Andy's Guidebook to Curaçao
Places
Places you must go.
Things you must do.
Take your time and explore this area for yourself.
It is a great area with a ample variety of bars and restaurants.
73 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pietermaai
Take your time and explore this area for yourself.
It is a great area with a ample variety of bars and restaurants.
Mambo beach blvd is a A paradisiacal beach boulevard with unforgettably good quality restaurants, offering cuisines from all over the world. Besides restaurants you will find bars, beach bars, cigar lounge, gift shops, tattoo shops, pharmacy and more. This is the spot where locals and tourist really blend.
208 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa Mambo
Bapor KibráMambo beach blvd is a A paradisiacal beach boulevard with unforgettably good quality restaurants, offering cuisines from all over the world. Besides restaurants you will find bars, beach bars, cigar lounge, gift shops, tattoo shops, pharmacy and more. This is the spot where locals and tourist really blend.
Bluemaxx is a fully equipped gym and fitness center located at Mambo beach boulevard.
Bluemaxx Health Club
Bapor KibráBluemaxx is a fully equipped gym and fitness center located at Mambo beach boulevard.
These are some of the places for your convenience in the area of PenApartments.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Marie Pampoen
These are some of the places for your convenience in the area of PenApartments.
Food scene
Places you must eat at.
It is up to you if you choose to sit inside to enjoy a cozy atmosphere or outside to enjoy a breezy air flowing from the sea.
Bocas Restaurant
Z/N Bapor KibráIt is up to you if you choose to sit inside to enjoy a cozy atmosphere or outside to enjoy a breezy air flowing from the sea.
Visit Kenchi Bigeye Scad for some of the most delicious seafood plates on the island. Fresh and local caught.
Ask for the catch of the day!
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bigeye Scad
Visit Kenchi Bigeye Scad for some of the most delicious seafood plates on the island. Fresh and local caught.
Ask for the catch of the day!
Curacao is not primarily known for its food, but there is still plenty to enjoy. You can find out in the Plasa Bieu. Many locals regularly come to this place to enjoy a delicious lunch.
The Plasa Bieu on the Waaigat in Punda is also called Marshe Bieu or Oude Markt. That is not so strange, because the building was originally a covered market hall. That covered market has since moved to a larger building (Plasa Nobo). Nowadays you can only eat in the Plasa Bieu.
The concept is as simple as it is brilliant. Six local eateries are located in the building. They prepare the dishes in open kitchens on one side of the Plasa Bieu. On the other side you have long rows of tables. So no separate seating areas; you just sit comfortably with the rest of the guests.
The Plasa Bieu is only open for lunch and around lunchtime it can therefore be very busy. People who work or live in the area are happy to use it, but tourists are also increasingly finding the Plasa Bieu.
Side note: quality is of paramount importance here. But at the same time, the prices are very low. You can enjoy a delicious hot lunch here for a price between ten and twenty Antillean guilders that's between 6 and 12 USD$
53 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Market
De RuyterkadeCuracao is not primarily known for its food, but there is still plenty to enjoy. You can find out in the Plasa Bieu. Many locals regularly come to this place to enjoy a delicious lunch.
The Plasa Bieu on the Waaigat in Punda is also called Marshe Bieu or Oude Markt. That is not so strange, because the building was originally a covered market hall. That covered market has since moved to a larger building (Plasa Nobo). Nowadays you can only eat in the Plasa Bieu.
The concept is as simple as it is brilliant. Six local eateries are located in the building. They prepare the dishes in open kitchens on one side of the Plasa Bieu. On the other side you have long rows of tables. So no separate seating areas; you just sit comfortably with the rest of the guests.
The Plasa Bieu is only open for lunch and around lunchtime it can therefore be very busy. People who work or live in the area are happy to use it, but tourists are also increasingly finding the Plasa Bieu.
Side note: quality is of paramount importance here. But at the same time, the prices are very low. You can enjoy a delicious hot lunch here for a price between ten and twenty Antillean guilders that's between 6 and 12 USD$
Bijblauw is a really nice restaurant. The minute you walk in it is like you walked into an oasis of peace.
You sit right by the sea!
Certainly one of my favorite places in Pietermaai to start my day!
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
BijBlauw
82-84 Kaya Wilson GodettBijblauw is a really nice restaurant. The minute you walk in it is like you walked into an oasis of peace.
You sit right by the sea!
Certainly one of my favorite places in Pietermaai to start my day!
Recreational/ activities
Activities you should do while in Curaçao.
Go here for a relaxing jog or walk in the morning or evening.
Sit and read a book or go with a group to enjoy the area and sea breeze.
This park is also in walking distance from PenApartments (15 min).
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Marie Pampoen
Go here for a relaxing jog or walk in the morning or evening.
