17 Best Shopping in Aruba

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. Today, their Downtown "Digital World" is your one-stop shop to get a high-tech fix at seriously low prices. 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 new 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.

These shops specialize in original masks and crafty items called mopa mopa art. Originating with the Quillacinga people of Ecuador and Colombia, the art is made from the bud of the mopa mopa tree, boiled down into a resin, colored with dyes, and applied to carved mahogany and other woods like cedar. Masks, jewelry boxes, coasters, whimsical animal figurines, and more make wonderfully unique gifts and souvenirs. The masks are believed to ward off evil spirits. You can also buy works online.

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.

The Renaissance Marketplace is more of a dining and gathering spot along the marina than a market, though they do hold a weekly local artisans' outdoor market every Friday night. It's a lively spot with a few souvenir shops and specialty stores, and locals frequent the high-tech Arcade Aruba and the modern cinemas. But mostly it's full of eclectic dining emporiums and trendy cafés, and they have live music nightly in their alfresco square. The Renaissance Wind Creek Seaport Casino is also here, and it’s steps from the cruise terminal on the marina.

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.

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 (the only official retailer on the island), Patek Philippe, and David Yurman. 

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.

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.

Really more of a dining and gathering spot along the marina than a shopping complex, this is a lively spot with a few souvenir shops and specialty stores. There is also a modern cinema. But mostly it's full of eclectic dining emporiums and trendy cafes and they have live music some weekends in their al fresco square.

It’s impossible to miss this gorgeous colonial-style, cotton-candy-colored building with a big gold dome gracing the front street along the marina. It’s one of the most photographed in Oranjestad. Three levels of shops (both indoors and out) make up this artsy arcade full of small boutiques, cigar shops, designer clothing outlets, gift and jewelry stores, and souvenir kiosks. Mojitos, a colorful second-story bar and restaurant, is popular with cruise visitors.

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, and the food trucks on-site are excellent. It closes at 6 pm.

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.