Downtown Oranjestad

Aruba's capital is compact enough to see on foot in an afternoon: rows of pastel Dutch colonial buildings, a waterfront promenade, and a duty-free shopping strip that runs a few blocks inland.

The harbor area gets its liveliest when a cruise ship is in port, with vendor stalls and street performers out in force. On quieter days it's a relaxed walk with plenty of spots to stop for lunch or a coffee.

It's an easy pairing with Renaissance Island, since the ferry to Flamingo Beach departs from right downtown.