Best Things to Do in Oranjestad, Aruba: Shopping, Dining & Kay’s Fine Jewelry

If you are planning a trip to Aruba and searching for the best things to do in Oranjestad, Aruba, downtown deserves a place on your itinerary. Aruba's vibrant capital combines Caribbean scenery, Dutch colonial architecture, local history, restaurants, shopping, and luxury boutiques in an area that is easy to visit during a day on the island.

Whether you're staying at a nearby resort, visiting Aruba on a cruise, or returning to the One Happy Island for another vacation, spending a day in downtown Oranjestad allows you to see a different side of Aruba than its famous beaches.

And if shopping in Aruba is on your list, make time to visit Kay’s Fine Jewelry in Aruba at Weststraat 8 in downtown Oranjestad. Kay's Fine Jewelry offers fine jewelry and diamonds as well as internationally recognized watch and jewelry brands, making it one of the most memorable stops of your day.

Here's our guide to planning the ideal day in Oranjestad, including what to see, where to shop, where to eat, and what to do near Kay's Fine Jewelry.

Start Your Morning Exploring Downtown Oranjestad

One of the best ways to experience Oranjestad is simply to explore it.

The capital blends historic buildings and vibrant Caribbean architecture with contemporary stores, restaurants, cafés, casinos, and shopping malls. Downtown is also especially convenient for cruise passengers because it connects directly to the cruise terminal area.

As you walk through Oranjestad, look for the colorful buildings that have come to represent Aruba, and spend some time exploring Main Street and the surrounding downtown shopping district.

Visitors who prefer to ride can take advantage of the Downtown Trolley, which connects Aruba's cruise terminal to the center of Oranjestad. The trolley runs along Main Street, making several stops near monuments, museums, and important shopping districts.

It is a simple way to become acquainted with downtown before deciding where to spend more time.

Discover Aruba's History at Fort Zoutman

Before you start shopping, spend some time learning about Aruba's history.

Fort Zoutman and the Willem III Tower are two of Oranjestad's most recognizable historical landmarks. Fort Zoutman, completed in 1798, is considered Aruba's oldest remaining structure.

The neighboring Willem III Tower, completed in 1868, previously served as a lighthouse and public clock tower.

Today, the complex houses the Historical Museum, which allows visitors to learn more about Aruba's development and history.

If you happen to be downtown on a Tuesday evening, Fort Zoutman is also known for hosting the Bon Bini Festival, which celebrates Aruban culture with local music, dance, food, art, and traditions.

It is a convenient cultural stop for guests looking for things to do near downtown Oranjestad before or after shopping.

Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Aruba

Another captivating downtown site is Aruba's National Archeological Museum.

The museum, housed in the magnificently restored Ecury family complex, dives into Aruba's history and Amerindian origins via archeological relics and exhibitions spanning thousands of years.

It's an excellent addition to your agenda if you want to learn about Aruba beyond its beaches. Because the museum is conveniently located in downtown Oranjestad, it can be combined with shopping, lunch, and a stop at Kay's Fine Jewelry.

Make Kay’s Fine Jewelry Aruba Part of Your Day

After absorbing some of downtown's history, it's time to shop.

Kay's Fine Jewelry, located on Weststraat 8 in Oranjestad, Aruba, has been a family-owned Caribbean jeweler for over 35 years.

Our mission has always been simple: luxury with a family touch.

Shopping for jewelry should be enjoyable, personalized, and comfortable. When you enter into Kay's Fine Jewelry Aruba, our family wants you to feel welcome, whether you're looking for a specific piece or just browsing while visiting downtown.

For many tourists, purchasing jewelry in Aruba becomes a part of the vacation experience. A diamond ring, bracelet, watch, gemstone pendant, or personalized piece can keep the memories of your vacation alive long after you return home.

Our Aruba store carries a wide range of fine jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, bangles, diamonds, gemstones, timepieces, and unique Caribbean-inspired pieces.

