Oranjestad Map

About city :

Oranjestad is the capital and the largest city of Aruba. It is located at the western end on the southern coast of the island. The region was first colonized by the Spanish and then taken over by the Dutch. They constructed Fort Zoutman in 1798 and the town of Oranjestad grew up around this fort though at first it had no official name. In 1820s, Aruba gained economic significance as alluvial gold deposits were discovered here. At this time, the city was formally named after William of Orange-Nassau (Oranjestad literally means Orange Town). Today, it is a busy port and has a flourishing tourism industry and has an approximate population of 30,000 recorded in 2010.

Geography :

Oranjestad is located on the coast. So, it is a very low lying area. In fact, part of the city has been formed by reclaiming land from the sea.

The town has tropical wet dry climate. It is located outside the hurricane belt and enjoys mild sunny weather throughout the year. Light rainfall occurs throughout the year while October to February are the rainiest months of the year.

How to reach (transport) :

You can take the leisurely way and travel to Oranjestad by cruise ships. The port at the city is a popular port of call of pleasure crafts and cruise ships. Apart from that you can also fly by scheduled or chartered flight to the Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix popularly known as the Queen Beatrix International Airport and then travel within Aruba to Oranjestad by taxi or rented car.

When to visit :

Oranjestad enjoys mild climate throughout the year and since there is no threat of hurricanes, you can actually visit it at any time of the year though the peak tourist season is from the middle of December to the middle of April. You can also visit in February when the famous Carnival takes place for two weeks prior to Lent.

Culture (fairs and festivals) and traditions :

Oranjestad is a multicultural city. Though the Arawak Indians disappeared centuries ago, the trace of their Indian culture remains quite strong in local customs and traditions. There are immigrants from South America, Europe and Africa. Overall, the people are friendly, warm and welcoming and you are bound to love the relaxed atmosphere and the quaint charm of the town.

Of all the different events celebrated here, the Carnival occupies the pride of place. It is celebrated all over Aruba including Oranjestad. The Carnival started in 1954 as a small street festival. Today, it is a huge event celebrated for two weeks following up to Lent. The various events include lighting parade, children’s parade, and pajama party culminating in the Grand Carnival parade in Oranjestad. The Carnival ends with the burning of a life size effigy called King Momo.

The Aruba International Piano Festival is being celebrated in Oranjestad since 2006. It is a classical music event where some of the leading artists of the world perform.

18th March is the National Anthem and Flag Day of Aruba which is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Oranjestad. Games for kids and sporting events are organized throughout the island. An impressive folkloric production is held at the Plaza Betico Croes in Oranjestad.

Points of interest (places to visit) :

There are three main museums in the city of Oranjestad. The Museo Arubano is a beautiful piece of architecture which you should not miss. The Archaeological museum on the other hand contains an impressive collection of exhibits to document the history of the island. Finally, you can see coin collection through 400 years at the numismatic museum.

Oranjestad is a shopper’s paradise. You can just walk through the fascinating by lanes as you take in the brilliant Antillean style of architecture while the Caya G F Croes street can provide you with almost anything that you want to buy.

Accommodation :

A comfortable place to stay is indispensable for a good holiday and Oranjestad do not disappoint in this regard. Though some of the most luxurious resorts are located around the famous Palm Beach of Aruba, there are quite a few good hotels in the capital itself. The resorts include Tamarijn Aruba, Divi Aruba, Renaissance Aruba resort and casino, Tropicana Aruba resort, Eden Hold international club holiday inn, while Andicuri and Arabiana inns are good bed and breakfasts in Oranjestad.