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Oranjestad

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Oranjestad, Aruba is the area of the island that sees the most tourists every year. This is not only because it's the region's capital but also due to the fact that it is here that you can walk through the streets and gaze at the colonial-style houses with their bright colors and ornate roofs. These houses, which many people come every year just to see, are in fact part of the country's history. Many of them are a bright orange and not only is it to recognize the country but also to pay tribute to William of Orange, who was a Dutch monarch that played a huge role in gaining Dutch's independence. The city's core is filled with shopping opportunities and plenty of cafes but make sure to wander through the less busy areas of the city as well to get a feel for how the locals truly live. You may also wish to make a quick stop at the harbor, which although it was once used as a fishing port, is now another source of import and export for the country as it pulls in many more tourists on the cruise ships that dock there. The harbor is still filled however with the charm of days past and always worth a visit!

Areas

There are no distinct areas within Oranjestad although many visitors find that they keep more to the downtown area as this is where the museums, harbor, and many other sights and attractions are. The locals live in the surrounding areas of downtown and the farther you get from the center of the city, the more you'll see how life is really lived on the island!

Weather

Like most of the Caribbean, Oranjestad enjoys mild temperatures throughout the entire year. However unlike other areas, the temperature here is so consistent that it may be difficult getting your hands on a weather report while you're there -- they simply don't need one! Temperatures generally average 27 degrees Celsius and won't vary much between seasons or drop too much at night. There is not much of a rainy season here either but the most popular time to travel is between December and April so travelers may see prices climb a bit during this time.

Average Temperatures

F/C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
F	81	81	82	83	84	85	84	85	85	85	83	81
C	27	27	28	28	29	29	29	29	29	29	28	27

Getting There

By plane

Because Aruba is an island, the most preferred way of travel is by plane. The Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport is conveniently located just two miles southeast of Oranjestad. Because Aruba is such a huge tourist destination, this airport is one of the finest in the world and visitors will enjoy duty-free shopping, Internet access, boutiques, and many restaurants.

By car

From the airport, there are taxis or rental cars available to take you directly into Oranjestad. Taxis are waiting outside eagerly waiting for business and if you prefer to drive, there are dozens of rental car agencies to choose from at the airport.

By bus

The public bus makes many stops at the airport and this too will take you directly into the city. This is by far the cheapest way to get into the downtown area.

By boat

There are many cruise ships that dock right in Oranjestad and even from the port there are many of Oranjestad's wonderful sights and attractions just a short walk away!

Getting Around

By car

Travelling around Oranjestad in a car is an easy way to see the city however you may find that it's unnecessary. The main part of the town that is easily set up and laid out for tourists is the downtown area and even if you need to venture farther than that, a taxi may be easier and less costly. Taxis are generally metered but still make sure you know how much it will approximately cost before getting in.

By bus

When you are facing a bit of a walk and want a cheap form of transportation, you can always take the public bus which has a regular route and schedule throughout Oranjestad. This is the cheapest way to get around the city and can be a great way to get to know the locals!

By foot

Everything within Oranjestad is close to each other. You can walk right into the casino from the port and the shops and restaurants are also all very close to each other downtown.

Food & Dining

Dining in Aruba is an experience like you may never have had before! Dutch cheeses are present in many of the foods and when paired with the many grilled meats and fish, it is truly a divine experience! Oranjestad has two main dishes that you must try while there. The first is Stoba di Bestia Chiquito, which is a thick stew prepared with goat's meat and seasonal vegetables. The second dish authentic to Aruba is Keshi Yena, which is chicken or seafood served with Dutch cheese. The locals love to drink mostly Balashi Beer. This is officially known as Aruba's National Beer and is the perfect way to end a perfect Oranjestad day!

Beaches

Palm Beach (Sand beach) Location: Southwest coast of the island Many people escape to Aruba on their vacations so that they can experience a part of paradise and you won't have to look any further than Palm Beach. With the calm blue water so clear that you can see straight through to the bottom and the many hotels and resorts that line the shore, it's no wonder that this is the most popular beach in Oranjestad and has been nicknamed Aruba's "Best Fun Beach." The soft sand seems to stretch for miles but you can walk it in about an hour.

Eagle Beach (Sand beach) Location: Across from the Cabana Resort This beach is one of the cleanest, longest, and most popular beaches in all of Aruba. There are so many things to do on this beach including many different water sports, lounging under the shade of one of their huts or umbrellas, and taking a ride on a catamaran. Here is where you can truly do it all on one beach and have fun like you've only ever dreamed of!

Sights & Activities

The Butterfly Farm

One of the most favored spots among visitors to get out of the sun for a few hours is the Butterfly Farm. Here, a guide will lead you through the amazing assortment of countless butterflies, some of them quite rare. The farm is located in downtown and is within minutes of Eagle Beach.

Fort Zoutman

This is the place you want to come if you want a mixture of Oranjestad's history and today's modern customs and culture. This is where you will find the Aruba Historical Museum, the William III Tower, and the weekly folklore Bon Bini Festival. On your first visit, make sure that you plan your stop there when you can partake in Bon Bini. It is here that locals make many of their mouth-watering delicacies. Just be sure to get there early to ensure that you have a seat.

Aruba Ostrich Farm

This is often a part of a tour but you can also book a trip yourself and the farm has guides that will also take you on a tour to see the many different ostriches. You will also have a chance to feed these huge birds! During lunch there are many ostrich-based meals but if a regular burger suits your fancy, there are plenty of those too!

Oranjestad Numismatic Museum

Here lies the inspiration of Mario Odor, who on his 36th birthday was digging in his yard and found two coins. He kept the coins and decided to not only become an avid collector but also pass his findings and learning's onto his family. His descendants still run the museum today that is not only the first museum in Aruba but also houses over 45,000 pieces of currency from over 400 countries. This is a fascinating place to visit on your trip to Oranjestad!

Links at Divi Aruba

If you're in the mood to hit some balls while you're in Oranjestad, you can do so at the Links at Divi Aruba Golf Course. This course is considered to be easy to moderate, depending on the golfer. This is definitely a great way to relax and enjoy the island!