Things To Do
in Aruba
Aruba is a small, sun-drenched Caribbean island known for its powdery white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and steady trade winds. The island blends Dutch-Caribbean culture with Papiamento language, colorful architecture in Oranjestad, and a friendly, multilingual population. Outdoor life centers on snorkeling, diving, wind- and kite‑surfing, plus scenic trails and the rugged landscapes of Arikok National Park.
Aruba is easy to visit year-round thanks to a dry climate, good infrastructure, and regular international flights.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Queen Beatrix International Airport and take in the vibrant colors of the local flora as you make your way to your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a beachfront café while soaking up your first views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Spend the morning settling into your accommodations and unwinding from your journey.
After a relaxing morning, head to Palm Beach for some sunbathing and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Perhaps indulge in a water sport like paddleboarding or jet-skiing for an exhilarating afternoon experience. Relish a beachside lunch with fresh seafood, feeling the warm ocean breeze.
As the sun sets, stroll along the beach and watch the sky turn into a canvas of colors. Dinner at one of the upscale dining restaurants offers a taste of local cuisine, complete with stunning ocean views. End the night with a cocktail at a beachfront bar, listening to the soothing sound of the waves.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café before exploring the colorful streets of Oranjestad. Visit the historical Fort Zoutman and learn about Aruba’s rich history and culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to shop for unique souvenirs in the charming boutiques and markets.
After your exploration, enjoy lunch at a local eatery, tasting traditional dishes like Keshi Yena. Spend the afternoon at the nearby Archaeological Museum to learn more about Aruba's indigenous people. If time permits, relax in the vibrant Wilhelmina Park, breathing in the lush surroundings.
Head back to Oranjestad for a vibrant evening at a local restaurant known for its lively atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring seafood specialties while the sound of local music fills the air. Conclude your evening with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, taking in the twinkling lights of the city.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $4-7 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚕Taxi: Airport to Oranjestad | $25-35 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-220 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning, accessible beaches with clear water and consistent winds for water sports
- Warm, dry climate year-round with low hurricane impact
- Friendly, multilingual locals and good tourist infrastructure
- Compact island—many highlights are within a short drive
- Can be expensive during high season and in tourist hotspots
- Limited public transit—rental cars or taxis are often needed to explore
- Some natural areas are rugged and require a guide or 4x4 to access safely
- Nightlife and cultural options are smaller compared with larger Caribbean islands
- "Bon dia" - Good morning / Hello
- "Danki" - Thank you
- "Por fabor" - Please
- "Con ta bai?" - How are you? / How's it going?
- "Unda ta e baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Aruba
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic windswept fofoti trees and wide white sands create classic Caribbean sunset and landscape shots.
Historic lighthouse on a bluff with sweeping views of the northwest coast—great for golden-hour photography and panoramas.
Rugged terrain, red rocks, caves with petroglyphs, and dramatic coastal vistas ideal for nature and landscape photography.
A secluded rocky pool surrounded by lava and surf—capture unique seascapes and swim-in-place portraits.
Colorful Dutch colonial buildings, pastel facades, and the marina provide vibrant urban and architectural photos.
Food in Aruba
Aruba Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A baked cheese dish stuffed with spiced shredded meat, often served in restaurants and family-run eateries across the island. Look for authentic versions at traditional restaurants or neighborhood spots.
Must-Try!
Deep-fried turnovers filled with cheese, seasoned meat, or seafood—perfect for breakfast or a snack from bakeries and street counters.
Cornmeal side (funchi) paired with stews like goat or beef (stobá); commonly found at local diners and home-style restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets and weekend stalls selling local snacks, pastries, fresh fruit, and crafts—good places to try pastechi, fresh juices, and local sweets.
Casual dockside seafood shacks where fishermen sell grilled and fried catch-of-the-day; Zeerovers is famous for its fresh, no-frills seafood platters.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly greeting and a handshake are common; people appreciate polite Spanish, Dutch, or Papiamento phrases when attempting to connect.
Beachwear is fine on the shore but modest clothing is expected in towns, restaurants, and places of worship—remove shoes when entering some homes.
Ask before photographing people, especially in small communities; respect cultural sites and natural areas by not removing shells or corals.
Safety
Tipping in Aruba
Ensure a smooth experience
A service charge is sometimes included; when not included, 10–15% in restaurants is customary. Tip taxi drivers, tour guides, and hotel staff for good service—small cash tips are appreciated.
The Aruban florin (AWG) is the official currency but US dollars are widely accepted; credit and debit cards are commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful in tourist areas—notify your bank before travel.
AWG is pegged to the US dollar, and most vendors will quote prices in USD; small businesses may prefer cash in local currency.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Driest weather and coolest nights make this peak travel period—expect larger crowds, higher prices, and lively events around holidays.
Fewer tourists and lower rates; weather remains warm with slightly higher humidity and occasional showers—good time to find deals.
Warmer temperatures and higher humidity with sporadic rain; trade winds often keep conditions pleasant, and it's the most budget-friendly time to visit.
Aruba lies south of the main hurricane belt and sees low hurricane impact, but the official Caribbean storm season runs June–November—monitor forecasts if traveling then.
Aruba at Night
Hiking in Aruba
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multiple trails across volcanic rock, coastal bluffs, and desert-like terrain—visit Fontein and Quadirikiri caves, view petroglyphs, and spot local fauna.
The island's highest point offering panoramic views—accessible via marked trails in the national park.
Short hikes around impressive granite boulder formations with easy climbs and great photo opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Aruba by plane.
Aruba's main international airport near Oranjestad with regular flights to the US, Latin America, and Caribbean hubs—easy taxi and shuttle access to hotels.
Nearest larger airport on a neighboring island (Curaçao) with connecting flights across the region and onward international services; reachable by short flights from Aruba.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population speaking Papiamento with mixed African, European, and indigenous ancestry—central to island culture.
Dutch nationals and other Europeans live and work on the island, contributing to government and tourism sectors.
Significant Latin American and Caribbean communities contribute to culinary variety, commerce, and culture; many residents are bilingual or multilingual.
A steady flow of international tourists and expats from North America and Europe supports the service and hospitality industries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Thanks to steady trade winds and shallow bays, wind and kite sports attract enthusiasts from around the world and are popular local activities.
Team sports like baseball and soccer have many local players and community leagues; youth participation is strong.
Common on public beaches and at resorts—casual pickup games and organized tournaments are frequent.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are less common in traditional dishes; many restaurants and hotels will accommodate requests if asked, and international eateries in tourist areas have better choices.
Vegan choices are growing—look for plant-based dishes at cafes and some restaurants, and use grocery stores to stock produce and staples.
Gluten-free options are available in tourist restaurants and bakeries may offer alternatives—notify staff about allergies as cross-contamination can occur.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aruba.