Happy Hours on Curaçao
Curaçao is a vibrant island that knows how to celebrate life, and there’s no better way to experience this than through its famous happy hours. Picture yourself sipping on delicious cocktails, enjoying refreshing drinks, and savoring tasty snacks at some of the island’s most iconic beach bars and clubs. Whether you find yourself at the lively Mambo Beach Boulevard, the picturesque Jan Thiel Beach, or the bustling Pietermaai district, Curaçao’s happy hours are the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the island’s warm, welcoming atmosphere. From craft cocktails to buckets of beer, and from salsa nights to live music events, there’s something for everyone. Dive into the heart of Curaçao’s social scene and make unforgettable memories as you soak up the sun, sand, and vibrant island vibes during the best happy hours Curaçao has to offer.
Stay tuned as we explore the best spots, activities, and events to make the most of your happy hour experience in Curaçao!
Most popular happy hours in Curaçao
A Happy hour in Curaçao is much more than simply a drink at the bar; it is a way of life, and perhaps one of the greatest parties. Happy hours are organized just around every day of the week, and offer different types of music and drinks. There are even some days when a Happy hour is combined with a party.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is one of the most popular bars on Curaçao Island. People love it because of the atmosphere, the food and the drinks. On Saturdays there is a special Happy Hour between 17:00-18:00. This is where the locals, students, and tourists of every age go to enjoy themselves. You’ve probably seen the famous picture of a bucket of beer at Zanzibar Curaçao.
The regular menu includes delicious cocktails, snacks and pizza. And of course live music between 18:00-21:00 and lots of fun people. No worries, after 9 p.m. there is still music to dance to.
Cabana Beach
One of the most visited beaches on Curaçao, Cabana Beach, offers a wide range of activities. There are many bars, restaurants, shops, and even a casino. If you want to relax, there are plenty of hammocks where you can take a break and read a book. On Wednesdays, people come here to enjoy the famous Cabana Happy Hour. The happy hour is between 8 p.m. & 9 p.m. Cabana Night is the night to really go out and dance until 1 a.m.
Wet & Wild Beach Bar
Next to Cabana Beach, you will find Wet & Wild Beach Bar. This is one of the oldest beach bars that are favorite on the list of most popular happy hours/beach bars.
Wet & Wild is known for the happy hour on Friday (from 5 p.m.) and Sunday (from 6 p.m.).
Sunday is meant for partying, they say.
Chill Beach Bar & Grill
You know what makes a great happy hour? A good drink and some delicious food. And that’s exactly what Chill offers. On Fridays, the bar serves up tasty drinks like mojitos and daiquiris while enjoying live music. In addition, there are snacks such as burgers, pizzas, wings and fries.
The happy hour lasts from 5 to 7 p.m. every Friday.
St. Tropez
If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy some drinks, Saint Tropez might just be what you’re searching for. With its beautiful St. Tropez style white interior and infinity pool, this place is picture perfect and a trendy place to wine and dine. You’ll find a lot of bars and restaurants around this area, Pietermaai, offering different kinds of food and beverages. If you’re a sushi lover, it’s worth dining and drinking cocktails on Mondays at Saint Tropez’s sushi & cocktails night. On Wednesday they have their ribs special and on Friday and Sunday you can enjoy their happy hour while listening to some good (live) music.
Mundo Bizarro
Mundo Bizarro is located in the pittoresk Pietermaai district. This café has a homey feel and looks like a vintage Cuban home. At Mundo Bizarro you can enjoy a meal, drinks and good coffee with friends and on Thursday Mundo Bizarro hosts its salsa night. It’s a really fun place to discover the beautiful salsa dance, watch people dance and maybe try some out yourself.
Café 40 B
A popular spot among locals and visitors is Café 40 B, located at Mambo Boulevard Curaçao overlooking the ocean.
The bar serves up delicious drinks and tasty snacks like burgers and fries. But what really sets this place apart is the hospitality of the owners. Their warm smiles and genuine interest in making sure everyone enjoys their experience makes Cafe 40 B feel like home away from home. It is a good place to watch a sports game such as soccer and Formula 1 during your vacation.
MOOD Beach Curaçao
MOOD Beach is a trendy restaurant located in the heart of downtown Willemstad. With a unique atmosphere and great food, it attracts locals and tourists alike. Whether you are looking for a romantic date, a family meal, or just want to enjoy some drinks while watching the sunset over the ocean, MOOD Beach delivers.
The menu features a variety of dishes inspired by different countries around the world. The menu includes a wide selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, ribs, steaks, seafood, pizza, desserts, and much more. In addition to the extensive menu, there is live music every night, making this a perfect location for a party or special event.
Madero Ocean Club
The Madero Ocean Club is located at the heart of Curaçao’s most popular tourist area, Mambo Beach Boulevard. This oceanfront beach club features a large outdoor swimming pool, a variety of restaurants and bars, a nightclub, and a surfside bar. Madero Ocean Club offers a variety of entertainment so make sure to look for their upcoming events.
Bonita Beach Bar
This gem is one of the new kids in town. It’s also located at the Sea Aquarium Beach, which makes it a fun bar to go to, where you can enjoy their great menu, drinks and… happy hour!
On Fridays and Sundays Bonita Beach Bar’s happy hour (Friday 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm & Sunday 5:00 pm – 6 pm) is the place to go to. Make sure to go beach bar hopping while you’re there.
Koko’s
Curaçao beach bars are often known for being loud and crowded. But there are some exceptions, such as Koko’s, located on the quieter side of Jan Thiel Beach. This little spot is a hidden gem of curacao beach bars, with fewer people but friendly and personalized service.
