Top Things to do in Oranjestad
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10 Things to Do in Oranjestad That You Shouldn't Miss
Boutiques, upscale chain stores and street vendors, as wells as casinos and a wide range of restaurants, dance clubs and bars, make Oranjestad a popular destination in Aruba. In addition to shopping, dining and entertainment, the island's capital city offers museums, a butterfly farm, art galleries, golf, historical sites and a marina. The island's colonization by the Netherlands shows in Oranjestad's Dutch colonial architecture, while the buildings' bright colors are distinctly Caribbean.
Restaurants in Oranjestad
1. Druif Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
A section of a seven-mile-stretch of beach that offers excellent swimming conditions due to calm water.
Reviewed By Easylivingtravel - Tampa, Florida
This beach seemed private although it was open to public. It is used by the DIVI resort. In fact all the chairs and umbrellas belong to the resort. However it is a nice place for a beach walk and it wasn't hard to park during low season. Perhaps next time I'm in Aruba I'll stay at the DIVI resort just to have unlimited access to this beautiful beach.
2. Eagle Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
This popular resort beach features the white sand and turquoise waters of an ideal Caribbean beach.
Reviewed By Ronald L - Longmont, United States
Stopped at Eagle Beach for a swim as part of our tour from the cruise ship. The beach is supposedly ranked 4th best in the world and is 4.5 km long with white, sandy beach. Wind was blowing fairly hard and sand was flying and stinging. As with most of the Islands in this area they do not offer lounges or umbrellas unless you are staying at one of the pricey hotels. Everyone is crowded under trees or bushes on their blankets to get out of the sun.
3. Manchebo Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 448 reviews
An impressive strand of white powder, this quiet spot on the southwestern tip of Aruba is ideal for a leisure day at the beach.
Reviewed By Steve1362 - Avon, Ohio
Located just south of Eagle Beach, Manchebo Beach is a beautiful, relaxing white sand beach with shimmering blue water. Unlike Eagle Beach, low-rise hotels and resorts are located directly on the beach but, unlike Palm Beach, there is a lot of room between the hotel facilities and the water and never felt crowded as most of Manchebo Beach is very wide.
Water sports can be arranged at Coco Loco Aruba at the very northern end of the beach and while the very southern end of the beach, where it transitions into Divi Beach, gets narrow and a bit rocky, it provides an area for birds, crabs and other bits of nature and can be very photogenic. Sunsets here are spectacular and there is often an increase in activity around sunset with people coming to witness the daily spectacle.
4. The Butterfly Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Carl R - Fort Wayne, Indiana
The staff at The Butterfly Farm are wonderful! They have created one of the best attractions on the island. I walk 3 km there most every morning to visit and meditate in the garden, surrounded by 100s of beautiful butterflies and flowering plants. This time we were treated to a new addition: a “rescue” parakeet named Tweety that adds another layer of fascination to the Gardens. Every visit brings new knowledge of the most wondrous of creatures.
5. La Cabana Beach Resort and Casino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 459 reviews
Reviewed By ndoak1 - Saint Paul, Minnesota
We loved our first trip to Aruba, and one of the highlights was La Cabana. It is in a prime location on beautiful Eagle Beach, and we took many long walks in either direction along the beach and road. The resort was clean, offered many different activitivies and food options, and had comfortably updated rooms. Every resort employee we encountered was kind and helpful. We'll be back!
6. Seroe Colorado
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Watch the sunrise from this cliff. You won't regret it - or forget it.
Reviewed By Christine S - Jackson, Michigan
At the southeastern end of the island and up a large hill, Seroe Colorado offers beautiful 360-degree views and a spectacular nature show of waves crashing on the volcanic rock cliffs. Very rocky terrain; recommend sturdy shoes. No facilities; no fees; bring water. Great place to stop and hike on your way to/from Baby Beach or Rogers Beach.
Recommend 1 hour for a stop with a little hiking, otherwise you can get a few quick pictures in 20 minutes.
7. Aruba Streetcar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 248 reviews
Reviewed By Yolanda S - Winnipeg, Canada
We enjoyed our ride from the cruise port's main gate through the downtown area of Oranjestad. There are 2 street cars - a single deck and a double decker, and they run about every half hour during the day. It is a free tourist attraction. You can hop on and off wherever you want. It takes you past shops, restaurants and historical sights, and gives you a chance to see some of the Dutch charm of the city.
8. Saint Franciscus Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 722 reviews
Reviewed By AllAroundAruba
A Beautiful little Chapel that provides a place to enjoy moments of reflection and solitude* (certain times of day it becomes crowded by tour groups) and amazing picturesque views. Every Tuesday the chapel has a mass where everyone of any faith is welcomed. You can even participate on Good Friday, as locals go on a pilgrimage up to the chapel, passing by the Stations of the Cross which are posted along the road to the chapel.
I encourage you to make it a priority to visit the Alto Vista chapel on your next visit to Aruba. The little sanctuary and the Peace Labyrinth which is located behind the chapel are sure to provide you some peaceful time for meditation and some spectacular scenery as well. Be sure to go early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid tour groups.
9. Hooiberg
Overall Ratings
4 based on 423 reviews
Looking for adventure? Climb Hooiberg, Aruba's famous mountain located at the center of the island, with a view from its 541-foot peak that extends as far as Venezuela on a clear day.
Reviewed By Tarjia - Klaukkala, Finland
Good half-hour workout. The steps with no railing were really scary, especially when coming down. I was disappointed of the views on top, there was so many trees obstructing the view.
While on top, as we were sweaty, there were hordes of mosquitos attacking me. It would be a good idea to spray some repellent on before starting - it never crossed my mind until up there. And then the cloud of bugs followed me most of the descent too
10. Renaissance Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 573 reviews
Leave the cares of the world behind as you venture over to a private island complimentary to Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino guests. Renaissance Island features Aruba’s only private Beaches and is just an 8-minute water taxi ride away. Here lies a true oasis with family-friendly Beaches or Beaches just for adults. Pamper yourself at the private Spa Cove, play a game of beachtennis, sit down to the delicious lunch specials at Papagayo Bar & Grill or have a drink at our newly added Mangrove Beach Bar, or just lie back and let the sun caress you. A day on Renaissance Island is a day well spent.
Reviewed By pat46455 - pa
SO this island is perfection , Flamingo s on one side for adults , families on otherwise. You can rent a cabana for the day(recommend for couples) $230 but comes with champagne, water , floats snorkeling masks,strawberries, own private waiter. You don't need it as Seating seems to be plentiful. Think about water shoes . Not necessary but helpfulbut heal
