Located in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea, Aruba is a perfect destination for enjoying a tropical vacation. Its stunning landscapes, white beaches, and crystal clear waters hook anyone’s heart. In addition, this island’s tropical weather blesses it with clear skies and more sunny days year-round. It also receives the least rainfall among the 700 islands in the Caribbean. Hence, visitors can come here at any time of the year.
In addition to sightseeing, tourists’ favorite pastime is shopping in Aruba. This island is a shopper’s paradise with its numerous boutiques, local markets, and upscale shopping centers. There is something for everyone, be it products or prices. You will find many luxurious items and one-of-a-kind products made by Aruba’s artists and craftsmen. You should check out these marketplaces to buy gifts and souvenirs to take back home.
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Tips For First-Time Shoppers In Aruba
Aruba has many shopping centers scattered throughout its cities. The capital, Oranjestad, is brimming with local markets, designer stores, glitzy shopping plazas, and specialty shops. The latter offers one-of-a-kind products that you won’t find anywhere else. Moreover, public beaches, including Palm Beach, feature many souvenir shops. While there are no hard and fast shopping rules, you should follow these shopping etiquette on the island.
- Bargaining: You can negotiate with street and flea market sellers while shopping.
- Treat Everyone With Respect: Arubans are friendly and happily welcome every shopper. You must also reciprocate the sentiments.
- Duty-Free Shopping: Most Aruban stores offer duty-free products. They are also cheaper.
- Payment In Credit Cards: Most stores accept credit card payments; carrying cash is better to avoid hassle.
- Opening Hours: Before you arrive, check the store’s opening and closing hours. Most stores on the island are open from 8 AM to 6 PM.
- Buy Aruba Shopping Guide: If you are confused about stores, buy a shopping guide from a local bookstore. It provides a handy shopping map and information about Oranjestad’s popular stores.
Major Shopping Centers In Aruba
Oranjestad has many shopping options and caters to shoppers’ every demand. Other cities also offer a memorable shopping experience to visitors. Our listed shopping places offer everything from local products to designer clothing, dazzling jewelry, fragrances, Dutch delicacies, Cuban cigars, and Aruba aloe products.
Renaissance Marketplace
- Address: Lloyd G. Smith Blvd 9, Oranjestad, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 7 AM – 11 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Regarding shopping in Aruba, Renaissance Marketplace ranks at the top. It is a hub for everything from duty-free shopping to locally crafted goods. It houses many charming boutiques offering apparel, eyewear, jewelry, and beauty products for men and women. For instance, The Kododo Shop sells resort wear and souvenirs.
This marketplace is also a paradise for foodies. It houses many dining spaces offering International food options, including Cuban, Japanese, Mexican, and Dutch cuisine. Casa Tua specializes in serving classic pasta and thin-crust pizzas. Likewise, The Dutch Pancake House is renowned for its delicious pancakes with various toppings. Finally, Hung Paradise will fulfill your cravings for Chinese dishes.
Renaissance Mall
- Address: Lloyd G. Smith Blvd 82, Oranjestad, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
If the marketplace doesn’t interest you, how about exploring the mall? Renaissance Mall is a luxury shopping destination with many high-end retailers under one roof. Imagine high-brand stores like Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Gucci, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, and Carolina Herrera. Fashionistas and socialites often frequent these A-list designer shops.
This mall also houses many entertainment options. If you enjoy gambling, Wind Creek Crystal Casino is your destination. It offers 24-hour action in a laid-back atmosphere. You can also treat yourself to a day full of pampering at Okeanos Spa. It offers massages and signature treatments like the Full Body Bliss Package and the Spice of Life Sampler.
The Royal Plaza Mall
- Address: Lloyd G. Smith Blvd 94, Oranjestad, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
The gorgeous Royal Plaza Mall is often used as a symbol to introduce Oranjestad. This pink and ornate building with distinctive architecture stands out from the rest of the malls on the island. It is conveniently located in the middle of downtown and across from the cruise ship terminal. In addition, it is surrounded by flea markets, a bus station, and museums.
This colorful mall houses many souvenir shops, specialty stores, and luxury brands. Established in 1931, Gandelman is the official Rolex Jeweler in Aruba. It also owns and operates the Cartier Boutique in the Renaissance Mall. Likewise, Bula Surf Shop offers swimwear and tees. The mall also houses a Cuban restaurant, coffee shops, and a Mojito bar.
The Village Mall Aruba
- Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 348 A, Noord, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 3 AM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Next, we have a renowned shopping center in Noord. The Village Mall Aruba is a one-stop for everything you can think of. It offers many shopping, dining, and entertainment options under one roof. Its convenience store, The Market, is open daily from 10 AM to 9:30 PM. This shop sells groceries, cold beverages, hygiene products, over-the-counter medication, recreational products, energy drinks, and strong drinks.
