Curaçao à la Carte

Looking for something to do? In Curaçao, you don't have to look far. The island is full of attractions that appeal to every sort of visitor. Here are just a few of the many ways you can spend your days.

For the history buff:

• Step back in time. Take a walking tour of centuries-old Willemstad.
• Learn all about it. Visit one of the island's many fascinating museums. Museum Kurá Hulanda is one of the Caribbean's best.
• Fortify yourself. Stop for lunch at historic Fort Nassau.
• Get in the spirit. Curaçao's Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue is a national treasure.

For the sightseer:

• Home in on a manor home. At Landuis Chobolobo you can sample world-famous Curacao Liqueur.
• Go fishing. You won't need a rod and reel to appreciate the underwater creatures at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium.

For the nature lover:

• Dig deep. Explore the depths of Hato Caves.
• Take a hike. See how many animals you can spot at Christoffel Park.
• Spice it up. Learn all about native herbs with Dinah Veeris at Den Paradera, a botanical garden.

For the adventurous type:

• Hit the pedals. Curaçao offers challenging mountain biking trails.
• Hit the water. Curaçao boasts scores of spectacular dive and snorkel sites.
• Hit the surf. Want to try windsurfing? Curaçao's constant trade winds make it easier to learn.

For families:

• Hang out with Big Bird. Spend some quality time at Curaçao's Ostrich and Game Farm.
• Do it on porpoise. Take a dip with friendly critters at Curaçao Dolphin Academy. You'll find it at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium.

For the shopaholic:

• Float your boat. Peruse the produce at Curaçao's famous Floating Market.
• Go Dutch. Take home a box of chocolate, a wheel of Gouda cheese or even a pair of wooden shoes from the Netherlands.
• Treat yourself. Luxury goods are affordable in Curaçao thanks to lower-than-average import levies and no sales tax on purchases.

For the gourmet:

• Eat like an islander. Sample keshi yena (stuffed cheese) and other signature dishes of the Netherlands Antilles.
• Go for the Java. Some Curaçao restaurants serve up the multicourse feast known as the rijsttafel (rice table) from former Dutch colony Indonesia.
• Sip and savor. Curacao liqueurs come in a variety of flavors.

For the severely stressed:

• Get your toes wet. There's nothing like the warm waters of the Caribbean to lift your spirits.
• Tell yourself that life's a breeze. It really is in Curaçao, which is constantly caressed by cooling trade winds.
• Say, "Aaah…" Enjoy a soothing massage at an island spa.

For the beach bum:

• Go with a shore thing. Curaçao has a beach to satisfy every taste and mood.
• Collect yourself. Stroll along the beach looking for sea glass and colored shells.

For the partygoer:

• Hop aboard. Let Curaçao's colorful Party Bus take you to the limit.
• Bet on it. Court Lady Luck at one of Curaçao's sizzling casinos.
• Get your groove thing on. Dance the night away at a local nightclub or lounge.