Fort Zoutman

Fort Zoutman is the oldest surviving building on Aruba and the historic heart of the capital, Oranjestad. The Dutch built the fort in 1798 to defend the harbour and the young settlement, and its sturdy stone walls have watched over the city ever since. In 1868 the Willem III Tower was added, originally serving as both a clock tower and a lighthouse to guide ships into port.

Today the fort houses the Museo Arubano, the island's Historical Museum, with displays on Aruba's Indigenous roots, the colonial era, and everyday island life through the centuries. The courtyard and tower anchor a small, walkable cluster of historic sights in the centre of Oranjestad, a short stroll from Wilhelmina Park and the route of the Oranjestad streetcar.

The Bon Bini Festival

Every week the fort courtyard hosts the Bon Bini Festival, a celebration of Aruban culture with folkloric music and dance, local food, and craft stalls. It is the easiest way for visitors to experience the island's living traditions in a historic setting.

• The museum charges a modest admission; the fort sits in the walkable city centre.
• Time a visit for the weekly Bon Bini Festival for music, dance, and local food.

Visit in the cooler morning for the museum, or come in the evening for the festival, and combine it with a walk around the capital's shops and waterfront.