Oranjestad, Aruba: Colorful Capital, Caribbean Culture & Duty-Free Shopping

Discover Oranjestad's Wonders

Oranjestad is Aruba’s vibrant capital city, blending Dutch colonial architecture with Caribbean charm. Brightly colored buildings line the streets, housing shops, museums, restaurants, and cafes. As the island’s main cruise port, Oranjestad offers excellent shopping, cultural attractions, and waterfront views. Visitors can explore historic Fort Zoutman, stroll along the marina, or enjoy local cuisine. Easily walkable and full of energy, Oranjestad is perfect for travelers who want culture, history, and modern amenities all in one place.

Current Weather

83.84 °F - Clear Min/Max: 82.78 °F / 84.04 °FFeels: 93.54 °F Humidity: 80%5 Day Forecast

Trips

Hotels

Activities

Transfers

Useful information

Population:

106,739 Arubans

Currency:

1 Aruban florin (Afl or AWG) = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

Ambulance and fire brigade: 911
Police: 100
Hospital in Oranjestad: +297 527 4000

Opening Hours:

Many shops are open from 9am to 6pm. Some of them close for a break between noon and 2pm.

Do & See

Andicuri Beach

Andicuri's wild beauty makes it a unique spot on the island. It sits on the windy, underdeveloped eastern coast, inside the Arikok National Park. An organised tour is probably the best way to reach it. Its crystal waters are moved by strong waves, which make them great for experienced surfers and not safe for swimming. There are no amenities, and you should bring your own food.

Arikok National Park

Apart from the well-decorated western touristic area, Aruba offers miles of a breathtakingly wild desert land, protected by the Arikok national reserve. Visit this windy, atmospheric place, and see some of the island's most loved natural attractions. You can choose to visit the park by yourself, by renting a jeep and using a sat nav, or to join a guided tour. Either way, prepare for an intense, adventurous journey.

Baby Beach

To find refuge from tourist masses, head to this beautiful, secluded beach in the island's very south. Reaching the place will take around 30 minutes by car, and some patience if you're driving your own vehicle — signage isn't too clear. However, it's worth the exploration: locals love Baby Beach because it's calm and less crowded. Its waters are clean and good for swimming, and the local fauna is beautiful, featuring gorgeous tropical fish and sea turtles.

Butterfly Farm

This colourful, well-maintained reserve is fascinating for children and adults, and a great option when you don't feel like going to the beach or exploring. Educational guided tours are available, and if you're gentle and follow the staff's suggestions, you may manage to get a butterfly to land on your fingers. The staff is clearly passionate about the place's mission.

Conchi Natural Pool

Aruba's uncharted-tropical-island vibes are at their best in this natural pool right at the oceanfront. Conchi is located in the Arikok National Park, completely uncultivated, and far away from the touristic areas. Plunge into the turquoise water and discover the beautiful tropical fish, while waves crash against high rocks that surround the pool.

Donkey Sanctuary

Funny for children and relaxing for adults, this unassuming but heartwarming ranch is great for spending a couple of hours and having some rest while in the Arikok National Park area. Bring some veggie snacks to get extra love from these cute creatures.

Eagle Beach

Another much-loved tourist spot, Eagle Beach is located walking distance from the low-rise hotel area, and it's quieter and usually less crowded than Palm Beach. It looks stunning with its fine sugary sand, and is the perfect spot to relax under the shade of umbrellas or the characteristic divi trees. Bars and cafes await right on the sand, and snorkelling here is great.

Fontein Cave

Channel your inner Tom Sawyer and visit these impressive rock formations inside the Arikok National Park. Between stalagmites hanging over your head and natural limestone columns, you will also catch a glimpse of cave art by the Arawak indigenous people, dating back to the first millennium BC. Visitors are only allowed to explore the entrance area, but the cave spreads for miles inside the rocks. A short guided tour is available.

Dining

Así Es Mi Peru

For a tasty culinary trip to the South, this restaurant provides authentic Peruvian specialties at reasonable prices. It is located a stone's throw away from the seaside. You can choose to dine in a covered patio or in a cosy dining room inside, adorned with characteristic art from Peru.

Barefoot Restaurant

Feel the warm sand under your feet and admire the sunset while enjoying yummy food. This breezy yet stylish restaurant is located right on the beach and offers fresh ingredients and good wines. The staff is extremely helpful with dietary restrictions.

Gasparito

Gasparito is very well-loved for the authentic Aruban dining experience it provides. Located in a historic country house, it also offers outdoor seating on a patio, with a view over a beautiful fountain. The warm-hearted staff are happy to share their knowledge about the dining traditions of Aruba. Prices are honest.

Omakase Japanese Sushi Bar

Omakase is an elegant and affordable sushi bar near the beach, and it has earned many enthusiastic reviews. The concept of 'omakase' means diners leave it up to the chef to select the dishes they'll be served, which adds an extra element of excitement to the experience.

