After many request, we've prepared a guide to help you decide where to stay in Aruba so that you can focus on enjoying your time in the sun without worrying about planning your stay. Although Aruba is a small island, it's important to choose the right location based on your interests. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly hotels, beach bars, luxury resorts, or family-friendly all-inclusive accommodations with pools, Aruba has it all. You might want to stay near cultural sights and restaurants, or among tropical scenery. If you're a diver, party animal, traveling with family, or on a budget, our guide has got you covered. We'll highlight the best places to stay in Aruba for every type of traveler.
Aruba has many beautiful neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences. Whether you're looking to spend your days at the beach, dance the night away, explore the Caribbean Sea, or enjoy a family-friendly all-inclusive resort, choosing the right location can make your trip much easier. To help you with that, here are the top five areas in Aruba that cater to different interests.
1. Oranjestad – Where to Stay in Aruba for the first time
Oranjestad is the capital city of Aruba and is the ideal place to stay for first-time visitors. It boasts numerous shopping and entertainment centers, including upscale chain stores, independent boutiques, street vendors, and a diverse range of restaurants, casinos, dance clubs, and bars. This vibrant city is also home to Aruba's cultural center, offering visitors a chance to explore the island's art galleries, historical sites, and several fascinating museums. When you stay in Oranjestad, you can admire the city's traditional Dutch architecture and colorful colonial houses that make it a unique and picturesque destination.
1. Spend a day relaxing on the pleasant and pristine Surfside Beach.
2. Take a closer look at Aruba's history by visiting the National Archaeological Museum in Oranjestad.
3. Start your holiday with the lively Bon Bini Festival, which takes place every week and features energetic dancers and drummers welcoming tourists to the city.
4. Find a shady spot to relax and seek refuge from the sun at Wilhelmina Park.
5. Explore Fort Zoutman, the oldest building on the island of Aruba, which used to be a military fortification.
6. Go shopping and explore the 60 shops, entertainment options, and restaurants available at the Renaissance Mall.
7. Rent a bike and discover the town on two wheels. You'll get to see all the brightly colored buildings and interesting architecture up close.
8. Experience Oranjestad's vibrant nightlife, which centers around the bustling Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard.
2. Eagle Beach – Where to Stay if you are a beach lover!
Eagle Beach is an idyllic Caribbean community with white sand beaches, turquoise waters and a laid-back attitude. Routinely ranked one of the top ten beaches in the world, Eagle Beach offers perfect conditions for swimming, powdery sand and a myriad of water activities to take part in.
Here you’ll find scenic piers, funky beach bars, quirky restaurants and low-rise hotels with plenty of refreshing swimming pools! Eagle Beach is also our top choice for where to stay in Aruba.
Enjoy the turquoise waters and white powdery sand at this pristine beach.
Test out a new water sport or activity, like parasailing or stand up paddleboarding, in these calm, clear waters.
Walk along the more than three kilometres of interconnected beaches that make up the stunning Aruban north coast.
Rent a hut and spend a day on the beach enjoying the Aruban heat and amazing views.
Snap a picture of the famous fofoti tree, which points in the direction of the Caribbean.
Pick up a racket and challenge a friend to a game of tennis on one of the beaches’ many courts.
Go diving or snorkelling in the clear Caribbean waters, seeing colourful tropical fish swim about.
Rent a catamaran or join a cruise and see this island paradise from a whole new angle.
3. Palm Beach – Where to Stay for Nightlife
Located along the northwest coast, Palm Beach is the life of Aruba’s party scene, and our pick for the best place to stay in Aruba for the best nightlife and nocturnal activities. Six kilometers north of the capital, this area is where you’ll find many of Aruba’s high-rise hotels, famous casinos, and infamous bars and nightclubs. Whether you want to dance under the stars or enjoy a seaside cocktail, Palm Beach is where it’s at. Palm Beach is also where you’ll find some of Aruba’s best food. From the traditional Caribbean to Afro-fusion, this community is where you can sip, sample and taste your way around the world. It’s also home to the shopping street, L. G. Smith Boulevard. Enjoy amazing views, delicious food, and nights you won’t soon forget in Palm Beach.
Dance under the stars while listening to great music at Gusto Night Club Aruba. With a great atmosphere and half-priced drinks between 9 and 11, you won’t find a better night out on the island.
