Aruba’s capital is a lively city full of colourful buildings, luxury cruise ships and fun casinos which attract visitors from all over the world. The blend of old and new in Oranjestad has its charm too with Dutch style houses lining the city’s streets and stylish trams making a mini tour around the city a delight. So soak up the sun in Oranjestad, look around the historic buildings and have a relaxing time in paradise.
Oranjestad is the place in Aruba to really discover the history and culture of this Caribbean island. First head up to Fort Zoutman, Aruba’s oldest building which was originally built to protect Oranjestad from pirates but now houses the Historical Museum of Aruba. To get a feel of Aruba’s culture in more modern days, go down to the wharf in a morning where locals will sell their fresh fish straight from their boats!
One of the main things to do in Oranjestad is shopping. It’s a big pastime here in Aruba and with two main shopping districts in Oranjestad, Downtown and the Seaport Village Mall, you’re never too far away from somewhere to get your retail fix. For a relaxing mini-tour of Oranjestad, hop on the trolley tram that runs from the cruise terminal to the end of Main Street and see Downtown from a completely different viewpoint!
As Oranjestad is a coastal harbour city, fresh fish is a common sight on the menus but there are a lot of European style choices in restaurants too meaning there’s something for everyone here. In the evening though, Oranjestad comes alive with jazz bars, flamenco dancing and beachside cocktails. Casinos are also very popular here and most people like to have a flutter at the blackjack tables or roulette wheel at least once!
Aruban Florin
Papiamento, Dutch
GMT -4
$2.50
$25
9 hrs
(from London)