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Day One
 Morning:
Tour Willemstad, the history rich capital. Either take a trolley tour or stroll the winding streets on your own. Attractive buildings with gables, red-roof tiles and other features inspired by Dutch design line many streets. It's a small, comfortable city divided by the regal blue St. Anna Bay. On one side is Punda, home to an inviting cluster of shops, restaurants and markets. On the other is Otrobanda, with its historic home painted in bright island colors. The floating Queen Emma pontoon bridge connects the two sections.
However you explore, there's lots to behold. One must-see: the Floating Market, where dozens of schooners offer tropical fruits and other goodies for purchase. Step into the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue. Built in 1732, it's the oldest temple in continuous use in the Northern Hemisphere. The Jewish Cultural Historical Museum, which details the rich history of Jewish settlement on the island, is located next door. Be sure to visit Fort Amsterdam. Dating back to the 1700s, it houses the governor's residence, the Fort Church and other government buildings. With so many historic structures, it's no wonder the city, founded in 1634, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afternoon:
Soak up some sun. Midday is the perfect time to jump into a swimsuit and head for the brilliant turquoise-colored waters surrounding the island. There are 38 beaches, all a bit different from each other. Some are framed by craggy cliffs, while others feature long open stretches of soft sand. Snorkelers and swimmers can hop in a car or aboard the open-air Beach Express for Cas Abou or one of the other beaches on the wilder, less developed end of the island. One favorite is Playa Porto Mari, an enticing expanse of white sand and clear water located about 10 miles west of Willemstad.
Evening:
Indulge your appetite. Curaçaoans are hearty diners. Most of the places locals frequent specialize in fresh fish, goat or island treats such as iguana stew. There is also a broad selection of gourmet restaurants specializing in Swiss, French, Dutch, Indian and other international fare.
Day Two
 Morning:
Explore Curaçao's natural wonders. Start after breakfast before things heat up with a hike along one of the trails in Christoffel National Park, a 4,446-acre reserve of gardens and wildlife on the western end of the island. You're sure to catch a glimpse of the goats, iguanas, donkeys, white-tailed Curaçao deer and other wildlife that freely roam here. Mt. Christoffel, at 1,239 feet, is the island's highest peak. On clear days, it offers a view of the Venezuelan coast.
The Hato Caves, an elaborate network of stalactites and stalagmites, are another popular natural attraction. A guide will tell stories of the Indian tribesmen who hid out here 1,500 years ago. At the Sea Aquarium, visitors have the chance to get nose to nose with 400 varieties of marine life, including sea turtles and sharks. Divers and snorkelers can swim with the stingrays and other sea life. Visitors can also feed the fish. Another option is to take in the whole range of recreational activities—biking, bird watching, hiking and water sports—at Caracasbaai. Still up for something unusual? The Ostrich Farm, where the colorful birds are bred, offers guided tours and the chance to pet a chick.
Afternoon:
Tour a museum. Curaçao boasts one of the most diverse concentrations of museums in the Caribbean. The Museum Kurá Hulanda offers a sobering, in-depth look at the slave trade in the Caribbean and other parts of the New World. A replica of a hold used to transport slaves across the Atlantic is one of the many moving displays.
Located in Otrobanda, the Curaçao Museum displays paintings and artifacts telling the story of the island's colorful history. The Maritime Museum uses ship models, charts and navigational equipment to explain the key role that shipping, shipbuilding and sea trading have played on the island over the years. For a step back into colonial life on the island in the 19th century, head for the Country House Museum, located in the village of Westpunt. Period furniture, clothing and farm tools are on display.
Evening:
Take your pick from the range of venues that light up the island after dark. Jazz lovers flock to Blues, a lively club featuring local and visiting jazz performers. On Wednesday nights, pop into De Gouverneur, where bands jam into the wee hours. At Seaquarium Beach, oceanfront bars and clubs are abuzz from the afternoon late into the night. Sundays are the hottest, but every night is lively.
Day Three
 Morning:
Go on a shopping spree. Art galleries, crafts boutiques and other specialty shops feature tempting shopping options. Head first to Heerenstraat and Gomezplein, both pedestrian streets in the tourist-friendly Punda district of Willemstad. Dutch wares—such as embroidered linen, cheeses and clogs—are among the special items offered in shops here. Works by local artists and craftsmen are sold in many of the boutiques here. Some stores also offer jewelry, gold and electronics. Other goods to look for: stylish beachwear, tropical clothing and Cuban cigars.
Afternoon:
Dive into the depths. The exotic tropical fish in Curaçao's waters make this one of the best places to snorkel and scuba in the Caribbean. Those experienced in underwater sports should head for the Curaçao Underwater Marine Park. It has 12-and-a-half miles of shores and unprotected reef and a shipwreck that sank more than a century ago. Another major underwater exploration area is Banda Abou, along the southwestern coast. The stretch along the central part of the island between Bullen Bay and the Breezes resort also offers great diving, but novices don't have to go far to take in the dazzling array of sea life. Dive shops scattered across the island offer equipment and lessons.
Evening:
Take a cruise. Several boating outfitters take guests on a range of outings on the water. Some feature sailings at sunset or by moonlight, including cocktails or dinner. One popular excursion is to Kleine Curaçao, a small, uninhabited island between Curaçao and neighboring Bonaire.
Day Four
 Morning:
Take a tour of plantations. Now that you're familiar with Curaçao, it's time to venture into some of the landhuizen, the island's famed plantation houses. Many of the mansions have been restored and opened for public visits in recent years. First stop: Senior Curacao Liqueur Distillery in the Landhuis Chobolobo, an 18th century plantation. This is the production facility for the famous Curacao liqueur made from laraha oranges. From there, head to Landhuis Brievengat, and you'll be steeped in Curaçao's past. Built around 1750, this sprawling mansion was the main estate for a plantation of aloe and cattle. Antique furniture and crafts are offered for sale here. A few other prominent restored plantation houses are: Landhuis Kenepa Knip, Landhuis Groot Santa Martha and Jan Kok.
Afternoon:
Visit an herb garden. Den Paradera, located 20 minutes by car from Willemstad, is an organic herb garden. Guides will show the vast range of herbs raised here, aloe vera and special teas for such ailments as high blood pressure and migraine headaches. Owner Dinah Veeris, an expert in herbs, is often on-hand to offer advice on herbal treatments.
Evening:
Try your hand at blackjack. Fancy gambling? Finish off your trip with an evening trying your hand at the casinos. Several of the major hotels—including the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, the Hilton Curaçao and the Plaza Hotel Curaçao—have casinos. The gambling scene here is more intimate than on some other islands. Think small establishments rather than big showy Vegas-style settings. The Emerald Casino at the Marriott frequently offers live entertainment and a lively bar scene.
 Check out our interactive map for 360 degree views of the island highlights!
Please visit the Transportation Section for information about getting around the island.
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This sun-splashed island has everything travelers look for in the Caribbean: fun beaches, natural wonders, unique museums and fine dining. During a 96-hour visit, you can hit the main sights and still have time to relax.