Visitors can also look through Kay's Fine Jewelry's hallmark collections, which include popular Flexi designs, Ocean-inspired jewelry, Larimar pieces, colored gemstones, diamond jewelry, and bespoke creations.

If you've been looking online for a jewelry store in Aruba, fine jewelry in Aruba, diamond jewelry in Aruba, or jewelry shopping near the Aruba cruise port, Kay's Fine Jewelry allows you to see our assortment in person while exploring downtown Oranjestad.

Shop Jewelry and Watch Brands in Aruba

Additionally, Kay's Fine Jewelry Aruba offers an interesting assortment of globally renowned jewelry and watch brands, making our downtown showroom a popular destination for tourists seeking luxury watches and jewelry in Aruba.

At our Aruba location, you can discover:

Kendra Scott, known for colorful, wearable jewelry and distinctive designs.

Barakà, featuring contemporary Italian men's jewelry with bold materials and modern craftsmanship.

BALL Watch, recognized for precision, durability, and its heritage in watchmaking.

NOMOS Glashütte, offering beautifully designed German mechanical watches with a clean, contemporary aesthetic.

Rado, celebrated for Swiss watchmaking, innovative materials, and distinctive modern designs.

Citizen, offering innovative and versatile timepieces, including its well-known Eco-Drive technology.

Bulova, a watchmaker with a long history of combining innovation and recognizable American design.

Frederique Constant, known for elegant Swiss watches inspired by traditional watchmaking.

Hamilton, bringing together American heritage and Swiss precision in an extensive collection of timepieces.

Additionally, Kay's Fine Jewelry's unique lab-grown diamond brand, GROWNIQUE, is available at all of our Kay's Fine Jewelry shops. Through contemporary lab-grown diamond designs, GROWNIQUE offers customers an additional method to discover exquisite diamond jewelry.

Our family can assist you in finding something that feels special to you, whether you're searching for a new watch, a keepsake from your trip, an anniversary present, an engagement ring, or just want to explore luxury shopping in Aruba.

Continue Shopping Around Downtown Oranjestad

After visiting Kay's Fine Jewelry, continue exploring the downtown Oranjestad boutiques and shopping venues.

One popular destination is Royal Plaza Mall, which is instantly identifiable by its colorful Dutch Caribbean-inspired architecture. The shopping mall is ideally placed near the cruise terminal, making it a simple addition to a day spent visiting downtown.

You can also go to Renaissance Mall, a major shopping destination in Oranjestad. While there, visit Aruba Aloe, one of the island's most well-known indigenous businesses. Aruba Aloe, established in 1890, manufactures skincare, sun care, hair care, and body products using aloe produced and processed on the island. It's a terrific spot to pick up an Aruba-made souvenir or something to remember your stay by.

Nearby, Renaissance Marketplace provides another open-air venue with restaurants, cafés, entertainment, and waterfront views.

Downtown Oranjestad is one of Aruba's top shopping districts, with fine jewelry and watches at Kay's Fine Jewelry and locally created Aruba Aloe items, boutiques, souvenirs, and other retailers. With so much to do in a short distance, you can easily mix shopping with sightseeing, dining, and exploring Aruba's vibrant streets.

Take a Break Along the Waterfront

After a morning of sightseeing and shopping, spend some time by the water.

The downtown area provides numerous opportunities to enjoy Oranjestad's marina and waterfront views. Renaissance Marketplace is located between the Caribbean Sea, Seaport Harbor, and Wilhelmina Park, making it an excellent area to walk, take photos, or stop for a drink.

This is also one of the reasons why visiting downtown Oranjestad is such an easy day excursion. You may combine history, shopping, jewelry, cuisine, and waterfront views without planning a difficult itinerary.

Lunch Near Kay’s Fine Jewelry: Lima Bistro & Iguana Joe's

If you are looking for restaurants near Kay’s Fine Jewelry Aruba, Lima Bistro and Iguana Joe's Caribbean Bar & Grill are two very convenient downtown options.

