Stores, Malls or Markets in Aruba

The Royal Plaza Mall is located along the waterfront in Oranjestad. There are over 60 stores with retailers of apparel, footwear, leather, perfumes, cigars, gifts, etc., etc. It's chock full of well-known designer names stores for all your duty-free shopping. From Ralph Lauren to Gucci to Cartier, they're all there!

The mall complex has a casino, restaurants/cafes, a cybercafe, and even a post office (open weekdays from 8 to 3:30).

Stores are open from Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Think the place is near the Hilton? but while we were having a drink at one of the beach bars Kim spotted a smoke shop a few feet away from the bar. I hear you can bring about 5 Cubans into the US without having to take the labels and avoid issues with US Customs.
At Duty Free at the airport all they had was Dominican or Nicaraguan leaf so buy it here.

What to buy: Cigars sweetheart..cigars I tell you.

What to pay: Kim paid $20 for one which was probably doo much but it was a gift for her dad and we both no nothing about cigars

We stopped here on Sunday but they were closing up right before 2 pm so we made a return visit on Monday when they stayed open later.

We didn't come across the big grocery store in Aruba, Ling & Sons, which is located at Schotlandstraat 41 in Oranjestad which also appears to be outside of the downtown area.

What to buy: This supermarket is Dutch oriented, you'll find a lot of Dutch cookies, candy and baked goods, and a pretty wide selection of cheese in addition to the usual grocery items. We bought a couple of bottles of Ponche cream, an Aruban liquor that's kind of like an eggnog milkshake, some Dutch apple pie cookies, stroop wafels, a dense wafer and caramel cookie; and some Diet Coke to get me through the rest of the week as it's cheaper here than at the resort.

There was also an Asian influenced supermarket next to Super Food which I can't recall the name of but it was Sunday and they were also closing so we just grabbed some drinks.

There are several shopping malls and shops around and a shopping street "the main street" and a small market right in the marina for tourists visiting from cruise ships...

There are mainly souvenirs in this market but also some clothes and the fmous car plates are sold here.

This is only an example of these cute houses/shops around Oranjestad.

What to buy: People buy souvenirs as "one happy island" -car plates, handicrafts, paintings and ceramics, t-shirts or local rum...

I found some nice surf shops in Oranjestad and bought myself some bikinis and other beach wear...

If you are in Aruba on either a Saturday or Sunday, please wait for all your gift purchases from a weekly local market that takes place in the parking lot of where the main Large supermarkets are. It is located on the same road that connects the "High Rise" hotel area with Oranjestad. If you ask around how to get to "Supermarket" or "IGA" you will see this market. It is held every saturday and sunday 12-5pm and I could not believe the bargains I got in contrast to the other gift shops located by the port or by the hotel area. It is well worth it.

What to buy: Any type of "Aruba" souvenir you can think of is located in this market.

What to pay: Unlike other tourist areas where you have to haggle for prices, most items have a price listed and I found you can haggle up to 20% below that listed price

Do not buy anything from the minimarkets or from the gas station....you will pass a complex of stores....many grocery stores are here such as an IGA and 'super foods'...prices are much better. I will not say prices here are cheap, but not as bad as i expected.

What to buy: snacks, water, liquer, beer, fruit, sunscreen!!!!

The Royal Plaza has been described as a confection, so pretty is it, and is situated right in the heart of Oranjestad. It is one of the two main shopping centres in the town and you'd just stand and look at it as it's so gorgeous. It's an intricate and delightful building, painted a candy pink with turquoise awnings over white balconies.

It houses such premium shops as Tommy Hillfiger and also the infamous Iguana Joe's restaurant.

Even if you don't want to shop, come for a look.