Aruba · 2026 itinerary
Oranjestad 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Oranjestad: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A row of colourful traditional Dutch colonial houses along the main shopping street, now housing boutiques and cafes. Free to walk through.
🕐 Exterior always accessible; shops open Mon-Sat 9:00-18:00
Free entry💡 Best photo light is just after sunrise (around 6:30am) when the street is quiet and the sun hits the pastel facades.
Hotels near Royal Plaza Mall (Exterior Walk) →A covered market selling fresh produce, local snacks, and souvenirs. Great for trying cheap eats like pastechi (savoury pastries) or fresh coconut water.
🕐 Mon-Sat 7:00-18:00, Sun 7:00-14:00
Free entry💡 Visit on Saturday morning for the liveliest atmosphere with local vendors and cooked street food.
Hotels near Oranjestad Public Market →The Dutch Pancakehouse · ££
Café the Plaza · ££
Deeper Into Oranjestad
A small but well-maintained park along the waterfront with shady benches, a playground, and plenty of iguanas sunbathing.
🕐 Open 24 hours
💡 Bring bread or fruit pieces to feed the iguanas—they’re used to tourists and will come right up.
A private island accessible by free water taxi from the Renaissance Hotel pier. The beach has wild flamingos roaming freely.
🕐 Daily 8:00-17:00 (water taxi runs every 15 min)
💡 Go early (before 9am) to avoid crowds and hotel guest priority. Non-guests can enter after 10am.
Sweet Peppers Restaurant and Bar
Scabeche Restaurant & Bar
Final Favourites & Departure
The oldest building in Oranjestad, housing the Aruba Historical Museum. Entry to the museum costs a few dollars but you can walk the outer fort grounds for free
💡 Visit during the Bon Bini festival on Tuesday evenings for free live music and dancing in the courtyard.
Papiamento Restaurant
Casa Tua Pizzeria
Getting Around Oranjestad
Get the hotel’s taxi call number saved in your phone. For beach runs, agree the fare before getting in — fixed rates apply per destination zone. Prices quoted in USD or AWG; pay in local currency for slight saving on exchange.
Get a reusable 'Bus Card' from the terminal for 2.50 AWG — it loads credit and saves coins. Route 10 runs along the coastal road; best to board heading south. Last bus leaves downtown around 11:30 PM; check the digital schedule board at the terminal.
Route 1 heads south along the coast past Baby Beach — good for a cheap day trip, but schedule is loose. Take a photo of the frequency poster at the stop. Bring small bills and a bottle of water; no A/C on older buses.
Use the official taxi dispatch desk just outside baggage claim. Fixed rates to downtown Oranjestad are posted on a board. No need to negotiate; they're regulated. Tip 10% if driver helps with bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Oranjestad?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Royal Plaza Mall (Exterior Walk) and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Oranjestad?
See our full best time to visit Oranjestad guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Paradera Park Appartments, Tamarijn Divi Aruba, Aruba Breeze Condominium Hotel. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.