Where’s the Party?

Though some hot spots are found elsewhere on the island, most nightlife action revolves around two main regions. The Palm Beach “strip” is always electric after dark in front of the high-rise hotels on L.G. Smith Blvd. and no car is required to barhop with ease. And there’s always something happening all around Renaissance Marketplace in downtown Oranjestad. But the party spirit begins early here, and usually on the sea!

 

 

Get a head start to rev up with a rollicking Havana Sunset Cruise aboard Pelican Adventures’ fun catamaran where you can learn to salsa with their instructors before you hit the dance floors later. (Unlimited mojitos get hips moving!) Then enjoy happy hour drink specials and great snacks at their Pelican Pier Bar. Or head to Holiday Inn’s Oceanside Bar & Grill Aruba for 2-for-1 drinks beginning at 3pm, their beachfront is an excellent place for a final daylight dip. Also, a fab spot for a swim at happy hour is Rum Reef Cocktail Bar & Grill just outside of San Nicolas. They have a gorgeous infinity adult-only pool overlooking Baby Beach and live music every Sunday. Also on the water is SharQys Bahia’s fiesta oasis to watch the ships go by and enjoy premium giant margarita specials on the downtown harbor. The West Deck Island Grill & Beach Bar is also within cruise ship spotting distance nearby for buckets of beer, creative cocktails, and sumptuous small plates of Caribbean specialties. Or you can leave the driving to the fun folks of Kukoo Kunukoo. They have fabulous barhopping “parranda”’ style bus tours that go all over the island where you’ll have as much fun on the bus as you will in the clubs!

 

 

 

In the mood to belly up to the bar and raise a few with friendly locals? Eetcafe The Paddock on the downtown marina is the classic spot for expat Dutch elbow-bending and fanatical soccer fans. Expect a sea of orange shirts if the Netherlands are playing. Bingo! Bar & Restaurant in Noord is another favorite for Dutch expats seeking a taste of home pub culture with authentic Dutch fare and beer. Or if you’re seeking an American sports fix, head for Double Down Sports Bar at Eagle Resort.

 

 

 

Find The Old Dutch in Noord, a friendly local pub with killer craft beers that morphs into a live music rockfest at night on their alfresco patio. Want to dance on the bar? It’s almost a requirement at The Saloon Aruba in South Beach Mall, a wild west blowout party spot with Texas-sized drinks, live music, AND hardcore karaoke. Or grab a cocktail at trendy Fusion Cuisine in Paseo Herencia and enjoy free live entertainment in their colonial courtyard.

 

Renaissance Marketplace downtown is also a musical smorgasbord. Cuba’s Cookin’ has nightly live Latin music every night, or grab one of their “best mojitos in town” to go, and dance along to the nightly live bands in the public square. Take a break at colorful Camara De Lobos, they have bottomless sangria specials and skewered snacks, too. Later, join the glam, stylish crowd for Vegas style VIP clubbing with bottle service, pulsating lights, and hot DJs at The Office just off the strip. They stay open until the wee hours.

 

 

 

Madero Pop-Up Bar on the beach at The Ritz- Carlton is a unique experience. They create an original cocktail based on your spirit and flavor preference and serve it up in cool souvenir coconut. Afterward head to the sophisticated Divi Lounge & Bar in their grand lobby for superb sunset views and craft cocktails, too. And the alfresco oasis of the Hilton’s Sunset Bar also provides great sundown vistas with soft live music and signature libations. You’ll also find insanely good craft cocktails tucked away at Holiday Inn Resort’s Agave Mexican Cuisine. Their talented mixologists can create something exotically original just for you, too.

The bar at Brutto Aruba is also on trend, often ahead of the curve, with very creative drinks, house music, and a dazzling selection of shareables. And another future-forward spot is the Perfect Shot Restaurant located in the new Metro Mall. They use next-level technology to custom print images captured from your camera in liquid on the foam of your cocktail or coffee. So cool! They also serve an excellent selection of creative small bites. Practically next door, Carnivorus Grill & Cocktail Lounge offers a relaxed lounge vibe with great drinks to enjoy. Or go retro-romantic at Quinta del Carmen’s magnificent 100-year-old mansion’s gorgeous antique bar or share specialty drinks and delectable bites in their lovely tapas garden. Also classic is Pappa’s Cigar Lounge hidden away in Papiamento Restaurant’s historic family home for upscale digestives and an after-dinner smoke. And you’ll find a new speakeasy-style parlor in South Beach Mall called The Barn. The vibe is smooth live whisky blues music, meticulously crafted cocktails, and top-notch cigars.

And of course, there’s the high-rolling classy action at the island’s cosmopolitan casinos. Aruba Marriot’s Stellaris Casino, Hilton’s The Casino Aruba, and Casino at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba are all best bets for a glam night out. Or if enjoying your classy sips and snacks on the waves floats your boat instead, book a luxury adult-only sunset dinner cruise aboard the Monforte III for a magical ocean evening out.