Curaçao 5 Day Itinerary: What to Do in 5 Days

If you’re trying to plan a Curaçao 5 day itinerary, this is exactly what I would do again. I usually try to rush around and check everything off, but since this was my third time in Curaçao, I focused on beaches, food, and a few key stops that were actually worth it. It ended up being the right mix and I didn’t feel like I needed a vacation from my vacation.

I rented a car right after landing using Discover Cars rental in Curaçao, and I used the car every single day. I drove into Willemstad a few times and hit some traffic there, but everywhere else was manageable, and I kept small bills and local coins in the car for parking meters so I didn’t have to deal with it later. I also grouped my beach days on the west side so I wasn’t wasting time driving back and forth.

I made dinner reservations ahead of time for MosaCaña and Kome before I even left. Both fill up, and I didn’t want to be figuring that out after a full beach day when I was already thinking about dinner.

If you want a full breakdown before planning your days, check out my Curaçao Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors.

Day 1: Arrival + Willemstad at Night

I landed later in the day, so I kept this simple and didn’t try to overdo anything. I checked into my hotel (I booked through here), dropped my stuff, and went straight into Willemstad.

I had dinner at De Gouverneur and stayed there for a bit, then walked over to the Queen Emma Bridge while it was lit up and kept going toward Handelskade. I didn’t plan anything else and just wandered around, which ended up being the perfect way to start the trip without doing too much.

Day 2: West Side Beaches

I started the day with breakfast at Number Ten and stayed longer than I expected because the setting was really good (and there was a local cat that obviously needed attention). I ate, sat there for a bit, and then headed out toward the west side.

I picked Cas Abao as my main beach and paid the small entrance fee to get in. I got in the water right away and stayed out there for a while with my favorite beach float because it was that clear (this ended up being my favorite beach).

I drove over to Playa Porto Mari next and paid the $5 entrance. As I was getting in, I spotted a sea turtle, so that turned into more of a snorkeling stop than I expected. I also saw the pigs on the beach. It wasn’t as relaxing as Cas Abao, but there was more going on.

I stopped at Landhuis Dokterstuin for lunch in between beaches and kept it casual. I ate, took a short break, then got back on the road instead of sitting there too long.

I cleaned up later and went to dinner at MosaCaña Bar & Kitchen, and that ended up being the best meal of the entire trip (I’d go back just for that… I definitely did some damage there).

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Day 3: Willemstad + Snorkeling + Sunset

I started the morning in Willemstad and picked a breakfast spot there so I could get an earlier start. I walked through the Floating Market, Plaza Piar, crossed the Queen Emma Bridge, passed Handelskade, and kept going through Pietermaai and Queen Wilhelmina Park to see the Dushi sign.

I grabbed lunch at Poke Food Station and ordered something quick, then went back again later in the trip because I liked it that much (I ate it like I wasn’t coming back… then came back, YOLO).

I went to Tugboat Beach for snorkeling and got in right away. The shipwreck is right there, so I kept floating around it because there was so much to see. I used my snorkel mask here and definitely got my money’s worth out of it.

If you want more detail on this spot, check out my Best Snorkeling in Curaçao: Top Spots You Can’t Miss.

I left and stopped at St. Willibrordus Church, then went to Jan Kok to see the flamingos. I made a quick stop at Kokomo Beach for the swings photo, took it, and left (did it for the “gram” and moved on).

I ended the day at Santa Martha Bay Lookout for sunset and found a spot to sit and hang out for a bit.

I had dinner at Kome that night and just enjoyed it start to finish. This was easily one of the best meals of the trip.

Day 4: Turtles + Cliff Jump + Grote Knip

I started with breakfast at De Dames and then drove straight to Playa Piskado. I got there early, got in the water, and saw turtles right away, but it filled up fast and got crowded in the water.

I left and drove over to Playa Forti next. I watched people cliff jump, ate lunch there, and sat with the view for a bit (dinner and a show, just earlier in the day).

I drove to Grote Knip after that and walked down from the parking area. I got in the water almost immediately and stayed out there because the color was unreal.

I went to Fort Nassau for dinner and timed it with sunset. The view ended up being the highlight, even more than the food…and the food was excellent!

Day 5: Slower Beach Day + Wrap Up

I started slower with breakfast at Hofi Cas Cora. The food was really good, and the open farm setting made it hard to leave.

I went to Playa Lagun first and got in the water right away since it’s calm and easy to access. Once I was done there, I drove over to Playa Jeremi since they’re close together and split time between both.

I stopped at Sol Food for lunch and kept it casual. After that, I could’ve gone back to pack, but I enjoy panic packing, so I went back to the beach and ignored that problem until later.

I ended the trip with dinner at Baoase Culinary Beach Restaurant.  Baoase was where I stayed on my last trip so I knew it would be good, and I wanted one nicer dinner to end the trip (last meal, so I went a little extra).

What I’d Skip

I went to Mambo Beach once and didn’t go back. It felt more like Florida dropped into Curaçao, with more buildings and more people, and the beach itself didn’t compare to the others I had already seen.

I ate at Plein Café Wilhelmina for breakfast one time. The food was fine, but nothing stood out compared to everywhere else I ate. I’d choose another place if you are a foodie like me.

Final Thoughts

I finished this Curaçao 5 day itinerary feeling like I hit everything I wanted. I spent time at the best beaches, snorkeled in clear water, walked around Willemstad, and ate really well the entire time (I definitely earned my meals… beach calories don’t count, right?).

I left realizing Curaçao isn’t that lush Caribbean look you might expect. I drove past dry landscapes, spread-out beaches, and towns that felt a little more European than tropical, then got back in the water again and stayed longer than planned because it was so clear and blue.

If you want to stretch this out, my Curaçao 7 Day Itinerary: How to Spend One Week in Curaçao goes deeper into everything.