Oranjestad

Sint Eustatius’s compact capital has a historic harbor, Fort Oranje, and an Upper Town above the sea. Walk its historic streets, then explore the rest of the island.

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Oranjestad is the main town of Sint Eustatius, a Dutch Caribbean island in the eastern Caribbean. On the west coast, it has a Lower Town by the harbor and an Upper Town above it. Fort Oranje overlooks the sea, and historic buildings recall the town’s past as a trading port. You can explore the center on foot and use Oranjestad as a base for seeing more of the island.

The town suits travelers looking for a compact place to stay rather than a resort. Allow time to walk between the harbor, Fort Oranje, and the Upper Town. The drier months are roughly December through April. A day is enough to see the town’s main sights; stay longer to explore beyond the capital. Oranjestad is a poor fit if your trip depends on resort nightlife or large beaches.

Oranjestad in five

Carry US dollarsThe US dollar is the currency. Carry cash for small businesses, as card acceptance differs from place to place.
Check entry rules for your passportEntry requirements for Sint Eustatius depend on your nationality and trip. Check the Dutch government’s Caribbean visa guidance before booking.Visas and entry
Save 911Call 911 for emergencies on Sint Eustatius.
Wear sturdy shoesSint Eustatius has rocky, uneven volcanic terrain. Wear sturdy shoes for walks outside Oranjestad’s town center.
Choose a base near OranjestadOranjestad is the island’s main town. Staying there keeps shops and services close. Ask your accommodation about transport for trips elsewhere.

Things to do in Oranjestad

See all attractions in Oranjestad

Sight · OranjestadMount Mazinga

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Sight · OranjestadGolden Rock

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to OranjestadPut the places you like in Oranjestad on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Currency: US dollar (USD)
Entry: Visa requirements depend on nationality Read more
Emergency: 911
Tipping: Optional; not a fixed custom
Time: UTC−4, no daylight saving

Weather by month

Best
Good
Mixed

JanuaryDry season
FebruaryDry season
MarchDrier, warm
AprilDry season
MayRain increases
JuneHurricane season
JulyHurricane season
AugustHurricane risk
SeptemberHurricane risk
OctoberRain, storm risk
NovemberRainy season
DecemberDrier season

Right now in Oranjestad

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 34°
Humidity: 72%
Wind: 27 km/h
Chance of rain: 31%

Oranjestad

05:57 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-4

Today30°28°31%Monday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 31%.
Tue30°28°51%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 51%.
Wed29°28°20%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 20%.
Thu28°27°37%Thursday: Cloudy. High 28°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 37%.
Fri28°26°57%Friday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 57%.
Sat28°26°69%Saturday: Thunderstorms. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 69%.
Sun28°26°59%Sunday: Thunderstorms. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 59%.

Updated 02:19 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD

Amount

Converted to

USD · US Dollar

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Before you go to Oranjestad

eSIM for Sint EustatiusCompare mobile data optionsRead the guide

Travel insuranceCompare cover before you goRead the guide

Money for Sint EustatiusCards, cash and trip budgetingRead the guide

Where to stayPlan your base on the islandRead the guide

Rules for Oranjestad, checked

Check the Dutch government’s Caribbean visa guidance for the entry rules that apply to your passport.Source
Check Dutch Customs guidance before bringing restricted goods into the country.Source

Plan around Oranjestad

Sint Eustatius guide

Plan the practical details for a trip to the island

Read the guide Visas and entry

Check entry requirements for your passport

Read the guide Getting around

Plan transport for your trip

Read the guide Money and costs

Plan cash, cards and trip spending

Read the guide Where to stay

Choose a base for your trip

Read the guide

Oranjestad FAQ

Where is Oranjestad?

Oranjestad is the main town on Sint Eustatius, a Dutch Caribbean island. It has an Upper Town and a historic Lower Town by the sea.

How many days do you need in Oranjestad?

Two or three days gives you time to see the town and explore beyond it. Add days if you want a slower pace or more time outdoors.

Is Oranjestad worth visiting?

Oranjestad suits a trip focused on a small island town, historic streets, and access to Sint Eustatius’s volcanic scenery. It is a poor fit for resort nightlife or large beaches.

What currency is used in Oranjestad, Sint Eustatius?

The US dollar (USD) is used. Carry cash for businesses that do not take cards.

What is the best time to visit Oranjestad?

January to April is a practical choice for a drier-season visit. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November. Check official forecasts if traveling then.

Do you need a car on Sint Eustatius?

A car can make it easier to reach places outside Oranjestad. Ask your accommodation about local transport options before you arrive.