Exploring Cultural Gems in Aruba Beyond the Beaches
Oranjestad, Aruba – Aruba, known for its stunning beaches, has much more to offer than just sandy shores. Recently visiting the island, I found a rich tapestry of culture and diversity, worth exploring beyond the beautiful coastline.
The island’s official language, Papiamentu, reflects its blend of European, Latin, and Afro-Caribbean descent. This creole language is a common thread among the locals, adding depth to the island’s vibrant cultural scene.
After a 10-hour flight from Los Angeles via JetBlue, my excitement peaked as I arrived at Aruba. My first stop was Zeerover, an authentic Aruban restaurant on a pier, where I enjoyed fried fish and shrimp served with homemade sauce and cornbread.
Later, I joined a private walking tour led by Mr. Renwick Heronimo to explore Aruba’s landmarks, including Town Hall and The Tower of Fort Zoutman Willem III. The tour highlighted Aruba’s architectural beauty, steeped in its diverse cultural heritage.
Following the tour, we visited Pepe Margo Distillery, a restored 19th-century Aruban home. The distillery offers a taste of authentic Aruban rum and gin in a historic setting, a perfect way to relax.
Dinner on the first night was at Taste My Aruba, a family-owned farm-to-table eatery where I tried their delicious fried snapper and fish empanadas.
On Saturday morning, we started our day at Huchada, a bakery favored by locals. After breakfast, we headed to San Nicolas for a street art tour with Tito Bolivar at Artisa Art Gallery, showcasing incredible murals created by over 40 artists expressing the island’s vibrant spirit.
Lunch followed at Kulture Café, situated within the restored Nicolaas Store and Community Museum, where we enjoyed local specialties.
We also visited the Museum of Industry, learning about Aruba’s industrial history and its key resources, including aloe and gold.
One of the highlights of my trip was the Alto Vista Winery & Distillery, the only estate winery in Aruba. A nature hike to the tasting rooms offered stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. During the tasting, I enjoyed several wines, particularly their Rosé and Tempranillo Reserve.
To wrap up the evening, we dined at Papiamento Aruba, a favorite among visitors and locals, where the ambiance and food made for a memorable end to the day.
Aruba’s cultural richness and diversity are gems waiting to be discovered, making it more than just a sunny getaway. Travelers should not miss out on the island’s unique experiences.
