Only have 72 hours in Curaçao? This long-weekend itinerary blends vibrant Willemstad mornings, Klein Curaçao sailing days, and sunset dinners at the island restaurants travelers rave about—so you leave feeling like you saw the best of the island without rushing.
Book Klein Curaçao catamarans, ATV adventures, and dinner reservations before you land—weekend slots sell out fast, especially during peak season and cruise days.
Weekend Wisdom: Secure Klein Curaçao catamarans, UNESCO walking tours, and dinner reservations before you land—Saturdays and cruise days fill quickly.
Day 1 – UNESCO Streets & Sunset Dinner
Morning: Check into your base in Pietermaai or Punda and grab a coffee along the Handelskade. Stroll across the Queen Emma Bridge while it’s still quiet, then join a guided walking tour to hear stories behind Otrobanda’s street art and the pastel Dutch façades.
Midday: Duck into the floating market for fresh fruit or head to Plasa Bieu for a slow-cooked stoba lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the Kura Hulanda Museum or cooling off at the Infinity pool at Rif Fort.
Evening: Toast the golden hour with a cocktail at Saint Tropez Ocean Club before dinner at Kome Restaurant Curaçao. Their wood-fired menu and in-house bakery make for a celebratory first night. Finish with gelato on Wilhelminaplein or live music in Pietermaai.
Day 2 – Klein Curaçao Catamaran Escape
Morning: Board an early catamaran to Klein Curaçao. Expect a 90-minute sail with breakfast onboard, followed by impossibly turquoise water, a photogenic lighthouse, and sea turtles gliding past the shore.
Midday: Dive into snorkeling straight off the beach, walk to the shipwreck, and refuel with the BBQ lunch most charters include. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard—the sandbar offers little shade.
Evening: Back on the main island, stay salty with a twilight swim at Jan Thiel or lounge at Mood Beach. Reserve dinner at Brisa do Mar – Pop’s Place for waterfront seafood and sunset-on-Caracas-Bay vibes.
Day 3 – West Coast Coves & Local Flavor
Morning: Rent a car and head west. Stop for cliff views and a rope swing at Playa Kenepa Grandi before snorkeling with sea turtles at Playa Piskadó.
Midday: Grab a lionfish burger or batidos at a roadside stand, then continue to Shete Boka National Park for blowholes and crashing surf. Alternatively, opt for an ATV excursion across the rugged northern coastline.
Evening: Cap your trip with a dockside feast at De Visserij Piscadera. Pick your catch at the counter, sip a Polar beer while it grills, and watch the fishing boats ease back into the harbor.
Essential Tours to Book Ahead
Top Experiences
- • Klein Curaçao full-day catamaran with snorkel gear and open bar.
- • Willemstad UNESCO walking tour or tuk-tuk excursion through Punda & Otrobanda.
- • Sunset cocktail sail departing from Spanish Water.
- • Westpunt snorkel safari covering Playa Lagun, Playa Piskadó, and Grote Knip.
Need-to-Know Tips
- • Book catamarans 2–3 weeks ahead; they sell out on weekends.
- • Schedule museums and city tours on weekdays—Sundays are quiet in Willemstad.
- • Reserve dinner slots for Kome, Brisa do Mar, and De Visserij before you travel.
- • Rent a car with GPS or download offline maps for day three’s west-coast loop.
Helpful Resources for Your Long Weekend
Still polishing your plans? Pair this itinerary with the Best Time to Visit Curaçao guide to time the sunshine, and the Curaçao Packing List so your suitcase is ready for reef days and city nights.
For more food inspiration (or a “Day 4” splurge), browse our curated Top Restaurants in Curaçao list.
Ready to Lock in Your Curaçao Escape?
Let our AI planner surface the highest-rated tours, day trips, and dining picks that match your dates. Whether you’re leaning into catamaran life or cliff-jumping coves, we’ve got your 72-hour game plan covered.
