Curaçao

Cost of living

What a month costs

Prices run higher than most of Latin America because almost everything is imported. The US dollar is taken everywhere alongside the guilder, and utilities and cars are the real budget stretchers.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Willemstad

1. HandelskadeThe postcard row of candy-coloured merchant houses along the Punda waterfront.
2. Queen Emma BridgeA floating pontoon bridge that swings open to let ships pass into the harbour.
3. Mikvé Israel-Emanuel SynagogueThe oldest continuously used synagogue in the Americas, with a sand-covered floor.
4. Fort AmsterdamThe eighteenth century seat of government guarding the mouth of the Sint Anna Bay.
5. Kura Hulanda MuseumA sobering Otrobanda museum on the transatlantic slave trade and African heritage.
6. Floating MarketVenezuelan boats tie up daily to sell fresh fish and tropical produce off their decks.
7. Rif FortA restored coastal fort now full of restaurants and shops beside the harbour entrance.
8. ScharlooA district of grand nineteenth century mansions brightened by large-scale street art.
9. Plasa BieuThe old covered market where cooks ladle out Krioyo classics at communal tables.
10. Queen Juliana BridgeThe high span over the harbour that delivers the classic skyline view of the two districts.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Klein CuraçaoUninhabited islet reached by a day sail, with a lighthouse, white sand and turtles in the shallows.
2. Westpunt beachesThe far western tip holds Grote Knip and Playa Piscado, where you snorkel with sea turtles.
3. Christoffel National ParkAn early hike up Mount Christoffel, the island high point, rewards you with views to Bonaire.
4. Shete Boka National ParkRugged north coast where the surf crashes into inlets and blowholes near Boka Tabla.
5. BonaireA short flight to a diving paradise ringed by protected reef and flamingo lagoons.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Mundo BizarroA long-running Cuban-styled cafe and bar in Pietermaai, good from morning coffee to late.
2. CoffeeloversThe Dutch coffee chain at Bloempot, a reliable spot for espresso and a quiet work session.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. KomeA well-regarded downtown kitchen doing polished modern comfort food and local produce.
2. MosaA busy Pietermaai tapas house built for sharing plates over wine.
3. GingerPan-Asian small plates in the Pietermaai district, a favourite for a lively dinner.
4. Gouverneur de RouvilleAn Otrobanda balcony restaurant with the finest view back across the Handelskade.
5. FishaliciousA dependable Pietermaai seafood spot for the day's catch.
6. Bij BlauwA boutique-hotel restaurant on the Pietermaai seafront serving fresh Caribbean plates.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Mundo BizarroPietermaai standby for eggs, strong coffee and a slow start to the day.
2. CoffeeloversBreakfast and brunch plates alongside proper coffee at the Bloempot mall.
3. Bario Urban Street FoodA Pietermaai courtyard of stalls that does an easy weekend brunch.