Papiamento

Family-run Papiamento serves tasty local cuisine in an outstanding location — an old atmospheric farmhouse filled with antiques, boasting a pretty courtyard and a pool that gets lit at night. Fun fact: "Papiamento" is one of the official languages of the island, a creole formation based on Portuguese. This romantic, relaxing experience can get a bit pricey, especially if you choose to order cocktails.

Yemanja Woodfired Grill

If you're looking for a sophisticated dining experience and budget is not an issue for you, try out Yemanja Woodfired Grill. Located centrally in Oranjestad, it is very well appreciated for tasty food made with fresh ingredients and professional service. If in doubt, start your meal with the delicious truffle potato soup.

Zeerovers

A real insider tip for dining on Caribbean specialities while on a budget is heading to Zeerovers. This informal restaurant boasts a stunning location right by the sea, and its wood-defined decor gives it a carefree summer village atmosphere.

Cafes

Aruba Coffee Roasting Company

In addition to roasting coffee beans in-house, which was a first for the island back the time of opening, this cafe offers a mouth-watering selection of gelato. Take a break in its cosy, retro-inspired decor, and maybe purchase some souvenirs from the shop inside.

Diana's Pancakes Place

To start the day with a delicious sweet treat, try Diana's traditional Dutch pancakes. Choose from the rich offer of toppings, and complete the breakfast with coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice. The menu also includes savoury pancakes, perfect for a brunch. Service is great and portions are generous.

Eduardo's Beach Shack

To keep cheerful and energetic throughout your day at the beach, you'll need some fresh fruity snacks. Eduardo offers plenty of healthy options right on the sand: from smoothies and fruit salads to more substantial bowls and wraps. It's the place to go in the town of Noord.

Kamini's Kitchen

Delicious food all day long, and at incredible prices, has earned Kamini's a reputation as one of the best eateries on the island. Located in the southern area, this place is lively and unassuming, and the owner is extremely well-loved. Try their curry specialities that are different from the familiar Indian flavours.

Santos Coffee With Soul

For good coffee in a hip ambiance, Santos is a good option. Located in the capital city, it offers quick eats along with hot and cold drinks, and it has an upbeat interior design. Free WiFi inside.

Bars & Nightlife

Craft Coffee & Bar

A chill cafe and bar with a relaxing atmosphere all day long, Craft serves a wide choice of wines, beers and well-mixed cocktails, both classic and more creative. Relax in their chic decor and enjoy a great selection of music.

Kukoo Kunuku

For an evening of whimsical fun, join one of Kukoo Kunuku's nightlife tours. This bright party bus is just what you'd expect from cheerful Caribbean entertainment: animated by an energetic couple, it will show you around local pubs and/or restaurants, with some drinks and shots included. A great way to discover Aruba's nightlife and have a blast!

Saloon Bar

This frisky country bar offers craft beers and music to let loose after a day at the beach. You can choose your favourite songs and mingle with a diverse crowd, enjoying the cheerful, carefree atmosphere.

The Wine Room

For a sophisticated wine tasting evening, The Wine Room is a well-reviewed option. Although not cheap, it boasts knowledgeable staff and an eye for detail. The tasting menus also include appetisers and desserts, as well as entire meals. It sometimes hosts live music sessions. A must-try are the chocolate truffles.

Shopping

Palm Beach Plaza Mall

To find many entertainment options as well as a selection of stores, head to Palm Beach Plaza: it is open until late at night and features a huge cinema, different game rooms, and spaces for children, plus fountains and beautiful decor. Shops are not cheap, but you'll find some hidden gems.

Paseo Herencia

Another good spot for shopping and entertainment, Paseo Herencia is a miniature town with a cheery atmosphere, where everything revolves around shopping. It is open at night, often organises shows, and also includes a cinema.

Renaissance Mall & Marketplace

This well-decorated, expansive shopping centre in the main town offers every kind of shop: luxury clothing and accessories at Louis Vuitton and more affordable choices at the Mall, along with souvenirs and local arts and craft work at the Marketplace. It is set in a central location, near the beautiful Renaissance Marina. You will also find plenty of places to relax, such as cafes, eateries and spas.

Royal Jewels & Diamonds

Trusted by many locals and visitors, this jewellery shop offers a big selection of items and custom-made pieces. For a luxury souvenir of Aruba or a unique gift for a loved one, check their offer. The staff is friendly, patient and ready to help. Prices are reasonable — some of the best on the island.

The Juggling Fish

When in need of a new swimsuit for the beautiful Aruban beaches, check out this popular boutique right on the beach. Their selection is wide, fun and varied, and you'll love the staff's cheerful personalities.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

The weather in Aruba is always nice, with an average temperature of around 28°C (82°F) at all times of the year. Budget-wise, the best time to visit Aruba is from April to December, during the low season. During the rest of the year, prices increase significantly as more tourists come down from the north to escape winter. The perceived temperature is a bit hotter in September, when trade winds cease.

