Gusto
Gusto is Aruba's primary standalone nightclub, located on the Palm Beach strip near the high-rise hotels. The venue features an open-air main floor with a large dance area, DJ booth, and multiple bars. Weekend nights bring a mix of tourists and locals dancing to Latin, reggaeton, hip-hop, and Top 40 hits. The open-air design takes advantage of Aruba's consistent warm weather, and the dance floor can hold several hundred people.
What to Expect
An open-air dance floor packed with tourists in vacation mode. The music is loud, the drinks are tropical, and the energy picks up after midnight.
High-energy, tropical, and tourist-friendly.
Reggaeton, Latin pop, hip-hop, Top 40, and EDM mixes
Smart casual. Shorts are fine if they're nice shorts. No flip-flops on busy nights.
Groups of friends or couples looking for a dance-heavy night out. The biggest nightlife option on the island.
Cards and cash (USD) accepted at all bars.
Price Range
Beer $6-8 USD, cocktails $12-16 USD, cover $10-20 USD on weekends
Already in USD. Beer ~5-7 EUR, cocktails ~11-14 EUR
Hours
Fri-Sat 22:00-04:00, occasional Wed-Thu events 22:00-02:00
Insider Tip
Arrive before midnight to avoid the cover charge on some nights. The outdoor bars have shorter lines than the main bar.
Full Review
Gusto is essentially the only proper nightclub on Aruba, and it owns that position. The open-air layout works perfectly for the island's climate. You're dancing under the stars with warm breeze coming off the Caribbean. The main DJ booth sits above the dance floor, and the sound system pushes music across the space without excessive distortion.
The crowd is overwhelmingly tourists. American visitors make up the majority, with Europeans and South Americans filling in. Locals show up on specific nights, usually when a regional DJ or artist is performing.
Bar service varies by position. The outdoor bars along the perimeter move faster than the main bar near the dance floor. Drink prices are moderate by Caribbean standards.
Gusto's main limitation is its reliance on the tourist calendar. During high season, weekend nights are packed and energetic. Low season can feel empty on all but Saturday nights.
The Neighborhood
On the Palm Beach strip near the major resort hotels. Within walking distance of the Marriott, Hyatt, and Holiday Inn properties.
Getting There
Walk from any Palm Beach resort hotel. If coming from downtown Oranjestad, take a taxi ($15-20 USD).
Other Venues in Palm Beach
Stellaris Casino Bar
Casino lounge at the Marriott Resort with live entertainment, late hours, and a relaxed crowd splitting time between gambling and drinking.
Local Store
Casual sports bar and late-night hangout near the hotel strip. Pool tables, big screens, and cold drinks at reasonable prices.
Bugaloe Beach Bar
Open-air beach bar on a pier extending into the water. Live music most nights, strong rum cocktails, and sunset views.
Sopranos Piano Bar
Sing-along piano bar in the resort area. Dueling pianists take requests and the crowd gets loud as the night goes on.