Where to shop in Aruba: Oranjestad, aloe and duty-free

Shopping in Aruba centres on Oranjestad, the Dutch-coloured capital, and it runs from duty-free jewellery and perfume to one genuinely local product. The things worth carrying home are the ones grown or made here.

What to look for

Aruba is a duty-free island, so jewellery, watches, perfume and Dutch cheese fill the shops along Caya G. F. Betico Croes, the main street, and the malls near the cruise port. The local buy is aloe: Aruba has grown aloe vera for over a century and turns it into gels, creams and skincare, an island specialty. Around the port, the craft stalls cover souvenirs and handmade goods.

The shops

Before you go

Prices are keenest away from the cruise-ship rush, so shop when the port is quiet. The number on each page is the shop’s own.