Shopping

Aruba is a virtual nirvana for shoppers, with a greater selection of international brand name products than anywhere else in the Caribbean or South America, and prices that are 10% - 35% lower than in the United States! South Americans may save even more, and European brands are usually priced better here than in Europe. Indeed, visitors from all over the world find shopping in Aruba absolutely irresistible!

Aruba’s duty-free pricing ensures that shoppers don’t pay import duties or taxes because prices are set by the manufacturer and any additional costs are absorbed by the retailer. Passengers returning to the United States are entitled to a duty-free tax exemption of $800.00 per person.

Aruba offers a bountiful selection of newly constructed shopping/entertainment centers in the high-rise resort area and downtown store-lined streets and upscale malls, as well as a potpourri of unique boutiques and emporiums. Gleaming shops are brimming with diamonds, gold and silver jewelry, timepieces, perfumes and cosmetics, state-of-the-art electronics, beach and resort wear, designer apparel and accessories, lingerie, fine linens and china, collectables, handicrafts and souvenirs. Friendly, knowledgeable and multilingual salespeople will assist you wherever you go.

With a modern bus station, sparkling new shops, prestigious international brands, and restored historic buildings, downtown Oranjestad has a fresh face. A few miles away, the high-rise hotel area has recently added three new and exciting shopping centers complemented by restaurants, movie theatres and nightly entertainment to the jumping, bustling strip.

Downtown stores are open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 6 pm; if a cruise ship is in port, some open on Sunday. Shopping hours vary in and around the hotels; some stores remain open to 9 pm. Though personal checks are not accepted, major credit cards, travelers’ checks, and US currency are welcome.

Jewelry/ Watches/ Giftware

Accessories/ Apparel

Oranjestad remains a haven for shoppers who will find a world-class selection of merchandise within scores of stores located in several malls and along Caya Betico Croes, the original Main Street at the heart of town. Impeccably merchandised stores of gleaming stainless-steel fixtures brimming with prestigious designer labels hobnob with one-of-a-kind retailers and small department stores. Small malls with Dutch Caribbean façades are located along Havenstraat (behind the Main Street); other shops are found along a labyrinth of narrow downtown side streets. Parking is available in the free lot behind the bus station; taxi and bus service will also get you downtown in minutes. Regular shopping hours are from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday – Saturday, but there are sometimes extended hours when cruise ships are in port. Check with your hotel concierge or front desk for holiday closings.

Royal Plaza is the three-storied shopping center opposite the harbor markets. With Dutch Caribbean touches and pink and white paint, it resembles a rich wedding cake. Retailers here specialize in jewelry, apparel, accessories, linens, perfumes, cigars and souvenirs. Stop here for a bite or a cocktail; the harbor view is awesome and there’s even an after-hours club. The mall has an escalator and elevator.

Renaissance Mall is home to an exclusive international group of luxury retailers of simply fabulous jewelry, ready-to-wear, perfumes, shoes, accessories, beachwear and more. Enjoy Belgian chocolates, gelato, cappuccino, rice and noodles, or a light snack while shopping. The Crystal Casino and Crystal Theatre are just up the escalator.

A lighthearted atmosphere pervades the Renaissance Marketplace with its wide variety of shops and eateries catering to diverse tastes.  Stores are open until late at night, providing the full range of dining choices from fast-food to gourmet, shopping finds including clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, designer sunglasses and gifts, as well as entertainment options offered by the movie theater, nightlife spots and nearby Seaport Casino. Live entertainment on stage every night! Take the first trip to the Renaissance Marketplace!  Open daily, from 10 am till 9 pm!  Enjoy extended hours at the dining and entertainment venues.

Alhambra Nighttime Shopping Bazaar
Adjacent to the Alhambra Casino, this small complex has ten unique shops, an internet café, hairstylist, and fast food outlet. New shops are on the horizon.

Here the streets are lined with a patchwork of innovative shops and kiosks, a plethora of bars, cafes and restaurants, and exciting new malls. Developers have pulled out all the stops to create an entertaining ambiance for high-rise shopping and dining.

Paseo Herencia entertains shoppers with liquid fireworks, synchronized swimmers, Carnaval shows, live music and six movie theatres while they explore the eclectic roster of fifty retail stores and seven restaurants. The entire center is indeed a “walk through history” and is dedicated to Juan Chabaya “Padu” Lampe, Aruba’s legendary composer and musician; the amphitheatre is named after Edgar Connor, father of steel pan music. Throughout the year there are themed events, fashion shows, talent shows and performances. Restaurants serve everything from Belgian waffles and frites, ice cream, sushi and Caribbean seafood to burgers, fajitas and ribs. Waltzing waters provide an ever-changing music and light show; the music of local bands and jazz performers fills the air.

Palm Beach Plaza is an impressive new multi-level shopping mall with ample ground level parking located in the high-rise area, one block from the Holiday Inn Aruba. The largest mall in the southern Caribbean, Palm Beach Plaza is an all-day family entertainment center with prestigious retailers, an eight-screen movie theatre Mega Plex, post office, mini-market, restaurants and food court. The children’s entertainment floor features a kiddie-train, rock climbing wall, bowling alley, electronic game zone, thrilling cable slide, and indoor supervised playroom.

The Village, is conveniently located right across from the Radisson Aruba Resort. Surrounding the large central courtyard of this trendy, brightly colored shopping center is a diverse assortment of retailers for souvenirs, gifts, cigars, jewelry, sports gear and beachwear. Sit down to a fine dinner at a gourmet French Caribbean restaurant or enjoy some tacos and fajitas at a popular Mexican eatery. Purchase necessities and sundries at the convenient mini-market or just sit down and enjoy an ice cream or cappuccino. The Village comes alive after dark with entertainment and socializing at popular bars and fun spots. Parking is ample and very convenient.

South Beach Mall, this exciting new two-storied mall is located in the heart of the high-rise strip. The roster of tenants at South Beach Centre includes a giant sports bar, coffee house and gift, apparel, jewelry, silver and souvenir stores. You can dine-out every night without ever leaving the premises! A Dutch bar/restaurant, hard rock café and restaurants serving Indian, Japanese, Chinese and Italian specialties provide an international dining selection. A popular spot for locals as well as tourists, this rambling shopping center jumps at night with plenty of outdoor seating, live music, kiosks and bars. The large parking area makes a visit to South Beach hassle-free.

In addition to a host of small markets found along every road, Kong Hing, Ling & Sons, Certified, and Super Food are mega-supermarkets with ample parking clustered outside of downtown Oranjestad past the low-rise area; they are generally open until 8 am – 6 pm daily, and 8 am - 1 pm on Sunday.

Certified Mega Mall is a complex of fifty shops that offer a broad range of services including ATM machines, shoe repair, bakery and coffee shop, fast food outlets, café/restaurant, travel agency, fitness center, photo finisher and dry cleaner.

At the island’s supermarkets, not only will you find everything you have at home, but also international gourmet delights and unique local products. Dutch cheese, confections and exotic condiments, international wines and liqueurs; local spirits, produce and hot sauces; Aruba aloe products; and homemade baked goods and snacks such as the pastechi (a deep-fried half-moon pastry with savory fillings) and pan bollo (Aruban bread pudding) are just a few of the temptations that await you. Prices are in Aruban currency; to arrive at the dollar equivalent, divide the price in half and add 10%.