Aruba’s shopping scene is renowned for its variety. Visitors come for an extensive range of goods, from jewelry and perfume to leather items, designer apparel, electronics, and handmade crafts. Aruba is also a great place to pick up Cuban cigars, Dutch licorice, and specialty cheeses. With so many shopping spots to explore, it’s easy to compare prices and find some of the best deals.
Caya G.F. Betico Croes (Main Street) in Oranjestad is a must-visit for shoppers. This lively, picturesque street is lined with boutiques offering both international brands like Zara, Mango, and MAC Cosmetics, as well as duty-free outlets like Dufry. For a more local shopping experience, the galleries and shops of San Nicolas offer authentic island crafts and artwork made by Aruba’s talented artisans.
In the Palm Beach district, Paseo Herencia Mall is a go-to spot for both tourists and locals. It features popular brands such as Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Quiksilver, along with a multiplex cinema and fantastic dining options.
Renaissance Marketplace in Oranjestad offers a wonderful mix of designer shopping, dining, and entertainment. While the Marketplace is a vibrant hub, high-end designer brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. are typically found at the nearby Renaissance Mall, rather than the Renaissance Marketplace itself. The Renaissance Mall is known for housing these luxury stores, offering a more upscale shopping experience.
The Renaissance Marketplace, on the other hand, is more relaxed, with various bars, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment options like the 6-screen cinema. The shops in the Marketplace usually stay open until around 7 or 8 PM, making it convenient to shop and then enjoy a pleasant evening by the waterfront or grab dinner.
For those wanting a more traditional shopping experience, the Aruba Flea Market on L.G. Smith Boulevard is just a short walk from the main harbor in Oranjestad. This vibrant market is packed with stalls offering local souvenirs and trinkets. Many vendors are open to negotiating prices, making it an enjoyable and interactive experience for shoppers looking for unique island finds.
Shopping tip: Keep in mind that most stores in Aruba close between 6 and 7 pm, though some shopping malls, such as Paseo Herencia and Renaissance Marketplace, remain open until 9 or 10 pm. On Sundays, many businesses have shorter hours or are closed entirely, so it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm if a particular store will be open.
