2 Best Sights in Aruba

The old water tower in San Nicolas has been beautifully restored into a modern interactive museum chronicling the different types of industries that have fueled the island's economy over the past two centuries. Phosphate, gold, oil, and aloe all played major parts in the island's fortunes until tourism became Aruba's main economic driver. Displays include artifacts and profiles of colorful characters who played big roles in different eras. One of the highlights is the culture wall, a mural consisting of portraits of locals through the ages, all leading up the glassed-in walls of the old tower staircase.

Walking around Downtown Oranjestad, look for a blue ceramic horse and an ancient canoe out front of a massive mustard-yellow and olive-green complex. This beautifully restored heritage home was once owned by the Ecury family and it's since been transformed into an ultra-modern, air-conditioned museum with interactive exhibits showcasing over 5,000 years of Amerindian culture. More than 10,000 artifacts are on display, and special exhibits by local artists are hosted on a regular basis.  For cruise visitors, it's a short walk behind the Royal Plaza Mall if you get off at that trolley stop. It's also a stop on Aruba Walking Tours.