Sit and read a book or go with a group to enjoy the area and sea breeze.
This park is also in walking distance from PenApartments (15 min).
If you are an adrenaline junkie. I suggest you to book an ATV tour, hop on and explore the rural sides of Curaçao.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Eric's ATV Adventures, Curacao
z/n Bapor KibráIf you are an adrenaline junkie. I suggest you to book an ATV tour, hop on and explore the rural sides of Curaçao.
Visit the Dive Shop Pietermaai as a PenApartment guest and receive 10% discount on all PADI Courses and Dive Trips.
Please do keep in mind that the discount is not valid in combination with other specials.
Besides the 10% discount, you will get free pick up service. It IS recommended to make reservations in advance. Guest can make reservations using:
1) Contact form on the website
2) info@thediveshop-curacao.com
3) WhatsApp +5999 684 0434
Do not forget to mention PenApartments.
https://thediveshop-curacao.com
THE DIVESHOP Pietermaai
3 NieuwestraatVisit the Dive Shop Pietermaai as a PenApartment guest and receive 10% discount on all PADI Courses and Dive Trips.
Please do keep in mind that the discount is not valid in combination with other specials.
Besides the 10% discount, you will get free pick up service. It IS recommended to make reservations in advance. Guest can make reservations using:
1) Contact form on the website
2) info@thediveshop-curacao.com
3) WhatsApp +5999 684 0434
Do not forget to mention PenApartments.
https://thediveshop-curacao.com
Beaches
Playa Grandi (Playa Piskado) is known for its turtles that come here for the fish waste disposed by the fishermen. It is fun to snorkel here , because you will definitely see a turtle. Even standing on the pier you will spot them with naked eyes. Definitely a must see while in Curaçao!
69 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa Grandi
Playa Grandi (Playa Piskado) is known for its turtles that come here for the fish waste disposed by the fishermen. It is fun to snorkel here , because you will definitely see a turtle. Even standing on the pier you will spot them with naked eyes. Definitely a must see while in Curaçao!
There is a reason why Grote knip or Playa Kenepa Grandi is considered the #1 beach in Curaçao. Not only by visitors but also among locals. Before you head down to the beach stand on the mirador and take the view in. This beach offers plenty of room for all the sun soakers and vacationers wanting to relax in the warm waters.
83 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Grote Knip
There is a reason why Grote knip or Playa Kenepa Grandi is considered the #1 beach in Curaçao. Not only by visitors but also among locals. Before you head down to the beach stand on the mirador and take the view in. This beach offers plenty of room for all the sun soakers and vacationers wanting to relax in the warm waters.
For many is this a favorite snorkeling and diving spot.
This beach also offers a very relaxing atmosphere.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa Kalki
For many is this a favorite snorkeling and diving spot.
This beach also offers a very relaxing atmosphere.
Playa Lagun is located between two rocks and therefore offers a beautiful snorkelling bay. Definitely a favorite of ours. Above the bay there is also a restaurant with a spectacular view.
After your swim enjoy a local fresh made smoothie or buy some fresh caught fish to take home!
45 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa Lagun
Playa Lagun is located between two rocks and therefore offers a beautiful snorkelling bay. Definitely a favorite of ours. Above the bay there is also a restaurant with a spectacular view.
After your swim enjoy a local fresh made smoothie or buy some fresh caught fish to take home!
Playa Forti is known for the daredevils who jump off the high cliff into the clear blue water. If you are not a daredevil just stad there and enjoy the spectacle and or the view from the restaurants nearby.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa Forti
Playa Forti is known for the daredevils who jump off the high cliff into the clear blue water. If you are not a daredevil just stad there and enjoy the spectacle and or the view from the restaurants nearby.
Playa Jeremi. At this beach you have no facilities or beach bar. Because this beach is so quiet, it is wonderful to spend an hour or two here.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa Jeremi
Playa Jeremi. At this beach you have no facilities or beach bar. Because this beach is so quiet, it is wonderful to spend an hour or two here.
Neighborhoods
Otrobanda, also Otrabanda, is a neighborhood in Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao. The name comes from Papiamento and literally means "the other shore", a reference to the fact that Otrobanda, seen from Punda, is on the other side of St. Anna Bay.
Otrobanda has been well renovated in recent years and just super fun to walk through and look at, beautiful murals by local artists on various walls, Visit Riffort from which you have a beautiful view, Kura Hualnda Museum (slave museum) , the large square and of course a shopping street and cozy restaurants.
69 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Otrobanda
Otrobanda, also Otrabanda, is a neighborhood in Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao. The name comes from Papiamento and literally means "the other shore", a reference to the fact that Otrobanda, seen from Punda, is on the other side of St. Anna Bay.
