On Curaçao, the sun is almost always shining, the beaches breathtaking, and the atmosphere relaxed. But if you really want to enjoy yourself like a local, you should at least catch a few happy hours. From beach bars to upscale bars, this is where late afternoons are celebrated with cold drinks, tropical beats and breathtaking sunsets.
But note that these hotspots are scattered throughout the island. Therefore, a rental car is not a luxury, but a must. After all, you don’t want to depend on cabs or wait an hour for public transportation while happy hour is just beginning.
Here are the 10 best happy hours in Curaçao, AND why your own four wheels make all the difference:
1. Zanzibar – Jan Thiel
- Happy Hour: Every Saturday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Atmosphere: Live music, beach vibes and a mix of locals and tourists
- Why a car? Jan Thiel is about a 20-minute drive from Willemstad. With a rental car, you are flexible and can safely return to your accommodation afterwards.
2. Wet & Wild Beach Club – Mambo Beach
- Happy Hour: Friday from 5 p.m. and Sunday from 6 p.m.
- Atmosphere: Festive beach bar with DJs and dance floor
- Why a car? Easy to combine with other hot spots nearby, such as Cabana Beach and Madero Ocean Club.
3. Chill Beach Bar & Grill – Seaquarium Beach
- Happy Hour: Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Atmosphere: Relaxed atmosphere with delicious cocktails and snacks
- Why a car? Ideal for a day at the beach followed by a cozy happy hour, without depending on cabs.
4. Pirate Bay – Piscadera
- Happy Hour: Friday from 5 p.m.
- Atmosphere: Quiet beach bar with beautiful sunsets
- Why a car? Piscadera is just outside Willemstad; a car will get you there quickly and comfortably.
5. Mood Beach – Mambo Beach Boulevard
- Happy Hour: Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Atmosphere: Stylish beach club with luxurious ambiance
- Why a car? Perfect for a chic night out; with a car you’ll arrive stylish and stress-free.
6. Character – Coral Estate
- Happy Hour: Friday from 5 p.m.
- Atmosphere: luxury lounge bar overlooking the sea
- Why a car? Located in a remote location; a car is essential to get here
7. Hemingway – LionsDive Beach Resort
- Happy Hour: Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Atmosphere: Live jazz music and tropical cocktails
- Why a car? Combine a day of snorkeling with a relaxing happy hour; with a car, everything is at your fingertips.
8. Governor De Rouville – Otrobanda, Willemstad.
- Happy Hour: Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Atmosphere: Elegant, colonial setting overlooking the Handelskade
- Why a car? Although centrally located, a car offers flexibility to visit multiple locations in one evening.
9. Madero Ocean Club – Mambo Beach
- Happy Hour: Friday to Sunday starting at 5 p.m.
- Atmosphere: Trendy atmosphere with pool and DJs
- Why a car? Stay as long as you want without worrying about transportation back.
10. Cabana Beach – Mambo Beach Boulevard
- Happy Hour: Daily from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; on Wednesdays during “Cabana Nights” from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Atmosphere: Stylish beach club with live entertainment and DJs
- Why a car? With a car, you can easily participate in the festive “Cabana Nights” and return safely to your accommodation, especially if you stay outside the city center.
Conclusion: Your Route to the Perfect Happy Hour
Curaçao offers a happy hour for every taste – but they are rarely next to each other. That’s why a rental car is essential:
- You determine your own route
- No need to wait or depend on cabs
- You can combine several hot spots in one evening
- You drive safely and comfortably back to your accommodation
🚗 Tip of the day: Choose a car with air conditioning, enough luggage space for your beach gear AND a good music system – so the vibe starts on the road.
Book your rental car with Cura Explore now and discover Curaçao at your pace – from beach to happy hour and everything in between. 🌴🍸
