Oranjestad: Capital of Aruba
A colorful harbor city, Oranjestad’s streets and malls are dotted with international luxury retailers, diverse boutiques, and dazzling jewelry stores. Celebrating over 200 years, Aruba's capital is home to fascinating restored landmark buildings such as the green “stadhuis” housing the City Hall where legal marriages are performed.
Oranjestad is also home to various restaurants, cafes, clubs, lounges, bars and casinos. Getting around downtown Oranjestad is easy and fun either by foot or by tram. Connecting the cruise ship terminal with the center of town, the tram passes through the Main Street, making stops at monuments and museums along the way, as well as at key shopping areas.
Fort Zoutman is Aruba’s oldest building dating back to 1798. This fortress was built to protect the city from pirates. The adjacent Willem III Tower was built in 1868, once a lighthouse and public clock tower. The Historical Museum, positioned between the two buildings, houses a permanent exhibition outlining the main events in Aruban history and changing themed exhibitions. The Bon Bini Festival, a celebration of Aruba's cultural heritage, takes place on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm in Fort Zoutman's outdoor courtyard. Enjoy the island’s history, traditionally-costumed folkloric dancers, local music, culinary specialties and local art.
The historic Ecury family home in downtown Oranjestad has been transformed to house the Archeological Museum, an impressive modern museum that strikingly presents Aruba’s Amerindian cultural heritage and archeological finds.
Inspiring monuments honoring political leaders Jan Hendrik Albert (Henny) Eman, Cornelis Albert (Shon A. Eman, and Betico Croes) are found near the Parliament building. The statue of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands resides in a park carrying her name. World War II heroes Boy Ecury, and the National Guard and volunteers, are also honored.
The Cas di Cultura is Aruba’s national theatre, where local and international artists perform throughout the year.
Aruba’s economy was once dependent upon aloe. The Aloe Museum and Factory, located at the Hato Plantation outside of town that dates back to 1890, tells the fascinating story.
In 2015 Oranjestad welcomed the cultural/historical project Paardenbaai Aruba, which features 8 blue horses showcased around the downtown area.
A scenic linear park lines the coast from Oranjestad to the airport.
Our capital of Oranjestad Aruba, holds historical evidence of our resilient past and is developing rapidly towards a prosperous future.
There are so many things to do in Oranjestad, from cultural activities to shopping and dining. Feel free to explore the city center by trolley to get to know the shopping areas.
You will find some great Oranjestad restaurants near the trolley’s path too. If you’re staying at one of the Oranjestad Resorts, you are in a perfect location to enjoy everything Aruba has to offer.
From beautiful beaches to exciting cuisine and fun activities for the entire family! Staying at one of the Oranjestad hotels or vacation rentals is a great idea!
