Take off the tourist hat
After reading our tips on how to navigate the island like you lived here, you’ll be like an Aruba local in the blink of an eye. You’ll be comfortable enough, even if it’s your first time on the island. So, buckle in and take some notes!
Get your outdoor gear
To experience the island like an Aruba local, you must have a special place in your heart for outdoor activities. Therefore, you’ll have to be ready to embrace the island’s natural beauty and engage in popular local pursuits.
You can rent a bike and explore the coastline, especially during the sunset. Also, you can join a game of beach volleyball, or go hiking in Arikok National Park.
You can also participate in a few water sports of your liking, you can go for serene ones like snorkeling or more adrenaline-pumping ones, like windsurfing.
Know the shopping spots
Demonstrate that you’re a connoisseur of the island’s culture by visiting the Aruba local market. The Palm Beach Plaza Farmers Market and the Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory are great places to find local produce, handmade crafts, souvenirs, and traditional skincare products.
Another thing you must know if you want to experience the Aruba local life is that you can have a vibrant and successful shopping experience by heading to Oranjestad. This area features a mix of retail shops, malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
One place that stands out, and that you must know of to get your Aruba local badge is the Boardwalk Boutique. It’s a charming shopping destination located in the Palm Beach area.
The boutique offers a curated selection of items that range from clothing, swimwear, jewelry, accessories, and even home decor.
The Island’s neighborhoods
To have the knowledge of an Aruba local, you must venture beyond the areas that all the tourists know and explore the local neighborhoods. Visit places like San Nicolas, the island’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant street art scene and cultural events.
You also must be familiar with Oranjestad, which is a little more known amongst our visitors. However, it takes a true explorer to find its hidden nooks and crannies that not many people know about.
Since we’re giving you the inside scoop, we’re telling you which are the capital’s special places, so take some notes:
Wilhelmina Park
It’s a serene and picturesque waterfront park located near the cruise ship terminal, It offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city and provides beautiful views of the harbor.
Surfside Beach
While not entirely a secret, Surfside Beach is often less crowded than the more popular beaches in Aruba.
Plaza Daniel Leo
Tucked away in a residential area of Oranjestad, Plaza Daniel Leo is a small, charming square that showcases local art and cultural events.
National Archaeological Museum Aruba
This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Aruba’s rich archaeological heritage. Located in a historic building in Oranjestad, the museum houses a collection of artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that provide insights into the island’s indigenous cultures and history.
Oranjestad’s Street Art
While you’re in Oranjestad, keep an eye out for the vibrant street art adorning buildings and walls.
Discover Aruban Cuisine
The next step to becoming an Aruba local without living on the island is to know the flavors of it by indulging in local cuisine. Many local eateries serve the island’s traditional dishes such as keshi yena (stuffed cheese), pastechi (savory turnovers), and fresh seafood like mahi-mahi.
Don’t forget to try local snacks like pan bati (Aruban pancake) and pica di papaya (papaya hot sauce). You must also know where to find international cuisine for the times when you feel like having a more familiar dish.
For those times, you can visit Ocean Z Restaurant. Its international menu, full of delicious options, and its delightful atmosphere with live music and a breathtaking view of the ocean leave all the guests counting the days to live the five-star experience one more time…
Stay up to date with cultural events
Keep an eye out for cultural events and festivals happening during your visit. Aruba celebrates Carnival at the beginning of the year. A vibrant festival filled with parades and dancing. Other events like the Dande Festival and Aruba International Film Festival take place too.
Engage with Locals to become one
Interact with the island’s friendly people to truly become an Aruba local and get a deeper understanding of the island’s culture and way of life. Strike up a chat, ask for recommendations, and participate in activities that involve the local community.
Bonus tip: Learn Papiamento
Papiamento is the local language of Aruba, and locals appreciate visitors who make an effort to learn a few basic phrases. Greet locals with a cheerful “Bon bini!” (Welcome), say “Danki” (Thank you), or ask “Con ta bai?” (How are you?). Learning a few words can help you connect with locals and enhance your overall experience.
We hope these tips give you guidance on how to navigate Aruba like locals do, either if you’re coming for vacation or moving to the happiest island in the world. Download our guide for quick and comfortable access to all of this helpful info.
One last thing you must not forget when you come to the island to put those tips to practice and to have an unforgettable time is to stay at Ocean Z Boutique Hotel. This last vacation hack will guarantee that your trip is beyond your expectations.
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