San Nicolas, Aruba, Travel Guide

When I first stepped foot in ArubaI was not sure what to anticipate. I knew that the island was well-known, and I expected the sand to be soft as powder, the water turquoise, but what I didn’t expect was the cultural heart of the island, or a personal connection.

Aruba is known as a peaceful island retreat for sunseekers, but it also has a vibrant culture, cuisine and street art. San Nicolas reflects the island’s rich history, influenced largely by the Afro-Caribbean, South American and South American immigrants that call the area home. Being of Caribbean descent, (my mother comes from Trinidad and my father is Puerto Rican), it was easy to feel at home with the melting-pot that is this part.

San Nicolas’ colorful streets tell a powerful story. The island’s second-largest city—known for its past as a thriving port and industrial hub during Aruba’s oil boom, and later as the island’s red light district—is now at the epicenter of a cultural revival. Locals, like Tito Bolivar who founded the ArtWeek Aruba, and Aruba Art fair, aim to not only restore what the city was once, but also turn it into a celebration Aruban culture. San Nicolas, once Aruba’s premier city, has become forgotten. Bolivar: “I wanted to bring back light, art and culture.” “I began with the Aruba art fair, which includes a painting program for murals in San Nicolas. The goal was to rebrand San Nicolas as the ‘street art capital’ of the Caribbean.”

The walls of every street are covered in beautiful murals. They tell a story. The stories tell of the industrial revolutions this tiny island has experienced, of its cultural mosaic, and the triumphs and trials that it has experienced. The story is one of reinvention and resilience. It also has a joyous spirit that is uniquely Aruban. The Mural Tours and the Museum of Industry have brought an influx of visitors to the area. However, it feels like a secret gem. Secrets Baby Beach Aruba is a popular, all-inclusive resort that will open in 2025. The third annual Aruba Arts Fair, which will take place in October, also has a date of opening in 2025. My instinct says San Nicolas could be the next hotspot. The area is a cultural paradise for those seeking an adventure outside of the resorts.

Where to stay?

Secrets Baby Beach Aruba

While many locals in San Nicolas are not thrilled about the impact of this new all-inclusive resort, I met a number of business owners who were very excited. This size resort is a sign of growth in the area. More people means more attention and more tourists. Secrets Baby Beach ArubaThe new resort is just a two-minute drive from San Nicolas’ downtown, located along the calm Baby Beach. The all-inclusive, adults-only resort—part of the Hyatt Inclusive Collection—features 304 suites (some with ocean views and plunge pools), seven dining options, an infinity pool with Balinese-inspired daybeds, and a fully packed activities calendar.

Eva Resort

Visit for a boutique resort that feels more private than the cookie cutter resorts on the island. Eva Resort Savaneta. This intimate property has just four suites with one to two bedrooms, all equipped with a kitchen and a cozy living room. A saltwater pool and VIP tours are available to add an extra level of luxury. This is a great home base if you want to venture off the beaten track.

Joia Aruba is a brand of Iberostar

The drive to San Nicolas is about 40 minutes. Joia Aruba by Iberostar is the current belle of the (beach) ball—it’s the newest luxury resort to arrive on the island. Nestled along shores of Eagle BeachThis oasis, which was named the best in the Caribbean is not only beautiful, but also eco-conscious, with world-class amenities. These include an 18-hole course, the only one on the Island, a state of the art wellness center, as well as gourmet dining options that showcase regional flavors.

Bucuti & Tara

Eagle Beach is also nearby. Bucuti & Tara This is an adults-only retreat that focuses on romance, wellness and sustainability. The resort was voted as one of the best in the world. Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite resorts in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas in 2023.

What to Do in Best Things to See

Visit a street-art tour.

San Nicolas immediately captured my attention with its vibrant murals that lined the streets. It was a unique experience to walk around the island, with each wall telling its own story. Bolivar invites street artists to paint colorful stories about the island’s history and culture. “I look for artists whose style aligns with Aruba being ‘One Happy Island,'” he said. He has several different kinds of music. Mural Tours of different lengths, but perhaps the most intriguing is The Whole Story & Workshop, a 6.5-hour option that includes live art lessons with a local artist.