Enjoy dinner and a show at the Aruba Sinatra Show, where you’ll hear the smooth sounds of artists like Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jr, and more.
Try your luck at one of Palm Beach’s many casinos such as the one at Aruba Marriott Resort.
Laugh the night away at Aruba Ray’s Comedy Club.
Enjoy cheap happy hour drinks, delicious Caribbean fare, and entertaining karaoke at Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill.
Sing along to your favourite tunes as you cruise throughout the city on the Karaoke Party Bus.
Dive beneath the waves and watch schools of colourful tropical fish swim by as you snorkel in Palm Beaches’ clear and calm waters.
Enjoy craft beer and live music at Aruba’s only Wild West country bar, Saloon.
Shop til you drop along L. G. Smith Boulevard.
4. Arashi Beach – Where to Stay in Aruba for Diving
Arashi Beach is a quiet and secluded beach on the northwestern coast of Aruba. Here you’ll enjoy all the perks of paradise without the overwhelming crowds. Soak up the sun and dig your toes in the sand on this serene and idyllic beach.
Arashi Beach is also one of Aruba’s top destinations for watersports enthusiasts. Just off the shores of this stunning Caribbean beach, you’ll find a world of wonder below the surface.Beautiful reefs, tropical fish, and ominous shipwrecks call this area home, making it a must-see for anyone who enjoys snorkelling or diving beneath the waves. Here you’ll also find some of the best luxury hotels in Aruba.
Take a thrilling ride around Aruba’s north coast by embarking on an ATV tour.
Visit Rancho La Ponderosa and explore the quality trails and enjoy the scenery on horseback.
Go swimming at Boca California, one of Aruba’s best swimming spots.
Dive beneath the waves and explore the Antilla, a German freighter sunk during World War II.
Climb to the top of the California Lighthouse and take in the panoramic views of Aruba’s most northern point.
Rest, relax and stare into the crystal clear waters of Malmok Beach.
Visit the tiny Alto Vista Chapel (or Pilgrims Church) that stands high on a hill overlooking Aruba.
Play a round of 18 at Tierra del Sol 18, one of Noord’s premier golf courses.
Enjoy beachside beverages and Aruban snacks at the Arashi Beach Shack.
5. Paradera/ Santa Cruz - Where Nature Lovers Stay in Aruba
The area of Paradera & Santa Cruz offers nature, tranquility and centrally located. There aren’t any resorts and instead of you are more likely to find holiday rentals. This is because this area is all about culture and nature!
Top Things do
1. Go Hiking in Arikok National Park.
2. Visit the Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations.
3. See the Natural Pool in Aruba.
4. Take a Jeep Tour of the Island.
6. Climb to the Top of Hooiberg Mountain.
7. Go on a Guided Tour of the Arikok Cave Paintings.
6. Savaneta/ Pos Chicito - Where to stay in Aruba for tranquility
The area of Savaneta & Pos Chicito offers tranquility and a taste of the real Aruba.
The rustic charisma and relaxed atmosphere of this community beckons islanders looking for a casual retreat from their busy lives, as well as visitors looking for unfussy, authentic local charm.
Relax on the beach enjoy in the pristine Beaches of Santo Largo and Mangel Halto .
Go snorkeling, diving in the coral area of Santo Largo and Mangel Halto.
Visit Flying Fishbones and enjoy the sunset!
Visit Zeerovers, and eat fresh fish.
Learn to stand up paddleboard or snorkel in these tranquil, clear waters.
6. San Nicolas - Where to stay in Aruba for
Besides its beautiful diamond in the rough appeal, San Nicolas City boasts three distinctive museums: the Museum of Industry, Community Museum and the Carnaval Euphoria exhibition.All easily accessible by any means of transport. The area of Savaneta & Pos Chicito offers tranquility and a taste of the real Aruba.
The rustic charisma and relaxed atmosphere of this community beckons islanders looking for a casual retreat from their busy lives, as well as visitors looking for unfussy, authentic local charm.
Relax on the pristine Beaches of Baby Beach and Rodgers Beach.
Go snorkeling, diving in the coral area of Baby Beach.
Visit the murals in the Main Streat of San Nicolas.