“Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I wanna take ya
Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama
Key Largo, Montego
Baby, why don’t we go?”
Everytime I hear the word Aruba, this song pops into my head and I imagine the sand between my toes, a cocktail in my hand and the sound of the ocean gently lapping the shore.
And I can safely tell you that is exactly what Aruba is like!
In fact one of my best memories was sitting in huge round tubes in the ocean watching the sunset, while being served Aruba Ariba cocktails by the bar staff who would wade out to where we were!
I highly recommend a trip to this fabulous Caribbean Island and if you’re wondering what the top things to do in Aruba are, (other than sit in the ocean drinking cocktails), this post is for you!
Top 10 Very Best Things to do in Aruba
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Aruba, this post has you covered. With its beautiful beaches, exciting nightlife, and delicious local cuisine, Aruba is a fantastic Caribbean island for both travelers and digital nomads alike.
Here are my top 10 recommended things to do in Aruba!
Top 10 Very Best Things to Do in Aruba – TL;DR
- Soak up the sun on one of Aruba’s beautiful beaches
- Explore the island’s rich history at one of its many museums or forts
- Sample the delicious local cuisine at one of Aruba’s many restaurants
- Dance the night away at one of Aruba’s famous nightclubs or casinos
- Go shopping in downtown Oranjestad
- Take a tour of the island by Jeep or ATV
- Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cove
- Hike through Arikok National Park
- Climb to the top of Hoogeveen Hill
- Visit the Flamingos on Renaissance Island
Top 10 Very Best Things to do in Aruba
1. Soak up some sun on one of Aruba’s beautiful beaches.
The beaches in Aruba are some of the most beautiful in the world.
For swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, the best beaches are Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, and Manchebo Beach. These beaches have calm waters and are perfect for enjoying all of these activities.
If you’re looking for a more lively beach experience, head to Arashi Beach or Baby Beach. These beaches are known for their waves and are perfect for surfing or bodyboarding.
With miles of pristine coastline and warm waters that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, no matter what beach experience you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Aruba!
2. Explore the island’s rich history at one of its many museums or forts
Aruba’s museums are a must-see for anyone visiting the island. They offer a unique and fascinating insight into Aruba’s past, culture, and heritage.
The National Archaeological Museum is probably the most popular on the island and is home to a wide range of artifacts from Aruba’s history. It’s a great place to learn about the island’s indigenous cultures, the Spanish colonial period, and the Dutch colonial period.
The Donkey Sanctuary Aruba is also a popular museum and offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of Aruba’s donkeys. The museum is home to a wide range of interactive exhibits that allow you to get up close and personal with these weird and funky animals.
Mojito’s Museum is another great option for those interested in Aruba’s history. It’s home to a collection of over 2,000 artifacts from the 16th century to the present day. The museum offers visitors a unique look at the evolution of Aruban culture and how it has been shaped by its interactions with other countries in the region.
The most popular forts to visit are Fort Zoutman, the Santa Barbara fort, and the Balashi fort. These forts offer a fascinating look at Aruba’s colonial history and are well-preserved examples of Spanish architecture.
If you’re interested in learning more about Aruba’s military history, be sure to visit Fort Amsterdam or the Hoogeveen fort. These forts offer an interesting perspective on how Aruba has defended itself over the years.
The De Boerderij Museum is also worth visiting and offers visitors an insight into Aruba’s agricultural heritage and how it has evolved over time.
3. Sample the delicious local cuisine at one of Aruba’s many restaurants
From fresh seafood dishes like ceviche and Mahi Mahi, to hearty stews and curries made with tropical ingredients like coconut milk, starfruit, and banana leaves, there’s something for every taste bud on Aruba.
There are many great restaurants, but some of my favorites include The Flying Fishbone, The Rooftop, and The Warehouse. The Flying Fishbone is known for its fresh seafood dishes, while The Rooftop offers stunning views of the island from its perch on top of a hill in downtown Oranjestad. The Warehouse is a local favorite for its delicious curries and stews.
There are a multitude of foodie options so if none of these float your boat, be sure to check out trip advisor for some of the most popular restaurants.
4. Party the night away at one of Aruba’s famous nightclubs or casinos
You can’t visit Aruba without sampling some of its awesome nightlife! Whether you’re looking for a nightclub, casino, or chill lounge, Aruba’s capital, the city of Oranjestad is the place to go!
Some of my favorite nightclubs and casinos include; The One Love Lounge, Dusk Till Dawn, and The Crystal Casino. With live music, great DJs, and drink specials throughout the week, you’re guaranteed a good night out (especially if you’re good at Blackjack!).
5. Go shopping in downtown Oranjestad
If you’re a shopaholic, be sure to head downtown Oranjestad to check out the many local boutiques and vendors. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry and clothing, to unique home decor pieces made with local materials like palm leaves and seashells.
One of the things that makes shopping in Oranjestad so great is the variety of shops. From small, family-owned boutiques, to larger vendors selling items from around the Caribbean, you’ll definitely find something that catches your eye.
Be sure to visit the Craft Market in downtown Oranjestad. This market is open every day from 9am to 6pm, and is home to a wide variety of local artisans selling their handcrafted goods. You’ll find everything from paintings and sculptures, to jewelry and clothing, and if you’re searching for souvenirs for the family this is the place to shop!
6. Take a tour of the island by Jeep or ATV
For the more adventurous traveler, one of the best things to do in Aruba is to explore the island by jeep or ATV. There are plenty of tour companies that offer guided excursions around the island, so you can see all the beautiful scenery and learn more about its history and culture.
Some popular Jeep or ATV tours include trips up to Alto Vista Chapel, where you can see stunning views of the island from the top of the hill, as well as off-roading adventures through Arikok National Park and along rocky coastlines.
7. Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cove
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, then don’t miss the chance to swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cove. Here, you can get up close and personal with these amazing creatures in their natural habitat, and even go for a ride on their backs as they glide through the water.
Dolphin Cove offers a number of different programs, including swimming with dolphins for a few minutes, or participating in an extended program that includes feeding and training sessions.
Please note, the dolphins at Dolphin Cove are all wild, so be sure to follow instructions and treat these beautiful animals with respect.
8. Hike through Arikok National Park
Personally I love to hike as I find it a fantastic way to explore any destination up close and personal!
Aruba is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the Caribbean, and one of the best things to do in Aruba is to head out for a hike through Arikok National Park.
Arikok National Park is home to diverse ecosystems, including rocky coastlines, arid desert land, green hills and valleys, and rugged limestone terrains. There are numerous trails throughout the park that range from easy to difficult, so there’s something for hikers of all skill levels.
I use the Alltrails app to help me find hikes around the world and you’ll find several Arikok trails on the app, plus lots of other hiking trails around the island.
9. Hike to the peak of Mount Hooiberg
If a gentle hike isn’t exciting enough for you and you’re looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush, then why not head up to Mount Hooiberg and test your limits by climbing to the top?
At 541ft high, Mount Hooiberg offers incredible views of the surrounding area and is the perfect spot for a day of outdoor exploration.
This rugged limestone hill is well-known among locals as a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts.
The climb to the top may be challenging, but it’s definitely worth it! From the summit, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Aruba’s rugged coastline and bright blue waters.