Ultimate Aruba Vacation Guide: A Perfect 4-Day Itinerary For Your Caribbean Vacation

If any island has earned a reputation for unparalleled natural beauty and favorable year-round weather, it’s Aruba. Whether looking at its comfortable climate, unique natural landscape, fascinating regional cuisine, or the approachable locals who populate the island, this Dutch-governed paradise has more than proven its tourist-friendly moniker as “One Happy Island.”

Even when compared to other Caribbean islands like Jamaica, Bermuda, or the Dominican Republic, Aruba is indeed an island unlike any other. From its rich national culture and local culinary institutions to its breathtaking beaches and crystal-blue waters, virtually everything about Aruba makes it a must-see destination for adventurous travelers across the globe.

As magical a vacation spot as Aruba might be for most, like any journey abroad, it can prove a tad daunting mapping out the most effective (and authentic) Aruba experience while planning your trip’s itinerary. With that in mind, here is a highly effective guide to your dream Aruban vacation, including tips on where to stay, what foods to try, and recommended activities to occupy your time on the island.

Where To Stay: Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort

There are many remarkable resorts to choose from when it comes to experiencing Aruba in person. For our money, though, the best among them has to be the scenic and relatively cost-friendly Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, conveniently located along the shores of nearby Eagle Beach. Utilizing an Old World style of Dutch architecture for its main layout, it’s a resort that truly brings the splendor of the Netherlands to the opulent waters of the Caribbean.

There are several main reasons to book your stay at Amsterdam Manor, including – most obviously – its easily navigable distance to the beach itself. Not only that, but Amsterdam Manor also houses two of the finest restaurants along the island’s western coast, Horizons Lounge and Passions on the Beach. The rooms themselves are likewise extraordinarily comfortable, especially if you choose to reserve a penthouse suite overlooking the ocean (an Amsterdam Manor experience that comes with its own set of perks, including an optional private dinner that we’ll explain in more detail below).

Check rates online for Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.

Day 1: Explore Aruba’s Fascinating Artistic Districts

Morning: Tuck Into a Flavorful Breakfast at Kulture Cafe Aruba

Most people might associate Aruba with its pristine beaches, warm waters, and exciting snorkeling opportunities. However, it’s also worth recognizing the vibrant artistic community associated with One Happy Island.

In order to properly experience Aruba’s thriving arts district, I recommend venturing down to San Nicolas, the second largest city on the island behind the capital of Oranjestad. To start your tour of the city off right, visit the elegant San Nicolas hotspot, Kulture Cafe Aruba. Along with classic breakfast options like homemade waffles and fresh avocado toast, patrons can choose any one of Kulture Cafe’s hearty sandwiches, wraps, and paninis (not to mention several refreshing beverages like fresh-squeezed lemonade, orange juice, and sorrel juice).

Late Morning: Take a Stroll Through San Nicolas’s Art District

After finishing your meal at Kulture Cafe Aruba, exit right to San Nicolas’s Arts District. While wandering the streets, you’ll find numerous murals, paintings, and sculptures showing off Aruba’s regional history and foremost attractions, including more than a few portrayals of Aruba’s dense iguana population.

Afternoon: Lunch at O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen To Round Out Your San Nicolas Adventures

Before leaving San Nicolas and returning to your abode, Amsterdam Manor, you might think about grabbing a bite to eat at O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen. Located amidst the various murals and street art pieces sprinkled through San Nicolas, O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen serves up traditional Jamaican delicacies that will have you saying “mmm” with every bite. Above all else, I recommend the roast chicken or jerk pork, each of which is coated in authentic Caribbean spices rarely found outside the “yaad.”

Late Afternoon: Take a Swim in Amsterdam Manor’s Luxurious Pool

Having likely worked up a sweat exploring San Nicolas on foot, you might want to cool off by taking a dip in Amsterdam Manor’s idyllic outdoor pool. A perfect way to combat the heat of an Aruban afternoon, Amsterdam Manor’s pool is as relaxing as it is refreshing. Between its comfortable lounge chairs, cool temperature, and continuously flowing waterfall, it’s the optimal place to take a midday catnap before freshening up for dinner.

