Aruba offers a bountiful selection of newly constructed shopping/entertainment centers in the high-rise resort area and downtown store-lined streets and upscale malls, as well as a potpourri of unique boutiques and emporiums. Gleaming shops are brimming with diamonds, gold and silver jewelry, timepieces, perfumes and cosmetics, state-of-the-art electronics, beach and resort wear, designer apparel and accessories, lingerie, fine linens and china, collectibles, handicrafts and souvenirs. Friendly, knowledgeable and multilingual salespeople will assist you wherever you go.

With a modern bus station, sparkling new shops, prestigious international brands, and restored historic buildings, downtown Oranjestad has a fresh face. A few miles away, the high-rise hotel area has recently added three new and exciting shopping centers complemented by restaurants, movie theaters and nightly entertainment to the jumping, bustling strip.

Downtown stores are open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 6 pm; if a cruise ship is in port, some open on Sunday. Shopping hours vary in and around the hotels; some stores remain open to 9 pm. Though personal checks are not accepted, major credit cards, travelers’ checks, and US currency are welcome.

Duty Free Shopping

Aruba isn't actually a duty free port, however the duty is low enough that it's possible to find some excellent buys here, especially on items such as jewelry, perfume, fashions and electronic equipment.

Citizens of the U.S. who have been out of the country for a minimum of 48 hours and who have not used their respective duty free allowance within 30 days are entitled to a $600.00 duty-free tax exemption. Families traveling together can pool their exemptions, meaning a couple with two children can bring back $2,400.00 worth of articles.

Canadian citizens who have been outside Canada for a minimum of 7 days are permitted a duty-free exemption of $500.00 Canadian dollars. Citizens are also permitted a duty-free exemption of $200.00 each time they are out of the country for more than 48 hours. Exemptions cannot be pooled with spouse and/or children.

Downtown Oranjestad

Oranjestad remains a haven for shoppers who will find a world-class selection of merchandise within scores of stores located in several malls and along Caya Betico Croes, the original Main Street at the heart of town. Impeccably merchandised stores of gleaming stainless-steel fixtures brimming with prestigious designer labels hobnob with one-of-a-kind retailers and small department stores. Small malls with Dutch Caribbean façades are located along Havenstraat (behind the Main Street); other shops are found along a labyrinth of narrow downtown side streets. Parking is available in the free lot behind the bus station; taxi and bus service will also get you downtown in minutes. Regular shopping hours are from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday – Saturday, but there are sometimes extended hours when cruise ships are in port. Check with your hotel concierge or front desk for holiday closings.
Royal Plaza       

Royal Plaza is the three-storied shopping center opposite the harbor markets. With Dutch Caribbean touches and pink and white paint, it resembles a rich wedding cake. Retailers here specialize in jewelry, apparel, accessories, linens, perfumes, cigars and souvenirs. Stop here for a bite or a cocktail; the harbor view is awesome and there’s even an after-hours club. The mall has an escalator and elevator.
Renaissance Mall       

Renaissance Mall is home to an exclusive international group of luxury retailers of simply fabulous jewelry, ready-to-wear, perfumes, shoes, accessories, beachwear and more. Enjoy Belgian chocolates, gelato, cappuccino, rice and noodles, or a light snack while shopping. The Crystal Casino and Crystal Theater are just up the escalator.  
Renaissance Marketplace       

Renaissance Marketplace nestled between the yacht-lined boardwalk and Queen Wilhelmina Park boasts an eclectic array of retailers, special holiday activities and live entertainment. A recent face lift has given the marketplace a sophisticated new allure; several new eateries have recently opened their doors. The Seaport Casino and Seaport Convention Center are located here as well.
Alhambra Nighttime Shopping Bazaar       

Adjacent to the Alhambra Casino, this small complex has ten unique shops, an internet café, hairstylist, and fast food outlet. New shops are on the horizon.

Paseo Herencia

Located right across from Holiday Inn Resort Aruba, Paseo Herencia entertains shoppers with liquid fireworks, synchronized swimmers, Carnival shows, live music and six movie theaters while they explore the eclectic roster of fifty retail stores and seven restaurants. The entire center is indeed a “walk through history” and is dedicated to Juan Chabaya “Padu” Lampe, Aruba’s legendary composer and musician; the amphitheater is named after Edgar Connor, father of steel pan music. Throughout the year there are themed events, fashion shows, talent shows and performances. Restaurants serve everything from Belgian waffles and fries, ice cream, sushi and Caribbean seafood to burgers, fajitas and ribs. Waltzing waters provide an ever-changing music and light show; the music of local bands and jazz performers fills the air.

Palm Beach Plaza

Palm Beach Plaza is an impressive new multi-level shopping mall with ample ground level parking located in the high-rise area, one block from the Holiday Inn Aruba. The largest mall in the southern Caribbean, Palm Beach Plaza is an all-day family entertainment center with prestigious retailers, an eight-screen movie theater Mega Plex, post office, mini-market, restaurants and food court. The children entertainment floor features a kiddie-train, rock climbing wall, bowling alley, electronic game zone, thrilling cable slide, and indoor supervised playroom.

** Details and photography on this page courtesy of the Aruba Tourism Authority.  For more information you may visit www.aruba.com.