Head to the markets and small shops for local goods like Dutch cheese, beach house decor, traditional wooden figurines, and more.
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aRuba may be home to a number of malls and malls, but it’s the markets and shops that you’ll really want to explore. Scattered all over the island, they sell artisanal products like locally made hot sauce, pottery, aloe vera soap, and more, all made as unique souvenirs.
Whether you’re looking for gourmet food, resort clothing, or some Aruba art, you’ll find the best local produce at places like Nordic foodie, convenience store on Eagle Beach, and open-air stalls on Oranjestad’s main pier. Shop places like this, and instead of leaving with a mass-produced souvenir, you’ll come home with something you can only find on the island.
Read on to learn about the six best places to shop in Aruba and use your travel money for a souvenir worthy of your trip.
Kaya GF Petico Cross
Aruba is a shopper’s paradise, and this leafy street, named after a local freedom fighter, is its main attraction. Palm trees and an antique streetcar line the half-mile stretch of Oranjestad and feature many different shops, all set in pastel-coloured Dutch colonial-style buildings. Offers span the gamut from high fashion and fine jewelry to souvenir T-shirts and postcards – household items are of particular interest. Don’t leave the area without buying some Dutch Edam cheese, which comes wrapped in red wax, and a piece of the famous blue and white pottery.
Paula Surf Aruba
All year round conditions in Aruba are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. East trade winds blow steadily over the island from March through August, while waves come in constantly in late fall and winter. If you want to try surfing – or even look like a surfer – while in Aruba, Paula Surf Store In the center of Oranjestad you can start. Opened in 2003 by two surfers, the shop has friendly staff who are knowledgeable about all the water sports on the island. Choose swimwear, sunglasses, boards and backpacks from popular surfing brands like Billabong, Quicksilver and Ripcurl. Just don’t stop on Sundays – that’s when the staff “go surfing”.
Local market
You will find it next to the cruise terminal in Oranjestad, close to one of the largest shopping malls Local market, with Dutch-style stalls visibly wandering European goods. The outdoor venue is the place to go for things as diverse as handicrafts, watercolors by local artists, cigars, leather goods, and hand-milled aloe vera soap – all at reasonable prices. Bargaining is expected, so don’t accept the first price you hear. and bring in a lot of cash; Both florins and US dollars are accepted.
moba moba
at moba moba In Oranjestad, local handicrafts aren’t just souvenirs – they’re decorative art. The gallery specializes in carved wooden figures, lovingly crafted in the traditional manner moba mobaor Barneys de Pasto, pattern. To finish each piece, artisans paint them with vegetable dyes and resin paint, making them one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Visit the gallery to shop and talk with the craftsmen themselves, who will gladly answer questions and show their intricate techniques.
Super Food Plaza
While there’s nothing particularly charming about a Target-esque store up north, Super Food Plaza It is the best place to go to buy gourmet goods. Aruba-only options include Hot Delight sauces (all natural flavor enhancers handcrafted on the island) and Kukui Wines (a centuries-old spirit made from agave), while Dutch specialties range from cheese (Edam, Gouda) to chocolate (Vercadie, Drost). If you don’t get anything else, give it a try stroboafelIt has a caramel-like filling sandwiched between a thin dough. Super Food Café, Jack’s, serves excellent coffee and Dutch dishes all day long.
lazy lizard
Filled with resort clothing for men, women and children, lazy lizard The Eagle Beach is full of beach in mind. Here, shoppers will find an endless selection of wide-brimmed hats, baseball caps, and straw handbags along with T-shirts, bathing suits, and wraps. There are also accessories like waterproof phone cases and shell wind chimes, as well as a selection of local artwork. To add substance to the style, the store donates a percentage of every purchase to local charities.
>> Next: AFAR’s guide to Aruba
