Oranjestad is named after King Willem van Oranje-Nassau, the first Dutch king of The Netherlands.

Oranjestad was built around Fort Zoutman after it's construction in 1796. Oranjestad has been the capital of Aruba ever since. The fort is still one of the town's many attractions, just as the tax-free port and the Willem III Tower.

Some small parts of the city are formed from man-made expansions of land into the sea. The Queen Wilhelmina Park is situated on a man-made expansion, as is the Renaissance Marketplace (formerly known as the Seaport Marketplace), which offers shops, restaurants and a cinema.

Dutch colonial architecture is less visible than on Curacao and several modern recreational facilities have emerged, like the shopping mall at Royal Plaza, the Main Square and a few buildings along Main Street, such as the lime-coloured Civil Registry on Wilhelminastraat. A number of old buildings, shops, restaurants and houses in the center of town have been transformed into colorfully restored landmarks.

Oranjestad is served by the Queen Beatrix International Airport, 1.5 miles from the city center.

Oranjestad counts numerous Hotels. Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort & Casino is one of them. Located in the city center. A boat you will bring you to their private island. The hotel counts 15 restaurants, three swimming pools and two casinos. The perfect place to stay.

The city has many nice restaurants where you can eat deliciously. In addition to the great local kitchen, which you just have to experience, people can enjoy culinary delights from all over. At night guests and locals enjoy the nice bars and clubs until the early hours.

In short, you just have to visit Oranjestad.