7 Best Bars in Curaçao

A favorite party and hangout oasis for locals and Dutch visitors, Jan Thiel Beach is crammed with sun-lounging beautiful people by day and die-hard partiers by night. And there's lots to keep them sated and entertained day and night with five beach bar/restaurants of different themes all side by side, or steps from each other, and each with their own music or DJ nights. Pastimes include great swimming and snorkeling on their house reef and lively games of beach tennis and volleyball.

There's something for sunbathers, swimmers, shoppers, partiers, and foodies of all ages at Mambo Beach Boulevard's two-story seafront complex beside the Sea Aquarium Beach and Park. There's also an amusement park–style ride and a roster of special events throughout the year. This is also the place where locals and visitors alike let loose on weekend nights and where they sunbathe and swim during the day.

As the name suggests, the décor here is a hodgepodge of paraphernalia with no rhyme or reason but a lot of creativity. Locals and visitors alike flock here for an unparalleled offbeat atmosphere, super signature cocktails, great happy hours, and live-music every Thursday. This venue also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Salsa dancing is also big here.

This Thursday-night Punda festival takes place in the area around the Queen Emma Bridge, as well as nearby backstreets, alleys, and the Gomezplein square. Happy-hour celebrations begin as early as 4 pm in the resident bars, but things really kick into high gear around 6 pm, when musicians, dancers, arts-and-crafts kiosks, food stalls, and pop-up bars transform the entire neighborhood into a fabulous alfresco party. Stores in the area also stay open late. The magical evening culminates at around 8 pm, with a fireworks display over the harbor.

Bars, restaurants, and trendy shops line the entire courtyard interior of the old fort and Renaissance Mall, and many business owners hire live bands to entertain guests alfresco on the Rif Fort central stage. The ever-lively complex also hosts many special events throughout the year.

Curaçao is addicted to jazz, and there are many live-jazz festivals throughout the year, but to get into the swing of it any night of the week, head to this spot, named after the legendary musician Miles Davis. It's a cool little getaway in the heart of Pietermaai, where you can hear jazz played on vinyl, play board games, and have a cigar and a drink. Local musicians occasionally stop by to jam as well.

Part of the Saint Tropez Suites resort in Pietermaai, this unique day club is where French Riviera–style meets Dutch Caribbean cool. A gorgeous infinity pool crests a rocky coast with crashing waves and is surrounded by plush daybeds, private cabanas, and loungers. The Friday night blowouts with DJs and special events are famous around the island.