Oranjestad

Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba and the cultural heart of the island, a compact harbour city built around a cruise port and a grid of Dutch colonial streets. Named for the Dutch House of Orange, it wears its heritage in candy-coloured facades, gabled rooftops and shaded plazas, a small-scale echo of the Netherlands set against a desert backdrop of cactus and constant trade winds. For a first visit it makes the natural base, central, walkable and close to the resort beaches of Palm Beach and Eagle Beach just up the coast.

The signature landmark is Fort Zoutman, the island's oldest building, whose Willem III Tower once doubled as a lighthouse and town clock and now houses the Historical Museum. Nearby, the leafy Wilhelmina Park runs along the marina, while the free Oranjestad streetcar trundles a loop through downtown, an open-sided tram that is the easiest way to see the centre. Main Street and the harbourfront malls draw cruise-day shoppers for jewellery, liqueur and souvenirs.

What to do

• Tour Fort Zoutman and the Historical Museum, then stroll Wilhelmina Park by the marina.
• Ride the free Oranjestad streetcar on its downtown loop past the pastel facades.
• Sample island flavours, from keshi yena to a fresh pastechi, at harbour cafes and the local market.
• Time a visit for the weekly Bon Bini Festival at the fort, an evening of music, dance and food.

By day the city is for wandering, shopping and history; the wider downtown also serves as the launch point for the island's sailing and dive trips, with the sunset catamaran cruise fleet moored along the harbour. Papiamento is the language of the street, but Dutch, English and Spanish are all widely spoken, so ordering food and asking directions is easy.

Oranjestad puts you within a short drive of both the high-rise resort strip to the north and the wild windward interior of Arikok National Park to the east. Use it for culture, dining and convenience, then drive out to the sand and the desert.