Oranjestad

Travel Guide

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

5/5(1 area review)

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! (1,266 reviews)
"We enjoyed our hotel, it was in a nice area. Staff were really nice especially pool staff."

Reviewed on Jul. 3, 2025

Renaissance Wind Creek 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 restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,846 reviews)
"The Divi and Tamarijn inclusive resorts were great."

Reviewed on Jul. 2, 2025

Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive
Eagle Aruba Resort
Eagle Aruba Resort
3.5 out of 5
J. E. Irausquin Boulevard 248, Oranjestad
The price is CA $271 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
CA $271
CA $365 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Oranjestad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,452 reviews)
"We had a wonderfully time at this resort! It wasn’t the most fancy but it had everything we needed. The pools were great and the staff was wonderful! It’s in a great location to explore the island and an easy 4 minute walk to Eagle Beach! Our kids can’t wait to go back!!"

Reviewed on Jul. 2, 2025

Eagle Aruba Resort
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (126 reviews)
"We made a literal last second reservation and found ourselves in a perfect situation for a flight the next am. Super, super place to stay, and given the size of the island doesn't really matter that there is a bit of a 5 minute loop around the airport to get there. Great local food walkable, cool ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 27, 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! (43 reviews)
"We stayed 9 nights and really enjoyed this property. The photos accurately represent the place. We weren't looking for a resort environment (did that last year) and didn't want to be in a large, crowded establishment, so this place was perfect for us. It's not a resort, so don't expect many amenities ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 24, 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! (153 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
39
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
25
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

JulieandDoug

A lovely clean, safe walking town, tons of restaurants and fun souvenir shops, something for everyone.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We used a bike rental service called Greenbike Aruba for three days to get to some of the attractions that were a little further away. It was a great way to see different areas of the city and to keep fit while on vacation.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

friendly people. When your in down town everything is in walking distance. some attraction where close while they suppose to be open.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Typical cruise ship destination, high end shops. We took the suggested trolley ride, very disappointing. Many shops were closed for business, and by the dirt and graffiti on the windows, had been for some time.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Def want to return!!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Not much to do. Only go to the beaches. Most people are friendly.

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