Along with Bonaire, both Aruba and Curaçao are in the “ABC islands,” a group of Dutch territories in the Caribbean Sea. Both have balmy climates that make them excellent year-round destinations: On any given day, the temperature hovers between the high 70s and low 90s. The islands’ consistent trade winds are ideal for sailing, diving and all water sports — but there are also plenty of options for travelers more interested in beachside spas than adventurous excursions.
Scroll down to get to know Aruba and Curaçao better and determine which one is the ideal vacation destination for you. If you’re still undecided in the end, there’s good news: You can visit both in one trip, and you’ll find more info about that, too. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
The Basics
Aruba
Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, is a bustling harbor city with a lively mix of cosmopolitan and traditional aesthetics. This is where you’ll find some of the most active nightlife and the most abundant shopping.
Near Oranjestad, on the northern coast of the island, is the popular two-mile stretch of Palm Beach. Calm waters and white-sand beaches make it a prime vacation spot, especially for anyone who’s interested in water sports. It’s also where you’ll find some of the island’s best resorts, including luxury properties like The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba and The St. Regis Aruba Resort.
And at Renaissance Island, about a 10-minute boat ride from the harbor in Oranjestad, you can relax in picturesque seclusion by booking a private cabana on the famed Flamingo Beach, exclusively reserved for guests of Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. The graceful birds come right up close and make even a quick day trip feel like a movie scene come to life.
Curaçao
Willemstad, Curaçao’s capital city, has been around since the 17th century — and its eclectic architecture reflects the island’s complex history: You’ll see unmistakably Dutch historical buildings right alongside Cuban-inspired mainstays. Pietermaai, the downtown district, is home to tons of shops, restaurants and music venues.
Punda, another historic neighborhood, is famous for a stretch of multicolored waterfront buildings known as the Handelskade. The Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, which is nicknamed the “Swinging Old Lady,” has been a fixture of the area since it was first built in 1888. Just across is the artsy Otrobanda district, where you’ll find hotels like Courtyard by Marriott Curaçao tucked into the ever-evolving, mural-covered tableau of the city.
And for those seeking a more leisurely pace, hotels just outside Willemstad, like Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, can offer a break from crowds while still being just a short drive away from the action.
Activities
Aruba
Aruba’s distinct natural landscape and animal life are some of its biggest attractions, and nearly 20 percent of the island is designated national park territory. Situated just a few miles outside of Oranjestad, Arikok National Park has caves, a natural pool and original Indigenous rock drawings, which you can discover on your own or as part of a guided nature walk. For a really memorable journey, try taking a Jeep tour.
The island’s surrounding waters are stunningly clear, so make sure your Palm Beach itinerary includes snorkeling, taking a catamaran ride (ideally at sunset) or just marveling at the waves from the comfort of shore.
If you’re staying in Palm Beach and interested in venturing out for the day, check out less-crowded San Nicolas, about 15 miles away on the southernmost tip of the island. There, Baby Beach, a beautiful half-moon lagoon, is a perfect destination for anyone traveling with children. The shallow water is gentle, which is a good way of thinking about this relatively quiet coastal town with a charming promenade.
San Nicolas is also home to colorful street murals and beloved restaurants, including Charlie’s Bar, a family-owned business that’s been around since 1941.
To experience some hallmarks of Aruba’s vibrant culture, consider planning your vacation around Aruba Carnival, which typically culminates at the end of February, or during one of the many other festivals held throughout the year. The Aruba International Regatta is held in the summer, and the Aruba Art Fair usually takes place in the fall — but no matter when you choose to travel, you can catch the weekly Bon Bini Festival every Tuesday night.
Curaçao
The island is famous for its world-class scuba diving: Daaibooi Beach, about 30 minutes northwest of Willemstad, is surrounded by a secluded bay that makes it an excellent place to begin a shore dive. For experienced divers, the Dive Curaçao interactive map is a great resource to find more challenging options.
If getting your scuba on sounds too intimidating, there are lots of other ways to enjoy Curaçao’s warm, welcoming waters: Swim with pigs or snorkel at the incredible double reef at Playa Porto Mari, head to Tugboat Beach to see a shipwreck or visit Playa Lagun to snorkel alongside sea turtles.
On dry land, check out the open-air Curaçao Sea Aquarium — which isn’t just fun for kids. There’s also Shete Boka National Park, which stretches across more than 6 miles on the island’s north coast, and indoor activities like cooking lessons with renowned chefs.
Curaçao has its own Carnaval festival, along with other annual cultural celebrations including the North Sea Jazz Festival and the Kaya Kaya Street Festival.
