Aruba Oranjestad | Aruba Hotels | Aruba Resorts Aruba

Oranjestad, the capital city located on the southern coast near the western end of the island, this charming capital is best explore on foot. Its palm-lined central thoroughfare runs between old and new pastel-painted buildings of typical Dutch design (Spanish influence is also evident in some of the architecture). The town is named after the Dutch royal house of Oranje, and has been the island´s capital since 1797. There are many malls with boutiques and shops in Oranjestad; downtown and Seaport Village are the major shopping areas. Every morning the wharf teems with activity as merchants sell produce and fresh fish - often right off their boats. You can also buy Aruban handicrafts and T-shirts at this dockside bazaar, where bargaining is expected and dollars or florins are accepted.

Located on Aruba´s picturesque southern coast, Oranjestad is the historical Dutch capital city where the tall multicolored houses of Wilheminastraat combine carved wooded doors and traditional Dutch tiles with airy open galleries and sloping, Aruban-style roofs.

Along the wharf, merchants come to sell fresh fish and produce right off the boats every morning. All of Aruba´s government buildings and main offices are located in the capital city.

Oranjestad is also the place to shop or to browse in the marketplace for Aruban art and local handicrafts. Depending on the time of year, you could also find yourself in the middle of Carnival, a summertime festival, the New Year´s fireworks, or even a parade in honor of the Queen. At any time of year, Oranjestad is the bustling meeting place of tourists and locals alike.