San Nicolas Street Art

San Nicolas, Aruba's second city in the south of the island, has reinvented itself as an open-air street-art gallery and the island's cultural capital. Once defined by its oil refinery, the town now wears its history on its walls: dozens of large, colourful murals by Aruban and international artists cover the facades of shops, bars, and houses, turning a walk through the centre into a self-guided art tour.

The transformation grew out of the annual Aruba Art Fair, which began inviting muralists to paint the town and gave San Nicolas its nickname as an arts district. The works range from giant portraits and Caribbean wildlife to bold abstract designs, and new pieces appear each year, so the gallery keeps changing.

Exploring Sunrise City

Long called Sunrise City for its position on the eastern, sunrise side of the island, San Nicolas rewards an unhurried wander on foot, camera in hand. The town also has lively bars and a strong Carnival tradition, and it sits near the calm southern beaches such as Baby Beach and Rodgers Beach.

• The murals are free to see, spread across the streets of the town centre.
• Combine the art walk with Baby Beach and Rodgers Beach in the south.

Explore on foot in the cooler morning, bring a camera for the murals, and pair the art walk with the calm southern beaches a short drive away.