Things to do in Oranjestad

Things to do in  Oranjestad

Aruba’s fabulous front door

With its palm-fringed boulevards, candy-colored buildings, and shopping malls that look more like fairy tale castles than fashion emporiums, Oranjestad offers a charming introduction to Aruba. As the island's capital and main cruise port, Oranjestad is the entry point to Aruba for most visitors, and it makes a lively base from which to explore. Discover traces of Dutch colonialism as you ride a traditional trolley bus around the town, watch the sunset over the marina from one of the waterfront seafood restaurants, then hit the beach to live out your Caribbean fantasies, sipping rum punch as you lounge on the white sands or diving in to snorkel among schools of exotic fish.

Top 5 attractions in Oranjestad

Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins

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Located in Aruba’s desert interior, the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins are the stone remains of a gold smelter that was established by prospectors in the 19th century. Once considered sacred by the indigenous Arawak people, the site offers a unique look at Aruba’s history and can be explored with a variety of guided tours.More

Alto Vista Chapel

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With the blue Caribbean sky and calm sea as its backdrop, the Alto Vista Chapel, or “Pilgrims Church,” is one of the most photographed attractions on the island of Aruba. This bright yellow chapel, which also hosts weekly religious services, is visited by Christians and non-Christians alike and is a popular stop for small-group tours.More

Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations

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The Ayo and Casibari rock formations are popular stops on many Aruba tours, despite the fact that they are basically piles of rocks woven with cacti. These natural structures offer a unique view of the volcanic forces on Aruba. Some intrepid travelers clamber on top of them to score panoramic views of the island.More
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Aruba (Oranjestad) Cruise Port

Aruba (Oranjestad) Cruise Port

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The Aruba (Oranjestad) Cruise Port serves as the gateway to one of the region's most popular vacation destinations—Aruba, in the Dutch Caribbean. Known for year-round warm weather, excellent beaches, and several historical landmarks, Aruba makes for a great day-trip while cruising the Caribbean.More

Lourdes Grotto

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Named for the French Catholic landmark, Lourdes Grotto is an ornate shrine carved into the side of a limestone hill in the San Nicolas area of Oranjestad. Built in 1958 by a local priest and his parishioners, the grotto features a 1,500-pound (680-kilogram) statue of the Virgin Mary, along with candles, flowers, and other offerings.More
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All about Oranjestad

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People Also Ask

What is Oranjestad known for?

Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba, a main cruise port, and the entry point for most visitors. It is known for its palm-lined streets and candy-colored buildings. As Aruba’s largest city, Oranjestad also is home to plenty of nightlife options, restaurants, cafés, and casinos, as well as bustling shopping areas.

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Is Oranjestad walkable?

Yes. The cruise port is located on the northern end of downtown Oranjestad, about a five- to 10-minute walk to Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard, the island’s main thoroughfare. A tram also runs from the cruise terminal into the center of town and makes stops at monuments, museums, and shopping areas.

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Is Oranjestad worth visiting?

Yes. As a major point of entry to Aruba, Oranjestad serves as the perfect starting point for a range of tours on and off the island. It’s also where you’ll find shops—from high-end boutiques to flea markets—and a variety of restaurants, many located at the Renaissance Marketplace on the waterfront.

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Is Aruba safe?

Yes. Aruba is considered one of the safest spots in the Caribbean. Violent crime rates are low compared to other islands; however, petty crime such as pickpocketing still occurs, so be mindful of your surroundings, avoid taking valuables to the beach, and stay away from remote, deserted areas at night.

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What are the top attractions to visit in Oranjestad?

Top attractions include the King Willem III Tower at Fort Zoutman, Oranjestad’s oldest building. The tower once served as a lighthouse, and today it houses the small Aruba Historical Museum and hosts the Bon Bini Festival every Tuesday, which features a cultural program with costumed dancers, local art, and food.

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Should I bring cash to Aruba?

It depends on preference. Using US dollars in Aruba is widely accepted, although some shops will not accept large bills and give back Aruban currency (florin) as change. Banks exchange currency; major credit cards are accepted; and ATMs in the hotel areas dispense local currency as well as US dollars.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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