Oranjestad

Travel Guide
Oranjestad
A popular cruise ship stop-off, Aruba’s brightly colored capital is filled with modern shops, upscale restaurants and colonial-era buildings.

Oranjestad is a small and cheery capital with candy-colored Dutch architecture. Every day, large cruise ships pull into its port and hundreds of passengers flood its street. Oranjestad has plenty of tourist-oriented offerings to keep visitors entertained. Splurge in the malls and diverse shops, stroll the sunny waterfront boulevard and explore its past at interesting museums.

Prior to the arrival of European explorers, Oranjestad was just a small fishing outpost used by the Arawak Indians. Spanish explorers arrived in the late 15th century and it was later colonized by the Dutch in the mid-17th century. With the exception of a brief British interlude, it has remained under Dutch control to this day.

Delve into the past at Fort Zoutman, the oldest building on the island. This defensive fortress was built in 1798 and was designed to protect the city from pirates. Be sure to see the Willem III Tower, once a lighthouse, and the Historical Museum, which houses a permanent exhibit tracing the history of the island. For a look at the island’s pre-colonial history, stop by the National Archaeological Museum of Aruba.

Take a walk down the waterfront L.G. Smith Boulevard, where shops, restaurants and busy marinas dominate the scene. Just a few blocks inland, Main Street offers more shopping opportunities, with everything from independent boutiques to internationally recognized luxury brands. For a shopping experience with more local flavor, go to the Flea Market near the harbor, where locals barter at open-air kiosks selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to fish.

Recharge at the Queen Wilhelmina Park, where manicured lawns look out over fishing boats bobbing in the water. Nearby beaches, including Druif Beach and Manchebo Beach are good for sunbathing and swimming. Wait until evening to check out the elegant Town Hall, also known as Stadhuis, which is lit up after dark.

Oranjestad is located on the south coast of Aruba. Make use of the city’s free tram system to get around. It runs from the cruise terminal through the downtown area. Hop on and off as often as you please.

Where to stay in Oranjestad

Eagle Beach which includes a beach as well as a small group of people

Eagle Beach

While visiting Eagle Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Eagle Beach and Bubali Bird Sanctuary.

Eagle Beach
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Cunucu Abao

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Cunucu Abao might not have many top sights, but Eagle Beach and Divi Golf and Beach Resort are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Cunucu Abao
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Bushiri

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bushiri and surrounding area, you can visit Eagle Beach and Divi Golf and Beach Resort.

Bushiri
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Hato

Though Hato might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Eagle Beach and Aruba Aloe Museum.

Hato
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Camacuri

While Camacuri might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Surfside Beach and Renaissance Island.

Camacuri
National Archaeological Museum Aruba showing art

Rancho

4/5(1 area review)

Discover monuments and intangible cultural heritage in this district, home to Aruba's last lime kiln and the National Archaeological Museum. Hop on the tram for easy exploration.

Rancho
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
4.5 out of 5
L G Smith Boulevard 82, Oranjestad
Stay at this luxury resort in Oranjestad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,250 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay! The staff was friendly and helpful! We would definitely book again."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Eagle Aruba Resort
Eagle Aruba Resort
3.5 out of 5
J. E. Irausquin Boulevard 248, Oranjestad
The price is $300 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
$300
$385 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this beach hotel in Oranjestad. Enjoy free parking, 3 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,657 reviews)
"Don’t have anything negative to say😃"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Eagle Aruba Resort
Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive
Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive
4 out of 5
J E Irausquin Boulevard 41, Oranjestad
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Oranjestad. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,027 reviews)
"2 story; not a high rise"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Harbour House
Harbour House
4 out of 5
2 Weststraat, Oranjestad
Stay at this 4-star condo in Oranjestad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Eagle Beach and Royal Plaza Mall are located nearby. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"This was a great place to stay, even sat on the roof watching the cruise ships come in and leave. Would definitely stay again. The only issue was the hot water only lasted 3 minutes and then the shower was cold."

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2024

Harbour House
Punto di Oro Residences
Punto di Oro Residences
2.5 out of 5
Tanki Leendert 121-K, Oranjestad
Stay at this aparthotel in Oranjestad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an area shuttle. Popular attractions Eagle Beach and Aruba Aloe Museum are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (179 reviews)
"It was great. Good location, great amenities, price, services & location was good. The only thing that they have to change it is the bed mattress they were very bad."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Punto di Oro Residences
Privada Boutique by Privada Stays
Privada Boutique by Privada Stays
3 out of 5
Pos Abao 10, Oranjestad
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Oranjestad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Eagle Beach and Divi Golf and Beach Resort ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"This is a great place…a wonderful alternative to overpriced hotels in the area. Beautiful room, very private. Loved to plunge pool! Everything was excellent. The only drawback is you really need to rent a car…can’t walk to the beach or restaurants. Other than that, a perfect place on a perfect ..."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024

Privada Boutique by Privada Stays
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Oranjestad

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
905
" "5 - Excellent 60.656836461126005%
4 - Good
489
" "4 - Good 32.77479892761394%
3 - Okay
81
" "3 - Okay 5.428954423592494%
2 - Disappointing
13
" "2 - Disappointing 0.871313672922252%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 0.2680965147453083%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 1, 2020

Temps were in the mid 80's but there is little to no humidity and a constant breeze. this is truly paradise!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 24, 2020

We took a half day tour of the island, very interesting/pretty country. Got to drive through where the locals live and see the types of homes. Went to the lava side of the island also, very beautiful!! I would go back tomorrow if we were not in th

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 24, 2020

We have a timeshare at Divi Dutch Resort and used the facility through Expedia because of a snafu regarding one of our weeks. Fortunately, we opted to go the week prior to the one we had, not the lost weekend. Almost did not get off the island.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 22, 2020

Aruba is full of amazing hard working people. It’s a beautiful island with tremendous beaches, hotels and restaurants. It’s our go to happy place and we look forward to our visits!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 17, 2020

If you go to Aruba, explore the whole island! We beach hopped from Baby Beach to Arashi Beach and as many in between, then took a Jeep tour to explore the North Shore. Every spot is different and amazing. Enjoy!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 13, 2020

It was an amazing view

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