ORANJESTAD, ARUBA

Aruba is a Caribbean island nation modest in size but rich in natural beauty and cultural activity. Following is a city-by-city look at everything lovely about this unique tropical paradise.

Oranjestad is Aruba's glittering cultural center, replete with all manner of can't-miss attractions. You'll find illuminating museum experiences thanks to organizations such as the Aruba Historical Museum and the Aruba Numismatic Museum. One-of-a-kind oddities like the Aruba Ostrich Farm will keep kids of all ages entertained for hours on end, during which time adults of all ages can revel in theatrical spectacle at the Crystal Theater. Shoppers have a number of options to choose from, including high-end shopping complexes like Royal Plaza and Seaport Village, vibrant local marketplaces like the Tourists Go Flea Market and quaint little shops such as Artistic Boutique and Caperucita Roja. With so much to do, it can be helpful to enlist the services of local guides in seeing the whole of the island in as efficient a way as possible. Guided tours on land (courtesy of Banana Bus) or at sea... more