Aruba Nightlife Guide: Where to Go Out in Aruba

Aruba has something to offer every type of night owl! Whether you’re looking to relax with a cocktail by the beach, dance the night away at a nightclub, or join a party bus, this Caribbean island has it all.

If you’re trying to determine where to go for a night of fun, we have your back. Let’s take a look at what your best options are for a fun night out in Aruba.

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Types of Nightlife in Aruba

Aruba’s nightlife scene offers a wide range, from speakeasies and beach bars to nightclubs and party buses. Here’s a breakdown of what your options are.

1. Bars & Lounges

Aruba is home to tons of bars of all varieties. For example, beach bars are a staple of the island’s nightlife, often featuring live music, happy hours, and a laid-back, everyone welcome atmosphere. (Yes, families included.) Expect casual dress codes, open-air seating, and stunning ocean views.

These bars often host sunset happy hours, acoustic performances, and even DJ sets into the night. My favorite beach bars in Aruba include Bugaloe Beach Bar, best known for its overwater location and live music, and MooMba Beach Bar, a popular spot with beachfront dancing.

On the other hand, downtown bars and lounges offer a more refined adult-centric experience. These are more for your typical night out in Aruba. This is where you go for craft cocktails, plush seating, dim lighting, and a bit of romance. Depending on the night, you may also catch live jazz or DJs spinning house music.

Make a visit to Apotek, one of Aruba’s only speakeasies, for perfect craft cocktails. Or, stop in the waterfront L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House Lounge for their signature cocktails which are inspired by the five elements – water, fire, smoke, earth, and mist – and 120 wines by the glass with a view. Lastly, I can’t leave out Soprano’s Piano Bar in Aruba. It’s one of the most fun places on the island for live music and entertainment.

Highlight: Don’t miss the Sunday night parties in Aruba at MooMba Beach!

2. Nightclubs

If you’re in the mood for dancing, Aruba has several nightclubs with different music and vibes to choose from. One of the most popular, South Beach Aruba, is an open-air nightclub in Aruba. It keeps the party going nightly with high-energy DJs and a Miami-style feel. This is also one of the go-to places to smoke hookah in Aruba.

Other amazing options include The Office Club, which is a fun place to go on Friday and Saturday with a dance floor and a mix of EDM and hip-hop. It’s a great late-night option if you want to dance in Aruba. Or try Kalibra, a bar and restaurant that turns into a nightclub after dark with mostly Latin music. If country music is your thing, head to the Saloon Bar Aruba which turns into a dance club at night.

If you’re looking for a slightly less known options, try Hidden Nightclub. It is tucked away from the tourist spots with great music and DJ. As a bonus, it’s open every night of the week and offers nightly happy hours from 9 – 11pm to get the party started.

I also can’t leave out a crowd favorite, Gusto Nightclub, which recently reopened in a new location at Paseo Herencia Mall. You’ll find everything you need for a perfect Aruba night out: hookahs, happy hour daily from 6 – 10pm, VIP bottle service, and amazing DJs. Check it out!

Learn more about the best clubs in Aruba.

3. Party Buses

Aruba’s party buses are one of the most exciting ways to explore the island’s nightlife. These music-filled buses transport you from bar to bar in a fun, social atmosphere. Think pub crawl with fun transportation in between. Honestly, it’s the best way to find out where to go out in Aruba as you’ll sample a number of different bars and clubs along the way.

There are three core companies to check out – all of which promise an unforgettable night of fun!

• Kukoo Kunuku Party Bus is a popular choice. Choose from tours such as the Happy Hour Tour, Pub Krawl and Dinner & Nightlife Tour. Each one offers unique opportunities to enjoy drinks, music, and festive transportation in between their handpicked destinations.

• Chogogo Party Bus takes things up a notch with a live DJ, bartender, and dance floor. It’s one of the wildest options available and always gets rave reviews.

• If you prefer a unique experience, check out the newest party bus in Aruba – Road Jam Party Bus Aruba. It features a carnival-themed ride with unlimited Aruba Ariba cocktails, a live DJ, and ends at South Beach – one of the hottest clubs in Aruba!

Learn more about the Chogogo Party Bus to see if it’s right for you!

4. Casinos in Aruba

For those who enjoy gaming, Aruba has a variety of casinos to visit. While they overlap in some ways, each has its own unique experience. If you want to try your luck at poker, blackjack, or the slot machines, Aruba’s casinos can provide a great night out.

Some of our favorites include:

• Stellaris Casino at the Marriott: The largest casino on the island, which features a mix of slot machines, table games, and a high-limit area.

• The Ritz-Carlton Casino: This casino offers a more upscale environment with higher limit gaming options.

• Alhambra Casino: The ideal mix of lots of gaming choices and a perfect location in the low-rise hotel area, this casino is a favorite for many.

What You Need to Know about Nightlife in Aruba

Going out in Aruba is not like going out in Miami or Ibiza – trust me, I’ve tried all of them and beyond. Think more beach vibes and tropical drinks or local beer paired with whatever you wore to dinner. Fortunately, the music and fun are the same though! Here are a few more details to help you make the most of Aruba nightlife.

Dress Code Expectations

Most bars and beach clubs in Aruba don’t have a special dress code. They allow beachwear, sandals, and casual attire. However, you will find a few of the more upscale bars and nightclubs may require smart casual or elegant dress, such as collared shirts, dresses, and no flip flops. The casinos generally require you to simply avoid swimwear.

So what does this mean? If you’re planning to go out in Aruba, pack something a little bit nicer, but you don’t need your high heels and tightest, tiniest club dress – unless of course you want to! It’s Aruba – come as you are!

Best Days to Go Out

The nightlife in Aruba peaks on weekends, with Friday and Saturday nights being the busiest, but many places are open every night of the week. I mean, you are on vacation… right? In fact, if you go out during the week you’ll find many bars and lounges have themed nights, live music, karaoke, and happy hours every day!

Need some recommendations? I highly recommend you stop at Bugaloe on Tuesday’s for the Joyride Band from 7 – 10pm, and don’t forget to hit up MooMba on Sunday’s for their weekly parties. Add in an Aruba club, like South Beach, on Friday, and a night out at Sopranos Piano Bar, and you have a great mix of Aruba nightlife ahead!