Bars

Charlie’s Bar

An Aruba institution since 1941, Charlie’s is far from most hotels but worth the trip if only for the experience. Expect a raucous and considerably soused crowd of good-natured folks. The food here is good but basic, all the better for padding your stomach before the margaritas, but keep in mind that you may want to arrange a cab ride to this place if you’re staying at a distant hotel. | Zeppenfeldstraat 56 | San Nicolas | 297/ 584– 5086 |

Iguana Joe’s

The reptilian-themed decor is as colorful and creative as the specialty cocktails served here. It’s a favorite hangout for those who want to enjoy the view of the port from the second floor balcony. The crowd is primarily tourists during the early evening, and many locals enjoy the laid back vibe on Friday and Saturday nights. | Royal Plaza Mall, L.G. Smith Blvd. 94 | Oranjestad | 297/ 583– 9373 | www.iguanajoesaruba.com |

MooMba Beach Bar

If you’re looking to enjoy a cocktail with your toes in the cool sand, MooMba is your place. Enjoy tropical cocktails under a giant, thatched-roof that shades couches, lounges, and a circular bar. | Between Holiday Inn and Marriott Surf Club, J.E. Irausquin Blvd |

Palms Restaurant

With front-row seats to view the green flash— that ray of light that supposedly flicks through the sky as the sun sinks into the ocean— the Palms Restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset with a cocktail or two. | Hyatt Regency Aruba Beach Resort & Casino, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 85 | Palm Beach | 297/ 586– 1234 |

Pelican Terrace

Sip creative cocktails, dance around the pool, and grab a late-night snack— perhaps a pizza that’s piping hot from the wood-burning oven. Live music every evening makes this a popular nightspot. A busy scene is guaranteed, as most of the other patrons are resort guests enjoying all-inclusive drinks. | Divi Aruba Beach Resort, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 45 | Druif Beach | 297/ 582– 3300 | www.diviaruba.com/bars-lounges |

Dance and Music Clubs

Club Hipsz Aruba

Latin flavor and a lively crowd make this slightly out-of-the-way club a new favorite on the island. Thursday night is the time for displaying your karaoke skills, whether real or perceived. The club is nonsmoking. | Near Eagle Bowling | Pos Abao | 297/ 587– 2444 |

Gilligan’s

The Radisson’s beachside bar puts local bands in the spotlight. The decor and view will make you feel as if you’ve been shipwrecked on an uncharted tropical isle, albeit one with a fully stocked bar. | Radisson Aruba Caribbean Resort, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 81 | Palm Beach | 297/ 586– 6555.

Nikky Beach

This upscale hot spot is party central on Friday night. Local bands perform on Sunday. The venue is often booked for special events so call ahead. | L.G. Smith Blvd. 2 | Oranjestad | 297/ 582– 0153 | www.nikkybeacharuba.com |

Nightlife Tours

Banana Bus

For $ 45-per-person, you can enjoy a ride in a bus with a 20-foot banana mounted on the roof! But the real fun is that this party bus makes its way to a number of lively, local bars, and five drinks are included in the price. Reservations can be made at your hotel front desk. The bus will pick you up there as well. | www.bananabusaruba.com |

Kukoo Kunuku

To many repeat visitors, this wandering party bus is an integral part of the Aruba experience. Every night except Sunday you can find as many as 40 passengers traveling among three bars from sundown to around midnight. The $ 65 fee per passenger includes a so-so dinner, some drinks, and pickup at your hotel. The main point is the nonstop entertainment and the chance to make friends with a fun-loving crowd. | 297/ 586– 2010 | www.kukookunuku.com |

Bon Bini Festival

This year-round folklore event (the name means “welcome” in Papiamento), is held every Tuesday from 6: 30 pm to 8: 30 pm at Ft. Zoutman in Oranjestad. In the inner courtyard you can check out the Antillean dancers in resplendent costumes, feel the rhythms of the steel drums, browse among the stands displaying local artwork, and sample local food and drink. Admission is usually around $ 3, but can be as high as $ 10, depending on what is on offer.