Top Things to do in Oranjestad
Countries
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Oranjestad, Aruba
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. The Butterfly Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,977 reviews
Imagine walking through a lush tropical rain forest amidst flowers and trees, ponds and a trickling waterfall with butterflies flying overhead and all around you in their own natural paradise. This is a dream come true at The Butterfly Farm in Aruba. Within a large meshed enclosure you can see hundreds of real exotic butterflies flying freely, a beautiful display of the most spectacular species from all over the world...No need to book in advance and entrance fee includes a free return pass for the duration of your vacation! Guided tours run all day, they last for approximately 15 to 20 minutes and you are welcome to stay for as long as you like. Photography and video no problem! The Farm has a fantastic shop selling a huge selection of butterfly-related gifts and souvenirs. Refreshments are available in the shady cafes outside. Parking and restrooms on site.
Reviewed By Riffe-a-Roamers - Radford, United States
We had a lovely visit and an excellent guide who taught us all about the life cycle and behaviors of the butterflies with plenty of time to walk around and take pictures.
2. Saint Franciscus Church
3. Bushiri Karting Speedway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Open Tuesday-Saturday 3pm-10pm & Sunday 1pm-9pm (Closed Monday). Experience the thrill of outdoor kart racing in Aruba! We are the only outdoor karting track in Aruba. Where you can experience extremely fast kart racing with high speed passing zones and hairpin turns in 9hp 45mph karts. Arrive and Drive sessions are 10 minutes each race and may include as many as 15 drivers. We can cater to special events--birthday parties, or corporate events, you name it, just call to reserve. Racing helmets, head socks, and instruction for first time racers is provided, and our staff oversees every race to ensure individuals are driving safely and obeying the rules.For drivers attending a junior (8 to 15 years of age) session, a parent or legal guardian must attend. To act as a drivers guardian you must be over 18 years of age. REMEMBER: MUST WEAR CLOSED TOE SHOES! FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DRIVE KARTS BAREFOOT OR IN SLIPPERS! BUSHIRI KARTING SPEEDWAY Fast action for everyone!
Reviewed By Ed1214 - New Jersey, United States
I visited the track for the first time along with friends from the island. It was an awesome and different experience. A lot more visitors should check this location out. We did three races which last about 10 minutes a piece. On the last race we were able to operate the track in the reverse direction thanks to the Track Master. The karts are pretty fast and the track is well designed. Vacationers put this on your to do list!!!
4. Cas di Cultura
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 26 reviews
Aruba's National Theatre and Cultural Center since 1958. Here you can witness several productions ranging from school plays to high caliber musicals.
5. Protestant Church
6. Aruba Ostrich Farm
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 875 reviews
Reviewed By frankj782
I had a really great time listening to our tour guide as she gave information about the animals. I learned a lot on the trip. I was most excited about being able to feed one as they are in my top five favorite animals. Some of the birds were in mating season so it was interesting to see how different they act because of that time.
7. Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 839 reviews
Reviewed By nelsa2015 - Gaithersburg, United States
We happened upon these ruins as there is a geocache nearby, but it was very fortuitous. We were the only ones at the ruins at the time and we were able to climb, explore, and take pictures to our heart’s content. This is an interesting historical place as well. It appears many of the 4x4 or off road adventure companies stop here. Of note, this is very close to a new cave pool which is a great experience. If you head towards the coast at about 45 degrees to your right from the ruins there a ladder down that will take you to the pool. Likely you will see other cars parked near there an people coming up and down the ladder.
8. Lourdes Grotto
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By TimDore - Marana, United States
The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes was built in 1958 on the 100 year anniversary of the Blessed Virgin Mary appearing to Bernadette Soubirous near Lourdes, France. It is located in Seroe Preto and we arrived here on a bus tour. There is a Grotto on both sides of the highway. There is room to park on the side of the highway, but be very cautious crossing the street! Definitely recommend a visit especially if you are Catholic.
9. Balashi Gold Mill Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 323 reviews
Reviewed By k8benderx0
This was super cool and a free day! Well except for lunch which we bought from a little food stand. - Garlic sauce on the hot dog is AMAZING a local tour driver recommended it and it was so good. After the gold ruins checkout the fallen rocks which created a little cave pool, you will see two sticks and there is a pretty solid ladder to get down then you can jump in the water down there and it's crystal clear and super cool. Bring water shoes of some kind because it is a little rough on the volcanic type rock its super porous and not the best on barefoot!
10. Fort Zoutman Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 262 reviews
The Historical Museum of Aruba is housed within the oldest buildings of Aruba, the Fort Zoutman, that was built in 1798, and the Willem III Tower, built in 1868. Both are protected monuments since 2011 and are our witnesses of the rich history and prosperity of Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad. Once inside Fort Zoutman, you are bound to feel the history seeping through the walls while learning more about Aruba’s heritage. The entrance fee is $5. The Bon Bini Festival, a year-round folkloric celebration, is held every Tuesday night at Fort Zoutman in Oranjestad from 7pm to 8:30pm. The entrance fee is $10.
Reviewed By BillK73 - Basking Ridge, United States
This small museum is housed in the oldest existing structure on the island. You get a great introduction from a knowledgeable guide and then glean as much as you'd like from various exhibits that are well presented with excellent historical notes and descriptions. If you're in good shape, be sure to climb the tower and see how much of the island comes into view. It was also an important lighthouse when the sea was much closer.
