With white sand beaches, fabulous shopping, casinos, the English language, and American dollars just about everywhere, Aruba is the place to get away without really having to get away. At the hub of all this action on this small Caribbean island is the capital city of Oranjestad Aruba. Filled with activity and a bustling tourist trade— just behind Jamaica, Aruba is the second most visited island of this region—you will find many things to do in Oranjestad.
Oranjestad Aruba has been the capital since the 1700s. Dutch architecture mixes with bright Caribbean colors on every street corner here as a reminder of the origins of this city. Simply strolling the town to take all this in is one of the great free things to do in Oranjestad.
Of course, this is the Caribbean and spending time on a white sand beach is an essential part of your time here. Many Oranjestad hotels have beaches located just off of their property, often with water sports and activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing, or water bikes. Even though this capital city or Aruba overall is not known as a place to find pristine, untouched beaches, the beaches in Oranjestad Aruba are fun and activity filled. If the sand and surf are not for you, choose one of the several hotels with pools, spas, massage therapy, or other amenities.
Once you’ve had your fill of the beach, take in
a round of golf, go fishing,
diving, or visit one of
the many casinos in town. Most resort
hotels have an attached casino offering all the usual
slots, roulette, poker, and other table games. Colorful
lights and the bells and whistles of winning slots will
make you feel like you’re in Las
Vegas.
Oranjestad shopping is one of the most popular things to do in the capital. Depending on the experience you seek, you can either go down to the fishing docks and peruse fresh local produce and fish, or hit the downtown area or malls. Also near the docks, you will find craft and t-shirt booths set up by locals. While even small vendors usually take dollars in Oranjestad Aruba, it’s a good idea to have some florins on hand just in case. At smaller stores and booths, be prepared to bargain—it’s expected. On the other end of the Oranjestad shopping spectrum are the malls and shopping districts. Explore Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard, the Seaport Village Mall, or the Seaport Marketplace. Caya G.F. Betico Croes (also known as Main Street) is another shopping area.
With so many things to do in Oranjestad, it’s no wonder that Aruba is so frequently visited. Casinos, great Oranjestad shopping, fishing, golfing, and all the beaches Aruba has to offer make Oranjestad vacations destined to be fun and relaxing.
