You’re heading to Aruba! And you need some help. I get it, One Happy Island has so much to offer, and planning can be tough. But this Aruba Itinerary has everything laid out for you to cover as much as you can! White sand beaches, turquoise waters, and palm trees. Friendly locals. Fun beach bars. And a wide variety of adventures to experience. You are in for a treat.
This one week travel guide is FULL of tips and tricks that will have you smooth sailing for 7 full days on this magical Caribbean island.
First, let’s get into a few of the basics…
Is it Safe to Travel to Aruba?
10000%. One of the best things about Aruba is that it is deemed one of the safest Caribbean islands and has a very low crime rate. One Happy Island is just that—HAPPY. Locals welcome you with open arms and everywhere you explore is safe.
TIP: I would avoid all inclusive resorts in Aruba since there are so many different areas to experience. You don’t want to lock yourself in. And given the safety here, you’re free to roam.
How Many Days Do You Need in Aruba?
At LEAST a week! You have found this itinerary so you are probably within the 5-10 day mark. But anyone I have ever talked to (myself included) thinks a week is WAY too short! That said, it’s a good place to start to get the true vibe of the island and you can always come back!
P.S.: I wrote this itinerary and a lot gets left out. I’ve been visiting the island every year since 2016 and I wanted to give you all the best parts. Make sure to review all of my Aruba posts in case there is something better that suits you!
What is the Cost of a Trip to Aruba?
Aruba is anything but cheap. I’d recommend planning for $2,500-$3,000 per adult for one week which accounts for a flight, lodging, rental car, and spending at over $100 per day. If you’re a drinker (who doesn’t want to party in Aruba!?) then make sure you are on the high end of that—alcohol is EXPENSIVE.
TIP: Bring plenty of cash and your credit cards (which are for the most part accepted.) You can use the U.S. dollar, but you will get any coin change back in Aruban florin.
READ: The Ultimate Aruba Packing List for a complete rundown on what you will need to bring.
Where Should I Stay in Aruba?
Aruba has so many great options for fun (and beautiful) places to stay! I’ve always stayed at La Cabana Resort & Casino on Eagle Beach which I LOVE and recommend. There are other hotels on Eagle Beach as well as high-rise hotels located farther north on Palm Beach. And of course, you can find Airbnb’s and VRBOs scattered throughout the island.
TIP: Eagle Beach is a great central location that puts you in the middle of everything. And it’s the best beach 🙂 That said, anywhere on Eagle or Palm Beach is a pretty safe choice.
Should I Rent a Car in Aruba?
Yes, no questions asked. The small island of Aruba is worth exploring—every inch! And you will need a rental car to do so. NOT renting a car will lock you into one place and/or force you into too many cab rides. The car expense is well worth it and the 69.5 square mile island is easy to navigate.
NOTE: This entire Aruba Itinerary assumes you have a rental car available. We are going all over the place in these 7 days to make sure you experience all of the Aruba hot spots.
Read: Aruba Mistakes to Avoid for the full list that includes NOT renting a car!
All right, let’s get it crackin’! Your entire one week Aruba Itinerary!
Aruba Itinerary Day 1: Travel + Settle In
Travel
A day you are HAPPY to have your alarm go off! Lol. Make sure you are ready and organized for your flight the night before and get yourself to the airport, on the plane, and standing in the Aruba airport. It’s worth noting that the Aruba airport is small—8 gates. Expect there to be about an hour wait inside to get through customs.
Once you (finally) get through, you will find the cab line right outside the doors, hop in, and head to your home for the week.
Happy Hour
Hopefully, your travel day went well. Regardless, you are probably ready for a drink! Check and settle in at your hotel and head straight to the bar for your first ice-cold beer in Aruba! It will be a great time right off the bat. Note: if you are in an Airbnb or VRBO, stop at one of the small convenience shops for drinks on your way.
Dinner—Keep It Easy
Given that you’re a little worn out, your first day dinner in Aruba will be a casual one—walking distance is a bonus! I do recommend dinner locations throughout the rest of the post, but since this all depends on travel, timing, and your location, I’ll let you decide. It’s tough to go wrong with restaurants, but here are some of the Best Places for Casual Dining in Aruba.
TIP: If you’re really tired and just feel like hanging out, Pizza Bob’s the best place to order delivery pizza from!
