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Oranjestad
The capital of the country is located on the island’s picturesque southern coast. Oranjestad is the historical Dutch capital city bearing a visible influence of Dutch architecture. Along the wharf, merchants come to sell fresh fish and produce right off their boats every morning. Oranjestad is also the place to shop or to browse in the marketplace for local art and handicrafts. It is also the focal point for the various festivities on the island like the Carnival, a summertime festival, the New Year's fireworks, or even a parade in honor of the Queen. At any time of year, Oranjestad is the meeting place of tourists and locals alike. All of Aruba’s government buildings and main offices are located in Oranjestad.
San Nicolas
This second largest city of the island is a recent development that has gained popularity with the island's oil boom. The Refinery built here in 1928 and was the largest refining plant in the world during the Second World War, when it supplied oil to the allies. Due to a steady decline after the world war, the oil refinery was closed down in 1985. San Nicolas was a ghost town, but is now efforts are underway to rejuvenate the town and attract tourism. This area with a typical British Caribbean heritage is presently being developed as a tourist destination. The old wooden houses here are being replaced by new concrete houses, and hotels are being built or renovated to reflect the city's history. The town’s main attraction is Charlie’s Bar, since 1941. It has gained fame due to a display of scuba diver’s underwater discoveries on its walls. It’s become a kind of a museum in the decades and is a good place to stop for refreshment. <
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