Evening: Grab Dinner and Cocktails at Horizons Lounge

As evening settles over the island, you’ll perhaps consider grabbing a bite to eat at Amsterdam Manor’s tranquil on-site bar and restaurant, Horizon Lounges. Nestled above the resort’s aforementioned pool, Horizons Lounge has a medley of wonderful dishes and cocktails worthy of your attention. For example, for appetizers, crispy chicken wings, a formidable charcuterie board, and traditional Dutch bitterballen (deep-fried Dutch meatballs filled with meat and cheese and served with a creamy dipping sauce) are available. In terms of cocktails, the lounge’s Aruba Ariba is an absolute must. The national cocktail of choice for the island nation, it’s a distinctly Aruban spin on the classic Jamaican rum punch, adding in crème de banana alongside vodka, rum, cucui, and various fruit juices.

Day 2: Enjoy a Restful Day on Eagle Beach (Before Partying the Night Away)

Morning: See the Sun Rise Over Eagle Beach

If there are two things you should prioritize on your trip to Aruba, it’s seeing a sunrise and sunset at some point during your vacation. Fortunately, Amsterdam Manor offers splendid views of both. Though you’ll need to set your alarm a bit on the earlier side, once you’re awake, all you need to do is wander down to the beach. Sitting in the sugar-white sand and staring out at the blue expanse of water in front of you, you’ll be entreated to a magnificent sunrise straight out of a Monet painting.

Late Morning: Sip on Some Santos Coffee with Soul

Having risen early to watch the sunrise, it’s fair to say you’ve earned something to eat. With that in mind, we’d suggest wandering further along the beach in search of Santos Coffee with Soul, a cozy breakfast nook specializing in strong coffee, fortifying juices, and sandwiches made on fresh-baked bread.

Afternoon: Reserve a Palapa Through the Hotel

Even if you’re still a bit groggy from your early morning wake-up call, fret not! Today, you can catch up on some much-needed rest by spending most of the afternoon on Eagle Beach. While you’re free to pull up a lounge chair generously provided by Amsterdam Manor, you can also reserve a shaded palapa through the resort as well. (Be sure to bring the complimentary beach towels provided in your suite’s bathrooms, along with plenty of sunblock to combat that unforgiving Caribbean sun.)

Late Afternoon: Enjoy Lunch at Passions on the Beach

If you feel your stomach growl between trips to the ocean, feel free to walk up to Amsterdam Manor’s Passions on the Beach bar and restaurant. Whether you reserve a table, order food to take back to your palapa, or sip on a cocktail at the bar. Passions has plenty of worthwhile options to enrich your day in the sun, from juicy Angus beef burgers and grouper fish tacos to Caribbean fish soup and red snapper Greek salad.

Evening: Unleash Your Inner Wild Side On the Kukoo Kunuku Party Bus

Having spent the day relaxing on the beach, it’s time to crank up the evening’s energy by boarding the Kukoo Kunuku Party Bus. A wonderful introduction to Aruba’s eventful nightlife, reserving a spot on the party bus ensures you access to dinner, complimentary drinks, and a champagne toast as the sun sets in the distance. A five-hour-long tour through Aruba’s most exciting bars and nightclubs is the perfect way to end the day’s comparatively tame afternoon activities.

Day 3: Shopping, Cruising, and Moonlit Dinners Along the Beach

Morning: Order A Hearty Breakfast Through Amsterdam Manor’s Room Service

After traveling aboard the Kukoo Kunuku Party Bus, it’s likely you’ll wake up the next morning feeling a tad under-energized from the night’s festivities. With that in mind, why not sleep in a little and order room service through the resort? With a menu provided by Passions on the Beach, every item you choose to order is guaranteed to be fresh, delicious, and quickly delivered to your suite.

Late Morning: Do Some Light Shopping at the Palm Beach Plaza Mall

Having fueled up from your in-room breakfast, the next item on the itinerary will take you to Pelican Pier. Nestled alongside some of Aruba’s most opulent hotel resorts, Pelican Pier is also a short distance away from the outdoor Palm Beach Plaza Mall. Touring the exterior properties, you’ll find plenty of great shopping opportunities for potential Aruban souvenirs, from T-shirts and baseball caps to aloe products and decorative swimwear.

