Colourful Dutch colonial buildings, museums and shopping
Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba and the first stop for most cruise passengers. The compact centre is full of pastel-coloured buildings in Dutch colonial style, with shops, restaurants and museums within walking distance.
Sights
- Fort Zoutman (1798) and the Willem III Tower (1868), home to the Historical Museum of Aruba
- National Archaeological Museum Aruba on Schelpstraat, with thousands of Amerindian artefacts
- Plaza Padu (2017), a square honouring the composers of the national anthem
- Wilhelmina Park and the waterfront by the marina
- Linear Park, a walking and cycling path along the coast towards Surfside Beach
- Renaissance Island and Flamingo Beach, by water taxi
Getting around
A free streetcar runs between the cruise terminal and the main shopping street, Monday to Saturday from about 10:00 to 17:00. The centre itself is easy to explore on foot.
Shopping, food and drinks
Good to know
Information on this page can change over time, so check official sources for the latest details.
See also: more about Aruba.
Last updated: September 2026.