City: Aruba
Top Things to do in Aruba
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What to do and see in Aruba, Aruba: The Best Museums
Aruba is the quintessential Caribbean island, all sun and sea and stretches of powdery white sand. Time will slow to a pleasant crawl as you linger over a tropical cocktail or flutter serenely underwater, where only the parrotfish are in a hurry. The pastel façades of Oranjestad landmarks and shops lend an inviting and playful vibe to the capital city. Enjoy the shade of an Eagle Beach divi tree while the crashing waves of turquoise water create a soothing soundtrack just for you.
Restaurants in Aruba
1. BAZ-RRR Galleria & Brasserie
2. Aruba Glass Ceramics
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
Visit our studio and see us work with glass and ceramics! You might have already seen our blue glass drops coming in at the airport. Take a workshop glass bead making at the torch and experience melting glass. or drop in for a studio visit! Monday 10am-1pm and Thursday 10am-1pm
Reviewed By docrxpert - Media, United States
My wife and I just returned from a bead making class with Marian. This is a very interesting 3hr hands on class on make glass beads using a torch. If you’re looking for something different to do you must try this class. It really looks easier than it is using glass rods to make round beads. Marian is an incredibly patient teacher and really makes this class fun. The beads cool down and you can make many items to take home with you. Give them an email and reserve your spot. Classes are Monday and Thursday from 10am-1pm.
3. Purely Aruban Artwork
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
A locally supplied art-boutique located at the La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino. This boutique features a collection of unique works of art created by over 20 different local artists and artisans as of 2017. Purely Aruban Artwork is among the island's most popular art-shops and welcomes all of Aruba's international visitors and inhabitants alike to share in our country's handmade art.
Reviewed By NewWaveGirl77 - Brick, United States
Don't miss this shop It is hidden near the lobby of La Cabana (so past the pool if you are coming from the street). We almost couldn't find it but are so glad we did. It is lovely to purchase actual local artwork as souvenirs rather than a bunch of mass produced junk. Many different kinds of things in here— paintings, magnets, jewelry, wooden art items, wind chimes, coasters and I am sure the collection changes. We actually came back to this store 3 times since we kept thinking about other things we would like and the prices were very reasonable. On one visit we were lucky enough to meet the artist Jennifer Spencer. It was so funny since we had actually just bought a piece of hers in another store and were carrying it with us so we were able to take a photo with her and the art. Very special. Bought some of her Shoco owl magnets too. They were supposed to be gifts but somehow ended up on my fridge, I can't seem to part with them. Parking was very easy at La Cabana so no matter where you are staying try to make it over here and see if some new art follows you home.
4. ArtisA Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 318cristyc
Tito picked us up and dropped us off at our hotel. Fascinating man....so exciting how the arts are revitalizing san Nicolas!! Tour was with Leon!! Wealth of information and history....this was such an exciting, beautiful, and amazing tour!! The murals came to life ... some literally.... with stories behind them and special effects!! Can't wait to do it again!! Thanks so much!! Cristy and Jami
5. Aruba's Hands By Gaby
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Murano Glass Handmade beads I made my self and Sea Glasses found in Aruba is what I use to create the most amazing pieces of Art Jewelry and accessories ,everything is unique and specially made for you. Inspired in Aruba and the love we feel for the Sea/beach. You will Love to have one or more of them and Meet a New Friend from Aruba. Souvenirs, jewerly and mucho mas!
Reviewed By OldNumber42 - Baltimore, United States
Many people ask me, "Where can I find hand crafted art pieces made only on Aruba?" Well, here's your answer...Find Gaby! She's a world renowned Artisan and her Murano Glass jewelry and gifts have fans around the whole world. And yes, she makes each piece with her own hands ALL right in her studio right on Aruba. Each piece gives you a chance to take a little something home from Aruba as a wonderful memory or possibly a unique gift for someone special from your trip to Aruba. Either way it's a way to keep Aruba close to you. Oh, just one other thing. She has become (along with her family) a very special friend to my wife and I over the 20+ years of visiting Aruba...I bet she'll become your friend too...go find Gaby "Aruba's Hands"
6. De Man Shell Collection
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
This collection of shells is located in a private home but is open to the public.
7. National Archaeological Museum Aruba
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Small museum traces the history and development of the island of Aruba through a collection of interesting artifacts featuring a skeleton thousands of years old.
Reviewed By JFMARTIN1 - Utah, United States
Mrs H and I spend about an hour here (it’s free) and I must say that it was a great hour spent. No political correctness, no victims decried about. Just matter of fact information about the different eras of Aruba’s history. Artifacts abounded everywhere, which is what a museum should be all about. Well worth it if you want an adult version of the local history.
8. San Nicolas Community Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Travelerskg
The San Nicolas Community Museum tells the story of the people of San Nicolas which was the center of Aruba before the degvelopment of tourism in Oranjestad. It is housed in what was a store with living quarters above. The original tiles are on the floor and the artfully staged exhibits with original artifacts share the history of the store and The residents of the community. You can feel the history within the walls. The experience was enhanced by the tour guides and the commitment of the guides to sharing the history and spirit of Aruba.
9. Cosecha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Cosecha is a store created with the purpose of giving local artists & artisans a place to display and sell their products. Cosecha, translated into the word “harvesting”, reflects the diversification of the Aruban craft heritage and the artistic supply of artisans, with personal inspirations and craftsmanship exposed in their products. All of the artists & artisans have a SEYO (a Seal of Authentication), this is a proof that the pieces in Cosecha are guaranteed to have been made on our island Aruba. A commission of experts’ awards the certification based on UNESCO criteria. The Cosecha’s stores has been recognized by the Aruba Quality Seal program developed by the Aruba Tourism Authority and also the Health and Hapiness code. We took all the necessary precautions to make your future visit a safe one. Stay pending for our webshop...We will be shipping Internationally very soon!
Reviewed By Lola33023302 - Houston, United States
Great store to find Aruba articles and souvenirs created by local artist. Both store locations (downtown Oranjestad and Sain Nicolas) carries a great variety of art creations: earrings, magnets, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, etc.
10. Museum of Industry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
The Museum of Industry is situated in the Water Tower in San Nicolas and narrates Aruba's industrial history which began in the 19th century.
Reviewed By Shakespeare_Fan
We had a tour of the museum given by an excellent guide. His stories were captivating. This really gave us a great appreciation for the various phases of Aruba economic activity — gold, aloe, phosphate, oil, tourism. Pretty amazing to see that eagle beach used to be the site of an oil refinery.