Food
Aruba
The islands have similar local food traditions, which bring together the influences of the Netherlands, South America and the rest of the Caribbean, including Indigenous and Black communities.
One of the most beloved traditional dishes in Aruba is pisca hasa crioyo, or fish creole, which is a simple pan-fried filet with onions, tomatoes, garlic and bell peppers. Funchi, a thick cornmeal porridge, is similar to polenta. Keshi yena, or stuffed cheese, is made using the rind of Gouda or Edam cheese, which is then filled with seasoned meat and other ingredients. You can find favorites like these at local establishments such as The Old Cunucu House Restaurant in Noord.
Many of the resorts on Palm Beach are located near (or have their own) incredible restaurants, like Allegra Bistro, the breezy Italian restaurant at Courtyard by Marriott Aruba. For some options a bit further out, try D-Roti Spot in Oranjestad or Kulture Café and O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen in San Nicolas.
And in addition to local food, Aruba is a great place to pick up Dutch snacks (hello, stroopwafels) and other European treats at markets like Super Food.
Curaçao
Some common local dishes in Curaçao include sòpi di banana (plantain soup), guiambo (a thick okra soup) and pastechi (crescent-shaped, empanada-like pastry snacks filled with cheese, beef, chicken or fish). You can also find keshi yena — plus some of the best fried fish you’ll ever eat.
A few of the beloved restaurants and food trucks on-island are De Visserij Piscadera, Disfruta Más, Rozendaels and the Old Market Food Court, Plaza Bieu. For sit-down restaurants, you’ll want to make reservations, especially during peak tourist season.
Jan Thiel Beach is slightly less crowded than the popular Mambo Beach, but there’s still plenty to do and eat at the handful of restaurants there. And of course, at Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, there’s the poolside gem Salty Iguana Ocean Grill — don’t forget to order a refreshing cocktail while you take in the sparkling ocean views.
Nightlife
Aruba
A night out in Aruba could start almost anywhere in Palm Beach or Oranjestad. In Renaissance Marketplace, the aptly named 5 o’Clock Somewhere is more than your average bar and grill: At the standalone 150-seat venue, daily happy hours get served up in sports suites where you can play interactive games.
Along with casinos, such as the one nestled in Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, the island’s got an enviable lineup of beach bars. There’s Bugaloe, which has karaoke; Nos Clubhuis, an upscale option with local cuisine; and Frenchie’s Pub, a beloved venue behind the water show in the center of the Paseo Herencia Mall, an old-style plaza where you can get some great shopping done.
But if you want a super-hands-off approach to your partying, check out one of the island’s multiple bar-hopping tours so you focus on the harder decisions, like what to wear.
Curaçao
Nightlife on Aruba is typically more active than that of Curaçao, but Curaçao has no shortage of seaside hot spots: Mambo Beach is a bustling strip where you’ll find bars, shopping and restaurants. It looks more like an open-air mall than a nightlife center at first glance, but the ocean clubs throw a mean party.
Closer to downtown Willemstad, you’ll find Saint Tropez Ocean Club, which has energetic parties every Friday night. Pietermaai also has lots of live music — artists often perform right in Pietermaai Square, and you can regularly hear live jazz at venues like Roast Cannibal Rumbar and Mundo Bizarro.
Getting Around
Aruba
You can get to Palm Beach from the airport by car, taxi or shuttle bus. If you’re staying in any of the resorts there, nearly everything is easily walkable once you’re settled.
Renting a car is fairly straightforward, and multiple services (including through your resort) will allow you to do it ahead of time if you don’t want to wait until you’re on-island.
Curaçao
Most of Pietermaai is walkable, but you’ll want to get a rental car (or call a taxi, though those can be pricey) if you’re traveling beyond downtown Willemstad.
Much of Punda, Otrobanda and Pietermaai are beautiful to bike through. Alternatively, an ATV rental is an amazing way to see most of the island in one day. (Consider asking your hotel for recommendations for both.)
Visiting Both Islands
Not sure if you’d rather visit Aruba or Curaçao? You can easily travel between the two (and to Bonaire) if you’re interested in bundling both into your itinerary or taking a day trip from one to the other. There are multiple flights per day in either direction on the regional airlines Divi Divi Air and EZ Air.
The flights are small, and unfortunately there are no interisland ferries, so be mindful of luggage size — and if you’re only staying for the day, be prepared to hit the ground running when you land.
Both Aruba and Curaçao are also popular cruise destinations, and transportation from the ports isn’t hard to find after you arrive. The islands are just 20 and 40 miles long respectively, making them fairly easy to navigate if you’re planning to stay for a while.
Related Articles
