Oranjestad Travel Guide

Oranjestad is the capital and largest city of Aruba. The city is home to some of the island's local residents and also many governmental buildings. Along the main "drag" (Sasakiweg street) you will find mostly tourist walking around and shopping and can also see the cruise ships that bring more and more external tourism into the island everyday.

You can get into the downtown by bike. If the heat is too harsh a cab ride fare usually is only US$8-15. Cabs are always outside all of the resorts.

Most likely the only crime one may come across is that from other tourists. In Oranjestad the locals do not bother or even pressure tourist into their stores or to buy their products. Also as many people experience in destinations such as Jamaica, Mexico Dominican Republic. Panhandlers are not an issue at all and it is very seldom to be approached by children or homeless people for money. Overall the crime in Aruba is nothing to worry over and it is the safest place in the Caribbean to visit.

In all accounts the leading and best resorts are located outside of downtown Oranjestad about 10-15 minutes north. The hotels in Oranjestad usually have a more "city like" feel to them because the town is always busy with tourists. Furthermore, these hotels have top notch amenities inside the rooms that make the sometimes pricey rooms worth the money. Also these facilities have great views of the incoming cruise-liners and yachts that enter the local marina daily.