15 Best Places to Shop in Aruba

You’ll have to sleuth out this little gallery-style shop in the maze of Paseo Herencia Mall’s layout, as it’s tucked away in a back corner out of view; but it will be well worth the effort to do so if you’re seeking some of the best authentic, locally made souvenirs. It’s run entirely by a co-op of ten local women with different artistic disciplines who offer an ever-changing rotation of their specialty wares, including glass-blown jewelry, hand-painted woodcrafts, resin art, paintings, ceramics, candles, photography prints, and more. There’s even a small line of designer clothing.

It’s easy to miss this strip mall if you don’t realize it’s there, but look for the large Trattoria Calabria restaurant close to the highway that serves as its anchor and you’ll discover its sprawling low-rise layout. It’s chock full of all kinds of new outlets including clothing shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and even a little artisan bakery, a local rum distillery, and a small reception hall—with still more to come. There's plenty of free parking.

There’s an eclectic array of shops and dining options in alfresco Alhambra Mall, which stands with the casino as its focal point. There are small retail stores, a small beauty salon, a well-stocked minimarket, and multiple fast-food outlets, as well as finer dining spots and live music. Stores are open late, and the casino is open until the wee hours. This is also where you'll find the grand Alhambra Ballroom owned by Divi Resorts for large indoor events, receptions, and conventions.

Family-run Boolchand's began in the 1930s and has since become a major retail institution throughout the Caribbean; they opened their first shop on Aruba in 1974. Top-quality merchandise by major brands includes the latest in computers, cameras, and tech accessories, as well as quality watches and Pandora jewelry.

It’s impossible not to be stopped in your tracks walking by this art boutique in the Renaissance Marketplace due to the stunning original pieces showcased in the window. The thoughtfully curated and colorful collection of one-of-a-kind resin art sculptures and art pieces are not only ideal souvenirs, but also make wonderful top-quality gifts.

This whimsical shop just off the sand is really two separate entities. One side is Juggling Fish Swimwear, a comprehensive selection of quality bathing suits and beach accessories for the entire family, and the other side is dedicated to a selection of creative and unique gifts and souvenirs, including avant-garde jewelry and handcrafted items. The staff is warm and friendly, and a portion of all proceeds goes to community programs and charities.

Fun and trendy beachwear and resort fashions are sold here, along with accessories like fancy flip-flops, sandals, Aruba-inspired T-shirts, and totes for the whole family. There are souvenirs as well. 

A true local success story, this is one of the four locations in a local chain that began as a small salon in San Nicolas and evolved into a major perfumery with salons and stores. Though the original Maggy has since passed, the business she began in 1969 is still going strong with her daughter at the helm and many family members still running the business. Quality perfumes and beauty products, as well as health and beauty care services are to be found at all outlets. She also has an online shop now, too.

Across the street from the Holiday Inn, this low-rise alfresco mall is home to specialty shops, cinemas, dining spots, cafés, bars, and food truck--style kiosks, as well as an indoor shooting range and a VR experience outlet. Besides its diverse offerings, the mall is famous for its nightly “Waltzing Waters” shows—neon-lit water fountains waltz to music in a choreographed dance three times per evening in a colonial style courtyard. Visitors can enjoy it for free from the outdoor amphitheater, where live music and dance shows also take place almost every night of the week. Children love the kiddie train ride and the neon-lighted carousel. There is always a carnival-style atmosphere here, which makes it an ideal spot for all ages.

Upscale name-brand fashion and luxury brands of perfume, cosmetics, and leather goods are what you'll find in the array of 40 stores spanning two floors in this mall located within and underneath the Renaissance Wind Creek Resort Marina Hotel. You'll also find specialty items like cigars and designer shoes, plus high-end gold, silver, diamonds, and quality jewelry at low- or no-duty prices. Cafés and high-end dining, plus a casino and spa, round out the offerings.

A reputable family-run business with shops throughout the Caribbean, this Palm Beach Plaza location saves shoppers from heading to Oranjestad for the type of top-quality diamonds and jewelry Downtown is famous for (though there is a location Downtown as well). Luxury watches, precious gems, gold, silver, and more are first-rate here, and this is the only store on Aruba that belongs to the Leading Jewelers of the World, which has fewer than 100 retail members.

With an eclectic collection of upscale and exclusive items curated from all over the world by the owner, this unique boutique offers everything from top-line fashions for men and women—including footwear, handcrafted jewelry, and accessories—to art deco items for the home and novelty gifts for pets. It’s a very popular spot for locals to buy gifts, as well as for visitors to buy one-of-a-kind souvenirs. A portion of all proceeds goes to the community through a special give-back program.

Tierra del Sol’s luxury villa and home rentals are typically the visiting celebrity choice, and their Robert Trent Jones II–designed golf course is where serious golfers play. So it’s no surprise that this spa blends into the entire upscale luxury scene here perfectly. One highlight is the pampering private couples whirlpool where romantics can canoodle with champagne in peace. They also have an interesting new sea-sand detox skin treatment. But most come here for the high-end massages, wraps, scrubs, and skin treatments, and there is also a full hair and nail care salon. Spa guests are welcome to use the fitness center and lounge by the cliff-side pool looking out at the California Lighthouse.

So much more than simply a grocery store, this massive emporium of food and services rivals many big-city super-centers. Everything from fresh produce, a butcher shop and deli, fresh fish and seafood, an on-site bakery, a pharmacy, beauty and health products, sit-down snack shops, and even a toy shop are a few of the surprises you will find here. Prices are just a tad higher than in North America, but quality is good.