Oranjestad is Aruba's capital and cruise port, a harbor city of more than 200 years with restored landmarks, Main Street shopping, museums and a tram that runs between the cruise terminal and the town center (Aruba Tourism Authority, read 7 November 2026). It is easy to see on foot in half a day, and a taxi from the airport costs $26 (Visit Aruba, read 6 November 2026).
Highlights
Fort Zoutman and the Willem III Tower
Fort Zoutman, built in 1798 to protect the city from pirates, is Aruba's oldest building; the Willem III Tower next to it dates from 1868 and was once a lighthouse and public clock tower.
The museums
The Historical Museum sits between the fort and the tower and has a permanent exhibition on Aruban history. The Archeological Museum is in the historic Ecury family home and covers Amerindian heritage from 2500 BC to 1880 AD.
The Bon Bini Festival
Tuesdays at 6:30 pm in the courtyard of Fort Zoutman, with folkloric dancers, local music and food.
Main Street and the blue horses
Luxury retailers, boutiques and jewelry stores line Main Street; since 2015, eight blue horses (Paardenbaai Aruba) have been displayed around downtown.
Cas di Cultura
The national theatre, hosting local and international performers year-round.
Practical info
Tips
- Getting around downtown is easy on foot or by tram, which links the cruise terminal with the town center, runs along Main Street and stops at monuments, museums and shopping areas (the tourism board lists no schedule or fare). A scenic linear park runs along the coast from Oranjestad to the airport. For a guided start, the downtown walking tour runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:15 am (see Aruba walking tours). On arrival, a private round-trip airport transfer in Oranjestad is rated 4.4 out of 5 from 13 reviews per GetYourGuide listing (read 7 November 2026), against a fixed taxi fare of $26 one way to the town; the transfers are compared in airport transfers in Aruba. For a day with a cruise ship in port, read things to do at the Aruba cruise port.
How to get there
The main bus station is across from the cruise terminal; Arubus lines L10A, L10B and L10C go along the hotel strip to Eagle Beach, Palm Beach and Arashi at $2.60 per trip (arubus.com, read 6 November 2026). The airport is $26 by taxi; Oranjestad to Eagle Beach is $16 (Visit Aruba). See getting around Aruba.
Opening hours
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