Another "busy" day on the beach, another great dinner. What's next? Revived by dinner and a couple of drinks, maybe you're ready for some gambling, some dancing, a little carousing. Or what about a show or a movie?
Aruba's casinos are a surefire after-dinner diversion, attracting both serious players and dabblers who've saved a few dollars for the slot machines. Even if risk makes you nervous, the sensory overload is an irresistible spectacle -- bells ringing, lights flashing, people groaning and screaming. Better yet, watching's free.
Striving to keep you and your wallet in the neighborhood, many casinos have theaters with Las Vegas-style shows, most of them professional and entertaining. Let's Go Latin! is a spectacle full of beautiful dancers in outrageous outfits. Unfortunately, while the singing is good, the choreography and talent have been eclipsed by the dizzying number of costume changes and the square footage of bare skin the costumes manage to reveal. Still, if an over-the-top, retro-style, 1950s-esque show is your thing, book the hottest tickets in advance -- at least a day or two -- especially during the high season, or you may miss out. Ask your hotel's concierge or activities desk for help.
For something less dazzling, the bar and club scene is surprisingly robust. You can start early with a beachside-bar happy hour, move on to dinner and cocktails, and then progress to a little jazz and cigars, or maybe board a booze cruise for some shenanigans at sea. Expect live entertainment or a DJ at most bars. If you're still not sated, head for one of the high-energy dance clubs, but don't show up before midnight or 1am -- that's when the party really starts. To find out what's happening, check any of the free local magazines: Aruba Nights, Island Temptations, Aruba Experience, Menu, Aruba Events, Destination Aruba, and Aruba Food & Wine. For daily and weekly entertainment listings, consult the three English-language dailies -- Aruba Today, Aruba Daily, and The News -- and the weekly pamphlet K-Pasa. All of these publications are free and available at hotels and restaurants. Check with your hotel's activities and tour desks, too. The free flyers that you'll find on every public countertop are also a good source of information; many have coupons for discounts or freebies such as free drinks and casino chips.
The dress code in Aruba is clean and casual, but a touch of elegance or trendiness never hurts.
