Entertainment

Many travelers come to Aruba with nothing but visions of sandy beaches and warm tropical water dancing in their heads. Little do they know that the island also offers a wealth of top-flight entertainment options as well. From museums and theater to shopping and sports, no entertainment-related dream goes unfulfilled in Aruba.

Museums

A trio of engaging facilities offers every visitor a well-rounded look into Aruba's past – and its relationship to the rest of the world. At the Aruba Historical Museum, catch a glimpse of the history of the island, a tale very familiar to any number of once-colonized locales around the world. The Archaeological Museum of Aruba delves even further into the island's past, looking at ancient remains for clues to eternal questions. Looking at the world from a decidedly more specific tack, the Aruba Numismatic Museum frames the history of civilization in terms of the history of coins.

Shopping

Shopping 'til you drop is an easy thing to do in Aruba. Island-themed souvenir outlets like Ecco and the slightly goofier Juggling Fish will keep you in t-shirts and knick knacks 'til the cows come home. Duty-free shops such as the aptly named Little Switzerland contain truckloads of discounted designer goods, from jewelry to fashion and more. But don't take that as an indication that fashion is taken lightly here in Aruba. On the contrary, high-style boutiques like Agatha and Colombia Moda come a dime a dozen. For something more traditional, head to Art & Tradition, procurer of fine Mopa-Mopa art, a native Aruban craft specialty passed down from generation to generation. To get a real feel for the island and its energy, simply browse the booths at Tourists Go Flea Market, a one-stop festival-like destination for everything you need.

Music

What Aruba lacks in visits from major-label superstars, it makes up for in local talent with real chops. In fact, you can feast on some chops while bobbing your head to first-rate live music thrilling crowds at L.G. Smith's Steak & Chophouse in the evenings. Garufa Cigar & Cocktail Lounge and Sopranos Piano Bar deliver their own takes on island-ready jazz, while Grammy's treats audiences to something a bit different: sing along to your favotire tunes at this popular karaoke bar downtown. Finally, if you time your Aruba visit right, you might be able to attend the Aruba Music Festival, a weekend-long celebration of big beats and tasty tunes.

Sports

Again, Aruba may lack the amenities of a major metropolitan city (like, say, a highly-paid professional sports team), but that doesn't mean sportsmanship isn't alive and well here. Tiera Del Sol Golf Course is a world-renowned site, expertly manicured and nestled on quiet beachfront property. It is but one of a number of golfer havens on the island. Golf too tame for your tastes? Try beach tennis, a popular Aruban pastime made all the more special at the annual International Aruba Beach Tennis Open.

Pub Crawls

If there is one thing Aruba most definitely does not lack, it is watering holes. Pubs, bars and other nightlife hotspots literally dot the landscape. Deciding which one to patronize can be a royal pain. Instead, hire Kukoo Kunuku or Banana Bus to do the deciding for you. Both services make use of the first-hand knowledge of expert guides to ferry you and yours to one happenin' joint after the other.

Gaming

Speaking of casinos, try the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, with its seven elegant restaurants and harbor-side view. The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is Aruba's largest casino and is open 24 hours, the only casino besides the Crystal Casino and Renaissance. Just remember to always double down on 11.

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