Visit some museums

Visit at least one of San Nicolas’ three museums to learn about Aruba’s culture and history. You can visit the museums in San Nicholas to learn about Aruba’s culture and history. Museum of Industry The book offers a detailed look at the various industrial revolutions that Aruba has experienced. The Carnival Euphoria Exhibition Visitors can get a taste of Aruba’s carnival heritage with costumes, memorabilia as well as workshops that involve the local community. And the Community MuseumThe restored Nicolaas Store houses a museum that brings the history of the island to life through recreated rooms, relics and artifacts.

Snorkel with turtles

Baby Beach is a great alternative for those looking to relax. Its crescent-shaped, curved shoreline makes it ideal for snorkeling. Big Mama Grill offers post-swim refreshment. During my time spent exploring the underwater world at Baby Beach, I was able to spot a colorful array of parrotfish and angelfish, and even swam with a few sea turtles—one of my island highlights.

Taste Caribbean flavors

San Nicolas’ cuisines still reflect the rich cultural history of the region. During the oil rush, thousands of Afro-Caribbean workers and South American immigrants arrived in the refineries to work. They helped shape the area and made it the melting pot that it is today. In addition to absorbing the history and culture of the island, I will always remember the food that I ate in San Nicolas.

Best Restaurants

O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen

Oneil Williams, a Jamaican-born chef based in Aruba, brings Caribbean flavors to San Nicolas. O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen. The restaurant’s motto is “local and Caribbean food, good to last bite” with delicious dishes like curry lobster, oxtail soup, and jerk wings. It was one of the best meals I had in the entire island.

Kulture Cafe

Nick and Kedesha, husband and wife duo, founded the company. Kulture Cafe The restaurant is located in the Nicolaas Store, just below the Community Museum. From the salmon and avocado toast signature to the sage-lime juice quencher, everything feels fresh and healthy. The cafe is not only known for its delicious food but also celebrates the local culture. Nick Gordon, the owner, said that his goals included providing a place for locals and visitors to meet, hosting events highlighting local talent and art, and promoting Aruba’s rich cultural heritage. On the cafe’s agenda, you’ll find live music, art shows, and culinary experiences that are a reflection of the island’s tradition.

Kamini’s Kitchen

Locals are renowned for their excellence Visitors and residents alike. Kamini’s Kitchen Kamini Kurvink, owner and chef of the restaurant, brings together Aruban flavors along with Trinidadian influences to make some classic Caribbean comfort food. I was thrilled that the menu included my grandmother’s favorite dishes like doubles, potato curry, chana, and roti.

Dessalines Haitian Caribbean Cuisine

Chef Makaveli (a.k.a. Marc Alain Arcelin) founded the restaurant to showcase the tastes of his childhood. Chef Makaveli, a.k.a. Marc-Alain Arcelin (a.k.a. Dessalines Haitian Caribbean Cuisine. You’ll see plates such as his version of Haitian spaghetti and a breakfast dish that includes turkey sausages, smoked herrings, hard-boiled eggs, fresh tomatoes and red peppers.

The Best Time to Visit

San Nicolas is most vibrant during the day when cafes, galleries and colorful murals are in full swing. The city is still settling into its new identity as it continues to move away from its former red-light district. Morning and afternoon are the best times to enjoy it.

Aruba does not fall within the hurricane belt so any time is good to visit. Temperatures hover around 82° Fahrenheit all year round, with some rain falling between October and January. The wind was very strong on the island when I visited. Locals told me that May is one of the most windy months.

San Nicolas will be a great place to see Aruban culture up close in the first week of Septembre. ArtWeek Aruba Kicks off. The three-day culmination of the week. Aruba Art FairThe community can come together to enjoy live performances, food trucks and art installations.

How to get there

Queen Beatrix International Airport, also known as AUA, is accessible by direct flights from major U.S. airports, particularly on the East Coast. It’s also easily accessible from major international airports all over the world. Visas are currently not required by citizens of the U.S. or Canada, nor the Caribbean, Europe and much of South America. However, visitors must fill out an Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED). online Pay $20 sustainability fee.

Renting a car is my personal choice, but you can also take a cab. You’ll drive for about 25-30 minutes along the coastline.

How to Get Around

You can either rent a vehicle from the airport or a local company, depending on where you are staying. Or you can take a taxi. Renting a car is the best way to explore the island, as it’s not close to many hotels and off the beaten track. Aruba traffic is calm, and driving around is simple.