Lima Bistro, located on Weststraat 2 in downtown Oranjestad, delivers exquisite Peruvian food influenced by Aruba, as well as international cuisines. Chef Teddy Bouroncle combines his Peruvian ancestry with international culinary abilities to create dishes with ingredients such as fresh local catches, locally grown greens, ceviches, seafood, and other interesting combinations. Its Oranjestad harbor location makes it an excellent choice for visitors wishing to eat lunch before continuing their downtown adventure.

Iguana Joe's Caribbean Bar & Grill, located just across the street in the Royal Plaza Mall, offers a pleasant, open-air casual dining experience. It is a perfect setting for a quiet lunch in the center of downtown, with colorful balcony views overlooking the harbor, big plates of Caribbean-Mexican classics including Jamaican jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, and traditional keshi yena, and its famed "Pink Iguana" cocktail.

Without leaving downtown, you can shop at Kay's Fine Jewelry, tour the waterfront, and then enjoy a fantastic supper.

Turn Your Aruba Day into an Unforgettable Dinner

After you've finished touring downtown, Aruba's food scene offers numerous reasons to extend your day into the evening.

Gianni's Ristorante Italiano in Palm Beach is a prominent Italian restaurant. Gianni's is well-known for its Italian meals, which range from seafood and steaks to pasta, including its distinctive tableside spaghetti al formaggio parmigiano.

If you prefer open-fire cooking, check out AZAR, which mixes modern culinary techniques with fire-based cooking and specializes in steaks, shellfish, fish, vegetables, and other foods baked in wood-fired ovens and grills.

For a romantic evening, Barefoot Restaurant provides beachfront dining with your feet on the sand. The restaurant combines Caribbean and international flavors with sunset and ocean views, making it an ideal choice for couples, anniversaries, or anybody wishing to cap off an Aruba day with dinner by the sea.

Madame Janette is another popular spot for al fresco eating, with tropical gardens, glittering lights, live music, and a menu influenced by both the Caribbean and the world.

Consider Papiamento Restaurant for an authentic Aruba experience. This family-run restaurant is set in a classic Aruban cunucu house surrounded by tropical grounds. Its famous poolside dining provides a lovely environment for a romantic evening.

And for those who want a more private culinary experience, 2 Fools and a Bull provides a chef's-table-style tasting experience in which customers dine together around a U-shaped table while savoring a multicourse menu.

From seaside dining to chef-driven eateries, there are plenty of ways to unwind after a day of exploration and shopping in Aruba.

Visiting Aruba on a Cruise? Add Downtown Oranjestad to Your Plans

If you're arriving by cruise ship and looking for things to do near Aruba's cruise port, downtown Oranjestad is one of the most convenient places to visit.

The downtown trolley connects the cruise terminal area to Main Street, and many of Oranjestad's shops, museums, restaurants, and attractions are in the city center.

That means you can explore many various aspects of Aruba even if you just have a short time on the island.

Visit Fort Zoutman. Explore Aruba's history. Walk around the colorful streets. Browse Royal Plaza. Stop by Kay's Fine Jewelry. Enjoy lunch near the harbor. Then, return to your cruise with a piece of Aruba and plenty of memories from the day.

Visit Kay’s Fine Jewelry in Downtown Oranjestad, Aruba

While there are many things to do in Aruba, slowing down and taking in the island one neighborhood at a time can lead to some of the most memorable vacation experiences.

Downtown Oranjestad combines history, Caribbean culture, colorful architecture, restaurants, waterfront vistas, and some of Aruba's best shopping all in one location.

While you're here, come see our Kay's Fine Jewelry family store at Weststraat 8 in downtown Oranjestad.

Whether you are searching for fine jewelry in Aruba, diamond jewelry, luxury watches, lab-grown diamonds, a Caribbean-inspired keepsake, an engagement ring, or a special piece to celebrate your vacation, we would love to welcome you.

Come browse, ask questions, and discover why travelers return to Kay’s Fine Jewelry whenever they visit One our Happy Island.

Make Kay’s Fine Jewelry part of your perfect day in Aruba.