City guide
Things to do in Oranjestad
Aruba's capital is a pastel-coloured mix of Dutch heritage and Caribbean ease. Cruise passengers dock right in the centre — and the island's best padel club is a few minutes away.
Around the city
Caya G.F. Betico Croes
Oranjestad's main shopping street, mixing duty-free stores with local boutiques and colourful Dutch-Caribbean facades.
Fort Zoutman & Willem III Tower
The oldest building in Aruba (1798), home to the historical museum and the weekly Bon Bini Festival.
The marina & Renaissance Marketplace
Waterfront strolls, restaurants and bars where the cruise ships tower over the harbour.
Local food
Try pastechi, fresh catch of the day and Dutch-Caribbean fusion at the cafes around the city centre.
Padel, minutes from the port
Padeluxe sits at Luxemburgstraat 12 — close to the cruise terminal and easy to reach from anywhere in Oranjestad. Eight glass courts, open daily 07:00–23:00, bookable online in 90-minute slots. It's the perfect active break on a port day or between beach and dinner: book ahead, play, shower off the salt water feeling, and you're back in town within two hours.
Rackets and balls are waiting at the pro shop, and coaches are available if you want a proper introduction to the sport while you're on the island.