Top Things to do in Oranjestad
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What to do and see in Oranjestad, Aruba: The Best Things to do
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. Hooiberg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 595 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 UDIVER
This is a great workout if you're looking for one. It's not too difficult. I was fine wearing sandals. Go early when it's cooler and bring water
2. Seroe Colorado
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
Watch the sunrise from this cliff. You won't regret it - or forget it.
Reviewed By CaledonEastLou - Ontario, Canada
Beautiful coastal walk can be had here. And the balmy wind will keep you cool. At least it blows AWAY from the cliffs!
3. 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.
4. Saint Franciscus Church
5. 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!!!
6. Surfside Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By jojeffSuffolk
We visited Surfside beach last week from our cruise ship. Out of the terminal, turn right and walk along the pathway for around 20minutes. The beach was lovely and almost deserted! We took our snorkel things but there wasn’t much to see, however, the sea was lovely to swim in. We found a lovely little beach bar which was almost at the end of the beach. It was called “Bright”. The staff were lovely and so was the food! We had Natchos and they were delicious. The serving was plenty for two to share. All of the food coming out of the kitchen looked delicious and was beautifully served in bamboo steamers. If you go to the beach you should try it! The bar is also quite close to Aruba airport so it was quite entertaining watching the planes come in!
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Renaissance Mall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 392 reviews
Renaissance Mall Aruba, discover the difference, think luxury. As a renowned luxury shopping destination and a favorite playground for fashionistas and socialites, the Renaissance Mall is the only shopping complex in the Caribbean with high end retailers under one roof. This fashion destination is a must when visiting the island of Aruba. Customers can peruse through a variety of women’s and men’s apparel, footwear, eyewear, perfumes, cosmetics and jewelry. The Renaissance Mall includes Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Chopard, David Yurman, Rolex and Cartier. With these and other A-list designer stores, the Renaissance Mall maintains a level of excellence for all shoppers.
Reviewed By WanderingFarmer - Payson, United States
High end shopping, really some nice stores in this mall. What’s fun is watching the boat taxi dropping people off right in the middle of it.
10. Aruba Streetcar
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 415 reviews
Reviewed By chiw467
Streetcar loops around the downtown Oranjestad. Can hop on and off at any stop. Nine stops total - Port of Call, Rancho (Bus Terminal), Plaza Museo (Archaeological Museum is there), Royal Plaza, Renaissance Mall, Plaza Chipi Chipi, Caya Betico Croes, Plaza Bon Bini and Plaza Nicky. It stops the shopping area (Renaissance Mall, Royal Plaza), historic sites and casinos area. Take pictures of the beautiful Dutch style buildings on both sides while you are riding the streetcar. Look for the landmark - "I love Aruba" sign. It is near the Renaissance Hotel and take a picture there to remember the good times on the island. Two single-deck and two open top double-deck streetcars are running between 9am to 5pm. Only two streetcars run after 11pm.
