Aruba Neighborhoods

Aruba is a Caribbean island nation modest in size but rich in natural beauty and cultural activity. Following is a city-by-city look at everything lovely about this unique tropical paradise.

Oranjestad is Aruba's glittering cultural center, replete with all manner of can't-miss attractions. You'll find illuminating museum experiences thanks to organizations such as the Aruba Historical Museum and the Aruba Numismatic Museum. One-of-a-kind oddities like the Aruba Ostrich Farm will keep kids of all ages entertained for hours on end, during which time adults of all ages can revel in theatrical spectacle at the Crystal Theater. Shoppers have a number of options to choose from, including high-end shopping complexes like Royal Plaza and Seaport Village, vibrant local marketplaces like the Tourists Go Flea Market and quaint little shops such as Artistic Boutique and Caperucita Roja. With so much to do, it can be helpful to enlist the services of local guides in seeing the whole of the island in as efficient a way as possible. Guided tours on land (courtesy of Banana Bus) or at sea (aboard one of Aruba Kayak Adventure's trusty vessels) are fun and enlightening. After so much activity, hunger will most certainly strike. Luckily, dining in Oranjestad is a treat. Enjoy casual dining with a dash of island flare at Rumba Bar & Grill, or go upscale at French bistro Chez Mathilde. Or get really festive with your feet in the sand at Simply Fish, where you dine right on the beach.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is home to many of Aruba's resorts, providing tourists with calm waters and white beaches ripe for frolicking. For those wanting to make Palm Beach their home away from home, book a stay at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino or the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino to satisfy their gambling addiction. If gambling's not your thing, opt for more relaxing accommodations, like the Brickell Bay Beach Club, the Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort, the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Aruba, The Westin Aruba Resort, the Occidental Grand, the Best Western Manchebo Beach Resort, The Mill Resort & Suites and the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba.

The nearby restaurants are not to be missed and serve an array of cuisines. For Brazilian fare, head to either Amazonia Churrascaria or to Texas de Brazil Churrascaria. For quality seafood, hunker down to some grub at the Aqua Grill or at Fishes & More. Those partial to Italian should opt for a meal at Casa Tua.

Eagle Beach

Just south of Palm Beach lies the coveted Eagle Beach. Though smaller in size and density, Eagle Beach nevertheless takes pride in being touted as one of Aruba's best beaches, carrying a charm all its own. It gets crowded on the weekends, but its restaurants are still a hoot. For those who prefer some French flair in their dining fare, both Le Dôme Restaurant and Manchebo French Steakhouse more than hit the spot. Good, well-rounded and wholesome family fun can be had at Blackhog Saloon, which offers you and the family barbecue, miniature golf, dancing, arcade games, Italian food, paddle boats and more.