Afternoon: Snorkel, Sip, Kayak, and Cruise With Pelican Adventures

As tempting as it might be, remember not to spend your afternoon solely exploring the Palm Beach Plaza Mall – because the next item on your activity list involves setting out on a seafaring journey aboard a Pelican Adventures cruise. Embarking on an hour-long voyage to a serene lagoon, you’ll be afforded a chance to pursue plenty of action-packed activities through Pelican Adventures, including kayaking, snorkeling, and rope-swinging into the warm waters below.

If that weren’t reason enough to enjoy this cruise, Pelican Adventures also provides an open bar and an all-you-can lunch buffet with the price of admission. A half-a-day affair filled with adventure, magical views, and plenty of great food, it’s a quintessential Aruban experience I can’t recommend enough.

Evening: Dine Beneath the Stars at Passions on the Beach

Once you arrive back at Amsterdam Manor, you’ll have enough time to shower, get changed, and head out for a more upscale dinner at Passions on the Beach. Though a casual dining establishment during the day, once night rolls around. Passions transforms into a refined beachside restaurant where you can dip your toes in the sand as you tuck into your meal.

If you go at the right time of day, Passions will afford you a first-rate look at the sunset in the distance (along with a few potential marriage proposals along the beach). Of course, that’s not to detract from any of Passions’ illustrious dinner choices, including signature restaurant staples such as ceviche, coconut grouper, New Zealand lamb chops, and Caribbean lobster.

Day 4: Indulge In One Final Adventure With An Off-Road Jeep Tour

Morning: Breakfast at Passions on the Beach

Sadly, all good things must come to an end – but even then, you can always choose to make your final day in Aruba as unforgettable as those that came before it. In order to do so, I recommend stopping in for one final meal at Passions on the Beach. Again, while its distance to Amsterdam Manor is its greatest appeal, Passions boasts as delicious a breakfast menu as they do lunch or dinner. (Our recommendation: a fruit smoothie, a cup of coffee, savory pancakes, and English muffins topped with beef tenderloin, guacamole, mozzarella, and pico de gallo.)

Late Morning: Explore Aruba With De Palm Off-Road Safari Jeep Tours

What better way to experience one last look at Aruba’s unique geography than on the back of a safari jeep? By booking a tour through De Palm, guests will get an in-depth glimpse of the fascinating desert island landscape that makes up Aruba’s topography. Hopping aboard an open-air, off-roading jeep, you’ll venture past some of Aruba’s most scenic points of interest.

At the California Lighthouse, for example, you’ll marvel at a 98-foot-tall 1916 lighthouse that doubles as the tallest structure in Aruba. Similarly, visitors can wander into a humble 1952 Catholic chapel built on the same ground as its original 1750 predecessor at the Alto Vista Chapel.

Balashi gold mine

Perhaps most interestingly, De Palm transports jeep riders to the Balashi Gold Mills on the island’s southwestern coast. Next to the ruins of the former gold processing sight, you’ll come across neatly stacked piles of stones blanketing the nearby beach. These rock formations are more commonly known as wishing towers: all you need to do is stack seven stones (representing six of your desires and one final wish), and within seven days, seven weeks, or seven months, your wishes will supposedly come true.

Afternoon: Baby-Step Into the Surf At Baby Beach

You’ve had your taste of adventure for the day with De Palm Tours; now, you can enjoy some gentle relaxation courtesy of the fan-favorite Baby Beach. It is quite possibly the most scenic beach in Aruba (which is certainly saying something). Baby Beach is known for its gentle waves and shallow depth, making it an ideal destination for young or inexperienced swimmers alike.

Evening: Reserve A Private Penthouse Dinner Or Opt For A Local Restaurant

If you were able to reserve Amsterdam Manor’s penthouse suite, you might want to think about possibly booking a private dining experience offered as an added bonus with the room. For $200 per guest, you can choose to accompany your stay with a three-course meal with complimentary wine pairings and private service on your balcony. A luxurious way to conclude your Aruban travels, it’s sure to provide diners with one more memory to cherish for years to come.

Alternatively, you can always opt to venture off the beaten path and enter into an off-site dining locale. With strong nearby options, including Las Ramblas Restaurant, Madame Janette, and Water’s Edge Restaurant, any restaurant you settle on is sure to leave you amply satisfied for the long plane ride home.