As the sun sets in Curaçao, people know it’s time to let their hair down. Curaçao has something for everybody, ranging from its famous happy hours all across the island, to sandy open-air clubs that blast pulsing music until the wee hours. Curaçao also boasts of several renowned casinos and swanky lounge restaurants. When visiting Curaçao, whatever your taste might be and regardless of your age or budget, boredom is just not an option.
Of course there are a few hotspots worthy of exploration, like the most recent addition to Curaçao’s entertainment mixture, Saint Tropez, which is located at the picturesque neighbourhood of Pietermaai. The chic restaurant and all-white seaside lounge, co-designed by renowned Dutch interior designer Jan des Bouvrie, gives a spectacular view of the islands’ southern coastline. Occasionally, to the enjoyment of on looking guests, troop of dolphins will skip by, adding to the spectacular esthetics of the well-situated location. Club Moon is famous for its “Laid Back Sundays”, where you can enjoy the sun accompanied by relaxing music and a glass of champagne. Club Moon is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week from noon till 10 pm.
The next stop is Ai Caramba, a watering whole located in Otrabanda, where on Tuesdays, all the beautiful people gather. The open-air bar is strategically located near the Anna Bay waterfront, 200 meters from the Queen Emma floating bridge. Happy hour starts at 9.00 pm, accompanied by live music from the Lions, the best reggae band on the island! Please note that the venue charges at the door.
On Wednesdays the locals flock to Pirates Bay, a family beach by day and sizzling hotspot by night, located near the Marriott and Hilton hotels at the Piscadera Bay. Amongst the palm trees and mild breeze, several popular local bands entertain the crowd with hip shacking tunes. Also recommendable is the Pirates Bay’s international themed restaurant, however take note that the live music starts around 9:30 pm.
Jazz lovers get their chance on Thursdays at Blues, located at the Avila Beach Hotel in Pietermaai. Enjoy a relaxing drink made by their award-winning bartenders and while you’re at it, try their mouth-watering dishes, of course with a touch of jazz. Located at the end of Avila’s beach pier, Blues is undeniably the place to be for true jazz lovers. Entrance is free of charge, however please note that they are closed on Mondays. Blues is open again from Tuesday to Sunday, 5 pm to 11 pm.
If your musical taste is a bit more contemporary, you need to check out restaurant/club Cinco on Thursdays. Partygoers are advised to come early, especially during summertime, since the hot spot is known to fill up pretty quickly. The party starts around 10 pm, during its popular happy hour. Cinco occasionally flies in international DJ’s and is known to host the wildest parties; however their famous house DJ, DJ Tico, will make sure you keep moving all night long. Please note that Club Cinco also charges at the door.
On Fridays, Curaçao’s nightlife really starts to kicks off. The happy hours are in full swing, yet the undeniable hotspots are Café de Heeren, Omundo Restaurant and Asia de Cuba, all located at Zuikertuin Mall in Saliña. These café/restaurants convert in bustling gathering places, ranging from sultry live Cuban music to Latin House. The party starts around 6 pm and tends to go on till 2 am. After that, everybody moves on to two of the most popular dance clubs on the island, Club Cartouche and Club Façade, both located in the heart of Saliña. Depending on the event, the stylish clubs can charge an entrée fee and sometimes enforce a dress code.
To complete your Curaçao nightlife experience, you need to visit the Mambo Beach Bar & Restaurant / Wet & Wild on Saturdays and Sundays. By night, the private beach becomes a massive open-air club, which during the summertime can hold up to 5000 people. Besides an array of local DJ’s that play a diverse selection of popular music, Mambo is also known to fly in international DJ’s like famed House DJ Jean. Yet on Sunday, several local bands take the stage, truly setting the place on fire. Wet & Wild is known for its experienced DJ’s and its infamous Sunday happy hour, where numerous boats and jet skis owners come to shore to unwind. Wet & Wild creates a perfect musical balance with Mambo, where you can migrate between both dance floors. Except for concerts or private parties, Mambo and Wet& Wild do not charge at the door.
Now that you know the spots to explore, remember to dress to impress, take a lot of pictures and have the time of your life.
See you around!