Aruba Itinerary Day 2: Pool Day
Morning + Afternoon: Pool Day + Quick Errands
Your first full day and the second on the Aruba itinerary! After a long day yesterday, it’s a good day to sleep in. Don’t set an alarm and as soon as you wake up naturally, grab a cup of coffee to enjoy on your porch. After that, get your suit on and find a lounger at the pool. Don’t forget your towel, sunscreen, shades, and a good book.
In the Ultimate Aruba Packing List, you’ll see I recommend a lot of swimsuits—you’ll be in one 50% of the time. For each day, I’ll give you a general direction of which suit to go with…(we’re getting VERY tactical here!)
SWIMSUIT: Your skimpiest suit. You have to get that sun base! Don’t be afraid that you’re too white, it will be darker (or redder! lol) in no time. DON’T skip sunscreen—ever.
You do have a couple of tasks/errands today—I promise they are easy. And you will probably need a little sun break anyways!
- Wilhelmina’s reservation for tonight: Head to the concierge and they will help you. 6:30 PM or later.
- Book a catamaran: Have someone cruise over to the Ritz, park in the lot to the right of it, and walk to the beach. There, you will see a tent with some guys underneath booking water activites (and likely catamarans in the water.) Try to get on tomorrow’s (1-4 PM catamaran cruise aka party lol. More below.)
- Rent a Jeep—call to rent a Jeep for Day 5 if you haven’t already done so.
- Grocery Store—Superfoods: If you are feeling really ambitious. Eggs, bread, sandwich meat, some fruit, and your favorite snacks will be great to have on hand. And save you a few dollars on breakfast and lunch on future days.
Aruba Itinerary Disclaimer: You’re on your own for breakfast and lunch with whatever is convenient, whether you go shopping or visit hotel restaurants, etc. I’ve got you covered with dinner. Okay, back to our pool day…
When late afternoon hits, head back to your room, choose one of your cutest outfits, and get ready for a nice dinner.
EVENING: Happy Hour AT BEACH BAR (5-6 PM)
Getting thirsty? 😉 Head over to The Beach Bar at Divi Beach for a few pre-dinner cocktails. Aruba is a beautiful island, and this bar likes to show it off! Located right on the white sand of the turquoise waters, a seat at this place with a cold 2-for-1 will have you thinking “yep, we chose the right vacation.”
TIP: If you need a little snack, make sure to get the Coconut Shrimp. One of my favorite apps on the island. But don’t go too crazy because you have delicious food coming at…
Night: WILHELMINA’S
Since you (likely) came south from your resort to Beach Bar, keep on heading that way towards Oranjestad to Wilhelmina’s, a great place to enjoy an elegant dinner. The atmosphere is a 10/10 with open-air ceilings and greenery. As for the food…you won’t be disappointed.
You have steak and seafood options, but my (strong) recommendation is homemade pasta. Make sure to get Wilhelmina’s ravioli for the table. And Simply Truffle pasta (add Shrimp) as your main course. This pasta is DI-VINE.
You’re probably going to be very full so head back to your room and enjoy your sleep—tomorrow is a FUN day.
Aruba Itinerary Day 3: Boat Day
Hopefully, you were able to book the catamaran yesterday from 1-4 PM today. If you had to choose a different day, no worries! Swap today with another. I recommend switching days vs. choosing a different time; 9 AM-12 PM morning cruise or 5 PM-7 PM sunset cruise. 1 PM-4 PM is the most fun 🙂
My only tip if you need to switch days is to not do the Boat Day and the Jeep Tour back to back. You will wear yourself out! Okay, back to Day 3…
Morning: Pool + PREP
Another casual morning for your vacation! Get up, have some coffee, and ease into the day. Once you’re ready, head back to the pool to enjoy the morning sun.
SWIMSUIT TIP: Your CUTEST one—you’ll be on a boat! And taking a lot of beautiful pictures out on the water.
Afternoon: Catamaran
At about noon, it’s time to gather the troops and make sure someone is in charge of packing a cooler (optional.) It’s 100% fine to bring your own beers/cocktails onto the catamaran. They do serve beer and liquor but it’s bottom shelf and might make you feel like hell…lol.
Arrive back at the location behind The Ritz by about 12:45 PM to check-in. Everyone will be picked up right on the sand in a small boat and brought out to the catamaran in deeper waters. You will likely have other travelers on your ride and the small boat will bring people in groups. Once you’re on, let the fun begin!
You’ll cruise around, make two stops for snorkeling, listen to music, drink, and have an awesome time! It’s always been my favorite part of my Aruba trip.
You can also look into Jolly Pirates which is a little more commercial but they do hold more people (not always a good thing lol) but it might work better with your schedule.
