Things to Do in Oranjestad

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

💡 Best photo light is just after sunrise (around 6:30am) when the street is quiet and the sun hits the pastel facades.

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.

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

💡 Visit on Saturday morning for the liveliest atmosphere with local vendors and cooked street food.

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.

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.

🕐 Museum: Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00; grounds open daily

💡 Visit during the Bon Bini festival on Tuesday evenings for free live music and dancing in the courtyard.