Willemstad

Renaissance Mall offers a full day's worth of entertainment only a few minutes' walk from the Mega Pier cruise port. It houses a wide selection of stores from clothing to souvenirs, and you can also catch a movie at the cinema or try your luck at the casino. And when you are famished by all that, there are dozens of restaurants to choose from, with everything from steak to Italian to fresh seafood. Rif Fort, recognisable for its stone walls, offers stunning views of the city.

Nena Sanchez, a native of Curaçao, drew inspiration from the Dutch Caribbean world for decades. Her artworks, brimming with the symbols and vivacious colours of her homeland, have journeyed globally over the years. By visiting Nena's gallery, you can delve into the artist's oeuvre and even purchase some of her Caribbean-inspired prints.

The Floating Market made its name when Venezuelan merchants began docking their boats to vend fresh produce. While it might not bustle as it once did, it still houses a smattering of vendors, and offers a delightful waterfront vista. A stroll eastward, past Queen Wilhelmina Bridge, leads to the New Market, where your quest for tropical treasures can continue.

Find your favourite model of Curaçao's most iconic souvenir, Skadey cat, at this family-owned business selling the cheerful keepsakes created by Dhan Art. All the feline statuettes are hand-painted, each in its own way representing the colours and symbols of the city — and it's well worth browsing the rest of the merchandise, too.

Sambil is the largest shopping centre in Curaçao, just a 10 minutes' drive from the centre to the west of Willemstad. It houses shops with over a hundred brands, a food court featuring cuisines from around the world, and plenty of entertainment options including a bowling alley, an interactive park for kids, and the most modern cinema in the Caribbean.