Night: Salt & pepper + SOPRANOS
Let’s keep the fun rolling—with some good food! Salt & Pepper is an Aruba staple and definitely a spot you want to experience on your trip. They serve a wide variety of tapas in an open-air, energetic atmosphere, and what could be better than that after an afternoon of partying on the boat!?
Opt for sitting outside, and choose your favorite flavors from the menu (everything is good, but my favorites are Mahi Mahi and Baby Back Ribs.) For reference, my (hungry) family of four chose 10 different tapas.
LATE-NIGHT: Sopranos or THE Casino
You have to experience nightlife in Aruba at least a couple of times 😉 After you hit Salt & Pepper, head over to Sopranos which is just around the corner. This piano bar is always hoppin’ at night and you can throw a few back while belting out your favorites songs!
If Sopranos doesn’t sound up your alley, walk across the street to the Hilton Garden Casino for a little bit of gambling.
TIP: Once you get home, SLAM a bunch of water. Because you have an early morning…(but can go back to bed.)
Aruba Itinerary Day 4: Beach Day
Morning: Eagle Beach
Okay, you’ve been sleeping in. But not anymore! Only because you need a spot on Eagle Beach! And in order to get a palapa, at least one person in your group will need to be up by 5 AM standing in line. The good news is, you can go back to bed—either on the beach or back at your room.
NOTE: You will see a line for palapas and eventually someone will bring you to an open one and ask how many chairs you need. After that, you can go back to the room but you only have an hour and a half to leave your palapa empty so make sure someone is there! Obviously, if you’re not staying at La Cabana, you will have to sleep on the beach…
I promise it’s worth it. Spending a day on what’s been rated the #3 Beach in the WORLD, is hard to beat.
Enjoy one of the best beaches on the island by relaxing with a good book, enjoying water sports like jet skiing or parasailing (visit Julio for this!), and ordering a few drinks and snacks. This perfect place with turquoise water views and white sand in your toes is next-level.
SWIMSUIT TIP: Cute and skimpy. Eagle Beach deserves it lol.
Note: I include another Beach Day down below where I give you a few different options. That said, I truly believe Eagle Beach needs to be included, so no options here 😉
Afternoon: Happy Hour At La Cabana
After Beach Day at Eagle Beach, it’s time for happy hour at La Cabana. The best HH on the island is 2-for-1’s with energetic music and fast bartenders. You really can’t beat it. All you have to do is walk across the street!
Night: The Local Store
And let’s round out this *perfect* day with burgers and wings at The Local Store. This is one of my favorite restaurants and is very laid back and fun. Located inland from Palm Beach, they serve casual eats and a TON of different beers. I highly recommend the Boom Boom Wings and a Breakfast Burger.
After dinner, I assume you’re wiped. Get to bed at a decent hour because tomorrow is a very large day…
Aruba Itinerary Day 5: Aruba Jeep Tour Day
Morning: Jeep Tour
Today you’ll take part in an Aruba classic, and the best way to see the small island in full. You will visit well-known places like Arikok National Park and experience the Natural Pool, Natural Bridge, and Fontein Cave. You’ll see the California Lighthouse and the Also Vista Chapel on the north end, and the town of San Nicolas on the south end.
You can find plenty of guided ATV tours for this excursion but I highly recommend doing it yourself!
Your jeep will get dropped off at your hotel and I recommend starting your day at no later than 9 AM. Here is what to do beforehand:
- Pack a Cooler: Bring plenty of drinks and throw some sandwiches in as well.
- Pack Snacks: You don’t have food options until later in the day.
- Sunscreen: Bring plenty!
- Towel: You’ll get wet at a few different spots.
- Money: There is an $11/person entrance fee for Arikok National Park. Plus, you will visit a few bars and restaurants.
- For a FULL LIST, visit Aruba Jeep Tour.
SWIMSUIT TIP: Comfortable and athletic.
Use Aruba Jeep Tour as your guide for today! Remember, it’s okay to get lost. Get a map and enjoy the scenery.
Afternoon: BABY BEACH + Rum Reef.
I do want to call out a couple of spots where you can find yourself in the afternoon and into the evening. Aim to be at Baby Beach by no later than 3 PM. You can grab tropical drinks here and enjoy the views of this half-moon-shaped lagoon. It’s usually hoppin’ with both locals and tourists but will likely start winding down at this time.
