Shopping · Aruba
Shopping in Aruba
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Natalie Liao Jen, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Quick answer
Shopping is mostly mall-based along the hotel strip and in Oranjestad, with jewellery, watches, cosmetics and Dutch products. Local art and crafts are found in small galleries and markets. Best souvenirs: Aruban aloe products, Dutch cheese and Pika di papaya.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 2
- Markets
- 1
- Top souvenir
- Aruban aloe products
Where to shop
Main Street, Oranjestad
The pastel shopping street (Caya G.F. Betico Croes) and harbourfront malls near the cruise terminal sell jewellery, perfume and souvenirs.
Palm Beach malls
Open-air malls along J.E. Irausquin Boulevard have fashion, souvenir and beachwear shops plus restaurants.
Markets
Craft stalls in Oranjestad
Souvenir and craft stalls near the cruise terminal sell local art, clothing and gifts.
What to buy
Aruban aloe products
Aloe vera has been grown on the island since the 19th century, and locally made gels and lotions are a classic souvenir.
Dutch cheese
Gouda and Edam sell in supermarkets at good prices; check your home country's import rules.
Pika di papaya
Bottled local hot sauce from supermarkets.
Local art
Prints and paintings by island artists from galleries in Oranjestad and San Nicolas.
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Pastechi, Pan bati, Pika di papaya and Croquettes and bitterballen. Snack bars and bakeries across the island, especially in the morning. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle Beach | $$$$ | Low-rise resorts behind one of the widest beaches in the Caribbean |
| Oranjestad | $$$ | The capital's pastel Dutch-style buildings, cruise terminal and harbour-front shops |
| Noord | $$ | Residential district inland from Palm Beach with apartments, supermarkets and local restaurants |
| Savaneta | $$ | Old fishing village on the south coast with mangrove lagoons and the Zeerovers fish shack |
| San Nicolas | $ | Former refinery town covered in large street murals, near Baby Beach |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in AWG. Many restaurants include a service charge of around 10–15%; add a little extra only for good service. If no charge is included, about 15% is usual, and a few dollars for taxi drivers and housekeeping is appreciated.
- Beachwear is for the beach; cover up in shops, restaurants and Oranjestad's streets.
- Stay in an apartment in Noord or Oranjestad and self-cater with supermarket shopping to cut costs.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in September–October; the busiest months are December–March.
- June: Dera Gai — St John's Day harvest festival (24 June)
Staying near the shops
$$$ · Best for budget, shopping and culture
Oranjestad
The capital's pastel Dutch-style buildings, cruise terminal and harbour-front shops
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Aruba?
Aruban aloe products, Dutch cheese, Pika di papaya and Local art.
+Where is the best shopping in Aruba?
Main Street, Oranjestad: The pastel shopping street (Caya G.F. Betico Croes) and harbourfront malls near the cruise terminal sell jewellery, perfume and souvenirs.
+What are the best markets in Aruba?
Craft stalls in Oranjestad.