Oranjestad Aruba

The best things to do in Aruba on a short visit

August 1oth, 2019, Posted by travelwith2ofus
Renaissance Mall Aruba

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Aruba, like most of the Caribbean Islands, is a beautiful country. It makes up the ABC of the Lesser Antilles, the others being Bonaire and Curacao.

We spent about five hours on the islands, most of which was at the Palm Island resort.

We had a couple hours in Oranjestad after we returned from the resort. The shopping is pretty good and there are many international brand names represented there. Name likes Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauran and Gucci.

You can find these high-end luxury brands at Renaissance Mall. It has over 60 shops including full service restaurants. Now remember I said high-end luxury items so you should know that your wallet will get hit hard.

Knock about

Iguana Joe's ArubaIf you are on a tight budget, you can visit Mainstreet in Oranjestad for better deals. You can also pick up grocery items on the same street. We picked up a couple flash drives for our camera as we were running out of storage. Many photos taken!
You can also get local arts and craft items and Arubian snacks at the Wharfside Flea Market.

If you are looking for a quick bite Iguana Joe’s may be ideal for you. It is very popular in Aruba with both locals and tourist alike and their price is O.K-ish.

While we weren't able to visit many attractions because of time constraints, we were told that some of the places of interest are the Arikok National Park, Fort Zoutman and the Aruba Ostrich Farm. The farm also has a restaurant and bar and serves sample ostrich meat dishes. Interesting right!

More things to do in Aruba

Oranjestad ArubaAlthough we spent the day on De Palm Island and most of the time on the beach we were told by the locals that Eagle Beach as well as Druif Beach are worth visiting.

They also told us to check out the California Lighthouse and Hooiberg, which is volcanic formation in the center of Aruba and is the second highest point on the island. Jamanota, located in the Arikok National Park stands at 189 meters above sea level and is the highest point.

There are several museums in Aruba including the Aruba Model Train Museum, The Aruba Aloe Museum & Factory, Museum of Antiquities, San Nicolas Community Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the Fort Zoutman Historical Museum.

If you love nature some of the attractions you should definitely check out include the Ayo Rock Formations, Bubali Bird Sanctuary, Casibari Rock Formations, Fontein Cave, Guadirikiri Cave, the Natural Bridge, The Natural Pool, Spanish Lagoon and The Butterfly Farm. There you can enjoy hundreds of tropical butterflies buzzing around beautiful flowers.

We like what we saw in Aruba, the time was too short and we will definitely go back and spend some more time to see more of Aruba!

Aruba Tours

If you're making a quick stopover in Aruba there are a lot of interesting tours you can enjoy. Check out some of these fun-filled Aruba tours.

Aqua Donut Private Boat

Aqua Donut Private Boat

Cruise around the turquoise waters of Aruba in this unique circular boat.

Made of high-end fiberglass, the round vessel seamlessly glides over water, similar to a giant motorized inner tube.

Jump in the water or lounge under the boat’s sun umbrella during your ride.

You can rent the boat without a boat license ...

Aruba Champagne Breakfast and Lunch Cruise with Snorkeling

Aruba Champagne Breakfast and Lunch Cruise with Snorkeling

Start your day on a high note with a Champagne cruise by catamaran across the turquoise waters of Aruba.

Eat both breakfast and lunch on board while you cruise to three snorkeling spots, where you’ll swim in the clear Caribbean with tropical marine life.

Picture yourself lounging on the boat, breeze in ...

Aruba Full-Island Tour

Aruba Full-Island Tour

Come explore Aruba's history and hear how it shaped the present with the full island tour.

Hop on the bus and join in for a fun, personalized and friendly Aruba island tour where you will be taken to Aruba's must-see attractions.

Comprehensive sightseeing tour by bus/coachHotel or port pickup and drop-off included ...





Our thoughts

What we liked:
Immigration: NA
Airport transfer - None
Hotel: NA
Aruba: Beautiful, happy, warm, friendly locals

What we did not like:

Yes! Trip was to short

Would we go Aruba again? Yes.

PHOTOS

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