They are open all day so it makes sense to come here for a quiet cup o’ coffee and breakfast in the mornings or grab a craft cocktail or dinner along the sea shore in the evenings.
The menu is uniquely inspired by take away street food from around the globe. Everything from classic Cuban sandwiches to pulled pork tacos and pulled beef burgers, nacho chips, buffalo chicken pizzas, and even sliders are served up.
You can enjoy everything here from specialty cocktails to smoothies and health shakes, Cuban sandwiches to grilled cheese sandwiches and wraps, and even salads.
Café de Tijd
Café de tijd is a really nice low key bar and restaurant. Everyday they offer their menu of the day. Café de Tijd is famous for their ribs and fun happy hour on Thursday (9 pm – 11 pm). The Café is located in Punda, the city center of Curaçao. Just a short stroll away from the Pontjesbrug (make sure to see it at night, to see the colorful lights of the bridge).
Every day there are dozens of happy hours in Curaçao, where you can enjoy delicious cocktails and some live music while meeting friends. But which ones are the best? Let us know which one is your favorite.
Every day there are dozens of Happy Hours on Curacao, but what are the nicest Happy Hours to go to? These Happy Hours are not only fun for the local people but also for tourists!
Happy Hours in Curaçao
FAQ
Curaçao is home to a variety of fantastic spots to enjoy happy hours, each offering unique atmospheres and experiences. Some of the top locations include:
- Mambo Beach Boulevard: Known for its lively beach bars like Wet & Wild Beach Bar and Madero Ocean Club, Mambo Beach Boulevard is a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. The beachfront location, combined with great music and delicious drinks, makes it a perfect spot to unwind.
- Jan Thiel Beach: A picturesque setting where you can find popular venues like Zanzibar and Zest Beach. These places offer not only great happy hour deals but also stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
- Pietermaai District: This trendy district is home to a variety of bars and restaurants such as Saint Tropez Ocean Club and Blue Bay Beach. The district is known for its vibrant nightlife and eclectic mix of venues.
Happy hour deals in Curaçao are as diverse as the island itself. Here are some popular offerings you can expect:
- Two-for-One Cocktails: Many bars and beach clubs offer two-for-one deals on a wide range of cocktails, from classic mojitos to specialty craft cocktails.
- Bucket of Beer: It’s common to find deals on buckets of beer, perfect for sharing with friends while enjoying the sunset.
- Discounted Snacks and Appetizers: Enjoy tasty snacks like nacho chips, pork tacos, and Cuban sandwiches at reduced prices during happy hour.
- Special Prices on Local Drinks: Try local favorites such as Blue Curaçao cocktails and other island-inspired drinks at discounted rates.
Happy hour times can vary, but they generally begin in the late afternoon and run into the early evening. Here are some typical timings:
- Marriott Beach Resort: 16:30-18:00
- Cabana Beach: 17:30-19:00
- Wet & Wild Beach Bar: Fridays often feature extended happy hours from 17:30 onwards.
- Avila Beach Hotel: 17:00-19:00
Happy hours in Curaçao are more than just about drinks—they’re about creating memorable experiences with great entertainment. You can expect:
- Live Music: Many venues feature live bands playing everything from reggae to salsa, enhancing the tropical vibe.
- DJ Sets: Some beach bars, like Madero Ocean Club, have DJs spinning tunes to get the party started.
- Salsa Nights: Venues like Wet & Wild Beach Bar often host salsa nights, perfect for dancing the evening away.
- Special Events: Keep an eye out for themed parties, karaoke nights, and other special events that add an extra layer of fun to your happy hour experience.
Yes, there are several family-friendly venues where you can enjoy happy hours without worrying about the kids. Places like Kokomo Beach and Blue Bay Beach offer relaxed environments where families can enjoy drinks and snacks together. These locations often have activities for children, making them great for a family outing.
Curaçao’s happy hour scene is generally laid-back and casual. Beachwear is common, especially at beachfront bars. Here are some tips:
- Beachwear: Swimsuits and cover-ups are perfect for beachside venues.
- Casual Chic: Light, breathable clothing like sundresses, shorts, and sandals work well.
- Evening Casual: For spots like Pietermaai district bars, you might want to opt for a slightly dressier casual look in the evenings.
While enjoying happy hours in Curaçao, be sure to try these local favorites:
- Blue Curaçao Cocktails: This iconic blue liqueur is a must-try, whether in a classic Blue Lagoon or a more inventive cocktail.
- Rum Punch: A tropical staple that’s refreshing and delicious.
- Craft Cocktails: Many bars offer specialty cocktails crafted with local ingredients and unique twists.
Absolutely! Many happy hour spots offer an array of delicious food options to complement your drinks. Popular choices include:
- Tasty Snacks: From nacho chips to cheese sandwiches, there’s a variety of finger foods to enjoy.
- Sushi: Some venues like Saint Tropez Ocean Club offer sushi, perfect for a light bite.
- Grilled Favorites: Look out for ribs specials and other grilled delights, often featured on happy hour menus.
Staying updated on the latest happy hour events is easy:
- Local Websites and Social Media: Follow local bars and beach clubs on social media for the latest updates.
- Monthly Periodicals: Pick up local magazines and periodicals that often list upcoming events and specials.
- Ask Locals: Don’t hesitate to ask locals for their recommendations and insider tips on the best happy hours.
Exploring Curaçao’s happy hours is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the island’s lively culture, meet new people, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a beer lover, or just looking for a fun time, Curaçao’s happy hour scene has something special waiting for you. Cheers!
