Planning Your Budget-Friendly Trip To Aruba

Your ideal beach vacation on the One Happy Island need not break the bank.

The I Love Aruba Sign in Oranjestad

For over thirty years I experienced Aruba as a tourist, paying top dollar at the fanciest spots on the island.

Now as a property owner on the island, I utilize a local's approach: finding quality experiences for good value.

Here are some insider tips to help you extend your dollar while visiting this Caribbean gem I call home.

Things to do:

1. THE BEACH!

   
   

   According to the Aruba Tourism Authority, "Sun, Sand and Sea" is the number one reason why tourists selected Aruba as their travel destination, with 94% of visitors choosing this option (statistics as of the January 2025 Monthly Report).

   
   

   While most hotels provide lounge chairs and amenities for their guests, all beaches in Aruba are public, meaning if you have a beach chair or towel (which most Airbnbs on the island provide), you can basically sit anywhere for free.

   
   

LOCAL'S TIP: One of my favorite spots to sit on the beach is in the mangrove trees on Palm Beach nestled between The Ritz-Carlton and The Marriott Stellaris.  Bring your own cooler and have yourself a day!

For a review of the beaches on the island with a list of my favorites, you can read my "Ultimate Aruba Beach Guide."

2. Alto Vista Chapel and Peace Labyrinth

A visit to the oldest church in Aruba costs nothing and fills your soul with spirituality.

Furthermore, the free onsite Peace Labyrinth situated directly behind the chapel is an absolute off-the-beaten path gem.

You will need a car to get to this bastion of calm on the northern side of the island, so plan other activities for that day including a visit to the nearby California Lighthouse and Malmok Boardwalk.

3. Hooiberg

Standing at 541 feet high, Hooiberg has become an Instagram darling with fitness influencers endeavoring to tackle the steps to the summit of this volcanic formation, one of Aruba's highest points.

Hooiberg Steps

The challenging ascent to the top will definitely get your pulse going, and the views of the island at the peak are well worth the effort.

If you are a fitness enthusiast and want more free places to exercise, review the list I provide in my article "The 3 Best FREE Places for Cardio Exercise in Aruba."

4. Oranjestad Downtown Trolley Tour

   
   

   Located across the street from the main cruise ship terminal in Oranjestad is the boarding point for the FREE Oranjestad trolley tour.

   
   

Downtown Trolley in Oranjestad, Aruba

Here is more information about the trolley from the official Aruba tourism website:

Hop-on hop-off explore and shop in Oranjestad. Getting around the city has never been easier or more fun due to the addition of a state-of-the-art trolley. Connecting the cruise ship terminal with the center of town, the tram passes through the Main Street, now totally remodeled and an attractive pedestrian mall. The tram makes six stops at monuments and museums along the way, as well as at the key shopping areas.

Places to eat

For an overview of Aruba's culinary highlights, including both budget-friendly and luxury outposts, check out my "Best Restaurants in Aruba" article.

Here are the eateries that provide the best bang for your buck.

1. La Granja

La Granja's $11 half chicken lunch special is a thing of legend. Served with heaping helpings of two sides and a can of soda, you will never go hungry again.

Half Chicken Lunch Special at La Granja

2. Lola Taqueria for Taco Tuesday

Who doesn't love Taco Tuesday - especially when tacos are only $1 each at Lola Taqueria from 11am to close?

$1 Tacos at Lola Taqueria on Taco Tuesday

Plan on a long wait to dine, especially after 6pm. Alternatively, grab a spot at the bar for faster service.

3. Zeerover

By far the most memorable oceanfront meal you will have on the island, Zeerovers is the ULTIMATE Aruba experience. First order your freshly-caught shrimp and red snapper at the roadside window, then walk out back to the waterfront seating area.  Minutes later, your food arrives fried to perfection.

Fried Fresh Fish at Zeerover

LOCAL'S TIP: Try to get one of the three tables out on the pier for the best oceanfront dining, and you can sip on your local Balashi beer while eating fresh fish that was caught from the water lapping under your feet.  

After your meal, drive the short distance to Mangel Halto and snorkel in the Spanish Lagoon, my personal favorite and what many deem the most beautiful spot in Aruba.   

4. Pika's Corner

   
   

   Locals and tourists alike flock to Pika’s Corner near Palm Beach for its fresh fish specials and dazzling shrimp and meat skewers. Don't miss Pika's bountiful funchi, a local fried cornmeal delicacy, as an appetizer. Reservations recommended.

   
   

   

   Whole Red Snapper Special at Pika's Corner

Conversely, if you are looking to stay in and eat at home, you will want to visit one of the supermarkets listed in my "The 3 Best Grocery Stores in Aruba."

Places to stay

Visitors to Aruba from the United States spent on average of $1,007 per trip on Hotels & Lodging (Source: Monthly Tourism Report, Aruba Tourism Authority, January 2025).

Obviously, your spend depends on the length of your stay. However, the following one bedroom options can provide affordable alternatives to a typical hotel booking.

1. Airbnb

You won't be on the beach, but many studio and efficiency type units are priced around $100 per night. Here is a vacation rental I particulary enjoyed earlier this year.

2. Caribbean Palm Village

This timeshare resort also rents out one and two bedroom condos for reasonable prices, especially considering the amenities provided (fitness center, pools, daily maid service, etc.)

The Main Pool Area at Caribbean Palm Village Resort

Public transportation

Transport to and from the airport likely requires a cab (or a rental car); however, if you are staying along the main road between Aruba's capital Oranjestad, Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, the Arubus can be a highly affordable option.

For around $2.50 per trip, you can get all the way from the central bus station in downtown Oranjestad to Arashi Beach and all points in between (including the low rise hotels on Eagle Beach and the high rise hotels on Palm Beach).

You can find the bus schedule here.

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For more of my Aruba-related content, including recommendations on everything cool around the island, check out the Aruba section of my website here.

Have an unforgettable trip to Aruba!