Passport / Visa

Citizens of the European Union member-states, the majority of countries in the Americas and Europe, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Japan and a handful of others do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Visitors of other nationalities might need to apply for a visa in advance. The visa for Aruba is not an equivalent to a Schengen Visa, and does not allow holders to enter the European part of the Netherlands. Visitors will need to provide a passport that is valid for the duration of the stay and has some unused pages. They also need to have a valid Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED-Card), a valid return ticket, and the necessary documents for returning to the country of origin. Finally, they can be requested to demonstrate that they have arranged for accommodation in Aruba, and that they have the financial means to support themselves while staying there.

Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA)

The modern Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport is located in the western part of the island, 5 km from the downtown area and 7–10 kilometres from the resorts area. It is served by a number of daily or weekly flights from North and South America, the EU, United Kingdom, and many others. The airport tax ("PFC", Passenger Facility Charge) is usually included in the price of the flights, but it's worth checking. Check-in for flights to the US is 3 hours before departure; check-in for other flights can be 2-3 hours before departure according to your airline. If your flight is going to depart during a peak hour (Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm), arrive earlier. There are many different ways to get to and from the airport. Aruba's public bus service, Arubus, has several lines stopping at the airport. You can take any of these to Oranjestad, reach the town's bus station and change to another line to reach your hotel; many are served by line 10. You will find car rental offices in front of the arrival terminal; alternatively, take the shuttle bus outside the airport to reach other car rentals that are not located at the airport.

Public Transport

Public transport in Aruba is inexpensive and easy to use. The Arubus service covers Oranjestad and the resort areas, with stops at beaches and supermarkets; it also reaches the airport. Check their website for schedules and ticket prices. The bus line 10 to Malmok is probably the most convenient to reach hotels and points of interest near Eagle and Palm Beach. The central bus station is located in downtown Oranjestad, next to the Royal Plaza shopping mall, on Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard. The bus runs every 15 minutes from 5:45am to 6pm and every 40 minutes from 6pm to 11:30pm. Arubus also operates a streetcar route that runs from the Port of Call, through the downtown area, along Schelpstraat, Havenstraat and Caya Betico Croes. The tram loops at Plaza Nicky.

Taxi

Taxi fares in Aruba are set according to the destinations; meters are not used. An additional charge is applied after 11 pm, on Sundays and official holidays. The cabs bear a "TX" sign to indicate that they are licensed. Taxis are often available at hotels and popular sights; otherwise, it is best to hail them by phone. If you're making an excursion to a less popular spot, you may want to arrange with the same taxi driver to pick you up and bring you back to the hotel when you're done.

Cruise Terminal

The Aruba Cruise Terminal is located on the Western coast of the island, a few minutes walk away from the centre of the capital city Oranjestad. Right at the terminal you will find information booths and ATMs. Shops are also available inside the terminal. The public bus service in Aruba, run by Arubus, is good and affordable, and the Oranjestad bus terminal is located a few steps away from the port, on Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard. You can also decide to hail a cab at the taxi rank on the left of the terminal exit. Alternatively, find car rentals in front of the terminal exit. If you're visiting Aruba during a cruise and only have one day to spend on the island, follow our suggested itinerary to experience the best of it. Aruba is mostly well-known for its beautiful touristic beaches. Eagle Beach, one of the best, is quite close to the ship terminal, and boasts flamingos, cute turtles, typical divi divi trees and plenty of facilities. For a morning of perfect beach life, take the Arubus line 10 from the Oranjestad bus terminal and get off at the Eagle Beach stop. If you're still in the mood for touristic beaches in the afternoon, visit the very popular Palm Beach (bus line 10 to Malmok, stop at Palm Beach Plaza). To take a break before getting there, spend an hour at the colourful Butterfly Farm (same bus, stop at Divi Resort). If you're looking for a more adventurous day, save the afternoon for a tour of the wilder Eastern part of the island. A convenient solution is booking a half-day guided tour. Swim in the breathtaking Natural Pool, just in front of the ocean, with colourful fish under the surface. Most tours depart directly from the cruise ship terminal and bring you back there at the end of the trip. However you decide to experience the island, take some time to explore the picturesque Oranjestad city centre. It only takes 15 minutes on foot from the terminal to Oranjestad's cute main street, Caya G.F. Beltico Croes. Here you can admire colourful Dutch revival architecture and typical palm trees; this is also where you'll find some of the best shops on the island. Another good shopping and entertainment hub is the whimsical Royal Plaza mall, just a 5-minute walk from the cruise ship terminal.

Electricity

Power sockets type A and B (US-style with flat prongs) ,and F (EU-style with round prongs). Bringing a universal travel adapter is a good idea. 127 V / 60 Hz.

Pharmacy

Pharmacies in Aruba are usually open from Monday to Saturday between 8am and 7pm. At night, on Sundays and during official holidays, they place out an announcement where you can check which of them is on duty. In Oranjestad, check out Botica Di Servicio Eagle. In San Nicolas, try Benu Pharmacy San Luca.

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