Otrobanda has been well renovated in recent years and just super fun to walk through and look at, beautiful murals by local artists on various walls, Visit Riffort from which you have a beautiful view, Kura Hualnda Museum (slave museum) , the large square and of course a shopping street and cozy restaurants.
Museums
The relocation of Africans from Africa to the Americas in the Caribbean by Europeans from the 17th to 19th centuries permanently changed the face of the world. The Museum Kura Hulanda is located at the center of Willemstad on the harbor, exactly where Dutch businesses enslaved Africans along with other trade goods and shipped. This museum shows the transatlantic slaves in the whole way of trading from the taking of the slaves in Africa, through the shipping to the resettlement in the New World. The Kura Hulanda museum shows how Africans along with its cultural heritage have influenced Curaçao and the societies of the Caribbean to this day.
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kura Hulanda Museum
9 KlipstraatThe relocation of Africans from Africa to the Americas in the Caribbean by Europeans from the 17th to 19th centuries permanently changed the face of the world. The Museum Kura Hulanda is located at the center of Willemstad on the harbor, exactly where Dutch businesses enslaved Africans along with other trade goods and shipped. This museum shows the transatlantic slaves in the whole way of trading from the taking of the slaves in Africa, through the shipping to the resettlement in the New World. The Kura Hulanda museum shows how Africans along with its cultural heritage have influenced Curaçao and the societies of the Caribbean to this day.
Savonet Museum is Curaçao's newest museum! This museum has a unique concept and is located in the middle of the Christoffel Park, the largest nature reserve on the island. Located in the former plantation house (called "manor") of the Savonet Plantation, it gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of the area's former inhabitants with lots of background information, from the first Arowak Indians who came to the island nearly 4,000 years ago to the present modern age.
Modern audiovisual concepts, historical objects, faces of the descendants of the former slaves, photographic material, fully restored antiques and much more allow the museum to tell a diverse story of interdependence between man and nature, between the history of culture and the nature.
Savonet Museum
Weg Naar WestpuntSavonet Museum is Curaçao's newest museum! This museum has a unique concept and is located in the middle of the Christoffel Park, the largest nature reserve on the island. Located in the former plantation house (called "manor") of the Savonet Plantation, it gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of the area's former inhabitants with lots of background information, from the first Arowak Indians who came to the island nearly 4,000 years ago to the present modern age.
Modern audiovisual concepts, historical objects, faces of the descendants of the former slaves, photographic material, fully restored antiques and much more allow the museum to tell a diverse story of interdependence between man and nature, between the history of culture and the nature.
Located in the western part of Otrobanda, you will find the Curaçao Museum in a colonial-style building. It exudes an atmosphere of authenticity at first sight. This extensive museum depicts the geographic history of Curaçao and displays artifacts from the Native Americans from the time before Columbus. You can also expect: maps and cartographic representations of the Americas and the Caribbean, professions that the Afro-Curaçao people practiced after the abolition of slavery, their beliefs and way of life, a traditional plantation kitchen, antique mahogany furniture (18th and 19th centuries) and paintings by local and international artists.
Unique in the Caribbean is the carillon with 47 bells. The Snip Gallery shows the cockpit of the "Snip", the first KLM aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean in 1934. You can take a nice walk on the extensive, shady grounds. The museum grounds are regularly used for music concerts.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Curaçao Museum
z/n Van LeeuwenhoekstraatLocated in the western part of Otrobanda, you will find the Curaçao Museum in a colonial-style building. It exudes an atmosphere of authenticity at first sight. This extensive museum depicts the geographic history of Curaçao and displays artifacts from the Native Americans from the time before Columbus. You can also expect: maps and cartographic representations of the Americas and the Caribbean, professions that the Afro-Curaçao people practiced after the abolition of slavery, their beliefs and way of life, a traditional plantation kitchen, antique mahogany furniture (18th and 19th centuries) and paintings by local and international artists.
Unique in the Caribbean is the carillon with 47 bells. The Snip Gallery shows the cockpit of the "Snip", the first KLM aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean in 1934. You can take a nice walk on the extensive, shady grounds. The museum grounds are regularly used for music concerts.
Sightseeing/ experiences.
Feel it for yourself.
A visit to the Curacao Liqueur Distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo is a journey through the history of Curacao and the distillation process of the world-famous Blue Curacao Liqueur. After the Curacao Liqueur Distillery tour you can taste the famous liqueur and even learn how to make your own cocktails during a Cocktail Workshop.
Curacao Liqueur Distillery
129 Schottegatweg (O)A visit to the Curacao Liqueur Distillery at Landhuis Chobolobo is a journey through the history of Curacao and the distillation process of the world-famous Blue Curacao Liqueur. After the Curacao Liqueur Distillery tour you can taste the famous liqueur and even learn how to make your own cocktails during a Cocktail Workshop.