Last updated: July 13, 2026
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San Nicolas is the Aruba most visitors never see — and the one artists, foodies and repeat travelers rave about. The island’s second city traded its oil-refinery past for a future as the Caribbean’s street-art capital, and the 25-minute drive south is one of the best half-days on the island.
The Murals
Dozens of large-scale works by international and Aruban artists cover the town — the legacy of the Aruba Art Fair, which repaints and expands the collection. Wander the blocks around the main street with your camera; guided art walks add the stories behind the walls. It is, no exaggeration, one of the best open-air galleries in the Caribbean.
Culture Stops
The Community Museum in the restored Nicolaas Store building tells the refinery-era story; the Carnival Euphoria exhibits celebrate the island’s biggest party (San Nicolas is Carnival’s spiritual home — the season’s wildest parades run here). First Fridays bring Caribbean Festival nights: music, food stands and open studios.
Eat Here
This corner of the island eats well and cheap: Zeerovers in neighboring Savaneta for dockside fried fish on the way down, local Creole kitchens and snack bars in town, and Charlie’s Bar — a 80-year-old institution wallpapered in decades of visitor memorabilia — for the obligatory beer and photos.
Pair It Right
San Nicolas is the perfect middle of a south-island day: morning at Baby Beach ten minutes further south, murals and lunch in town, then Mangel Halto for a late snorkel on the drive back. You’ll want a rental car — details in Getting Around.
Book the south-island day
