ORANJESTAD
Awesome Oranjestad by Susan Campbell There have never been more reasons to visit this vibrant and historic capital city as the past few years have seen such dramatic revitalizations. So, let’s go explore all the delights that downtown has to offer.
40 | Nights Aruba
A few years back it became clear that Aruba’s capital city was in dire need of major modernization and improvement, so the government decided to undertake an entire facelift of the aging old queen and endeavor to bring locals and visitors back to the original heart of the island. Originally, Caya G.F. Betico Croes was the “main street,” a vibrant nexus of island commerce and history. But as time passed, few visitors wandered beyond the harbor front offerings. Fast forward to today, and the completely rejuvenated downtown core is a thing of beauty. It’s a gorgeous marriage of old and new replete with palm-lined pedestrian walkways, additional shops, and plazas, refreshed colonial buildings, and a renewed sense of local pride. There is also signage to direct people towards the points of interest. And the best way to explore it all? Aboard the free trolleys!