After about an hour, head over to Rum Reef, a beautiful spot, just down the road from Baby Beach, with an infinity pool and insane views. They do close at 5 PM so get here by 4 PM to have a drink and experience the pool.
Night: Zeerover’s
Your day is almost complete—but not quite! On your way back up the eastern side of the island, a stop at Zeerovers is a must. They are a catch of the day restaurant that both locals and tourists love! Whatever is caught that morning is on the menu. Order at the counter, get your number, find a picnic table by the water, and wait for your (beyond) fresh seafood. Not only is great food, but a great Aruba experience!
And now, it’s time to go home. And I have good news: you can sleep in…
Aruba Itinerary Day 6: Beach Day
Morning: Beach Day—Pick One!
It’s BEACH DAY again! And you don’t need to wake up at the crack of dawn for it ha. But do get going on the earlier side if you can. Pick a beach that looks good to you—Arashi Beach is my recommendation but read Beach Day in Aruba for others like Palm Beach, Mangel Halto, and more.
It feels like there are endless beautiful beaches to choose from. The best time in Aruba is laying out in the sun, drinking colorful cocktails, enjoying water activities, and taking it easy! Choose one and you can’t go wrong.
SWIMSUIT: Cute and casual.
NOTE: BEFORE YOU LEAVE, make a reservation at Barefoot for tonight. Around 7:00 PM will be best.
Afternoon: Happy Hour AT CARLITOS
After your day at the beach, hit Carlitos for their all-day happy hour. If you decide on Arashi Beach, you will make your way south as Carlitos sits right on Palm Beach. (Make it easy and spend the day on Palm Beach—this is the liveliest and most energetic.) Don’t skip the hot wings at Carlitos and enjoy the open air.
Night: Barefoot
Don’t go too crazy though, because tonight, it’s one more fancy meal. Barefoot is a toes in the sand restaurant with white tablecloths, pretty lighting, and the Caribbean sea. It is the perfect place to enjoy another high-class meal in Aruba.
Aruba Itinerary Day 7: Free Day
THE KEY TO TODAY: Stay busy. Get out and enjoy Aruba. The sadness of leaving starts to loom in and you must avoid it to enjoy this trip until the very end!
I’ll let you choose your day, while still giving you a few recommendations based on what you feel like doing:
- Renaissance Island: Get day passes and head to the famous Flamingo Beach. I have never done this, but I’m sure you have seen it in other blogs or social posts.
- Party in Aruba: I have experienced this lol. Find a fun bar hop included in the link.
- Beach Day: You can never, ever go wrong with choosing another beach to experience!
- Pool Day: Another relaxing day at the pool never hurt anyone!
- Deep Sea Fishing—Carla Charters: Find a charter and hit the open waters! They will filet your fish and you can cook it up right off the dock at Lucy’s Aruba.
- Shopping in Oranjasted: Visit the Renaissance Mall and go high-end like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Or find the small outdoor shops for little souveniers. Afterwards, you can stop for lunch and watch a cruise ship come in.
- Butterfly Farm: Another thing I’ve never experienced, but if it sounds up your alley, go for it!
- Mix and Match anything you have missed from above!
- For dinner, use the 10 Best Restaurants in Aruba for Casual Dining post. And maybe hit Sopranos after for one last hurrah! 🙂
Aruba Itinerary Day 8: Sad Day
You have reached the end. WOMP. But take a look through your pictures and relive all of your fun experiences.
IMPORTANT: You need to be at the airport AT LEAST (3) HOURS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. I’ll warn you now that this will be the worst part of your trip—the Aruba airport is a very slow process and a practice in patience.
Morning: Pool OR BEACH WALK
If you have time, spend one last morning at the pool or the beach enjoying the sun and palm trees. In addition, you will obviously need to make sure your room is packed up and you check out.
Afternoon: The West Deck
Your best bet for staying happy on your last day? Visiting The West Deck for lunch on your way to the airport! This is easily a top 5 restaurant in Aruba and you will not be disappointed. Open-air on the water and not a thing on their menu is bad. And do not skip one last cocktail—they have the BEST margarita on the island.
Night: Travel
You’ll get to the airport and survive the experience. Enjoy your flight home and don’t be too sad. You can say, “I’ve been to One Happy Island” and return again someday.
Aruba One Week Travel Guide
The Island of Aruba is the perfect destination and I hope you are able to use this itinerary to help you plan your best trip ever! Enjoy those white sandy beaches on the happiest island in all of the land! If you have comments/questions—let me know below or email me at amber@littlebluebackpack.com.
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