented a car and drove the entire island, snorkeled, shopped, sightseeing...........get out and enjoy the nicest people, beautiful coastline..........:D