Christy & Mark’s guidebook
Foodies
Zeerovers
270 SavanetaCasual, on the water, fun and fresh
Local Store Aruba
Variety of craft beers, casual, great burgers and wings
Bugaloe
79 J.E. Irausquin BlvdGreat atmosphere, fun nights with live music etc.
Bavaria
186 3Comfort food (German traditional) and great beer with friendly service.
West Deck
Lloyd G. Smith BoulevardHit it on the way to or from the airport or when downtown.
Saturday all you can drink mimosa brunch, relax and take it slow as you order a la cart servings and enjoy with mimosas. It's also a renovated original cunucu house.
24 locals recommend
Bistro de Suikertuin
64 WilhelminastraatSaturday all you can drink mimosa brunch, relax and take it slow as you order a la cart servings and enjoy with mimosas. It's also a renovated original cunucu house.
Traditional Aruban menu in a beautiful old cunucu home.
30 locals recommend
The Old Cunucu House Aruba
Palm Beach 150Traditional Aruban menu in a beautiful old cunucu home.
Bohemian Bar & Restaurant
83 Unit 1 J.E. Irausquin BlvdGreat atmosphere; right in Palm Beach yet feels completely secluded.
33 locals recommend
Bohemian Bar & Restaurant
83 Unit 1 J.E. Irausquin BlvdGreat atmosphere; right in Palm Beach yet feels completely secluded.
Beach N
Favorite beaches
Northern most beach, it's clean and great for families (a little crowded these days since the tours seem to bring in from the cruises)
284 locals recommend
Arashi Beach
Northern most beach, it's clean and great for families (a little crowded these days since the tours seem to bring in from the cruises)
One of the world's top rated beaches, water sports and near the low rises rather than the extremely crowded high rises.
24 locals recommend
Eagle Beach - Aruba
240 J.E. Irausquin BlvdOne of the world's top rated beaches, water sports and near the low rises rather than the extremely crowded high rises.
Boca Catalina Beach
Great snorkeling and amazing views
Tourist area, but even though it's blocked by the high rises (all beaches are open to the public in Aruba) check it out for shopping, restaurants and night life.
17 locals recommend
It Is A Public Beach, Not A Volleyball Club
Tourist area, but even though it's blocked by the high rises (all beaches are open to the public in Aruba) check it out for shopping, restaurants and night life.
Mangel Halto
Great snorkeling and set between the mangroves.
Baby beach and Roger's beach are on the southern tip of the island and are both great family beaches.
267 locals recommend
Baby Beach
Baby beach and Roger's beach are on the southern tip of the island and are both great family beaches.
City advice
Getting around
Rent a Car if you plan to explore the island.
Make sure to take coins with you for parking when you are in downtown Oranjestaad. You can use US $ pretty much everywhere in Aruba. The resorts are actually a bit snobby if you use local florins.
Useful phrases
Everyone speaks English and most Spanish and Dutch as well
Bon Dia = Good morning
Bon Tardi = Good afternoon
Bon Nochi = Good evening
Danki = Thank you
Dispensa = Excuse me
Ways to save
Search out restaurants on facebook
Most restaurants will offer "local" deals on certain days and at certain times of the day. Don't drink anywhere unless it is happy hour (one is available always), otherwise it is too expensive.
Customs and culture
Be careful with teens drinking
Most bars in Aruba will serve teens as young as 13, so watch out for the kids if you don't want them drinking.
Travelling with kids
Aruba is super safe!
We keep a closer eye on our son in the US than we do in Aruba. People are generally very friendly and honest so your kids are very safe running along the beach etc.
What to pack
Comfortable and lightweight
Everywhere is casual so you don't have to bring anything really fancy unless you just want to;)