Oranjestad or Orangetown is the charming capital and the most important city of Aruba located on the southern coast near the western end of the island. The city is named after the first King William of Orange-Nassau, the first heir to the Dutch Royal House of Orange. In 1796 Ornjestad, became the center of trade and commerce since it was built around Fort Zoutman. Today, the fort is still one of its main attractions.

This city draws more shoppers than sightseers because it has several malls with boutiques. The Caya G. F. Betico Croes known as the Main Street, the Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard and the SeaPort Village are the major shopping destinations. These streets are well prepared for every influx of tourists during cruise ships' arrival.

Moreover, this city houses the largest port on the island; it is capable of docking up to five large cruise liners. It also has a smaller port for shorter cargo ships, located five kilometers to the east of the city. The city is also served by the Queen Beatrix International Airport, 2.5 kilometers from the town center.

Oranjestad is home to the Universiteit van Aruba and All Saints University of Medicine, which offers programs in law and economics patterned on the Dutch system, and the latter offers a two year pre-medicine and four year medical program leading to a Doctor of Medicine degree with U.S.-based curriculum