Likewise, The Village Mall’s restaurants cater to various tastes. Whether you are craving American, Mexican, French, Japanese, Asian, or Street Food, this place has it all. In addition, it houses bars and nightclubs offering lively ambiance. These establishments are open till late and are perfect for visitors looking to experience nightlife.
Palm Beach Plaza Mall
- Address: L.G. Smith Blvd 95, Noord, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 11 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
The gorgeous Palm Beach is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, soft sands, and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy sun tanning, swimming, snorkeling, and a nice beach day here. Afterward, they can hit Palm Beach Plaza Mall for an ultimate shopping experience. It houses brand stores like Swarovski, Victoria’s Secret, Mont Blanc, and Bally.
If you like bowling, you can try it at Dream Bowl. You can also engage in friendly competitions with your friends. Moreover, the mall houses Caribbean Cinemas, offering the biggest cinema screens in Aruba with the latest technology. You can buy tickets for the latest shows and watch them with your partner. Afterward, have meals at one of the restaurants at the mall.
Rococo Plaza
- Address: Tanki Leendert 158 G, Oranjestad, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 3 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
We have listed many shopping centers specializing in fashionable items so far. However, some of you might be interested in antiques and unique products. If so, Rococo Plaza is your destination. Its 20 showrooms feature European Antiques and Curiosities, such as antique furniture, chinaware, Persian rugs, mirrors, clocks, paintings, chandeliers, and woodcraft.
This plaza hosts a flea market every first Sunday of the month from 9 AM to 1 PM. It features many one-of-a-kind products at affordable rates. The antique shops and the outlet inside the market also offer special discounts. Furthermore, this plaza hosts a charity market/garage sale every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store
- Address: Pitastraat 115, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
You will miss out on a lot if you don’t buy aloe products in Aruba. This island is known for producing the best aloe in the world. This green plant has many medicinal properties and is good for sun protection and skincare. You can buy aloe products at the Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store. It offers aloe-based soaps, lotions, creams, deodorants, body mists, shower gels, sunscreen, and shampoos.
This place also offers complimentary tours of its museum and factory, which are available in English, Papiamento, Dutch, and Spanish. Tours are held every fifteen minutes. Furthermore, visitors will learn how aloe is fileted and the process behind making aloe-based skin care. They will also watch an 11-minute audiovisual presentation on the brand’s history.
Antraco Plaza
- Address: L.G. Smith Boulevard 126, Oranjestad, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 12 AM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Elevate your shopping experience at Antraco Plaza in Oranjestad. It offers one-of-a-kind activities for people of all ages. The mall houses many clothing stores, a nail and spa place, outlet stores, stationery, bath and body, and a furniture store. Furthermore, the mall has a coffee house, a healthy food place, and a pizza parlor. Locals often grab their favorite pizzas from Domino’s.
If you want to relax with a cigar, Sfumato Cigar Lounge is your destination. You can lounge on leather couches with a superior quality, hand-rolled cigar. The staff will also recommend the beverage pairing with your cigar. Likewise, The Wine Room caters to wine lovers at Antraco Plaza. Visitors can enjoy as many wine tastings as they want from its collection.
Paseo Herencia Mall
- Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 382A, Noord, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
Shop till you drop at Paseo Herencia Mall. This palm-lined shopping haven features numerous fashion, jewelry, apparel, and beachwear stores. You can also buy souvenirs in its specialty shops. For instance, The Mask, the biggest Mopa Mopa art retailer, is in the building. It sells intricately carved figures, gods, murals, animals, and jewelry. The mall also houses many brand stores and gift shops.
This shopping center also features many restaurants. If you are craving Mexican delicacies, Iguana Cantina is your destination. It serves fresh fajitas, burritos, and quesadillas. Likewise, The Lazy Turtle serves authentic fusion cuisine with a Greek, African, and International touch. There are also several bars, ice cream parlors, and coffee houses.
Super Food Plaza
- Address: Bubali 141 A, Oranjestad, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 7 AM – 8 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
No one can resist a shopping center selling delicious food. If you know Dutch snacks, you should head to Super Food Plaza in Oranjestad. You will find fresh products, including fruits, vegetables, store-baked bread and pastry, and meat. It also has a salad bar, a tapas bar, and a deli and cheese island offering international delicacies.
Super Food Plaza’s specialty is its homemade stroopwafels, available in caramel, maple, and coconut versions with and without sprinkles. Other Dutch bakery items include croissants, baguettes, rolls, festive cakes, savory snacks, and pastries. If you have any inquiries, you can call customer service for help.
Shopping in Aruba is all about letting yourself go and hunting the best deals on the island. Don’t worry about anything else, and fully immerse yourself in the pleasure of shopping. You will be fully satisfied exploring popular marketplaces throughout the streets and beaches. Many stores sell diverse products, from designer brands to locally-made ones. They also offer satisfying bargains. So, channel your inner shopaholic and swipe the card.
