Street art, history and local character
San Nicolas (Sint Nicolaas in Dutch) is Aruba's second town, in the south-east of the island. It grew around the Lago oil refinery and for decades was a lively, multicultural port town.
After the refinery closed, San Nicolas reinvented itself as an art town. Nicknamed "Sunrise City", it is now known for dozens of colourful murals by local and international artists.
Things to see and do
- Street art: more than 60 murals, with new works added every year during the Aruba Art Fair (since 2016).
- Charlie's Bar, Aruba's legendary bar since 1941
- San Nicolas Community Museum, about daily life and the refinery years
- Jouvert Morning, the early-morning street party during Carnival
- Baby Beach and the south coast
- The history of the refinery
Good to know
- Location: south-east Aruba, about 20 km from Oranjestad
- Nickname: Sunrise City
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.