Oranjestad is the colorful capital of Aruba, where pastel streets meet waterfront life, lively festivals, and nearby beaches. It’s the perfect starting point to explore the island.
The best time to visit Oranjestad is from January to April when the weather is sunniest. May to August offers lower prices with warm days, while September to November is the quietest period but comes with more rain.
Oranjestad is small but offers a good mix of places to stay. Downtown and the waterfront blend together around the harbor, while nearby beaches give more resort style options.
The city center sits right along the harbor, so staying here puts you steps from shops, markets, restaurants, and the cruise port. Boutique hotels, small inns, and Airbnbs are common, with some mid range hotels offering sea views and easy access to nightlife.
Just outside downtown with some of the island’s top beachfront resorts and vacation rentals. You can find both luxury all inclusives and smaller family friendly stays with easy access to the sand.
Oranjestad is one of the safest capitals in the Caribbean with low crime rates and a visible police presence. Visitors move comfortably downtown and along the harbor, with petty theft the only real concern if belongings are left unattended.
Oranjestad is more than a capital city, it is where Aruba’s culture, beaches, and adventure all meet. Popular things to do include visiting Fort Zoutman, joining the weekly Bon Bini Festival, or exploring Main Street shopping. But our favorite experiences that we recommend are:
Oranjestad makes a great base for exploring the rest of Aruba on a day trip. You can spend a day at Palm Island with snorkeling and waterslides, join a full island sightseeing tour, or visit the Donkey Sanctuary and other animal rescue centers on a guided excursion.
Palm Island, Aruba
For a more active experience, guided ATV tours take you across Aruba’s rugged desert-like terrain and coastal trails. Horseback riding along the beach or through the countryside is another great way to see a different side of the island.
Both beaches are just minutes from the city and are perfect for a day in the sun. Eagle Beach is famous for its wide stretch of white sand and divi divi trees, while Surfside is smaller and more relaxed with calm water close to downtown.
Oranjestad has a fun mix of nightclubs, lounges, and casinos, though the island’s liveliest nightlife is found in Palm Beach about 15 minutes away. In town, you’ll still find plenty of places to dance, sip cocktails, and enjoy the island after dark.
Oranjestad is located on the western coast of Aruba. It is the island’s capital and main port city, welcoming cruise ships and sitting only a few kilometers from Queen Beatrix International Airport.
Oranjestad means “Orange Town,” named after the Dutch royal family.
Streetcars run through downtown, making it easy to explore free of charge.
Oranjestad hosts the weekly Bon Bini Festival with local music and dance.
Baseball player Xander Bogaerts, a Major League star, was born in Oranjestad.
Fashion designer Percy Irausquin, known for his work with Dior and Lacroix in Paris, was born in Oranjestad.
31°CCuraçao offers colorful city life, turquoise seas and rich island culture all year round.
30°CA peaceful retreat in the Caribbeans with captivating natural attractions.
26°CAmong Caribbean gems, the Dominican Republic surprises at every turn.
26°CGolden beaches, rich culture and Latin rhythm make Puerto Rico a true island gem.
-900x598.webp&w=1200&q=100)
