Oranjestad

Travel Guide

Oranjestad
Oranjestad
Oranjestad
Eagle Beach which includes a beach as well as a small group of people
Divi Beach featuring general coastal views

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 ZoutmanOpens in a new window, 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 ArubaOpens in a new window.

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 BeachOpens in a new window and Manchebo Beach are good for sunbathing and swimming. Wait until evening to check out the elegant Town HallOpens in a new window, 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 Manchebo Beach.

Eagle Beach
Oranjestad which includes a sporting event as well as an individual male

Oranjestad-East

If you're spending some time in Oranjestad-East, Surfside Beach and Guillermo Prospero Trinidad Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

Oranjestad-East
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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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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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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
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
Book a stay at this luxury resort in Oranjestad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,267 reviews)
"Biggest perk was access to Renaissance Island where you will always have a chair as it does not get so crowded. Having separate adult and family side of the resort is also great. Be prepared for a $78 a day resort fee. Also, keep track of what you are charging to the room. Premium liquor drink cost ..."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Divi Village All Inclusive Villas
Divi Village All Inclusive Villas
4 out of 5
J.E. Irausquin Blvd 93, 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,240 reviews)
"Beautiful property, amazing staff,,unforgettable experience. We will definitely be back to Divi Village Golf & Beach. We had the absolute best time and can’t wait to go back. The food was delicious, I think our favorite dinner was at Bar Tapas, though all the food was great. We cannot wait to go ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Divi Village All Inclusive Villas
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 restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,855 reviews)
"Tamarijn Aruba was great. Spirint airways delayed over an hour and that was so terrible."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

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.
Vistalmar Ocean Suites
Vistalmar Ocean Suites
2.5 out of 5
28 Bucutiweg, Oranjestad
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Oranjestad. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and a marina. Popular attractions Eagle Beach and Renaissance Island are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (128 reviews)
"Very beautiful property we had a lovely stay and amazing experience. Smooth check in and check out and Very clean. We would definitely stay here again next time."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Vistalmar Ocean Suites
South Beach Residence
South Beach Residence
3 out of 5
48 Bushiri, Oranjestad
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Oranjestad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Eagle Beach and Divi Golf and Beach ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
"Great for the price. Located relatively near the beach. Across from ABC Tours which has a lot of traffic."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

South Beach Residence
Bubali Villa & Apartments
Bubali Villa & Apartments
3.5 out of 5
Bubali 123G, Oranjestad
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Oranjestad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Eagle Beach and Divi Golf and Beach Resort ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (154 reviews)
"Type in “Bubali Villa and apartments” for correct address/gps location. Every email and text received basically was giving us the city and zip code location. We ended up at a private residences, sounds like it happens to them all the time :( other then the issue finding the correct place, everything ..."

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2025

Bubali Villa & Apartments
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 61%
4 - Good
489
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
81
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
13
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

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

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

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

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

It was an amazing view

Cities near Oranjestad