Aruba's Capital of Oranjestad

Oranjestad was built around Fort Zoutman that was constructed by the Dutch beginning in 1796. The renovated fort building still stands today in the city. Named after Dutch royalty - the House of Orange-Nassau, and the first king of this house - Willem van Oranje-Nassau.

Today you'll find Oranjestad filled with colorful buildings, interesting shops of almost every kind, plus great restaurants. The city is a port of call for many cruise ships, and it's not uncommon to see one or more of these ships towering over the city. Most goods arriving in Aruba come by sea and must go through the Port at Oranjestad. You may also see some large container ships dropping-off their cargo.

If you plan to shop in Oranjestad, keep in mind that most stores are open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm. Shops may open on Sunday if a cruise ship is in port.

Staying at a hotel on Palm Beach or Eagle Beach? Aruba has excellent low-cost bus service available along all of the hotel routes into Oranjestad and back.