31 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.

No doubt you've seen this brand of duty-free stores in airports all over the world, but don't expect to see the same duty-free items like tobacco and spirits in this one. The prices are also not completely duty-free. What you will find are great bargains on cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry, and accessories from such brands as Carolina Herrera, Calvin Klein, Armani, Montblanc, and more. And there's always some kind of major sale on something of good quality going on here. There's another outlet in Royal Plaza Mall.

Established in 1936, this family-run store is one of the island's premier jewelers. It's also Aruba's official Rolex retailer and the exclusive agent for names like Cartier, Patek Philippe, and David Yurman.

The paved promenade winding around under the Harbour House Condominiums is populated with restaurants, cool cafes and bars, and shops. It’s especially attractive to cruise visitors as they hit it as soon as they get off the ship, but locals and land visitors have been discovering it too as a fun spot to spend some time on the downtown marina day and night. They often have live music events on weekends as well.

This clean, orderly supermarket within easy walking distance of Druif Beach stocks all the typical grocery store staples, including fresh produce, meats, canned goods, baked goods, and a wide selection of beer, wine, and liquor.

Always a family-owned-and-operated grocery company, Ling and Sons adopted the IGA-brand supermarket-style with all the goods you would expect in an IGA back home. In addition to a wide variety of foods, there's a bakery, a deli, a butcher shop, and a well-stocked \"liquortique.\" You can also order your groceries online to be delivered to your hotel room. The food court has excellent hot meals, including local fare. Ask about their VIP card for discounts and note that the store closes at 3 pm on Sunday.

With stores in the Royal Plaza Mall and one in Paseo Herencia—these well-known outlets specialize in designer jewelry and upscale timepieces by big-name designers like TAG Heuer, David Yurman, Breitling, Roberto Coin, Chopard, Pandora, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Movado, Omega, and John Hardy. They also own the TAG Heuer Boutique in the Renaissance Mall.

Focusing on locally made or inspired ware, this large outdoor flea market across from the cruise terminal offers great deals on paintings, local music, cigars, sunglasses, local handicrafts, souvenirs and more. Vendors come and go, but the food trucks on-site can be excellent. It closes at 6 pm.

Aruba’s most modern mall has three floors of shops offering fashion, tech, electronics, jewelry, souvenirs, and more. Entertainment includes glow-in-the-dark bowling, a modern video arcade, a sports bar, and the main floor indoor courtyard is often used for local festivals and events like fashion shows. Dining includes a food court and stand-alone restaurants and bars, and there are also modern air-conditioned cinemas and a spa within, as well as free Wi-Fi.

Originating in Curaçao in 1865, Penha has branched out throughout the Caribbean and operates five stores on Aruba. The largest is right next to the Renaissance Wind Creek Resort Marina Hotel. The store is particularly known for good prices on high-end perfumes, cosmetics, skin-care products, eyewear, and fashions. You'll find brand names such as MAC, Lancôme, Estée Lauder, Clinique, Chanel, Dior, Montblanc, and Victoria’s Secret, to name just a few. There is another Penha in Plaza Daniel Leo Downtown.

It’s impossible to miss this gorgeous colonial-style, cotton-candy-color building with a big gold dome gracing the front street along the marina. The artsy arcade used to have three levels of small boutiques, cigar shops, designer clothing outlets, gift and jewelry stores, and souvenir kiosks.  At the time of this writing, the top two levels are transitioning into a condominium complex with a rooftop pool, but there will still be shopping around the ground level courtyard.

This massive complex offers all kinds of extras; it's more like a small department store. Beyond a huge fresh produce section, fresh fish and seafood market, bakery, and deli section, there's also a café, a drugstore, a toy store, and a fresh stroopwafel station. It's truly a one-stop shop for all your needs. There's even an excellent selection of vegan products. They also deliver, and you can shop online and order curbside pickup, too. Even if you are only on island for a week, chances are good you will make more than one visit here, so first trip, stop by the customer service desk and ask for a Bonus Card to save on all kinds of products and take advantage of weekly specials.

The activewear sold at Tommy Hilfiger makes this a great stop for a vacation wardrobe. A Tommy Jeans store is also there. There are also stores in the Renaissance Mall and Paseo Herencia Mall on the high-rise resort strip.

Oranjestad’s original “Main Street” (behind the Renaissance Marina Resort) had been neglected since most cruise passengers preferred to stick to the front street near the marina where the high-end shops and open-market souvenir stalls are. However, a recent massive renovation of the entire downtown region has breathed new life into the backstreets with pedestrian-only stretches, compact malls, and open resting areas. A free ecotrolley now loops all through downtown, allowing you to hop on and off to shop at all kinds of stores. Fashions, souvenirs, specialty items, sporting goods, cosmetics … you name it, you’ll find them all on this renewed street.

The flagship Maggy’s is in downtown Oranjestad, but there are four more stores and two salons on the island. They are Aruba’s premier emporium for duty-free perfumes, cosmetics, and name-brand skin-care items.

The Aruba Marriott's Mandara Spa was created along a Balinese theme and offers some signature Balinese specialties like the boreh—a traditional warm healing pack of special spices—followed by a wrap using local Aruban aloe and cucumber. They have a wide range of treatments and a full-service salon that can accommodate wedding parties. They also cater well to honeymooners with some very special packages and private couples rooms with extra-large whirlpool baths or Vichy showers.