SHOPPING

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The capital of Aruba, Oranjestad, is a great place to shop and browse for Aruban art and local handicrafts.  Depending on the time of year, you could also find yourself in the middle of Carnival, a summertime festival, elaborate New Year's fireworks, or even a parade in honor of the Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.

Stores in the downtown areas are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, although some are closed for lunch between noon and 2 p.m. Shops in the malls and shopping centers are open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some stores are open on Sundays and holidays when cruise ships are in port.  You'll be pleasantly surprised to find a wide selection of hand crafted items made by native Arubans. On the beachfront and at concession stands along the harbor the crafts are often made right in front of you.

The wharf at Oranjestad's colorful harbor side is a bargain hunter's dream.  Here merchants sell produce and fresh fish right off the boats every morning. Booths offering paintings, T-shirts, photographs, pottery and jewelry are set up along the Boulevard. Both dollars and florins are accepted, and vendors expect you to bargain.  Reflecting the island's Dutch heritage, Delft pottery, windmills and wooden shoes are blended together with native handicrafts.