| Oranjestad (or Orangetown) is the magnificent colonial | | | | Farm, while Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are both |
| Dutch capital of the stunning Caribbean isle of Aruba. | | | | great for swimming and sunbathing. Offshore there |
| Like many of the main towns in the Caribbean, | | | | are heaps of magical dive sites, and, as always, there |
| Oranjestad is located on a huge natural deep water | | | | are plenty of sailing and motorboat options to choose |
| harbor that is protected from all types of extreme | | | | from. Golf, horseback riding and kite surfing are among |
| weather. For Caribbean cruise ships, this makes | | | | the other outdoor activities to be enjoyed. |
| Oranjestad a great port of call, while for their | | | | Oranjestad has dozens of quality restaurants serving |
| passengers there is a wealth of things to see and do | | | | a wide variety of local and international cuisine. The |
| in the old town. | | | | dining options range from casual diners to quite |
| Not to be missed is Fort Zoutman, the original Dutch | | | | expensive but excellent full service restaurants. For |
| settlement that later grew to become the town we | | | | those wanting arguably the best dining experience on |
| see today. Built in 1796, the battlements are now the | | | | the island, try Gasparito Restaurant and Gallery which |
| focal point of the town's historic and cultural activities, | | | | not only has the best local cuisine on the island, but |
| housing the informative Aruba Historical Museum, | | | | also has a superb art gallery with many of the pieces |
| containing the iconic William III Tower and hosting the | | | | for sale. After sating yourself, head to the downtown |
| weekly Bon Bini folklore festival. The old colonial | | | | area for its surprising range of bars, clubs and discos. |
| buildings around the town are particularly noticeable for | | | | The themes here range from relaxing Latino terrace |
| their bright orange color, which makes them very | | | | bars to thriving Top 40 dance bars. For a more |
| photogenic. Orange was the color used to | | | | romantic scene, try one of the many quiet, moody |
| commemorate and symbolize William of Orange, one | | | | hotel bars near the waterfront. |
| of the most famous figures in Dutch history. | | | | As one of the Caribbean's most historic and lively |
| The old harbor area is where most people do their | | | | towns, Oranjestad offers visitors a fun time filled with |
| shopping in Oranjestad, as the entire area is a | | | | great attractions, activities, dining, shopping and relaxing! |
| duty-free zone. Local specialty items include jewelry, | | | | Another great positive thing about the town is the |
| handcrafts and, of course, a stunning variety of Dutch | | | | friendliness and helpfulness of the local people, who |
| cheeses! In this area you will also find other museums | | | | are extremely kind and thoughtful to the tourists on |
| such as the delightful Oranjestad Numismatic Museum. | | | | which many of their livelihoods depend. You will |
| There are plenty of other attractions in and around the | | | | forever remember your Oranjestad port-of-call! |
| town, such as the Aruba Ostrich Farm and Butterfly | | | | |